SGX Seeks to Reduce Standard Board Lot Size to 100 Units

Source : Channel NewsAsia (19-Aug-2013)

Highlights

• SGX said it hopes to first reduce the board lot size to 100, and eventually to one unit.
• SGX aims to introduce the board lot size of 100 by the first quarter of next year (2014), and it could be at least two years (2015) before the lot size will be reduced to one unit.
• The proposed standard board lot size of 100 units will apply to ordinary shares, real estate investment trusts, business trusts, company warrants, structured warrants, extended settlement contracts and shares on GlobalQuote.
• Board lot sizes for exchange traded funds - barring the SPDR STI ETF and ABF SG Bond Fund - American Deposit Receipts and fixed income instruments, including Singapore Government Securities and preference shares, will remain unchanged. 

So, what does this mean?

For small-time index investors like myself, rejoice! Singapore ETFs, specifically SPDR STI ETF (ES3) and ABF SG Bond Fund, are targeted to have board lot size reduced to 100. A common problem faced by small-time investors is that a single lot of SPDR STI ETF cost in excess of $3,000+ and ABF SG Bond Fund $1,000+. A smaller board lot size will definitely make index investing more accessible for the average guy on the street.

Note

Nikko AM STI ETF (G3B) board lot size is already at 100 currently.