Singapore - Singapore share prices slid Thursday, reflecting a gloomy economic outlook and the regional downward trend.

The Straits Times Index fell 3.1 per cent, or 51.64 points, to close at 1,613.95.

Trading volume on the Singapore Exchange was thin, totaling 950.5 million shares. The exchange closed the day with 324 losers and 140 gainers.

Singapore shares have been under pressure all this week as the city-state's and regional corporations try to weather the impact of the global financial crisis, economists said.

Business prospects were cloudy as an increasing number of major corporations announced lay-offs to lower their operational costs, they said. (dpa)