Singapore share prices closed 0.69 percent higher on Friday on expectations preliminary third quarter economic growth figures to be released next week would be strong, dealers said. The Straits Times Index rose 15.77 points to 2,305.24.
Volume traded totalled 1.2 billion shares worth 999 million Singapore dollars (591 million US), down from 1.3 billion shares worth 1.2 billion dollars on Thursday.
There were 298 rising issues, 224 losers and 569 issues were even.
Shares climbed ahead of the Monday release of preliminary data for the third quarter to September with analysts upbeat on another strong performance following a 5.20 percent expansion in the June quarter.
"The market is very positive about the third quarter, which should be favourable for the market," said Westcomb Financial research head Chew Sok Chuang.
Analysts are expecting Monday's figures to show economic activity in the third quarter grew by as much as 6.20 percent from a year ago.
Property stocks remained the investors' favourite pick at the moment on signs more buyers are entering the market as confidence get a boost from a stronger economy.
Southeast Asia's largest developer CapitaLand jumped 12 cents to 3.36, Keppel Land was up 18 cents to 4.12 and City Developments rose 15 cents to 9.25. Among blue chips, Singapore Press Holdings gained eight cents to 4.72, Singapore Telecommunications added two cents to 2.46 and Singapore Airlines was 10 cents higher at 11.40.
For the banks, DBS added 10 cents to 15.90, United Overseas Bank was steady at 14 dollars and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp gained five cents to 6.30.
In the technology sector, Creative Technology dropped 10 cents to 12.30, Chartered Semiconductor was flat at 1.12 and electronics contract firm Venture fell 10 cents to 13.70.
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