Singapore shares lost steam on Friday, dipping 14.25 points, or 0.44 per cent, to end at 3,237.53, after surging on Thursday when the United States Federal Reserve made a surprise decision to maintain its stimulus programme.

Most Asian bourses also took a breather at the end of the week.

"Today looks like being one of those Fridays where markets take stock after a big news week," said Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets.

"We may see some profit-taking by short-term sellers disappointed that yesterday's strong upward momentum was not followed through," he told Dow Jones Newswires.

Some 5.3 billion shares worth $1.44 billion changed hands at home.

There were 150 gainers, outnumbering 288 losers.

Albedo was the top active, slipping 0.9 cents to 6.7 cents.