SGX says to reduce securities bid size to cut trading costs

SINGAPORE, May 31 (Reuters) - Singapore Exchange (SGX) , Asia's second-largest listed bourse operator, said on Tuesday it will reduce the minimum bid size for securities on July 4 to lower trading costs for investors.


The move is expected to lead to a tightening of bid-ask spreads by as much as 80 percent, resulting in around S$1.7 billion ($1.4 billion) in annual savings for Singapore, based on 2010 market turnover, SGX said in a statement.

"Tighter spreads will encourage investors to increase their participation in SGX, the best market for accessing fast-growing Asia. This will in turn enhance liquidity here in Singapore," said Chew Sutat, head of securities at SGX.