In the second half of 2025, Advanced Holdings emerged as the leader in net institutional buying as a percentage of market capitalisation on the Singapore Exchange. The Catalist-listed company saw $4.8m (S$6.6m) in net institutional buying, representing 54% of its $8.7m (S$12m) market cap. This surge followed Blair Road Capital’s Asia Agri and Renewables Fund acquiring a 16.78% stake from the company’s Managing Director, Wong Kar King, on 26 August.
LHT Holdings also experienced significant institutional interest, with $6.9m (S$9.5m) in net buying, equating to 19% of its $36.3m (S$50m) market cap. This was driven by DH Wealth Management’s DH Cornerstone Fund acquiring an 18.45% interest in the company, which manufactures wooden pallets, boxes, and crates.
Despite overall net selling of $0.53b (S$0.74b) by institutions in Singapore stocks during 2H25, excluding the trio of STI Banks, there was a net institutional buying of $0.13b (S$0.18b). This trend highlights a shift in focus towards smaller-cap stocks, particularly in the Industrials and Technology sectors, which have been leading global and ASEAN markets since the first half of 2025.
The data underscores the growing interest in smaller companies, as investors seek opportunities beyond large-cap stocks amidst global market volatility. The Materials and Resources, and Technology sectors have been particularly attractive, reflecting broader global trends and strategic shifts in investment focus.
