Daily Markets Briefing: STI down 0.45%

Investors were optimistic about easing trade tensions.

The Straits Times Index (STI) ended 14.67 or 0.45% lower at 3,214.44.

The top active stocks were DBS, which dipped 0.36%, UOB, which fell 0.53%, Singtel, which slipped 0.33%, OCBC, which dipped 0.34%, and SGX with a 0.4% advance.

The FTSE Mid Cap fell 0.50% whilst the FTSE Small Cap dipped 0.61%.

According to OCBC Investment Research, stocks extended their win streak to three days after reports that the Trump administration was debating whether to ease tariffs on Chinese imports in a bid to calm markets and ease tensions with Beijing.

All eleven S&P 500 industries ended higher, led by Materials (1.68%) and Industrials (1.65%).

"The optimism for progress in US-China trade talks could bring some cheer to the local bourse today," OIR said.