Singapore Shares Rise 0.5% Ahead US-China Leaders Meeting Amid Market Uncertainty

Singapore's stock market experienced a cautious yet generally positive performance ahead of a significant meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which has raised hopes for easing trade tensions between the two largest economies. The Straits Times Index (STI) showed modest gains over several days, including a 0.1% rise to close at 4,422.21 and a 0.5% increase to 4,416.27, reflecting investor optimism about potential diplomatic progress. Notably, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding emerged as a leading performer, with gains up to 3.9%, while ST Engineering reported substantial new contracts worth S$4.9 billion in Q3 2025. Broader market activity was robust, with advancers consistently outnumbering decliners and significant trading volumes, although some blue-chip stocks like Jardine Matheson faced declines amid market uncertainty. Regional markets also showed mixed but generally positive trends, with Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi indices gaining alongside Singapore's market. Market analysts described the upcoming Trump-Xi summit as cautious brinkmanship, with investors hesitant but hopeful for a diplomatic breakthrough that could stabilize trade relations and markets.