Singapore’s Straits Times Index gained 0.5% to 3,197.96 at the close, its highest since Nov. 18. Almost three stocks rose for each that fell in the benchmark equity index of 30 companies.

Shares on the measure trade at an average 15.6 times estimated earnings, compared with about 17.4 times at the beginning of the year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The following shares were among the most active in the market. 

Palm-oil suppliers: Crude palm-oil futures for February delivery advanced to a 28-month high in Kuala Lumpur today on speculation global demand for vegetable oils will increase.

 

Golden Agri-Resources (GGR SP), the world’s second- biggest palm-oil producer, climbed 1.4% to 75 cents. Indofood Agri Resources (IFAR SP), the palm-oil unit of Indonesia’s biggest noodle maker, surged 4.4% to $2.85.

 

Boustead Singapore (BOCS SP), a provider of engineering services, dropped 3.6% to $1.08. DBS Group Holdings cut its recommendation to “hold” from “buy.” The brokerage also lowered its share-price forecast to $1 from $1.10.