Singapore stocks end down 0.2%

Singapore shares closed 0.2 percent lower on Friday, as investors waited for the U.S. jobs report which is expected to show that non-farm payrolls increased by 240,000 in December.
With optimism towards the U.S. economy and prospects of more stimulus from the European Central Bank, U.S. stocks rallied for the second day on Thursday. Investors were reassured that Federal Reserve minutes signaled no change in interest-rate policy and optimism over employment growth, as most officials in last month's meeting agreed interest rates are unlikely to be raised before late April and several even expressed concern that inflation could remain too low.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices held their ground after a 10 percent loss earlier in the week.