Singapore shares ended higher today in line with most Asian bourses as investors took to the market given that prices looked attractive after recent weakness.

The benchmark 30-Straits Times Index wrapped the day 17.91 points, or 0.6%, higher at 2906.28 points with 1.54 billion shares changing hands compared with 1.30 billion Thursday. In the broader market, gainers outnumbered losers 309 to 167.

Traders and analysts said that investors were also keen to bet on small- and mid-cap stocks, which many said were playing catch-up with blue-chip stocks.

“Trading interest appeared to be centered on small-and mid-cap stocks,” CIMB said in its note.

The FTSE small cap index rose 0.8%.

Some traders said that the market is trying to find a footing before showing a uptick in April ahead of the first-quarter earnings.

“April is likely going to be good because the first-quarter results will be reported. That should be positive for the market,” a dealer at foreign brokerage said.

Certain commodity stocks, which were weak in previous sessions, saw some bargain-hunting. Golden Agri Resources rose 0.9% at 54.5 cents, while Olam International gained 1.2% at $2.63.

Shares of rig builders rose on continued expectations of oil and gas companies placing more orders for rigs and ships. Also, late Thursday, an announcement by Keppel Corp. of more contract wins boosted investor sentiment for these stocks.

While Keppel Corp. gained 0.8% at $9.15, Sembcorp Marine rose 1.5% at $4.08.

Banking stocks also rose on bargain-hunting with DBS leading the gains. The stock rose 1.1% at $14.60, while OCBC was up 0.2% at $8.71. UOB finished the day 0.1% higher at $19.48.

Property counters also joined the broad market rally, with CapitaLand gaining 2.3% at $4.03, while CapitaMalls Asia saw shares rise 0.4% at $2.30. City Developments also rose 0.4% at $10.76.

Of the 30-STI components, 24 ended in positive territory, five were in the red and the remaining one was flat.