Singapore shares remain firmly in positive territory as better-than-feared US jobs data injects life back into market; STI +1.3% at 2,825.62 midday with traders tipping resistance at Jan 21 low of 2,850.

“Economic reports appear to suggest that the US economy is on the mend,” says DMG co-head of research Terence Wong; notes 36,000 US job losses in February was pleasant surprise as expectations ran as high as 100,000.

“The week ahead will likely be a positive one for the US and Singapore markets.”

Broad market volume moderate with gainers outstripping losers roughly two to one.

Blue-chip gains led by Jardine group of companies after they posted solid FY09 results and economically sensitive commodity plays.

Jardine Strategic (J37.SG) gains 6% at US$18.10 ($25.30), Noble (N21.SG) gains 3.4% at $3.37.