Singapore shares fell on Monday with investors jittery ahead of key news events later in the week.

The benchmark Straits Times Index fell 24.2 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 3,173.33.

Traders are wary about the outcome of the United States Federal Reserve's July 30-31 policy meeting, the minutes of which will be released this Wednesday.

The minutes will be closely scrutinised for clues on the central bank's thinking regarding when - and by how much - it plans to reduce its massive money-printing programme.

A private reading of manufacturing in China is also due for release on Thursday. Given that markets have also been concerned about the slowing growth of the mainland economy, these figures will also be keenly studied.

Across the Singapore market on Monday, decliners outnumbered gainers 272 to 147.

Golden Agri-Resources rose 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.