Singapore stocks to surge after PAP re-elected with more diverse Parliament, analysts say
- People’s Action Party retained a firm grip on power but suffered its weakest performance in 55 years in office
- Meanwhile, the opposition Workers’ Party won a record 10 seats and secured two group constituencies
“A diverse set of voices in the parliament mitigates any potential of group think,” said Justin Tang, head of Asian research at United First Partners. “Open and tough discussions will foster even better policies that will ultimately flow down to firms including government-linked companies.”
The Straits Times Index has already been rebounding, rising 19 per cent from a low in March as government stimulus and a reopening of the economy eased investors’ concerns about the impact of the coronavirus on the economy. But even after its recovery, the benchmark stock gauge is still down 18 per cent this year.
“Any dip in markets due to the lower vote share of the PAP should be bought into as Singaporeans have voted for continuity as well as positive change,” said Nirgunan Tiruchelvam, head of consumer equity research at Tellimer. “The market has already seen the worst due to Covid-19 and the US-China trade war.”
“Singapore companies engaged in manufacturing will do better as the government is likely to pursue more reforms” focusing on the sector, Tiruchelvam said.
According to Tang of UFP, government-linked companies such as Singapore Press Holdings, the Sembcorp group, Singapore Airlines group and SATS are worth watching.
