Singapore - Singapore shares were up 2 per cent Monday on hopes for a US government bailout of the country's automobile industry.

The Straits Times Index rose 34.42 points, or 1.98 per cent, to 1,774.76 in thin trading.

The Singapore Exchange closed with 233 gainers against 163 losers, and volume totaled 934.5 million shares.

Analysts said the market kept to an upward trend, reflecting gains across Asia, which were supported by the potential US auto bail-out. (dpa)