Singapore shares end higher even as key exports in May fall

Nodx figures reverse surge in April; STI up 0.6 per cent Trio of local banks advance; Singtel is STI's biggest decliner Region mixed: HK, Australia, KL down; S. Korea, Japan up

- Ranamita Chakraborty

Shares on the local bourse ended higher on June 17, even as Singapore's key exports declined 3.5 per cent year on year in May, reversing sharply from April's surge.

The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.6 per cent, or 22.18 points, to close at 3,930.64.

Across the broader market, advancers beat decliners 275 to 210, after 1.2 billion securities worth $993.8 million were traded.

The top gainer on the STI was CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, which rose 1.9 per cent to $2.17. Singtel was the biggest decliner, down 0.5 per cent to $3.93.