STI

Straits Times

3,212.46

+4.55

+0.14%

Singapore shares closed steady on Thursday as investors finalised their positions ahead of the year-end.

The Straits Times Index rose 4.55 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 3,212.46.

Volume totalled 1.12 billion shares worth S$934 million.

In the broader market, advancing issues outnumbered decliners 247 to 181.

Dealers said the STI could continue its upward momentum after breaking through the key resistance level of 3,200 in recent sessions.

Rig builders continued moving higher, boosted by firmer crude oil prices. Sembcorp Marine gained 16 cents to S$5.37, while Keppel Corp rose 20 cents to S$11.24.

However, some profit-taking was seen in selected shares like commodities that have risen in the past few sessions.

The stock market will close for the year at midday on Friday and resume trading on Monday, January 3.

- CNA/al