SGX on Google Finance: A Quick Guide

Google Finance offers a convenient way to track Singapore Exchange (SGX) listed stocks and indices. While not a replacement for professional trading platforms, it provides a readily accessible snapshot for monitoring market activity and researching potential investments.

Accessing SGX Data

To find SGX-listed companies, use the search bar on Google Finance (finance.google.com). Enter either the company’s name or its stock ticker. Singapore stocks typically have the suffix ‘.SI’ following their ticker symbol. For example, to find DBS Group Holdings, you can search for “DBS” or “D05.SI”.

Upon selecting a specific stock, you’ll be presented with a page displaying key information, including:

• Real-time (or near real-time) stock price: Delayed by a few minutes, the current trading price is prominently displayed.
• Daily price chart: A visual representation of the stock’s price fluctuations throughout the day, with options to view intraday, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly performance.
• Key statistics: Essential data like market capitalization, price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), earnings per share (EPS), dividend yield, and beta.
• News headlines: Recent news articles related to the company, sourced from various news providers.
• Financial statements: Access to the company’s reported income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, often available going back several years.
• Related companies: A list of companies operating in similar industries or sectors.

Tracking Indices

Google Finance also allows you to track major SGX indices like the Straits Times Index (STI). Search for “^STI” to access information about the index’s current value, historical performance, and constituent stocks.

Creating a Watchlist

A useful feature of Google Finance is the ability to create and manage personalized watchlists. This allows you to easily track the performance of a selection of SGX stocks or other financial instruments that are of interest to you. You can create multiple watchlists to categorize your holdings or potential investments.

Limitations

While Google Finance is a useful tool, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:

• Data delays: As mentioned, stock prices are often delayed by a few minutes. This can be critical for day traders or those engaging in short-term trading strategies.
• Limited analytical tools: Google Finance lacks the advanced charting tools and analytical features found in dedicated trading platforms.
• Potential for inaccuracies: While Google Finance strives to provide accurate data, errors can occasionally occur. Always verify information with other reliable sources.
• Not a trading platform: You cannot execute trades directly through Google Finance. It is purely for information and tracking purposes.

Conclusion

Google Finance provides a valuable starting point for tracking SGX-listed stocks and indices. Its accessibility and ease of use make it a popular choice for investors looking for a quick overview of the market. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations and supplement its data with information from other reputable financial sources before making any investment decisions.