\n<\/p>\n
The Singapore stock market ended the week of Dec 8 to Dec 12 on a firmer footing, recovering from early-week caution as bargain hunting and improved regional sentiment buoyed investor confidence.<\/p>\n
The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) opened the week under pressure, weighed down by subdued global cues and investor caution ahead of key US monetary policy signals.<\/p>\n
Trading, meanwhile, was largely range-bound through mid-week, with investors staying selective amid concerns over interest rates and global growth.<\/p>\n
Sentiment improved toward the latter half of the week, supported by stronger regional markets and renewed buying interest in banking and blue-chip stocks, which helped the STI pare earlier losses. Defensive counters and selective industrial names also attracted attention as investors repositioned ahead of the year-end.<\/p>\n
Overall, the STI finished the week higher, reflecting a market that shook off early volatility to close on a steadier note, as investors balanced global uncertainties with selective opportunities in fundamentally strong counters.<\/p>\n