<div id="readability-page-1"><div>[SINGAPORE] The Singapore market pulled back on Friday (Feb 13) following Budget 2026 announcements, even as the government unveiled measures to boost existing equities, startups and new listings.On Thursday the Straits Times Index (STI) had crossed the 5,000-point barrier even before the statement was delivered, buoyed by a strong 43.5 per cent net profit increase for Singtel. It later closed 0.7 per cent up at 5,016.76 points after the statement concluded.But the momentum did not hold. On Friday (Feb 13), the STI fell 0.8 per cent back to below the 5,000 mark, while counters like DBS dropped 0.9 per cent and OCBC and UOB dropped 1.4 per cent each.Shares of Singtel fell 0.8 per cent, while ST Engineering retreated 1 per cent and Frencken dropped 2.1 per cent. Even household spending staple Sheng Siong dropped 0.7 per cent.Despite the morning dip, analysts believe the broader narrative remains positive. Growth in 2026 is expected to be underpinned by what Maybank calls a “sustained AI boom” and a “buoyant capital market” supported by falling interest rates. The bank’s economists on Friday noted that while near-term handouts were scaled back compared to the election year , the budget leaves ample “fiscal dry powder” to support the economy if needed.In his statement, finance minister Lawrence Wong announced that the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) will receive further support via a S$1.5 billion top-up to the Financial Sector Development Fund. Wong is also the Prime Minister. In addition, the Anchor Fund will see more support via a second S$1.5 billion tranche from the government and Temasek. The fund aims to attract and anchor high quality listings.Not only that, S$1 billion will be set aside for the Startup SG Equity Scheme, as its scope broadens to cover growth-stage companies instead of just early-stage startups.<h2>Sheng Siong, ST Engineering and banks the winners</h2>Analysts on Friday singled out domestic consumption, defence, and technology as key beneficiaries.Household support packages are expected to lift mass-market spending, favouring staples like Sheng Siong and DFI Retail , said RHB analyst Shekhar Jaiswal.Maybank analysts noted that CDC vouchers specifically will sustain “heartland spending and supermarket traffic”.The government’s readiness to spend “more than the usual 3 per cent of GDP” on defence supports a bullish outlook for engineering firms like ST Engineering and Addvalue Tech , said Maybank, especially with the focus on unmanned systems.Meanwhile, Maybank analysts highlighted the “sizeable liquidity boost” from the expanded EQDP as a key driver for the financial sector. This is expected to lift the Singapore Exchange and trading platforms like iFAST, while local banks like DBS, OCBC and UOB stand to gain from increased market activity and lower credit risks.Finally, the push for artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing is set to benefit tech manufacturers such as AEM , Frencken and UMS , while Keppel DC Reit is tipped to benefit from the new AI park at one-North.</div></div>

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The Singapore market dipped below 5,000 points after Budget 2026 announcements, despite initial gains. The Straits Times Index fell 0.8% on February 13, with notable declines in major stocks like DBS and Singtel. Analysts remain optimistic, citing a sustained AI boom and buoyant capital markets. The budget includes significant support for equity markets and startups, with S$1.5 billion allocated to the Equity Market Development Programme and S$1 billion for the Startup SG Equity Scheme. Key sectors expected to benefit include domestic consumption, defense, and technology.

- The Singapore market fell on February 13, 2026, despite government measures to support existing stocks, startups, and new listings announced in the budget.  
- The Straits Times Index (STI) initially rose to 5016.76 points but dropped 0.8% below 5000 points the next day, influenced by declines in major companies like DBS and Singtel.  
- Analysts remain optimistic about growth supported by ongoing AI trends and active capital markets, with specific beneficiaries in domestic consumption, defense, and technology sectors due to increased government spending.

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Singapore stocks dip back below 5,000 after Budget 2026, but analysts see ample ‘fiscal dry powder’