🔥2026 SGX Smart Money Plays: 9 Defensive & Growth Picks to Watch

Tiger_Contra
01-20

📈 $Straits Times Index(STI.SI)$ Climbed to 4,828, Sees Fresh All-Time Highs January 2026

Smart money is increasingly rotating into Singapore, targeting a mix of resilient yield defenders and structural growth plays across Finance, Transport, and Industrial Goods.

We've identified key SGX heavyweights that are capturing institutional attention right now. From $DBS(D05.SI)$ 's digital banking dominance to $YZJ Shipbldg SGD(BS6.SI)$ 's massive green vessel order book and $Singtel(Z74.SI)$ 's aggressive pivot into AI data centers, these aren't just stable dividend payers—they are the core pillars of the region's economic reset.

💡New Economy, New Opportunity

Ready to uncover which stocks are flashing entry signals and which need patience?

Let's dive in.


1. 🚀 $DBS(D05.SI)$ | The "Digital Fortress" of Lion City Finance

  • As Singapore’s largest lender and a digital banking vanguard, DBS commands an unassailable moat. While its home market is mature, aggressive expansion across South and Southeast Asia underpins its growth, leveraging a structural cost advantage in digital services.

  • The 2026 outlook is mixed; global rate cuts may compress Net Interest Margins by ~9bps, but this is offset by surging wealth management fees and loan volume. With non-interest income set for double-digit growth and robust hedging, DBS remains a top defensive income play.

  • Technically, short-term selling pressure is evident with a volume ratio of 1.23 and a bearish candle. Expect consolidation between $57.50 and $59.25; a break below $57.50 exposes $56.00, while bulls need to clear $59.25 to target $60.00.

2.📊 $STI ETF(ES3.SI)$ | The Economic "Barometer"

  • Heavily weighted towards local banks (>40%), this ETF is the ultimate barometer for Singapore’s economic stability. It offers passive exposure to the nation’s "Economic Reset" blueprint, specifically benefiting from the push into green finance and digital transformation.

  • In a "soft landing" scenario, this is the most efficient way to capture market beta. Supported by the strong dividends of its constituents, it provides a stable yield of 4-5%, acting as a portfolio anchor.

  • Technically, underlying strength persists despite low volume (VR: 0.71). Price action is hugging yearly highs, suggesting a classic consolidation between $4.89 and $4.93. A breakout above $4.93 opens the path to $5.00, while support sits firmly at $4.89.

3. 💎$OCBC Bank(O39.SI)$ | The Wealth "Gatekeeper"

  • OCBC acts as the "Gatekeeper" of wealth flows between Greater China and ASEAN. Its differentiation lies in its non-banking pillars—Great Eastern insurance and wealth management—which are entering a growth super-cycle driven by intergenerational wealth transfer.

  • Falling interest rates should boost insurance portfolio valuations, while "Wealth Connect" schemes funnel capital through Hong Kong. The 2026 catalyst is AUM expansion via strategic acquisitions, offsetting traditional margin pressure.

  • Technically, the stock is digesting recent gains with average participation. We forecast consolidation between $20.22 and $20.54. A sustained breakout above $20.54 targets $21.00, while a slip below $20.22 warrants caution for a test of $20.00.

4. ✈️ $SIA(C6L.SI)$ | The Aviation "Crown Jewel"

  • Transitioning from revenge travel to normalised stability, SIA leverages its dual-brand strategy to capture both premium and budget segments. While passenger yields face pressure from regional capacity oversupply, Singapore’s status as a global transit hub provides a buffer.

  • The hidden gem is the cargo division, driven by AI hardware and cross-border e-commerce logistics; cargo yields are expected to outperform. Despite moderating net profits, cost discipline ensures a healthy bottom line.

  • Technically, momentum has stalled with a narrow trading range, though prices remain near session highs. We anticipate consolidation between $6.34 and $6.60. Bulls need a clear break above $6.60 to retest the $7.00 zone, while support holds at $6.20.

5. 🚕 $Seatrium Ltd(5E2.SI)$ | The Global Land Transport Giant Entering a "harvest phase"

  • ComfortDelGro enjoys a near-monopoly in Singapore and is expanding footprints in the UK and Australia. With overseas revenue nearing 50%, the group offers a defensive utility profile with stable cash flows and consistent dividends.

  • Approved fare hikes effective late 2025 will directly accrete to revenue, while overseas operating margins are set to improve as inflation cools. It remains a robust pick for low-beta income seekers.

