SGX muted tracking subdued Asia; Jackson Hole in focus

Singapore stocks were subdued on Monday, as worries about U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to fulfil his economic agenda continued to hamper risk appetite.

SGX
SGX Logo. Reuters

Singapore stocks were subdued on Monday, as worries about U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to fulfil his economic agenda continued to hamper risk appetite.

Most of the Asian markets were mixed, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan nudged down 0.01 percent.

U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday after the White House announced that Steve Bannon would be leaving his job as chief strategist.

Markets are focusing on any significant policy statements coming out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Chair Janet Yellen and European Central Bank President Mario Draghi are among central bankers attending the annual gathering later this week.

At 0620 GMT, the Straits Times Index lost 0.01 percent or 0.5 point to 3,251. It ended 0.52 percent lower on Friday, taking the year-to-date gains to about 13 percent.

Among the gainers, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp rose 0.5 percent while United Overseas Bank gained 0.1 percent.

Shares of Dukang Distillers Holdings fell 2.2 percent as it expects its overall revenue and earnings to be significantly lower for the fiscal 2017.

About 1.2 billion shares worth S$609 million changed hands, with losers outnumbering gainers 210 to 148.

This article was first published on August 21, 2017
READ MORE