Singapore stocks advanced at the opening bell this morning, following higher-than-expected growth in the city-state’s February factory output.

If you recall, data released by the Economic Development Board yesterday showed that Singapore’s factory output grew 3.8 per cent in February, exceeding private-sector economist estimates of 0.5 per cent. 

In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) gained 0.5 per cent to 3,248.70 points after 34.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market.

In terms of companies to watch for today, we have UOB after the group announced two new appointments to its management team yesterday. 

Elsewhere, from more updates on Cordlife to the EU’s probe into Apple Google and Meta – more corporate and international headlines are in focus today. 

Also on deck – Universal Music, BTS, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme!

On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.