Share prices on the Singapore bourse fell with the benchmark Straits Times Index ending the day lower by 10.57 points or 0.32 per cent to 3290.47.

Trading volume reached a record 10.6 billion shares worth some $1.69 billion as the play on speculative penny stocks reached fever pitch.

The decline bucked the trend in most major Asian markets which were up due to signs that the United States economy was on a convincing mend.

Gainers led losers 247 to 222 while 320 counters were unchanged.