Shares close mixed on Wednesday

Singapore share prices closed mixed on Wednesday as selling pressure eased while investors waited for fresh leads from US financial markets, dealers said. The Straits Times Index (STI) closed 0.16 per cent or 4.57 points higher at 2,835.32. Volume was 927.7 million shares. In the broader market, losers led gainers 275 to 213. Dealers expect the market to trade in a small range, with upside for the STI capped at 2,880 points and the support level at 2,800 points. "Stay defensive. If you have to buy, buy those with high yields like some of the REITs (real estate investment trusts)," said one dealer. US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday there was a "high degree of uncertainty" about the US economic outlook.