Singapore shares closed higher on Monday with the blue-chip Straits Times Index up 25.36 points to 2,968.38. Gainers led losers 374 to 145. US stocks rose last night, pushing the Dow up near the 11,000 level, as signs of a turnaround in the US labour market bolstered hopes the economy is strengthening and the profit outlook is brightening. Here are some stocks and factors to watch according to The Edge Singapore:

The Singapore Exchange reported that total securities trading value in March was up 48% year-on-year to $30.4 billion, reflecting the return of investors’ confidence and interests. Securities trading value on Catalist was $378 million, nine times higher year-on-year.

Yongnam Holdings together with Geodesic Techniques said they have won a sub-contract worth INR 235 Crores ($75.5 million) for the construction of a roof structure and composite steel columns for a new integrated terminal building for the Mumbai International Airport. The contract is expected to be completed by Feb 28 2011.

Lian Beng Group clinched its third contract in a month to design and build The Laurels, a premium condominium development situated at Cairnhill Road worth $95 million. Work on the development is scheduled to begin in April and is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2013. With this latest contract, Lian Beng’s order book now stands at a record $915 million.

Marco Polo Marine said that its subsidiary, Marco Polo Shipping, has secured a four-year coal transshipment contract worth about US$20 million ($28 million). The contract, which will start from June 2010 for a period of 4 years, is secured with an Indonesian coal owner.

Roxy-Pacific Holdings said that it has a 20% stake in the consortium that has agreed to buy Marina House at 70 Shenton Way from Hong Leong Group for some $148 million. The consortium plans to convert Marina House into a 42-storey residential apartment block with commercial space on the first storey.

The Singapore Exchange has ordered China Milk Products Group to appoint a special auditor to investigate the affairs of the company and report to the company’s audit committee and the exchange. The order comes after China Milk failed to submit the findings of a cash audit by March 15 despite repeated reminders. SGX had ordered the audit after China Milk announced on Feb 12 that it was in default on its convertible bonds as it was unable to meet repayment obligations amounting to US$170.56 million ($239 million).