For the first five trading sessions of 2026, institutions were net buyers of Singapore stocks, with net institutional inflow of S$63 million. Stocks that saw the highest net institutional inflow over the five sessions included City Developments, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings, Hongkong Land Holdings, CapitaLand Investment, Singapore Exchange, Singapore Tech Engineering, SATS, Venture Corporation and UOL Group.Meanwhile, Singapore Telecommunications, DBS Group Holdings, Sembcorp Industries, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, Keppel DC REIT, Yangzijiang Financial Holding, Genting Singapore, ComfortDelGro Corporation, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT and Singapore Post led the net institutional outflow. Stocks that have seen the highest increase in daily trading turnover over the past five sessions over their 2H25 averages included Travelite Holdings, ACMA, Asia Vets Holdings, First Ship Lease Trust, Luminor Financial Holdings, Lincotrade &amp; Associates Holdings, GSH Corporation, Aoxin Q &amp; M Dental Group, Ley Choon Group Holdings, and Embracing Future Holdings. Share BuybacksOver the five sessions, 19 primary-listed companies conducted buybacks with a total consideration of S$16.1 million. United Overseas Bank led the consideration tally with 194,000 shares acquired at an average price of S$35.75. This takes the number of shares bought back on the current mandate to 18,969,200 or 1.14 per cent of its issued shares (excluding treasury shares) as of the date of the share buyback resolution. Secondary-listed Hongkong Land also bought back 830,000 shares at an average price of S$7.08 apiece. Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust also bought back units, bringing the number of units bought back on its current mandate to 4,812,000.    Director TransactionsOver the five sessions, more than 50 director interests and substantial shareholdings were filed. Across more than 30 primary-listed stocks, Directors or CEOs reported seven acquisitions and one disposal, while substantial shareholders recorded six acquisitions and two disposals. XMH HoldingsBetween Jan 5 and 6, XMH Holdings Chairman and Managing Director Tan Tin Yeow acquired 92,600 shares at a S$1.53 apiece. This increased his direct interest from 64.63 per cent to 64.72 per cent. His preceding transaction was on Dec 16, with 500,000 shares acquired at S$1.50 apiece. Mr Tan was appointed Chairman and CEO in 2010 and re-designated as Chairman and Managing Director in 2016. He oversees the Group’s strategy, corporate planning, business development, and acquisitions, and was instrumental in establishing the distribution arm and securing exclusive distributorships. With over 40 years of experience in marine and industrial diesel engines, he previously worked at Meng Wah Machinery Work, a partnership founded by Mr Tan Tum Beng. Since listing in 2011, the stock has generated a 6 per cent average annualised total return. Founded in 1955 as a small machinery repair shop on Kitchener Road, XMH Holdings has grown into a trusted provider of diesel engines, propulsion systems, and power solutions for marine and industrial customers across Asia. The Group presently operates three reportable segments—Distribution (propulsion engines), After-sales (services, spare parts, and trading), and Project (manufacturing and commissioning of power generator sets).Last year Mr Tan relayed the Group’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and creating enduring value for all stakeholders.On Dec 12, the Group reported its 1HFY26 (ended Oct 31) results, with revenue up 40.5 per cent and profit after tax rising 23 per cent from 1HFY25, driven by robust market demand and contributions from both Distribution and Project segments. Its net cash from operating activities surged by S$12.2 million to S$13.2 million in 1HFY26, driven by lower inventories and contract assets, while investing activities generated S$12.3 million from a partial subsidiary disposal. Net cash used in financing activities rose to S$29.7 million in 1HFY2026 from S$11.1 million a year ago, mainly due to net repayments of revolving credit facilities and trade bills, as well as higher dividend payments of S$8.8 million versus S$3.8 million in 1HFY25. Supported by a healthy order book, the Group maintain that looking forward business activities are expected to remain resilient in 2H26, providing good visibility for the FY. While optimistic about growth prospects, management remains cautious amid global uncertainties and will prioritise cost discipline, inventory management, and operational efficiency to safeguard margins. In Nov 2025, XMH Holdings joined the MSCI Singapore Micro Cap Index.  