Market Summary 18 August 2012

Singapore shares closed flat Friday, with traders content to hold their positions ahead of a holiday weekend, but cyclical stocks gained modestly and commodity plays edged down.

The 30-share Straits Times Index fell 0.03%, or 0.78 points, to close at 3,062.11. Volumes were 1.74 billion shares, down from 1.99 billion on Thursday, with gainers outnumbering losers by 197 to 157.

Rig-builder Keppel Corp. continued its climb, gaining 0.5% to close at S$11.58, as the stock benefits from a fat orderbook.

Commodity companies closed lower, amid concerns that their margins will be squeezed as governments seek to tamp down inflation and the global economy remains tepid. Olam International Ltd. fell 1.0% to close at S$2.04, while Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. dropped 0.7% to S$0.71.

Shares of Fraser & Neave Ltd. and Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd. were suspended from trade, at the companies' request, as people familiar with the situation said Heineken is in talks with F&N about an increased offer for APB. Heineken now raises offer for APB to $53 from $50.

Just to shared.

Singapore is in holiday mood that is why the shares does not move volatility but inch up or down. The USA seems has better recovery rate now compare to others nations. Europe remains flat and China hard landing seems getting worried. I hope their government aware the situation and planning for solution, otherwise their hard landing will get the world economic worsen.