Singapore’s equity market opened on Monday for a half-day of trade as key Asian financial centres adapt to the Lunar New Year holiday schedule, which has led to thin order books and cautious price action. Regional participants cited liquidity constraints and cross-border restrictions as primary factors shaping the session.
Market behaviour in early trade
Indices in Singapore displayed modest movements with limited conviction as investors weighed offshore catalysts, including softer U.S. inflation data and expectations of central bank easing. Commodity-linked shares and financials exhibited tight trading ranges with low turnover.
Holiday headwinds
With major exchanges in China fully closed and Hong Kong operating a truncated schedule, Singapore’s half-day trading reflects an attempt to balance local participation with broader market dynamics. This setup typically dampens volatility and amplifies the influence of offshore macro headlines.
Looking ahead
Full trading resumes later in the week as holiday closures end and liquidity returns. Strategists advise that meaningful trends are unlikely to emerge until the calendar normalises and regional correlations strengthen again.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 16 February 2026
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