Singapore Market Week Ahead: REITs in the Spotlight and Key Economic Data to Watch

October 21, 2024

  • REIT earnings take center stage with major updates from Mapletree, Keppel, and Suntec.
  • Singapore’s inflation and industrial production data to provide insights into economic conditions.
  • Global influences from China, the US, and Europe could sway market sentiment.

As we enter the week of 21 to 25 October 2024, the Singapore market is set for a dynamic period with important earnings releases and economic data that will shape investor sentiment. While global developments continue to impact the market, the spotlight will be on key SGX-listed companies and domestic economic updates. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect across various segments.

1. Key Earnings Reports

 This week will see significant earnings announcements from several prominent companies, especially in the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) space. Among the most anticipated are:

  • Mapletree Logistics Trust (22 October, after market): Investors will be eager to assess how well the logistics REIT has navigated the evolving demand for industrial and logistics spaces.
  • Keppel REIT (22 October, before market): As a major player in the office property sector, Keppel’s earnings will provide insights into the commercial real estate market, particularly in light of rising interest rates.
  • OUE REIT, Digital Core REIT, and Keppel Pacific Oak US REIT (23 October): These earnings are crucial for understanding the performance of both local and overseas office spaces. OUE REIT and Digital Core have heavy exposure to commercial real estate, while Keppel Pacific Oak has US exposure, which has faced headwinds from tightening monetary policy.
  • Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust, Suntec REIT, and Capitaland India Trust (24 October): These earnings will highlight trends in the retail and office property sectors across Asia, with Suntec REIT’s mixed property portfolio likely attracting attention.
  • Capitaland Ascendas REIT, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, and IFAST Corporation (25 October): Frasers Centrepoint’s performance will provide a look into the health of the retail sector, while Capitaland Ascendas REIT’s earnings will be key for investors focused on industrial real estate.

These earnings reports, particularly in the REIT sector, will give investors critical information about the state of Singapore’s property market, a major segment of the economy.

2. Key Domestic Economic Indicators

The release of Singapore’s inflation data on 23 October will be the most closely watched domestic economic event this week. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) YoY and MoM figures will provide insights into price pressures across the economy. Given ongoing inflation concerns globally, this data will be critical for investors trying to assess whether Singapore’s monetary policy may adjust in response to inflation trends.

Additionally, Singapore’s industrial production figures on 25 October will offer a snapshot of the country’s manufacturing health. With global trade still facing headwinds, industrial production data will be an important indicator of whether local industries are maintaining momentum or experiencing slowdowns.

3. Global Market Influences

While the focus remains on Singapore, several global macroeconomic events could influence local market sentiment:

  • China’s Loan Prime Rate and Economic Surveys (21-25 October): Investors will closely follow these to gauge the strength of China’s economic recovery and its potential impact on Singapore, especially as China is a key trade partner.
  • US Durable Goods Orders and PMI Data (24-25 October): As the world’s largest economy, US economic data remains important for Singaporean investors, particularly as it may impact global risk appetite and demand for exports from Singapore.
  • Germany’s IFO Business Climate Index and PMI Data from France and Germany (24-25 October): European market conditions, particularly in manufacturing and services, will also play a role in shaping global sentiment, especially for investors exposed to global growth trends.

4. Sector Focus: Real Estate, Insurance, and Industrials

This week’s earnings are heavily weighted toward the real estate sector, particularly REITs, which have faced pressures from rising interest rates and a changing office landscape. Investors will be keen to see how these property players are adapting to the new environment.

In addition, United Overseas Insurance (22 October) will report earnings, offering insights into the financial and insurance sectors in Singapore. The results could indicate broader trends in risk management and business resilience within the local economy.

Lastly, industrial production data from Singapore and reports from industrial REITs like Capitaland Ascendas REIT will provide valuable information for those following the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Summary of Key Themes for the Week:

  1. REIT Earnings in Focus: A heavy schedule of REIT earnings will give investors valuable insights into both local and overseas property markets.
  2. Inflation and Production Data: Singapore’s CPI and industrial production figures will be crucial for understanding domestic economic conditions.
  3. Global Market Impact: While the focus is on Singapore, economic data from China, the US, and Europe could influence investor sentiment globally, impacting Singapore’s open economy.
  4. Sector Performance: Real estate, industrials, and insurance sectors will be under the microscope as investors look for earnings and economic data to assess market performance.

Keep an eye on these key developments to navigate the week ahead in the SGX market.

Disclaimer: ProsperUs Head of Content & Investment Lead Billy Toh doesn’t own shares of any companies mentioned.

Billy Toh

Billy is deeply committed to making investment accessible and understandable to everyone, a principle that drives his engagement with the capital markets and his long-term investment strategies. He is currently the Head of Content & Investment Lead for Prosperus and a SGX Academy Trainer. His extensive experience spans roles as an economist at RHB Investment Bank, focusing on the Thailand and Philippines markets, and as a financial journalist at The Edge Malaysia. Additionally, his background includes valuable time spent in an asset management firm. Outside of finance, Billy enjoys meaningful conversations over coffee, keeps fit as a fitness enthusiast, and has a keen interest in technology.

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