Average daily turnover of the stock has increased from near S$7,000 in 2024, to S$15,000 in 1H25 and S$85,000 in 2H25. The stock maintains a Return-on-Equity ratio of 37 per cent and 6x price-to-earnings ratio.   JB FoodsBetween Dec 30 and 31, Executive Director and CEO Tey How Keong acquired 101,300 shares at an average price of S$0.68 per share. This increased his direct interest from 1.70 per cent to 1.73 per cent, and total interest to 44.42 per cent. Mr Tey maintains a deemed 42.69 per cent interest in JB Foods, through JB Cocoa Group Sdn Bhd. Mr Tey joined the Board in Jan 2012 and oversees the Group’s strategy, management, and business development. With over 25 years in the cocoa industry, he began his career in 1988 and played a key role in establishing a major cocoa processing plant in Pasir Gudang. In 2000, he founded JB Cocoa Sdn Bhd, leading its growth into a prominent player in Malaysia and international markets. Today, JB Foods is a leading cocoa ingredients producer with operations across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and West Africa, and a processing capacity exceeding 200,000 tonnes annually. Under the JB Cocoa brand, it supplies cocoa mass, butter, and powder for chocolate, confectionery, and cocoa-based products to global customers from trade houses to end users. In Nov, Mr Tey reiterated JB Foods’ focus on strengthening fundamentals, optimising working capital, and pursuing sustainable growth to enhance long-term shareholder value. This includes strategies to improve operational efficiency and cost management. In 2023, Mr Tey highlighted investments in renewable energy, machinery upgrades, and continuous innovation to reduce the Group’s environmental footprint. In Jun 2025, JB Foods also completed a renounceable rights issue of 43,314,280 shares at S$0.45 apiece raising net proceeds of approximately S$19.4 million, after deducting estimated expenses of approximately S$113,000. The objective of the rights issue was to strengthen the Group’s financial position, enhance working capital flexibility, and support strategic growth initiatives, while allowing shareholders to maintain their equity interests and participate in the Group’s expansionFor its 1HFY26 (ended Sep 30), JB Foods reported EBITDA of US$89.9 million, compared to a loss in 1HFY25, supported by operational improvements, hedging gains, and stronger contract margins despite higher administrative costs. Mr Tey highlighted that in rewarding shareholders, JB Foods declared a special dividend of 2.80 Singapore cents per share, in addition to an interim dividend of 0.20 cents that both went ex-div on Nov 20. Its 1HFY26 Group revenue rose 57.7 per cent from 1HFY25 to USD 794.5 million, driven by higher average selling prices of cocoa ingredients. The Group’s current liabilities also decreased by 40.4 per cent, from US$760.2 million as at Mar 31, 2025, to US$452.9 million as at Sep 30, 2025, mainly due to decreases in trade payables in line with the lower inventory levels.JB Foods maintains that global demand for its products is stabilising as manufacturers adapt formulations and purchasing strategies after last year’s price surges. It added that while cocoa bean prices have eased from 2024 highs, volatility persists amid EU deforestation rules, macro-economic pressures, and recent US tariff measures. Thus, Group intends to remain agile, monitoring developments and adjusting sourcing, pricing, and hedging strategies to navigate changing market condition.Average daily turnover of the stock initially decreased from S$11,000 in 2024, to S$8,000 in 1H25, before surging to S$70,000 in 2H25. The stock’s heaviest day of trading activity in 2025 was Nov 13, the session that followed the 1HFY26 fincial report with S$1.8 million shares changing hands. This was also the stock’s highest daily trading turnover since 2013.  