SGX Rebrands Amid STI's 60th Anniversary
Singapore Exchange Securities officially became SGX Stock Exchange on Monday, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Straits Times Index (STI). The rebranding, announced by SGX Group CEO Loh Boon Chye, underscores the exchange's position as a core pillar of SGX Group's diverse multi-asset strategies and reinforces its importance to Singapore's standing as an international financial center.
Market Recovery Gains Momentum
The strategic name change coincides with a noticeable upturn in Singapore's equity market. The STI achieved a total return exceeding 25% in 2025, reaching record highs. Over the past five years, the index has delivered gains of more than 100% in Singapore dollar terms. In 2025, the total market value of companies listed on the SGX surpassed the $1 trillion mark. Furthermore, the average daily traded value for the year was the highest recorded since 2010.
IPO Activity and Investor Programs
Trading volumes in small and mid-cap stocks surged by more than 40% compared to the previous year, signaling increased investor participation. Initial Public Offering (IPO) activity also rebounded robustly, with over $2.4 billion raised in 2025, the strongest performance since 2019. This recovery follows a substantial $5 billion Equities Market Development Programme initiated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), with $3.95 billion already allocated to nine asset managers, including major global firms like BlackRock and JP Morgan Asset Management.
STI's Foundation and Outlook
The Straits Times Index, originally launched in 1966 as the Straits Times Industrial Index, now tracks the performance of Singapore's top 30 blue-chip companies and represents approximately 85% of the market's total capitalization. The three largest local banks – DBS, OCBC, and UOB – collectively account for nearly half of the index's weighting. Minister Chee Hong Tat cautioned that while the journey to rebuild a vibrant stock market has begun well, sustained effort from all stakeholders is crucial for continued success.