STI down 0.2% at 3,246.58, off intraday 3,230 low, which unlikely to be tested again today, with market breadth improving tad to 2.3 decliners per gainer vs almost 3 to 1 at break; 1.11 billion shares traded worth $1.04 billion, according to Dow Jones.

Index likely to remain underwater rest of session as HK, China markets also consolidating with negative bias.

“We’re still looking for direction. There’s plenty of data coming up which may give us a bit more clarity and direction, but this is a holiday-shortened week, so no one will be out there doing too much,” says an economist at a local brokerage.

Adds, it’s only natural investors stepping back after earnings season, STI’s rise to 34-month highs. Singapore markets closed Wednesday for holiday. REITs broadly lower: Ascendas REIT (A17U.SG) off 1.4% at $2.06, CCT (C61U.SG) down 2.0% at $1.45. Rig builders buck trend; Keppel (BN4.SG) +0.2% at $10.54, SembMarine (S51.SG) +0.6% at $4.95.