Singapore shares mostly up but market quiet with merely 613.7 million shares worth $652.9 million changing hands by midday. Low participation typical during year-end period, not helped by lack of newsflow.

Gainers outnumber decliners by about 2.5 to 1. STI +0.8% at 3162.19, not expected to test Tuesday's 3187 intraday high for rest of session.

 

Still, prices may continue heading higher in near term, says AmFraser Securities strategist Najeeb Jarhom; “chances of the (index) pushing back to 3250-3300 by year-end are quite good thanks to the much-needed breather in the last 9 to 10 trading days.”

 

 Plantation stocks remain in demand as firmer CPO prices supportive. Golden Agri-Resources (E5H.SG) +4.2% at $0.74, Indofood Agri (5JS.SG) +3.4% at $2.74, First Resources (EB5.SG) +2.9% at $1.42, Kencana Agri (F9M.SG) +2.4% at $0.425.