The First 5 Stocks Every Singapore Beginner Investor Should Look At

Core Viewpoint - New investors should focus on simple, established businesses to start their investment journey, avoiding risky or unfamiliar stocks based on tips [1][2] Group 1: Recommended Stocks for Beginners - DBS Group Holdings (SGX: D05): Singapore's largest bank, known for its stable profits, good dividends, and utility-like business model. It operates in loans, fees, and trading [3][4]. The bank has a P/B ratio of around 2.5, a 10-year high, which may limit its upside potential [4]. Long-term investors are likely to benefit from increasing dividend payouts [5]. - CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (SGX: C38U, CICT): The largest REIT in Singapore, owning notable retail and office properties. Its business model is straightforward, relying on rental income distributed to unitholders [6]. Key metrics for evaluation include distribution yield and occupancy rate [7]. Despite risks associated with debt and interest rates, REITs are considered good investments for beginners due to their cash returns [8]. - Singapore Airlines (SGX: C6L): A well-known airline with a simple business model based on passenger ticket sales and cargo operations [9]. Important metrics include passenger load factor and revenue per available seat kilometre. While it is profitable, the airline sector faces challenges such as competition and oil price fluctuations [10][11]. - Sembcorp Industries (SGX: U96): A utility company with a focus on renewable energy, providing stable returns through long-term contracts [12]. The company is acquiring Alinta Energy, which may increase debt levels but is expected to maintain dividend payouts [13][14]. - ST Engineering (SGX: S63): A diversified company benefiting from geopolitical trends, with a revenue increase of 12% to S$11.3 billion in 2024 and a net profit rise of 20% to S$702 million [15]. The order book was valued at S$32.6 billion as of September 2025, but shares are trading at a high P/E ratio of 39, more than double the market average [17]. Group 2: Investment Strategy for Beginners - New investors should build a solid foundation by selecting simple, stable businesses that can instill confidence [18]. It is essential to focus on understanding the companies and their industries rather than obsessing over daily share prices [19].