The Straits Times Index (STI) has surged to an unprecedented 5,595 points, a milestone that underscores the resilience of Singapore’s capital markets. The rally reflects both robust corporate earnings expectations and heightened investor participation across retail and institutional segments.
Yet beneath the headline number lies a divergence in priorities: retail investors continue to favour stability and dividends, while institutions are positioning for cyclical recovery and global exposure.
In this week’s edition of 4 Stocks This Week, we look at 10 STI constituents that have received the highest net retail and institutional inflow in 2026 year to date, as described in an SGX Market Update. All data is as of 17 July 2026.
5 STI Constituents With The Highest Retail Inflow In 2026
#1 DBS (SGX: D05)
Retail flows have been concentrated in one local bank, DBS, which remains a perennial favourite for its relatively high dividend yields. With $1.72 billion in net retail inflows year to date, it has attracted more retail investor attention than the other 4 on this list combined. It currently boasts a market capitalisation of $204.6 billion.
#2 Singtel (SGX: Z74)
Singtel comes in at a distant second place, with $539 million net retail inflow year to date. This reflects optimism in its regional recovery and digital services growth. It currently has a market capitalisation of $72.5 billion.
#3 CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (SGX: A17U)
The REIT has drawn strong net retail inflows of $360 million, reflecting confidence in Singapore’s property market and the appeal of REITs as income-generating vehicles. It has a market capitalisation of $12.5 billion.
#4 Genting Singapore (SGX: G13)
The integrated resort operator remains popular among retail investors, buoyed by tourism recovery and resilient gaming revenues. It has a net retail inflow of $270 million and a market capitalisation of $7.6 billion.
#5 Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96)
Institutional investors have positioned heavily in Sembcorp, betting on its energy transition strategy and expanding renewables portfolio. Yet it is also popular among retail investors, with $230 million net retail inflow. It boasts a market capitalisation of $9.5 billion.
5 STI Constituents With The Highest Institutional Inflow In 2026
#1 SIA (SGX: C6L)
Institutional flows tell a different story. The standout has been Singapore Airlines (SIA), which recorded net inflows of $799 million year to date as funds positioned for continued travel recovery and strong passenger yields. It currently boasts a market capitalisation of $24.1 billion.
#2 UOB (SGX: U11)
Institutional flows into UOB reflect confidence in its regional expansion and steady dividend track record. It has $400 million net institutional inflows year to date, and a market capitalisation of $70.1 billion.
#3 Wilmar International (SGX: F34)
Institutions continue to back Wilmar for its scale in agribusiness and resilience in global food commodity markets. It remains a staple for funds seeking resilience in food commodities and consumer non-cyclicals. It recorded net institutional inflows of $251 million year to date. Market capitalisation is currently $24.1 billion.
#4 OCBC (SGX: O39)
OCBC remains an institutional and retail favourite, with investors valuing its consistent profitability and shareholder-friendly dividend policy. In 2026 year to date, it has $213 million net institutional inflow with a current market capitalisation of $128.2 billion.
#5 SATS (SGX: S58)
SATS Ltd, with net institutional inflows of $205 million, has benefited from the resurgence in aviation services and logistics demand. It has a market capitalisation of $6.9 billion.
Diverging Priorities But Shared Conviction
The contrast between retail and institutional inflows underscores the diversity of strategies at play in Singapore’s equity markets. Retail investors continue to favour the safety of banks and REITs, while institutions are positioning for growth in transport, logistics, and technology. Yet both segments share a common conviction: Singapore’s corporate sector is poised to deliver, and the STI’s record high is not merely symbolic but a reflection of underlying strength.
As earnings season progresses, the sustainability of these inflows will hinge on results. Strong bank earnings could reinforce retail confidence, while robust travel and logistics numbers may validate institutional bets. For now, the STI’s climb to 5,595 points stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of Singapore’s capital markets.
