Singapore Index Futures Margin & Contract Specifications

What Is the Singapore Index?

The Singapore Index refers to the Straits Times Index (STI). It is jointly compiled by Singapore Press Holdings, the Singapore Exchange (SGX), and FTSE Russell, and consists of the 30 largest and most liquid blue-chip companies listed on the SGX.
Although it includes only 30 stocks, these companies represent around 80% of the total market capitalization of the Singapore stock market. The index has a strong financial and real estate tilt—for example, DBS Group, OCBC Bank, and UOB together account for roughly 40%–50% of the index’s total weight.

Factors Affecting the Price of the Singapore Index

1. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Policy and the Economy

Singapore’s GDP, manufacturing (especially electronics), and services sectors (finance, shipping, tourism) reflect overall economic conditions. Strong economic data is generally supportive of index gains.
Unlike most central banks, the MAS does not use interest rates as its primary policy tool. Instead, it manages monetary policy through the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER). When MAS tightens exchange-rate policy to curb inflation, corporate profitability may be constrained, which can weigh on the Singapore Index.

2. Singapore Dollar Exchange Rate

Because Singapore’s economy is highly trade-dependent, movements in the Singapore dollar matter. A stronger SGD helps contain imported inflation but can create foreign exchange translation losses for index constituents with high overseas revenue exposure—such as Singapore Airlines and Singtel—thereby affecting index performance.

3. Global Market Linkages

Global equity markets are closely interconnected. U.S. market risk appetite and Federal Reserve policy influence global asset allocation; U.S. rate cuts often benefit high-dividend assets in Singapore.
Singapore companies also have significant investments and lending exposure to ASEAN economies. Economic conditions in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand affect corporate earnings and, in turn, the Singapore Index.

4. Corporate Earnings and Financial Reports

The index’s weight is highly concentrated in the financial sector, particularly the three major local banks—DBS, OCBC, and UOB—which together account for about 51% of the index. When net interest margins widen, these banks tend to deliver strong earnings, lifting the overall index.

5. Real Estate and REITs

Singapore is one of Asia’s largest REIT markets, and the index includes heavyweight property names such as CapitaLand. As a result, residential and commercial property prices, transaction volumes, and government housing policies directly affect property stocks and index direction. Recovery trends in global office and retail markets also influence dividend-paying capacity of these constituents.

6. Market Sentiment and Geopolitics

The Singapore Index is considered a defensive index with low volatility and high dividends. During geopolitical conflicts or sudden black swan events, Singapore equities tend to be relatively resilient, though they may lag during strong growth-driven rallies.
As a neutral financial hub, Singapore often serves as a safe haven for capital during shifts in U.S.–China relations or developments in the South China Sea, attracting inflows during periods of heightened uncertainty.

MSCI Singapore Index Futures Margin

How much money is needed to trade futures? At the beginning, the required margin is the initial margin. While holding a position, the margin after deducting floating profits and losses must remain above the maintenance margin; otherwise, a margin call will be issued. For day-trading margin, only half of the margin is required, provided the position is closed before the market closes.

Foreign Futures

MSCI Singapore Index Futures Contract Specifications

Here is a summary for traders of the contract specifications, exchange, trading hours, minimum price fluctuation, and available trading months for MSCI Singapore Index FuturesFutures.

MSCI Singapore Index FuturesLast Trading Day

Futures