Top 10 Singapore large-cap stocks to watch in 2025

What are Singapore large-cap stocks?

Singapore large-cap stocks represent shares of companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) with market capitalisations typically exceeding S$10 billion. These companies are generally well-established market leaders with significant regional and international operations.

The Straits Times Index (STI), Singapore's benchmark stock index, comprises 30 of the largest and most liquid companies by market capitalisation².

CFD trading vs direct share ownership

When you trade Singapore large-cap stocks through IG Singapore, you're trading CFDs (contracts for difference) rather than purchasing the underlying shares directly. This fundamental difference means:

• No share ownership: You don't own the underlying shares or receive voting rights
• Leverage capability: You can trade with leverage, magnifying both potential profits and losses
• Short selling: You can profit from falling prices by opening short positions
• No dividend payments: You don't receive actual dividends, though dividend adjustments may apply to CFD positions
• Financing costs: Positions held overnight incur financing charges

Top 10 Singapore large-cap stocks for CFD trading

1. DBS Group Holdings (SGX: D05)

Sector: Banking and financial services

Market position: Singapore's largest bank by assets³

DBS Group has maintained its position as Singapore's most valuable company since 2017⁴. The bank operates across consumer banking, corporate banking and wealth management, with significant exposure to key Asian markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India and Indonesia.

Recent performance highlights:

• Return on equity exceeding 17% in recent quarters⁵
• Strong fee income growth, particularly in wealth management
• Robust capital ratios with CET1 ratio above 17%⁶

CFD trading considerations: DBS shares typically respond to interest rate changes, banking sector developments and regional economic conditions. The stock has shown strong performance, with shares gaining over 40% in 2024⁷.

2. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (SGX: O39)

Sector: Banking and financial services

Market position: Second-largest bank in Singapore and Southeast Asia by assets⁸

OCBC is Singapore's oldest bank, established in 1932 through a merger of three banking institutions⁹. The bank operates across 18 countries and territories, with strong positions in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China.

Recent performance highlights:

• Highest net interest margins among the three major Singapore banks¹⁰
• Strong operational efficiency with competitive cost-to-income ratios
• Projected dividend yield of approximately 5.2%¹¹

CFD trading considerations: OCBC shares offer exposure to Singapore's banking sector with particular strength in regional markets. The stock has shown resilience during market volatility.

3. United Overseas Bank (SGX: U11)

Sector: Banking and financial services

Market position: Third-largest bank in Southeast Asia by assets¹²

UOB was established in 1935 and now operates over 500 offices across 19 countries and territories¹³. The bank has particular strength in Southeast Asian markets and has been expanding its yuan business capabilities.

Recent performance highlights:

• Strong loan growth across wholesale and consumer segments
• Improving operational efficiency
• Solid capital position with CET1 ratio above 15%¹⁴

CFD trading considerations: UOB shares provide exposure to Southeast Asian banking growth with competitive valuations compared to regional peers.

4. Singapore Telecommunications (SGX: Z74)

Sector: Telecommunications

Market position: Singapore's largest telecommunications company

Singtel operates mobile, broadband and digital services across Singapore, Australia and key Asian markets. The company has been investing in digital transformation and 5G infrastructure development.

Recent performance highlights:

• Strong market position in Singapore telecommunications
• Significant investments in regional markets including Australia and Indonesia
• Digital services expansion across multiple verticals

CFD trading considerations: Singtel shares offer exposure to telecommunications infrastructure and digital services growth across Asia-Pacific markets.

5. Singapore Technologies Engineering (SGX: S63)

Sector: Engineering and technology

Market position: Global technology and engineering group

ST Engineering operates across aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine engineering. The company has been a strong performer, with shares gaining over 94% in 2024¹⁵.

Recent performance highlights:

• Strong order book across multiple business segments
• Significant R&D investments in emerging technologies
• Consistent dividend payments with growth potential

CFD trading considerations: ST Engineering shares provide exposure to defence, aerospace and smart city technologies with strong government and commercial contract pipelines.

6. Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L)

Sector: Aviation

Market position: Premium international airline

Singapore Airlines (SIA) operates one of the world's youngest and most modern fleets, serving destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. The airline has benefited from post-pandemic travel recovery.

