As the market goes higher — and as they join the action later with their respective allocations — will the third tranche of asset managers be, in a way, disadvantaged?
The Straits Times Index (STI), at a new record, is expected to climb further. For years, a return to the 4,000-point mark was a silent hope, and the 5,000 mark was practically a fantasy. With the index now above 4,800, this 5,000 milestone is within reach, as overall optimism grew after the market review measures announced last February.
The key driver is the $5 billion in the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) funding that is being parcelled out in phases. The first and second batch of fund managers have been named and are actively involved, while the third is likely to be chosen and announced only in 2Q2026.
