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Hongkong Land is the top stock with a 9.16% increase.The Straits Times Index (STI) closed at 4,941.960, up 0.3% on Thursday, 7 May, at 5:21 p.m.Hongkong Land was the most active stock, followed by Jardine Matheson (+4.53%) and UOL (+2.51%).Sembcorp Industries and SGX were at the foot.

Singapore Business Review

FTSE Straits Times Index

Amova STI ETF SA

HongkongLand USD

STI ETF

Amova Singapore STI ETF

HONG KONG LAND

JMH USD

Jardine Matheson

Sembcorp Ind

Daily Markets Briefing: STI up 0.3%; Top stock is Hongkong Land

Singapore's manufacturing output rose 10.1% year-on-year in March 2026, surpassing forecasts and boosting Q1 growth to 7.9%. However, the chemicals sector faced a significant decline of 16% due to supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. The electronics cluster excelled, growing 30% year-on-year, driven by strong AI-related demand. Economists predict an upward revision of Q1 GDP growth to around 5.2%. Despite robust overall performance, the chemicals sector's challenges may impact broader manufacturing stability.

- Singapore's manufacturing output surged by 10.1% year-on-year in March 2026, exceeding expectations, while factory output rose by 4.7% month-on-month, reversing a prior decline.  
- However, the chemicals sector experienced a significant contraction of 16% year-on-year due to supply disruptions from Middle Eastern conflicts, with petrochemical production dropping sharply.  
- In contrast, the electronics cluster saw a remarkable 30% increase, driven by strong demand in information communication and consumer electronics, particularly in memory chips and servers.

Businesstimes News

OCBC Bank

Standard Chartered PLC

STANCHART

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

United Overseas Bank (UOB)

Singapore’s manufacturing output beats forecasts in March, but chemicals decline signals emerging Iran war risk

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing higher inflation due to increased energy costs, impacting Singapore real estate investment trusts (Reits). Rising energy prices may lead to higher property operating expenses, negatively affecting net property income (NPI). Additionally, persistent inflation could hinder expectations for the US Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates, despite potential leadership changes at the Fed.

Singapore properties’ safe-haven premium shields S-Reits from Iran war headwinds

Knight Frank reported that Singapore's real estate investment market achieved a record $15.4 billion in Q1 2026, marking a 10% increase QoQ and 166.5% YoY. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the firm maintains a full-year forecast of $30 billion. Key transactions included Asia Square Tower 1 for $4.1 billion and significant residential and commercial sales. Outbound investment rose 7.8% QoQ to $10.3 billion, as investors seek diversification. CEO Galven Tan emphasized the importance of timely asset offerings for vendors to capitalize on available funds.

UOB AP GRN REIT S

Lion-phillip S-Reit

UOB AP GRN REIT US

CSOP iEdge SREIT ETF US

CSOP iEdge SREIT ETF S

Property investment sales hit $15.4b in Q1 as market strength rolls over from 2025

HDB resale prices have declined for the first time since 2019, with a 0.1% drop in Q1 2026. This follows five consecutive quarters of slower price growth, attributed to an influx of flats reaching their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Analysts expect a yearly increase in resale prices in 2026, but at a slower pace of around 5%. The introduction of Plus and Prime flats may also impact the market. Financing challenges persist for some buyers, particularly with fluctuating private loan rates compared to the stable HDB loan rate.

Asiaone

HDB resale prices just fell for the first time since 2019 — is this the start of a bigger shift?

The situation in the Middle East has raised inflation expectations and lowered interest rate cut expectations, leading several institutions to adopt a more cautious view on Singapore Real Estate Investment Trusts (S-REITs). Analysts at Singapore's Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation have downgraded the S-REIT rating from "Overweight" to "Neutral," believing that the Middle East conflict will have a negative impact on the sector. Although the market has risk-averse characteristics and the industry fundamentals are robust, investors are choosing to wait and see amid inflation and interest rate fluctuations. However, DBS Group's analysis remains optimistic, believing that current valuations have absorbed some risks and that S-REITs are still undervalued

Zaobao

Middle East situation disrupts interest rate expectations, analysts have divergent views on S-REIT | Lianhe Zaobao

Singapore's second-hand market is experiencing diversified development, with consumers' perception of second-hand goods surpassing that of "cheap products." High-priced categories such as furniture, artworks, and antique jewelry are favored, with professional sellers attracting customers through digital platforms. Surveys show that the search for unique items has become one of the important reasons for purchasing second-hand goods, while the focus on reducing waste and the circular economy is also on the rise. The transaction volume and posting volume in the second-hand market have significantly increased, especially for vintage furniture and antique artworks

Singapore's Emerging Second-Hand Market Model: Old Items Can Also Create New Value | Lianhe Zaobao

The Singapore office market shows resilience with Core CBD Grade A vacancy dropping to 4.5%. A report by Morningstar Equity Research predicts continued strong demand for prime office space in 2026, despite global tensions. An estimated 3.08 million square feet of new office space is expected from 2026 to 2028, primarily outside the Core CBD. Vacancy rates may further decline to 2.6% by 2027, with overall office rent growth projected at 3% for 2026. Singapore office REITs are maintaining high occupancy levels, indicating robust leasing activity.

Prime office market shows resilience amidst tightening supply

The commentary discusses the challenges faced by Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (S-REITs) amid the ongoing Iran war and its impact on the stock market. Despite a strong performance from the Straits Times Index, S-REITs have seen a decline of about 3% in price. The uncertain geopolitical climate, potential energy shocks, and rising interest rates pose significant risks to S-REITs, which are known for their stable dividend returns. However, not all S-REITs are affected equally, with some having stronger balance sheets and potential opportunities arising from business relocations to Singapore.

PHILLIP AP DIV REIT SD

Commentary: Amid the Iran war, is it all doom and gloom for Singapore-listed REITs?

Amova-StraitsTrdg Asia REIT(CFA.SG)