Singapore shares shrug off initial fatigue, with interest returning even to blue chips, which have been underperforming lower liners lately, says Dow Jones.

STI +0.6% at 3,114.02 midday vs down 0.3% at 3,084.89 earlier. Lower liners stronger, with FTSE ST Small Cap Index +1.2%, FTSE ST Mid Cap Index +1.1%. Overall volume robust at 1.98 billion shares worth $1.39 billion.

“Due to the curbs by the government on property investments, money and capital is being diverted to the stock market,” says trader; adds, “stay invested. A rising tide will lift all boats.”

Singapore government last month unveiled third round of housing-market curbs in 12 months in bid to rein in property speculation.

Key gainers among blue chips include NOL (N03.SG), +3.5% at $2.07, CapitaLand (C31.SG), +2.8% at $4.09, SGX (S68.SG), +2.4% at $8.70. Among lower liners, Cosco (F83.SG) +5.2% at $1.82, Biosensors (B20.SG) +5.2% at $1.02, CSC (C06.SG) +9.1% at $0.18.