Roundup: Singapore stocks end down 0.26 pct

Singapore shares closed 0.26 percent lower on Monday following a dive on U.S. stocks last Friday, but losses were limited by a general lack of investor interest in a holiday-heavy week.

Oil prices continued to be weak as a glut of supply left both Brent and U.S. crude down around 35 percent for the year so far. Brent crude future was quoted around 36 U.S. dollars a barrel and touched a new seven-year low at 36.32 U.S. dollars last Friday. A break of 36.20 U.S. dollars would take it to new low since 2004.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index fell 7.29 points to 2,845.55 points. Trading volume was 911 million shares worth 626 million Singapore dollars. Advancers outnumbered decliners 205 to 171, while 551 stocks did not move.

Ezra Holdings rose 4.2 percent to 9.9 Singapore cents. It announced that its sub-sea services division, EMAS AMC, has been awarded sub-sea contracts in the Middle East and Asia, worth 70 million U.S. dollars. In the Middle East, the contract was awarded by a national oil company and a new client for Ezra. The scope of work of the contract involves the lift of nearly 3,000 metric tons of offshore structures, such as topsides, a jacket, flare and structure, and a helideck.

In addition, Ezra's heavy life vessel Lewek Constellation will be involved in the removal of existing spools, installation of new ones and connecting flow-lines to a new platform in the region. In Asia, Ezra will be involved in the transportation and installation of nearly 10 kilometers of pipelines for another national oil company.

Among top gainers, Jardine Strategic Singapore Exchange Limited rose 2 percent to 27.01 U.S. dollars, while Jardine Cycle and Carriage became one of the top losers by falling 2.5 percent to 34 Singapore dollars. (1 U.S. dollar equals to 1.41 Singapore dollars) Endit