Recent performance highlights:

• Strong passenger load factors exceeding 86%¹⁶
• Fleet modernisation and sustainable aviation investments
• Premium positioning in international markets

CFD trading considerations: SIA shares offer exposure to international travel recovery and premium aviation services, though the sector remains sensitive to economic cycles and external factors.

7. Keppel Corporation (SGX: BN4)

Sector: Conglomerate

Market position: Diversified infrastructure and property group

Keppel operates across offshore and marine engineering, property development, infrastructure and investments. The company has been transforming its business mix towards asset-light, recurring income models.

Recent performance highlights:

• Portfolio transformation towards infrastructure and connectivity
• Strong property development pipeline
• Sustainable solutions focus across business segments

CFD trading considerations: Keppel shares provide exposure to infrastructure development and property markets across Asia, with ongoing business transformation.

8. Genting Singapore (SGX: G13)

Sector: Gaming and hospitality

Market position: Integrated resort operator

Genting Singapore operates Resorts World Sentosa, one of Singapore's two integrated resorts. The company has significant exposure to tourism and gaming revenues.

Recent performance highlights:

• Recovery in tourism and gaming revenues
• Investments in new attractions and facilities
• Exposure to Singapore's tourism sector growth

CFD trading considerations: Genting Singapore shares offer exposure to Singapore's tourism recovery and gaming sector, though performance is sensitive to visitor arrivals and regulatory changes.

9. Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68)

Sector: Financial services

Market position: Singapore's primary securities and derivatives exchange

Singapore Exchange (SGX) operates Singapore's securities and derivatives markets, providing listing, trading, clearing and settlement services. The exchange has been expanding its product offerings and regional connectivity.

Recent performance highlights:

• Diverse revenue streams across multiple asset classes
• Growing derivatives and commodities trading
• Regional market expansion initiatives

CFD trading considerations: SGX shares provide exposure to Singapore's financial markets infrastructure and regional capital markets development.

10. Wilmar International (SGX: F34)

Sector: Agribusiness

Market position: Leading agribusiness group

Wilmar operates across the entire palm oil value chain, from plantation to consumer products. The company also has significant operations in sugar, specialty fats, oleochemicals and biodiesel.

Recent performance highlights:

• Integrated operations across multiple agricultural value chains
• Strong positions in key Asian markets
• Sustainable agriculture initiatives

CFD trading considerations: Wilmar shares offer exposure to agricultural commodities and consumer products, with performance influenced by commodity price cycles and weather conditions.

CFD trading strategies for Singapore large-cap stocks

► Technical analysis approaches

Singapore large-cap stocks typically exhibit sufficient liquidity and price movement for technical analysis strategies:

• Trend following: Identifying and trading with established price trends
• Support and resistance: Trading around key price levels
• Moving averages: Using moving average crossovers and bounces

► Fundamental analysis considerations

When trading CFDs on Singapore large-cap stocks, consider:

• Earnings announcements: Quarterly results can create significant price movements
• Economic indicators: Singapore GDP, inflation and interest rate changes
• Sector-specific factors: Regulatory changes, commodity prices, or industry trends

► Risk management techniques

• Position sizing: Never risk more than you can afford to lose
• Stop-loss orders: Predetermined exit points to limit potential losses
• Take-profit levels: Securing gains when price targets are reached
   

Risk management and trading considerations

► Understanding leverage risks

CFD trading with leverage magnifies both potential profits and losses. A small adverse price movement can result in significant losses that exceed your initial deposit.

► Market volatility factors

Singapore large-cap stocks can be influenced by:

• Regional economic conditions
• US-China trade relations
• Global interest rate changes
• Sector-specific developments

► Overnight financing costs

Positions held overnight incur financing charges based on the underlying interest rate and the size of your position.

How to start CFD trading with IG Singapore

► Account opening process

1. Apply online: Complete the online application form
2. Verification: Provide required identification and financial information
3. Deposit funds: Fund your account to begin trading
4. Practice with demo: Use the demo account to familiarise yourself with the platform

► Platform features

IG Singapore provides:

• Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
• Real-time market data and news
• Risk management tools including stop-loss and take-profit orders
• Mobile trading apps for iOS and Android

► Trading costs

• Spreads: The difference between buy and sell prices
• Overnight financing: Charged on positions held overnight
• Guaranteed stop-loss: Optional feature for additional protection (premium charged)
   

FAQs about large-cap stocks in Singapore

Can I receive dividends when trading CFDs on Singapore stocks?

