SINGAPORE - Local shares ended almost flat on Monday (Feb 16) ahead of the Chinese New Year break, as data showed that the Republic’s key exports grew a slower-than-expected 9.3 per cent year on year in January.

The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) inches up 0.02 per cent, or 0.8 point, to 4,938.58. Meanwhile, the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index fell 0.8 per cent, or 11.92 points, to 1,501.60.