Asian Market Update

Asian markets rallied for a third straight day on Thursday following another record close on Wall St, as investors cheered an upbeat report on the economy from the US central bank.

The dollar sat just short of the 120 yen mark, a level it has not seen for more than seven years, while the euro struggled ahead of a European Central Bank meeting later in the day.

Tokyo added 0.76 per cent, Hong Kong rose 0.46 per cent, Sydney climbed 0.72 per cent and Shanghai gained 0.27 per cent, while Seoul was up 0.59 per cent.

Regional markets have climbed this week following a slew of strong US data and record finishes on Wall Street as the world's biggest economy gets back on track.

SGX Singapore Opening Market Update

SINGAPORE shares opened higher on Thursday with the Straits Times Index gaining 16.68 points to 3,320.07.

Volume was 24.8 million shares worth S$64.9 million.

Gainers numbered 80 while losers numbered 35.

SGX Singapore Closing Market Update

SINGAPORE shares ended 0.57 per cent lower on Wednesday with the Straits Times Index slipping 18.93 points to 3,303.39.

Some 1.19 billion shares, valued at S$875.4 million were traded.

Gainers numbered 139 while losers numbered 268.