Singapore stocks end up 0.43 pct

Singapore shares closed 0.43 percent higher on Friday, boosted by late buying although the Britain vote on the European Union (EU) membership next week continued to weigh on investors' sentiment.

While news of the killing of a pro-EU lawmaker was seen swaying sentiment toward the "Remain" camp, the concerns over possible British exit from the European Union persisted.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices rose for the first time in seven days as Brexit concerns ebbed, after losses of almost 4 percent overnight. U.S. crude and Brent crude futures had recorded losses of about 10 percent over the previous six sessions.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index rose 11.86 points to 2,763.42 points. Trading volume was 1.09 billion shares worth 1.12 billion Singapore dollars. Decliners outnumbered advancers 212 to 172, while 521 stocks did not move.

Noble Group rose 2.2 percent to 23 Singapore cents. It expressed disagreement with S&P Global Ratings' downgrade of Noble's credit rating to B+ from BB-, with a negative outlook.

GL Limited ended flat at 86 Singapore cents. Its subsidiary GLH Hotels Management (UK) is developing a new Hard Rock Hotel London with hotel and casino chain Hard Rock International.

Among top gainers, Jardine Matheson rose 0.7 percent to 55.36 U.S. dollars, whereas Jardine Cycle and Carriage became one of the top losers by falling 0.4 percent to 32.30 Singapore dollars. (1 U.S. dollar equals 1.35 Singapore dollars) Endit