SINGAPORE: Singapore bank stocks reached fresh records this month, leaving two groups of investors with a decision to make: those already holding the shares are weighing whether to take profits, while those without exposure are wondering if they have missed the boat.DBS shares have risen more than 27 per cent this year and are trading around S$72 (US$56). OCBC has climbed over 43 per cent to around S$28, while UOB has gained 20 per cent to trade above S$42.Analysts largely believe the three banks can continue to perform well and see share prices rise further over the long term.The decision to buy or hold depends on each investor's existing exposure, said Mr Kenneth Tang, deputy head of Asian equity at Amova Asset Management.An investor already heavily invested in Singapore equities is "fairly positioned and riding this story" and probably should not put the next additional dollar into local banks, he said. But someone who bought in for the first time and had planned to add more shares should stick to that plan.“I believe that this conviction that has led to the share price performing well is actually affirming my own investment thesis, and I should actually invest more because it is actually turning out to be right,” said Mr Tang.
Singapore bank stocks are at record highs. Should you buy, hold or sell?
Analysts say the decision to buy, hold or sell has less to do with price and more to do with why an investor owns the stock in the first place.
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