Roundup: Singapore stocks end down 0.08 percent

Singapore shares closed 0.08 percent lower on Tuesday as investors were cautious before Wall Street opened later in the day.

U.S. markets were closed on Monday for Presidents' Day. The political uncertainty in France after a poll showed far-right Marine Le Pen narrowing the gap with more centrist opponents also weighed on investors' sentiment.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index fell 2.5 points to 3,094.19 points. Trading volume was 2.9 billion shares worth 1.21 billion Singapore dollars (852 million U.S. dollars). Decliners outnumbered advancers 281 to 202.

Wilmar International fell 3.1 percent to 3.78 Singapore dollars. The agribusiness group reported a 70 percent increase in fourth-quarter net profit to 560.8 million U.S. dollars from a year ago, driven by stronger performance across all business segments and recognition of deferred tax assets of 142.1 million U.S. dollars for the group's Indonesian operations.

Its tropical oils and oilseeds segments continued their good performance in the quarter, while the sugar segment benefited from higher sugar prices and the extension of the season for milling activities in Australia.

Global Logistic Properties dropped 0.4 percent to 2.74 Singapore dollars.

The provider of modern warehouse facilities announced it bought a company in China called Shanghai Jingxi Business Consulting Co. for 350 million Chinese yuan (53 million dollars) in cash.

After the purchase, it holds a 45.6 percent stake in Beijing Capital Farm, but did not say what business Shanghai Jingxi or Beijing Capital Farm were engaged in.

Among top gainers, UOB rose 1 percent to 21.32 Singapore dollars, while Jardine Cycle and Carriage became one of the top losers by falling 0.4 percent to 41.64 Singapore dollars. (1 Singapore dollar = 0.7 U.S. dollar) Endit