1st LD Writethru: Singapore stocks end down 0.65 pct

Singapore shares closed 0.65 percent lower on Friday.

Singapore's benchmark Straits Times Index fell 20.54 points to 3,117.03 points. Trading volume was 3.19 billion shares worth 1.43 billion Singapore dollars. Decliners slightly outnumbered advancers 269 to 208.

SembCorp Industries rose 2.7 percent to 3.27 Singapore dollars. The energy, water and marine group reported fourth-quarter net profit more than doubled to 147.5 million Singapore dollars from a year ago as its marine business swung back to profitability and its urban development business put in a better performance. But its revenue fell 16.3 percent to 2.03 billion Singapore dollars during the quarter from a year ago due mainly to lower revenue from marine business.

China Aviation Oil (Singapore) inched up 1 percent to 1.525 Singapore dollars. The jet fuel trader announced a 45.1 percent increase in full-year net profit to 88.9 million U.S. dollars, backed by higher gross profit and increased contributions from the group's associated companies. Its full-year revenue rose 30.2 percent to 11.7 billion U.S. dollars from a year ago, mainly attributable to the increase in supply and trading volumes.

Among top gainers, Venture Corporation rose 0.6 percent to 10.32 Singapore dollars, whereas Jardine Strategic became one of the top losers by falling 1.4 percent to 37.48 U.S. dollars. (1 U.S. dollar equals to 1.40 Singapore dollars) Endit