The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points this week, yet the STI continued to climb, while oil prices above US$100 added another source of uncertainty for investors.
Against that backdrop, the question is not simply whether markets are high or volatile, but where the underlying businesses are still getting stronger.
This week’s Smart Reads digs into those fundamentals. We look at three Singapore stocks that remain interesting even with the STI at record levels, and go back through a decade of ST Engineering’s results to understand what has driven its remarkable rise in value.
We also examine another way companies can reward shareholders: share buybacks. Six Temasek-backed stocks have been particularly active, but investors should understand what those repurchases actually mean for long-term returns.
And beyond Singapore, we tackle a bigger portfolio question: STI or S&P 500? With volatility creating uncertainty in US markets, we explore why owning quality companies across both markets can play different roles in building long-term wealth.
Here are this week’s top articles:
Top 6 Temasek-Backed Stocks with Aggressive Share Buybacks
These Temasek-linked companies are spending heavily to repurchase their shares, but investors should look closely at what those buybacks could mean for shareholder value.
STI or S&P 500: Where Should You Invest Your Next Dollar?
Singapore income or US growth? We examine the different roles these two markets can play in a long-term portfolio.
The STI Is at a Record High: Here Are 3 Singapore Stocks I Would Still Buy
Record markets can make investors hesitant, but attractive businesses can still be found if you know what to look for.
Why Has ST Engineering Become So Much More Valuable? We Went Back Through 10 Years of Results
A decade of financial results reveals what has changed inside ST Engineering and helped drive its long-term growth.
This REIT-Like Blue Chip Raised Its Dividends by 33%: Is It Time to Buy?
A sizeable dividend increase has put this income stock back in focus, but the strength behind the higher payout matters too.
Is Sembcorp Industries’ Dividend Growth Outlook Sustainable for 2H2026?
Sembcorp has been rewarding shareholders with higher dividends, but can its business support further growth?
Why You Should Still Invest in US Stocks Despite Market Volatility
Short-term swings can be unsettling, but they do not necessarily change the long-term case for owning quality US businesses.
From Costco to Sheng Siong: Analysing the Consumer Staples Moat Across Two Markets
Two retailers, two very different markets. We examine the competitive advantages that have helped both businesses thrive.
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