Singapore Exchange's securities market turnover value surged 70% year on year to S$45.8 billion in May 2026, driven by strong activity across multiple asset classes [1, 2, 3]. Securities daily average value (SDAV) rose 79% to S$2.4 billion, marking the highest level since October 2007 [1, 2, 3].
Derivatives trading volume increased 20% year on year to 30.5 million contracts. The daily average derivatives volume grew 27% to 1.6 million contracts, reaching the third-highest level on record [1, 2, 3]. The Straits Times Index (STI) gained 3.5% month on month, hitting a record high of 5,072 points on May 19, supported by banking and technology stocks [1, 2, 3].
Exchange-traded funds (ETF) posted net inflows of S$129 million in May, extending the streak to 15 consecutive months and totaling S$687 million for the year to date [1, 2, 3]. Momentum in small- and mid-cap stocks, excluding real estate investment trusts, accelerated significantly. SDAV in this segment was up 24% month on month and more than quadrupled year on year, with institutional investors remaining net buyers for the fifth straight month. They contributed the largest monthly increase in securities SDAV, growing S$184 million month on month and exceeding S$800 million in inflows over the past 12 months [1, 2, 3]. The Singapore Exchange noted that "Momentum in small- and mid-cap stocks excluding real estate investment trusts (Reits) continued to accelerate" [2].
Retail investors also played a strong role, with their securities SDAV rising 11% month on month to a 13-year high, surpassing the previous peak in February. Cumulative net inflows from retail investors exceeded S$1.5 billion over the first five months of 2026. The exchange stated that this "reflects sustained interest in Singapore equities" [1, 2, 3].
Foreign exchange futures activity increased notably, with daily average volume rising nearly 30% year on year. The exchange said market participants "actively managed risk through FX futures as signs of a resilient US economy placed sustained pressure on Asian currencies" [1, 2].
In corporate developments, JustCo, a shared office space operator, listed on the Singapore Exchange main board on May 22 [1]. Three companies previously listed on Catalist—Lum Chang Creations, CNMC Goldmine, and Koh Brothers Eco Engineering—also announced transfers to the main board during May [1]. Hong Leong Asia and Aspial Lifestyle raised a combined S$316 million through share placements in May [1].