Reclaims GlobalOn Jan 7, Reclaims Global Executive Director and CEO Tan Kok Huat acquired 50,000 shares at S$0.40 apiece. This increased his direct from 33.62 per cent to 33.65 per cent. His preceding acquisition was on Nov 10, with 150,000 shares also acquired at an average price of S$0.40. Listed on Catalist, the eco-friendly integrated service provider  serves the construction industry in Singapore, specialising in the recycling of construction and demolition waste, customisation of excavation solutions and operating fleet management. Mr Tan oversees the Group’s business strategy, growth, and project execution. With experience in the construction industry since the 1990s, he has been instrumental in establishing the Group as a leading industry player.<table><tbody><tr><td>Share Buybacks by Primary-listed Companies by way of Market Acquisition (Jan 2 to Jan 8)</td><td>Number of Shares/Units Purchased </td><td>Buyback Consideration (incl stamp duties &amp; clearing charges) S$ </td><td>Avg price paid per share S$</td></tr><tr><td>UNITED OVERSEAS BANK </td><td>194,000</td><td>6,935,501.14</td><td>$35.75</td></tr><tr><td>SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES ENGINEERING </td><td>500,000</td><td>4,210,149.68</td><td>$8.42</td></tr><tr><td>SATS </td><td>568,000</td><td>2,149,604.23</td><td>$3.78</td></tr><tr><td>FOOD EMPIRE HOLDINGS </td><td>394,700</td><td>979,840.97</td><td>$2.48</td></tr><tr><td>KEPPEL </td><td>50,000</td><td>520,726.97</td><td>$10.41</td></tr><tr><td>GLOBAL INVESTMENTS </td><td>1,800,000</td><td>230,578.08</td><td>$0.13</td></tr><tr><td>17LIVE GROUP </td><td>200,000</td><td>220,578.31</td><td>$1.10</td></tr><tr><td>HOCK LIAN SENG HOLDINGS </td><td>470,000</td><td>201,911.00</td><td>$0.43</td></tr><tr><td>KIMLY </td><td>480,000</td><td>190,199.71</td><td>$0.40</td></tr><tr><td>A-SONIC AEROSPACE </td><td>295,700</td><td>147,824.12</td><td>$0.50</td></tr><tr><td>VIBRANT GROUP </td><td>798,900</td><td>124,099.27</td><td>$0.16</td></tr><tr><td>FRASER AND NEAVE </td><td>74,000</td><td>109,664.02</td><td>$1.48</td></tr><tr><td>INTRACO </td><td>132,100</td><td>48,726.33</td><td>$0.37</td></tr><tr><td>TREK 2000 INTERNATIONAL </td><td>250,000</td><td>25,589.42</td><td>$0.10</td></tr><tr><td>YKGI </td><td>121,000</td><td>18,470.76</td><td>$0.15</td></tr><tr><td>GHY CULTURE &amp; MEDIA HOLDING CO </td><td>68,400</td><td>10,319.74</td><td>$0.15</td></tr><tr><td>OCEAN SKY INTERNATIONAL </td><td>205,000</td><td>10,104.51</td><td>$0.05</td></tr><tr><td>JASON MARINE GROUP </td><td>70,000</td><td>9,858.08</td><td>$0.14</td></tr><tr><td>SARINE TECHNOLOGIES </td><td>20,000</td><td>4,772.00</td><td>$0.24</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>6,691,800</td><td>16,148,518.34</td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table> Inside Insights is a weekly column on The Business Times, read the original version.Enjoying this read?<ul><li>Subscribe now to our SGX My Gateway newsletter for a compilation of latest market news, sector performances, new product release updates, and research reports on SGX-listed companies.</li><li>Stay up-to-date with our SGX Invest Telegram channel.</li></ul>

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In the first five trading sessions of 2026, Singapore stocks saw a net institutional inflow of S$63 million, with notable inflows into City Developments and OCBC. Meanwhile, XMH Holdings' Chairman acquired additional shares, increasing his stake to 64.72%. The company reported a 40.5% revenue increase in 1HFY26, driven by strong market demand. JB Foods' CEO also increased his shareholding. Overall, 19 companies conducted buybacks totaling S$16.1 million, indicating active market participation.

Shareholder Value-Focused XMH & JB Foods Directors Up Stakes