  • Technically, slight profit-taking is evident (VR: 1.20), yet the stock remains range-bound. Expect trading between $2.10 and $2.20. A breakout above $2.17 targets $2.30, while a breach of $2.10 could trigger a slide towards $2.00.

6. 🌏 $UOB(U11.SI)$ | The ASEAN Trade "Connector"

  • As the premier "Connector" for ASEAN trade, UOB is the financier of choice for the "China+1" supply chain shift. Its deep regional entrenchment makes it a primary beneficiary of rebounding FDI and intra-regional trade flows.

  • The 2026 outlook is a tailwind scenario. Beyond trade, the key financial catalyst is the realisation of cost synergies from the Citigroup acquisition, expected to significantly lift consumer banking ROE.

  • Technically, the trend remains bullish with steady volume. As the stock pauses near highs, we anticipate sideways movement between $36.50 and $37.00. A confirmed breakout above $36.88 would target $37.50, provided support at $36.48 holds.

7. 🚢$YZJ Shipbldg SGD(BS6.SI)$ | The Cycle "Super Winner"

  • Yangzijiang is the undisputed winner of the shipbuilding super-cycle, driven by global decarbonisation mandates rather than economic cycles. With an order book extending to 2028, demand for its green vessels remains inelastic.

  • Financials for 2026 are exceptional; a shift to high-value orders is pushing gross margins above 30%. With a fortress balance sheet, the thesis rests on execution efficiency and profits from locked-in steel costs.

  • Technically, the pullback represents a healthy correction within an uptrend. Expect consolidation between $3.40 and $3.60. A breakout above $3.75 would signal a continuation towards $4.00+, while a close below $3.40 implies deeper retracement.

8. 📡$Singtel(Z74.SI)$ | The AI Infrastructure Engine

  • Singtel is re-rating from a legacy telco to a regional Digital Infrastructure powerhouse. The core thesis pivots on its aggressive expansion into data centres (Nxera) and AI services (NCS), financed by its "Asset Recycling" programme.

  • Valuation depends on the market recognising the sum-of-the-parts value. Capex is focused on high-growth AI infrastructure, with the rising EBITDA contribution from Digital InfraCo being the key to breaking traditional telco multiples.

  • Technically, the trend is robust, confirmed by strong volume (VR: 1.54). The stock is consolidating in a bullish formation; expect trading between $4.45 and $4.65. A push above $4.86 clears the path to $5.00+.

9. 🥇$GLD SG$(GSD.SI)$ | The Ultimate "Hard Currency"

  • In an uncertain world, Gold remains the ultimate "Hard Currency" and portfolio insurance. It serves as a critical hedge against currency debasement and geopolitical "Black Swans," exhibiting low correlation with equities during stress.

  • The 2026 macro backdrop is a "Goldilocks" scenario: falling real interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding bullion, while sustained central bank buying provides a hard floor on prices.

  • Technically, the asset is at a crossroads with light volume testing resistance. We foresee consolidation between $552 and $559. A breakout above $559 triggers a run towards $570, while failure to hold $550 suggests a tactical retreat.

🎯 🔥 Take Action:

Of these 9 top picks, which one do you have the most faith in? Are you betting on the future of AI, or seeking stability with high dividends?

Check your trading account—are these on your watchlist yet? 👇 Leave your code (e.g., $009988) in the comments section.

💡 Power Up Your 2026 Strategy. If you're bullish on 2026, consider opening a Cash Boost Account on Tiger Brokers to unlock extra buying power and capitalize on the momentum based on a positive outlook in 2026.


For SG users only, welcome to open a CBA today and enjoy access to a trading limit of up to SGD 20,000 with unlimited trading on SG, HK, and US stocks, as well as ETFs.

🎉Cash Boost Account Now Supports 35,000+ Stocks & ETFs – Greater Flexibility Now

Find out more here.

Complete your first Cash Boost Account trade with a trade amount of ≥ SGD1000* to get SGD 688 stock vouchers*! The trade can be executed using any payment type available under the Cash Boost Account: Cash, CPF, SRS, or CDP.

Click to access the activity

Other helpful links:

💰Stocks to watch today?(20 Jan)

💰Stocks to watch today?(28 Jan)
1. What news/movements are worth noting in the market today? Any stocks to watch? 2. What trading opportunities are there? Do you have any plans? 🎁 Make a post here, everyone stands a chance to win Tiger coins!
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

Leave a comment
2
50