Singapore Exchange Ltd. shares rose following a Morgan Stanley report that said May trading metrics beat the firm's expectations and signaled renewed momentum across cash and derivatives markets. The brokerage flagged higher turnover velocity, sustained institutional interest in smaller stocks, and broad-based gains in derivatives as evidence of stronger activity on the bourse.
Key market metrics
Turnover velocity - a measure comparing trading turnover to market capitalization - increased to 56% in May from 48% in April, matching the level seen in March and staying well above the 12-month run rate, Morgan Stanley reported. For fiscal 2026 to date, the firm put velocity at 44%.
The note singled out a continuing institutional buying trend in small- and mid-cap equities, marking the fifth consecutive month of net inflows from institutions into that segment. Excluding real estate investment trusts, momentum in small- and mid-cap names accelerated: average daily value for those stocks rose 24% month-over-month and was more than four times higher year-over-year.
Derivatives and fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC) activity
Derivatives volumes overall increased by 1% month-over-month and 21% year-over-year in May, the firm said. Growth came from both FICC derivatives and equity derivatives. In the equity derivatives space, volume gains were widespread, led by A50 contracts and Singapore-related contracts. Within FICC derivatives, Morgan Stanley identified CNH, INR and KRW foreign exchange futures as primary drivers of strong growth. By contrast, iron ore derivatives volume declined 6% month-over-month.
Open interest on the exchange was lower month-over-month, falling 5%, but remained higher on a year-over-year basis, up 10%.
Structural initiatives and timeline
The note reiterated Morgan Stanley's view that several structural initiatives will support SGX going forward. Those items included the Value Unlock program, market structural reforms and Singapore's characterization as a low-beta market. The brokerage also pointed to the planned launch of a Global Listing Board, targeted for end-June 2026, as a potential catalyst. In addition, the next cohort of equity distribution platform managers is expected to be appointed around mid-2026.
Implications for market participants
Morgan Stanley's observations underline areas of the market that are currently showing strength - notably small- and mid-cap equities (excluding REITs), CNH/INR/KRW FX futures, and equity derivatives tied to A50 and Singapore contracts. At the same time, certain pockets such as iron ore derivatives were weaker in May.