SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE shares fell yesterday, with weak data from the United States highlighting concerns that the economic recovery could be hitting a soft patch.

US companies hired at the weakest pace in five months in March as recent strong demand for construction jobs evaporated, while growth in the vast services sector slowed, the ADP National Employment Report said on Wednesday.

The decline in the Singapore market was broad-based and banks were among the biggest losers yesterday.

United Overseas Bank Ltd fell 1.5% to S$20.46, while DBS Group Holdings Ltd slid 0.13% to S$15.98.

At the close, the benchmark Straits Times Index eased 13.97 points, or 0.42%, to 3,307.80.

A total 2.91 billion shares, valued at S $1.13 bil, changed hands. — Agencies