No, CFD trading doesn't provide dividend payments as you don't own the underlying shares. However, dividend adjustments may be applied to your account for positions held over ex-dividend dates.

What is the minimum deposit required?

IG Singapore does not specify a minimum deposit requirement for opening an account, though certain trading activities may have minimum funding requirements.

Are there any restrictions on trading Singapore large-cap stocks?

Trading is subject to market hours and availability. Some stocks may have temporary trading restrictions during corporate actions or significant news events.

How does leverage work with Singapore large-cap stock CFDs?

Leverage allows you to control a larger position with a smaller deposit. However, both profits and losses are calculated on the full position size, not just your deposit.

Footnotes: 

_{¹ Moomoo Singapore, "How to Buy Straits Times Index (STI) in Singapore 2025" - minimum market capitalisation of S$300 million for STI inclusion, https://www.moomoo.com/sg/learn/detail-straits-times-index-sti-in-singapore-93047-230116062}

_{² Singapore Exchange (SGX), "Straits Times Index (STI)" - tracks 30 most valuable Singapore companies, https://www.sgx.com/indices/products/sti}

_{³ IG Singapore, "Singapore Bank Earnings | DBS, UOB, OCBC Results" - DBS is Singapore's largest bank by assets, https://www.ig.com/sg/shares/bank-earnings}

_{⁴ Statista, "Largest companies by market capitalization Singapore 2024" - DBS as Singapore's largest company since 2017, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1347156/singapore-leading-companies-by-market-capitalization/}

_{⁵ Growbeansprout, "DBS, UOB and OCBC in focus: Weekly Review" (13 May 2025) - DBS return on equity exceeding 17% in Q1 2025, https://growbeansprout.com/weekly-market-review-13-may-2025}

_{⁶ Growbeansprout, "DBS, UOB and OCBC near all-time highs" (31 March 2025) - DBS and OCBC CET1 ratios around 17%, https://growbeansprout.com/singapore-banks-dbs-uob-ocbc-share-price-mar-2025}

_{⁷ Syfe, "Singapore Bank Stocks at All-Time High" (14 November 2024) - DBS gained over 41% in 2024, https://www.syfe.com/magazine/singapore-bank-stocks-dbs-ocbc-uob/}

_{⁸ IG Singapore, "Singapore Bank Earnings" - OCBC as second-largest financial institution in Southeast Asia by assets, https://www.ig.com/sg/shares/bank-earnings}

_{⁹ IG Australia, "How to trade Singapore bank stocks" (19 February 2019) - OCBC formed from merger of three banks in 1932, https://www.ig.com/au/news-and-trade-ideas/shares-news/how-to-trade-singapore-bank-stocks--190219}

_{¹⁰ StashAway Singapore, "OCBC vs DBS vs UOB" (9 July 2025) - OCBC NIM at 2.04% in Q1 2025, https://www.stashaway.sg/r/ocbc-dbs-uob-singapore-bank-stock}

_{¹¹ Growbeansprout, "DBS, UOB and OCBC near all-time highs" (15 January 2025) - OCBC projected dividend yield of 5.2%, https://growbeansprout.com/dbs-uob-ocbc-singapore-bank-share-price-dividend-jan-2025}

_{¹² IG Singapore, "Singapore Bank Earnings" - UOB as third-largest bank in Southeast Asia by assets, https://www.ig.com/sg/shares/bank-earnings}

_{¹³ IG Singapore, "Singapore Bank Earnings" - UOB operates over 500 offices across 19 countries, https://www.ig.com/sg/shares/bank-earnings}

_{¹⁴ Growbeansprout, "DBS, UOB, OCBC offer 6% dividend yield" (26 May 2025) - UOB CET1 ratio at 15.5% in Q1 2025, https://growbeansprout.com/dbs-uob-ocbc-share-price-dividend-may-2025}

_{¹⁵ TradingView, "STI Index Charts and Quotes" - ST Engineering (SGX:S63) gained 94.55% over the year, https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/TVC-STI/}

_{¹⁶ Growbeansprout, "DBS, UOB, OCBC offer 6% dividend yield" (26 May 2025) - Singapore Airlines passenger load factor at 86.4% in May 2025, https://growbeansprout.com/dbs-uob-ocbc-share-price-dividend-may-2025}