Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.6% to 2,939.88 as of the 12:30 p.m. trading break. Five stocks gained for every two shares that fell on the 30-member gauge.

 

Stocks on the measure trade at 15.9 times estimated earnings, compared with about 10 times at the start of 2009, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The following shares were among the most active in the market. 

 

Bonvests Holdings (BVEST SP), a property developer, climbed 2.9% to $1.05. The company said it has agreed to sell its business running Burger King in Singapore for as much as $19 million.

 

China Sports International (CSPORT SP), a maker of sports footwear and apparel, advanced 10% to 22 cents, poised for its highest closing level since Oct. 7, 2008. DBS Group Holdings reiterated its “buy” rating on the stock and raised its share-price forecast to 35 cents from 26 cents.

 

Ezra Holdings (EZRA SP), a provider of offshore logistics services to the oil and gas industry, gained 3% to $2.43, heading for its highest closing level since July 2008. OCBC Investment Research reiterated its “buy” rating on the stock and raised its share-price forecast to $2.54 from $2.40, saying the outlook for the oil and gas industry remains positive.

 

Hong Leong Asia (HLA SP), a building materials supplier that also makes refrigerators and diesel engines in China, climbed 10% to $3.17, heading for its highest closing level since Jan. 18, 2008. DBS Group Holdings resumed coverage of the stock with a “buy” rating and a share- price forecast of S$4.08, saying earnings will continue to grow this year as sales of unit Xinfei, a refrigerator maker, benefit from China’s stimulus measures.

 

Keppel Corp. (KEP SP), the world’s biggest oil rig builder, added 0.6% to $8.70. The company said its unit Keppel Seghers Belgium NV won two contracts worth $53 million ($73.9 million) to supply equipment for waste-to-energy power plant projects in China.

Otto Marine (OTML SP), a shipbuilding and ship repair company, climbed 5.4% to 49 cents, set for its highest close since listing in November 2008. Kim Eng Holdings initiated coverage of the stock with a “buy” rating and a share-price forecast of 64 cents.