Retail investors in Singapore net sold 25 stocks in May, achieving an average total return of 8.5%, significantly outperforming the Straits Times Index (STI), which recorded a 2.9% return. This trend highlights a pattern where retail investors often sell stocks that outperform indices whilst buying those that underperform.
Among the non-STI stocks, Sheng Siong, SIA Engineering, Frasers Hospitality Trust, Frencken, and UMS stood out, averaging 13% returns. Conversely, stocks like Riverstone and Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, which saw the most net buying by retail investors, experienced an average decline of 8%.
Singapore Airlines emerged as the most net sold stock, despite a 7% gain in May and an 11% increase year-to-date. The airline reported a record S$2.8 billion net profit for its financial year ending 31 March, bolstered by a S$1.1 billion non-cash gain from the Air India-Vistara merger.
The data also revealed that retail investors net sold S$280 million in Singapore stocks in May, contrasting with S$2.4 billion in net institutional buying during the first four months of 2025. Institutional investors marginally net bought S$306,522 ahead of the MSCI Quarterly Index Review.
Yangzijiang Shipbuilding led the net retail buying, despite a 1% decline in May and a 26% drop year-to-date. This reflects a shift from 2024 when the stock was a top gainer and saw significant net retail selling. The ongoing trends underscore the dynamic nature of retail investment strategies in Singapore’s stock market.
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