Singapore shares are poised for a weak start on Wednesday, as most US stock markets closed lower after the Federal Reserve hinted it could consider introducing further steps to boost the economy. Singapore’s benchmark Straits Times Index <.FTSTI> rose 0.47% on Tuesday to 3,095.39 points. Here are some stocks to watch.

Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI) and Tiger Airways may be in focus after the International Air Transport Association on Tuesday upgraded its financial forecast for the industry, citing a faster than expected recovery of the sector. IATA now expects world airlines to post a combined net profit of US$8.9 billion ($11.8 billion), more than three times the previous forecast made in June.

Mapletree Logistics Trust (MAPL.SI) said on Tuesday it plans to raise about $170 million through a private placement of 207.3 million new units, and about $130 million via a preferential offering of around 164.3 million new units. Proceeds from the fund raising will be used to finance acquisitions in Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

Soilbuild Group (SOIL.SI) said on Tuesday it has received an offer from Dolphin Acquisitions to privatise the firm at $0.80 a share in cash.

Starhill Global REIT (STHL.SI), a Singapore-based property trust that owns malls across the region, said on Tuesday it has refinanced $447 million of secured debt maturing this month.

Cosco Corp. Singapore (COS SP), a China-based shipbuilder that also operates bulk carriers, rose 1.2% to $1.73. Mercator Lines Singapore (MRLN SP), an Indian bulk carrier, surged 7.3% to 29.5 cents. STX Pan Ocean Co. (STX SP), South Korea’s biggest bulk carrier, gained 1.5% to $13.44.

Genting Singapore Plc (GENS SP): Genting Malaysia Bhd. said it raised the acquisition price for the UK casino businesses of its Singapore affiliate to 351.5 million pounds ($724.7 million) from 340 million pounds. The increased price is to reflect the lower net debt position of the UK group, Genting Malaysia said. Genting Singapore, operator of one of two casino resorts in the city-state, slipped 0.9% to $2.12.

Hi-P International (HIP SP): The contract manufacturer of electronics whose clients include Blackberry-maker Research in Motion said it expects full-year sales and profit to increase from last year on improved productivity and management of costs. Hi-P was unchanged at 87.5 cents.

Raffles Education Corp. (RLS SP): The operator of fashion design schools in Singapore, China and India, said it has established a subsidiary in the Philippines and will open a school in the country in January 2011. Its shares climbed 5.2% to 30.5 cents.