Roundup: Singapore stocks end down 0.2 pct

Singapore shares closed 0.2 percent lower on Friday, as investors waited for the U.S. jobs report which is expected to show that non-farm payrolls increased by 240,000 in December.

With optimism towards the U.S. economy and prospects of more stimulus from the European Central Bank, U.S. stocks rallied for the second day on Thursday. Investors were reassured that Federal Reserve minutes signaled no change in interest-rate policy and optimism over employment growth, as most officials in last month's meeting agreed interest rates are unlikely to be raised before late April and several even expressed concern that inflation could remain too low.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices held their ground after a 10 percent loss earlier in the week.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index shed 6.67 points to 3, 338.44 points. Trading volume was 1.34 billion shares worth 1.25 billion Singapore dollars. Advancers slightly outnumbered decliners 199 to 193, while 550 stocks did not move.

Ezra Holdings Limited shed 0.9 percent to 57 Singapore cents. It reported its first-quarter revenue was down 6 percent year-on- year to 321 million U.S. dollars, while quarterly adjusted profit after tax was down 40 percent to 5.2 million U.S. dollars. Going forward, Ezra expected its operating performance to remain healthy.

Frasers Hospitality Trust closed flat at 89.5 Singapore cents. It announced that it has added more serviced residence in Tianjin, Nanchang, Hefei, Dalian, Kunming, Wuxi and Chengdu of China. It is also adding two serviced residences in Shanghai and Shenzhen. These residences will use its three brands, Fraser Suites, Fraser Place and Fraser Residence. Fraser Hospitality's global portfolio now stands at 92 properties in 49 gateway cities.

Among top gainers, Jardine Matheson rose 2.4 percent to 61 U.S. dollars, while UOB became one of the top losers by falling 2.7 percent to 23.38 Singapore dollars. (1 U.S. dollar equals to 1.34 Singapore dollars) Endi