Straits Times Index (STI) Rises 5.1% in Q1 2026,Delivering Outstanding Returns
NewTimeSpace News: On April 2, 2026, SGX reported that the Straits Times Index (STI) gained 5.1% in Q1 2026 to close at 4,885.45 points, posting a total return of 5.6% including dividends.
On the capital side, STI ETFs recorded net inflows for 13 consecutive months, totaling S$981 million, with assets under management reaching S$4.2 billion at the end of the first quarter. From late 2019 to the end of Q1 2026, the indicative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for monthly regular investments in this ETF was 8.4%, generating approximately 80% of the return from a lump-sum investment over the same period.
By sector, the FTSE STI Technology, Industrial and Consumer Indices achieved total returns of 17.9%, 11.7% and 13.6% respectively in Q1. ST Engineering and Wilmar International led the gains in the STI.
Institutional capital focused on industrials, consumer discretionary and telecommunications sectors. Singtel was the second-highest stock by institutional net inflows and the top local company by share buyback value. Total share buybacks by Singapore-listed companies reached approximately S$560 million in Q1, up year-on-year.
On the macro front, the STI retreated 2.2% in March. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East pushed up energy prices, with May Brent crude futures averaging US$94.68 per barrel, up from US$69.81 per barrel in February. In addition, mid- and small-cap stocks attracted nearly S$470 million in institutional inflows in Q1, with average daily turnover rising to nearly S$670 million.
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