SGX March 2026 Market Statistics – Key Insights for Investors

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has released its Market Statistics for March 2026, presenting critical data and trends that may impact investors’ positions. Below, we break down the most significant and potentially price-sensitive information from the report.

Key Market Highlights

• Strong Growth in Trading Activity: March 2026 saw a sharp rise in trading with stock market turnover volume up to 38,066 million shares (+42% YoY), and turnover value at S\$52,822 million (+78% YoY). The number of trading days increased to 22, up from 18 in February, which contributed to the higher volumes.
• Derivatives Market Expansion: Derivatives trading volume surged to 38.3 million contracts, a significant increase from February, with the daily average volume up 9% MoM. The derivatives market remains a critical growth engine for SGX.
• Turnover Velocity Jumps: The overall market turnover velocity increased to 56% in March, up from 49% in February, indicating a more active trading environment that could reflect rising speculative interest or increased institutional participation.
• Market Capitalisation Contracts: Despite higher trading activity, total market capitalisation declined to S\$1,095,707 million, down from S\$1,124,434 million in February. This suggests that while trading is up, share prices overall have drifted lower, possibly due to profit-taking or sector rotation.

Sector and Stock Performance – Price Sensitive Details

1. Strong Sector Movements

• Technology Sector:
  – Trading volume soared 551% YoY to 2,882 million shares in March.
  – Value traded skyrocketed 839% YoY to S\$1,541 million.
  This exceptional growth could signal strong investor interest in technology counters, which may be price moving.
• Oil & Gas:
  – Volume up 257% YoY (3,573 million shares).
  – Value up 199% YoY (S\$3,524 million).
  The sector’s performance may be supported by commodity price fluctuations or sector re-ratings.
• Health Care:
  – Volume up 402% YoY (2,002 million shares).
  – Value up 321% YoY (S\$642 million).
  Such surges often precede or follow news and can be price sensitive.
• Financials:
  – Value traded up 60% YoY (S\$26,909 million).
  – Volume up 40% YoY (8,293 million shares).
  Major banks and financial stocks remain key drivers.

2. Index Performance and Notable Price Movers

• Straits Times Index (STI): Fell 2% MoM, but remains up 23% YoY, closing March at 4,885.45.
  FTSE ST China Index: Down 9% MoM, but up 43% YoY.
  FTSE ST Oil & Gas: Up 10% MoM and 100% YoY – extremely robust performance.
  FTSE ST Technology: Up 5% MoM, 47% YoY.
  Investors should note that sector rotation into Oil & Gas and Technology is underway.

3. Top Companies by Market Capitalisation (March 2026)

• DBS Group Holdings Ltd: S\$161.8 billion
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp: S\$98.6 billion
• Singtel: S\$81.3 billion
• United Overseas Bank Limited: S\$60.6 billion
• Prudential Plc: S\$41.1 billion
• Singapore Tech Engineering Ltd: S\$33.8 billion
• Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd: S\$26.9 billion
• Wilmar International Limited: S\$24.0 billion
• Hongkong Land Holdings Limited: S\$21.6 billion
• Keppel Ltd.: S\$21.1 billion

DBS, OCBC, UOB, Singtel, and Keppel are among the most actively traded and capitalised stocks. Any significant news or results from these companies can have a substantial market impact and move the STI.

Other Price-Sensitive Developments

• Bond Listings Surge: New bond listings reached 260 in Q3 FY2026, raising S\$94.5 billion (+43% YoY). Foreign issuers dominate (88% of listings). Large deals from Republic of Indonesia, Nippon Steel, NTT Finance, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank highlight Singapore’s role as a regional debt hub. Large-scale bond issues have the potential to affect funding costs and market liquidity for local corporates.
• Derivatives Market Breakout:
  • Total trading volume up 40% YoY (97.5 million contracts in Q3 FY2026).
  • Options trading volume up 85% YoY.
  • Iron Ore, FX, and Cryptocurrency derivatives volumes showed robust growth, with Iron Ore derivatives up 44% YoY, and Cryptocurrency derivatives (Bitcoin, Ethereum) trading volumes emerging strongly.
  • Open interest for USD/CNH FX Futures rose 34% YoY, and Iron Ore Options up 163% YoY, signaling increased hedging/speculation.
• SGX Mainboard and Catalist:
  • Total number of listed securities decreased slightly to 604 (from 606 in Feb), reflecting ongoing delistings and limited IPO activity. This could affect index composition and investor sentiment.

Risks & Investor Considerations

• Higher Turnover, Lower Market Cap: The strong rise in trading volumes and velocity, set against a falling total market cap, could signal increased volatility or rotation from large caps into smaller or speculative stocks.
• Sector Rotation: Persistent outperformance in Oil & Gas, Technology, and Financials sectors may draw further fund flows, but investors should be cautious of profit-taking, especially after such large YoY gains.
• Bond Market Activity: Surging foreign bond issuance could impact local interest rates, liquidity, and relative attractiveness of equities.
• Derivatives Growth: The surge in derivatives activity, particularly in single stock futures and options, may increase market leverage and volatility.

Conclusion

The March 2026 SGX market data signals robust trading activity, sector rotation into Oil & Gas and Technology, and a surge in derivatives and bond market activity. However, the decline in market capitalisation amidst higher turnover suggests investors should be cautious about volatility and be aware of the potential for rapid sector shifts. Key blue chip stocks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, and Singtel remain pivotal to overall market direction. These trends are likely to drive share prices in the coming months.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a professional advisor before making investment decisions. Market conditions can change rapidly and past performance is not indicative of future results.

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