Singapore’s stock market experienced notable institutional activity in April, with the Straits Times Index (STI) declining by 3.5% in price, though dividends softened the total return decline to 2.3%. The STI’s performance was impacted by global trade developments, which initially caused a 15% drop, followed by a 13% recovery. Despite these fluctuations, institutions net sold S$73m in Singapore stocks, predominantly from STI Banks, which saw a significant S$701m net outflow.
Singtel emerged as the standout performer, recording the highest net institutional inflow both in April and over the first four months of 2025. The telecommunications giant is set to announce its full-year results on 22 May. In its February update, Singtel reported an 11% increase in underlying net profit for the first nine months of FY25, reaching S$1.87b, although net profit fell by 2% to S$2.55b due to lower exceptional gains.
The telecommunications sector as a whole attracted S$522m in net institutional inflow in April, contributing to a four-month total of S$674m. This influx coincided with a 9.5% total return for the FTSE ST Telecommunications Index. Other sectors such as Industrials and Utilities also saw defensive returns, with net inflows of S$79m and S$41m, respectively.
Whilst the real estate investment trust (REIT) sector faced a net institutional outflow of S$74m, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, and CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust were among the top 25 stocks with the highest net institutional inflow for the month. As the market navigates ongoing global trade challenges, the focus remains on sectors demonstrating resilience and attracting institutional interest.
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