Singapore stocks ended little changed on Monday, led by lenders such as United Overseas Bank but sentiment was cautious on account of weakness in Asian equities.
Equities in Asia put in a mixed start to the week as investors seek fresh catalysts after last week's run to record highs.
The pound slipped in early trading amidst reports that 40 members of parliament from British Prime Minister May's Conservative Party have agreed to sign a letter of no-confidence in her, almost enough to trigger a leadership challenge.
The Straits Times Index edged down 0.03 percent or 1 point to 3,419. It ended 0.11 percent lower on Friday, taking the year-to-date performance to about 19 percent.
United Overseas Bank gained 0.4 percent but Oversea-Chinese Bank fell 0.1 percent and DBS Group Holdings lost 1.3 percent.
Jardine Cycle & Carriage, a retailer of motor vehicles, parts and accessories, gained 1 percent after its unit agreed to buy a stake of 5.53 percent in Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Co (Vinamilk) for US$616.6 million in cash.
Taxi operator ComfortDelGro advanced 5 percent despite reporting an 8.2 percent fall in third-quarter profit, hurt by increased competition from rivals.
Malaysian property developer Aspen Group Holdings, which listed on the SGX earlier this year, gained 5 percent after it reported a surge in third-quarter profit, powered by higher revenue from ongoing property development projects .
About 2.2 billion shares worth S$1.2 billion changed hands, with gainers outnumbering losers 251 to 217.
