FX.co ★ Singapore Shares Rise to New High

In early trading on Friday, Singapore's equities climbed by 14 points, or 0.3%, reaching 4,176. This marked the tenth consecutive session of gains, with the Straits Times Index hitting a new high, fueled by an optimistic trading session on Wall Street the previous day. This surge was underpinned by strong corporate earnings and robust US economic data. Thursday's positive trade figures further bolstered market sentiment, as Singapore's exports registered their largest increase in nearly a year, even though shipments to the US declined. The recent trade deals between the US and both Vietnam and Indonesia also added to the positive outlook. Investors are now focusing on next week's release of June inflation data, following a reduction in May's inflation rate to its lowest since February 2021, raising hopes for a third round of monetary policy easing this year. The sectors leading the gains included non-energy minerals, industrial services, and communications. Notable performers included Seatrium, up 1.8%, Wilmar International and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, both rising by 1.3%, and Sembcorp Industries, which saw a 0.9% increase.