Daily Markets Briefing: STI down 0.02%

Expect muted gains today.

The Straits Times Index (STI) ended 0.02% lower to 3,427.51, taking the year-to-date performance to +0.72%.

OCBC Investment Research noted that US stock-market indexes jumped on Friday, with the Dow finishing with a gain of more than 200 points following jobs report in May that surpassed expectations.

Nine out of 11 S&P 500 industries ended higher, led by Information Technology (1.97%) and Materials (1.54%), whilst Utilities (-1.54%) and Consumer Staples (-0.02%) bucked the trend.

"The gains on Wall Street Friday on US growth could provide some inspiration to the local bourse today. But we expect the overall tone to remain cautious as trade concerns still in focus," OIR said.