Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained 0.6% to 2,943.61 as of the 12:30 p.m. trading break. Three stocks dropped for each that rose.

Shares on the measure trade at an average 14.2 times estimated earnings, compared with about 17.4 times at the beginning of the year, according to Bloomberg data. The following shares were among the most active in the market.

 

Cosco Corp. Singapore (COS SP), a China-based shipbuilder that also operates bulk carriers, increased 1.9% to $1.58. The company said it won a US$12 million ($16.3 million) contract to build two barges for a customer in China.

 

FJ Benjamin Holdings (FJB SP), the Singapore-based retailer of Guess Inc. and Gap Inc., rose 1.5% to 35 cents. The company said it had a full-year profit of $8.3 million, compared with a loss of $2.7 million a year earlier.

 

Olam International (OLAM SP), a supplier of agricultural commodities, rose 1.2% to $2.52. Accident Compensation Corp., a New Zealand investor, said it agreed to accept Olam International Ltd.’s offer for NZ Farming Systems Uruguay shares. Singapore-based Olam today raised its offer to 70 New Zealand cents a share from 55 cents.

 

Marco Polo Marine (MPM SP), a shipping and shipbuilding company, climbed 2.4% to 42.5 cents. The company said it won a two-year contract, valued at US$15.5 million, to transport coal from a mine in Indonesia to Malaysia.

 

Wing Tai Holdings (WINGT SP), a property developer, climbed 2.4% to $1.73. The company said it had a fourth- quarter profit of $68.9 million, compared with a loss of $53.9 million a year earlier.