Singapore shares were trading flat by midday on Monday, with the benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) inching up 0.43 point or 0.01 per cent to 3,197.96.

Traders were holding back from making large bets ahead of news events later in the week.

The United States Federal Reserve on Wednesday will release the minutes for its July policy meeting.

The statement will be studied for hints of when - and by how much - the central bank will reduce its massive money-printing programme.

Many economists expect a reduction in money printing at the subsequent policy meeting, which is slated for Sept 17 to 18.

Gainers on the STI included Golden Agri-Resources, up one cent or 2 per cent to 52 cents. The counter was rebounding slightly from its recent weakness, which has been due to the softness in crude palm oil prices.

Across the market, decliners outnumbered gainers 176 to 151.