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Singapore’s benchmark stock market surged to a fresh record high on Friday, supported by strong gains in major banking and real estate stocks as positive sentiment swept across Asian markets.
The Straits Times Index (STI) climbed about 1% to an intraday record of 5,807.16 points, extending its strong performance in 2026.
Singapore’s three largest banks were among the biggest contributors to the rally. OCBC, United Overseas Bank (UOB), and DBS Group shares gained between 0.7% and 1.2%, providing substantial support to the benchmark index.
Property stocks also strengthened, led by HongKong Land, which jumped 4.1%. The real estate group rallied following a Bloomberg report that it was holding discussions about entering Japan’s recovering property market. HongKong Land is one of the largest commercial landlords operating across Singapore and Hong Kong.
The record-setting session came alongside broader gains in Asian equities. Regional investor sentiment improved after U.S. Treasury yields declined overnight, easing concerns that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates in the near term.
Technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks also advanced, adding momentum to the wider Asian market rally and helping lift Singapore shares.
The STI has now gained approximately 25% so far in 2026, reflecting growing confidence in Singapore’s economic outlook and the performance of its largest listed companies.
Singapore’s export-driven economy has benefited particularly from strong global demand for electronics tied to the expanding artificial intelligence industry. Rising overseas AI investment has supported electronics shipments and strengthened expectations for the technology sector.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s major banks have continued to generate solid returns from their businesses across East Asia, reinforcing their importance to the local equity market.
With bank shares remaining resilient, property stocks advancing and AI-driven electronics demand supporting economic activity, Singapore’s stock market has maintained its strong upward momentum. Investors are also closely watching global interest-rate expectations, which could continue to influence the outlook for the STI and other Asian markets.
