STI ends Tuesday flat as regional indices close mixed

The Straits Times Index (STI) closed flat on Tuesday (Jul 22) as regional indices showed mixed performances.

The STI gained 0.03 per cent or 1.13 points to 4,208.26.

Across the broader market, advancers outnumbered decliners 329 to 229 after 1.4 billion shares worth S$1.3 billion changed hands.

The trio of local banks closed lower on Tuesday, with DBS down 0.02 per cent or S$0.01 to S$47.25. UOB shed 0.3 per cent or S$0.10 to S$37; and OCBC fell 0.5 per cent or S$0.08 to S$17.19.

Jardine Matheson was the top gainer on the STI, rising 2.5 per cent or US$1.35 to US$55.26.

The index’s biggest loser was Wilmar International, which closed down 0.7 per cent or S$0.02 to S$3.

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Across the region, major indices were mixed, with the Kospi shedding 1.3 per cent, the Nikkei 225 down 0.1 per cent, and the KLCI down 0.3 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, rose 0.5 per cent, and the ASX 200 gained 0.1 per cent.

Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said the approach to earnings season by companies has been cautious.

“Many firms had downshifted their guidance in (the first quarter of 2025), citing tariff risk and macro uncertainty,” he said.

This has created some room for positive surprises, as some of Q2’s strength has been in front-loaded demand, promising stronger revenue and profits.

Now, more companies are raising their forward estimates, from 57 per cent of companies in April to 75 per cent, said Innes.

“We’re seeing broader participation, with cyclicals, industrials and select consumer names also contributing.”