World News Engine: S'pore stocks end higher

S'pore stocks end higher

Shares in Singapore closed firmer, in line with most Asian markets as worries over Japan's nuclear crisis eased.

However, investors were still cautious over air strikes in Libya, which sent oil prices higher.

The Straits Times Index gained 47.73 points, or 1.6 per cent, to 2,983.51.

Volume totalled 1.21 billion shares valued at S$1.23 billion, with advancing issues leading decliners by 384 to 115.

Dealers said players entered the market as they found prices at attractive levels after the STI fell 3.5 per cent last week.

Property stocks closed higher, with CapitaLand rising 11 cents to S$3.25 and City Developments adding 54 cents to S$10.90.

Banks and rig builders were also higher. DBS gained 28 cents to S$14.28, OCBC moved up 9 cents to S$9.09, while UOB rose 16 cents to S$18.28. Keppel Corp increased 20 cents to S$11.60, and Sembcorp Marine added 18 cents to S$5.48.