Singapore shares extended gains on Wednesday, as investors responded positively to the news of the US Senate passing a bill to end the government shutdown, while the anticipation of further interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve also lifted sentiments.
The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 4,540.90 and 4,568.91 throughout the day. It ended the session at 4,568.91, up 26.71 points or 0.6% compared to Tuesday's close.
In company news, Singtel's (SGX:Z74) shares were up over 2% as its net profit surged 176% in the fiscal half year ended Sept. 30 to SG$3.40 billion from SG$1.23 billion a year earlier.
Shares of Mooreast (SGX:1V3) surged nearly 10% at the close with the company set to commence feasibility studies to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in Timor-Leste after signing a letter of intent with the country's secretariat for electricity.
Meanwhile, shares of Heatec Jietong (SGX:5OR) were down over 2% after it completed the disposal of a 60% stake in Setya Energy.