Shares on the Singapore bourse rose in morning trading after news overnight that the United States Federal Reserve would maintain its bond-buying programme.

The Straits Times Index rose 15.4 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 3,237.3 by 12.30pm.

Some 1.4 billion shares worth $530 million changed hands. Gainers outweighed losers 191 to 123, with 488 counters unchanged.

Among top gainers was Jardine C&C, up 99 cents to $41.31. Local lenders DBS and UOB also outperformed the market, rising 40 cents to $17.10 and 19 cents to $21.65 respectively.

Top losers included Singapore Press Holdings, which shed 20 cents to $4.19, and UOL, which was down nine cents to $6.89.