Singapore share prices rose 0.76 percent Friday for another record finish, this time above 2,600 points as investors bought in ahead of general elections in May and upcoming quarterly results, dealers said.
The Straits Times Index added 19.72 points at 2,603.45, off a high of 2,605.12.
General elections will be held on May 6 with the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which has never lost any contest, seeking for a sweep of the 84-member parliament, currently with two elected opposition MPs.
Volume traded totalled 1.64 billion shares worth 1.33 billion Singapore dollars (836 million US). Losers beat gainers 311 to 297 with 572 unchanged.
Banking group DBS added 0.20 to 17.30, Singapore Airlines gained 0.20 to 14.100, City Developments rose 0.1 to 10.300 and bourse-operator Singapore Exchange Ltd climbed 0.12 to 4.460.
Other banking stocks also closed firmer which Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp up 0.10 at 6.75 and United Overseas Bank jumping 0.10 at 16.20. Blue chip Singapore Telecommunications rose 0.02 to 2.730 and Singapore Press Holdings fell 0.02 to 4.34.
Technology stocks closed higher with Venture Corp advancing 0.10 at 12.20, ST Engineering up 0.04 at 3.28 and Chartered Semiconductor rising 0.08 to 1.66.