What to invest in Singapore
Singapore offers one of the widest ranges of investment options in Asia, from government-backed bonds yielding a fraction of a percent of risk to private credit deals targeting double-digit returns. The best investment in Singapore for you depends on three things: your goals, your time horizon, and how much risk you are willing to take.
The backdrop matters too. Singapore interest rates have eased meaningfully since their 2023–2024 highs: the 6-month T-bill cut-off yield has fallen to around 1.48% (June 2026 auction) from above 3.5% in 2023, and the latest Singapore Savings Bond offers a 10-year average return of just 2.11%. Lower "risk-free" yields are pushing many investors to look again at income assets such as REITs, dividend stocks, and alternative investments like private credit. Singapore's tax regime helps: there is no capital gains tax for individuals, and most dividends are received tax-free.
This guide walks through the nine main types of investment in Singapore, ranked roughly from lowest to highest risk, plus how to choose a platform and build an investment plan around your goals.
- Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs)
- Treasury Bills (T-bills)
- Fixed deposits
- CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)
- Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
- Stocks and shares
- Alternative investments (private credit, private equity and more)
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Types of investment in Singapore: risk vs. return
Before choosing what to invest in, it helps to see how the main options compare on risk, indicative 2026 returns, and how easily you can access your money.
Returns above are indicative as of mid-2026 and are not guaranteed.
For a full guide to using your CPF, read "CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS): How To Use It To Generate High Income".
1. Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs)
Singapore Savings Bonds are issued and fully backed by the Singapore government, which holds the strongest "AAA" credit rating. They are among the safest investment options in Singapore. You can start from just S$500 (up to S$200,000 per person), and SSBs are highly flexible: you can redeem in any month with no penalty and get your capital back plus accrued interest.
SSBs use a "step-up" structure, so the interest rate rises the longer you hold, up to a 10-year maturity. The June 2026 tranche (SBJUN26) offers about 1.46% in year one and a 2.11% average return over 10 years. They suit conservative savers and emergency funds where safety and access matter more than maximising yield.
The chart below tracks SSB rates across the full cycle since the programme launched in 2015. After bottoming near 0.9% during the pandemic, the 10-year average return climbed to a peak of 3.40% in late 2023 and 3.33% in mid-2024, then eased steadily through 2025 to around 2.1% as global interest rates fell.
2. Treasury Bills (T-bills)
Singapore Treasury Bills are short-term government securities (6-month and 1-year tenors) sold at a discount to face value, with a minimum of S$1,000. Like SSBs, they are backed by the government, but they are designed to be held to maturity, so they are less flexible if you need cash early.
The 6-month T-bill cut-off yield was 1.48% at the 4 June 2026 auction, broadly in line with the best fixed-deposit rates. With yields having fallen sharply from the 3.5%+ levels of 2023, many investors now weigh T-bills against fixed deposits and high-yield savings accounts case by case.
3. Fixed deposits
Fixed (time) deposits lock your money with a bank for a set tenor in exchange for a fixed interest rate, and are insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) up to S$100,000 per bank. They are simple and predictable, but you forfeit interest if you withdraw early.
In mid-2026, the best promotional fixed-deposit rates sit around 1.4%–1.5% p.a. for 3- to 12-month tenors, well below the 3%–4% seen at the 2023 peak. Fixed deposits work best for cash you will not need during the lock-in period.
4. CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)
The CPF Investment Scheme lets Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents invest part of their CPF savings in approved products such as ETFs, unit trusts, bonds, T-bills, and shares. There are two streams with different rules and eligible products:
Important 2026 update: since 19 January 2025, the CPF Special Account is closed for members aged 55 and above. Their SA savings have been moved to the Retirement Account (up to the Full Retirement Sum) or the Ordinary Account. CPFIS-SA therefore applies only to members below 55. The base CPF rates remain 2.5% p.a. on the Ordinary Account and 4% p.a. on the Special, MediSave and Retirement Accounts (with the 4% floor extended to 31 December 2026).
The key question with CPFIS is whether your expected returns will clearly beat these risk-free CPF rates. If not, it is often more prudent to leave your CPF savings to compound untouched.
5. Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is a voluntary scheme with one of the most attractive tax incentives in Singapore. Every dollar you contribute reduces your chargeable income dollar-for-dollar, subject to the annual cap and the overall S$80,000 personal income tax relief ceiling.
- Annual contribution cap: S$15,300 for Singapore Citizens and PRs, S$35,700 for foreigners.
- Tax-deferred growth: gains and dividends inside the SRS grow tax-free until withdrawal.
- Withdrawals: at the prescribed retirement age (currently 63, fixed at the time of your first contribution), only 50% of each withdrawal is taxable, and you can spread withdrawals over 10 years. Early withdrawals are fully taxable and incur a 5% penalty.
Here is a simplified illustration of the tax saving for someone with S$120,000 in chargeable income who contributes the full S$15,300:
Figures are illustrative; your actual reliefs depend on your circumstances, and you can confirm them with the IRAS tax calculator. One catch: uninvested SRS cash earns only 0.05% p.a., so the scheme is most powerful when you invest the funds, for example in the STI ETF, S-REITs, SGS bonds, unit trusts, or SRS-linked fixed deposits.
See our guide on how to reduce your personal income tax for more.
6. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs track an index or sector and trade on an exchange like a stock. They offer instant diversification, high liquidity, and low fees compared with actively managed unit trusts, which makes them a popular starting point for Singapore investors. As with any market-linked product, returns rise and fall with the underlying index.
Yields are indicative as of late 2025–2026 and will change. STI ETFs are among the cheapest equity investments in Singapore, and you can buy them with cash, CPF (CPFIS) or SRS funds.
7. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs give you exposure to income-generating property — offices, malls, logistics, data centres — without buying or managing a building yourself. By law, Singapore REITs (S-REITs) distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to enjoy tax transparency, which is why they typically pay high dividends and are a favourite tool for building passive income.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Singapore REITs for a deeper look.
After a tough run of high interest rates and tighter credit in 2023–2024, S-REITs entered 2026 on steadier ground as financing conditions eased and distributions stabilised. Distribution yields commonly range from around 5% to 7%, though quality varies widely. Common S-REIT sub-sectors include:
If you prefer not to pick individual trusts, a REIT ETF such as the Lion-Phillip S-REIT ETF offers diversified exposure in a single trade.
8. Stocks and shares
Buying stocks makes you a part-owner of a company. You can profit from rising share prices and dividends, but you also bear the full downside if the business underperforms, so stocks sit at the higher-risk end of the spectrum. Singapore investors often anchor a portfolio with local blue chips known for steady dividends — DBS, OCBC, UOB and Singtel — and add global names for growth. Because there is no capital gains tax for individuals in Singapore, long-term equity gains are not taxed.
Individual stock returns vary enormously and past performance is no guide to the future, so diversification and research into company fundamentals matter. See our list of 5 best blue-chip stocks in Singapore for ideas.
9. Alternative investments (private credit and more)
Alternative investments sit outside traditional stocks and bonds and include private equity, hedge funds, commodities, real estate, and private credit (private debt). They are usually not publicly traded, often carry minimum investment amounts, and are less liquid, which is why they have historically been the preserve of institutional and accredited investors.
Private credit in particular has moved into the mainstream. The global market has grown to roughly US$2 trillion in direct lending and is projected to approach US$4 trillion by 2030, with Europe and Asia-Pacific gaining momentum. Investors are drawn to it for higher yields, diversification, and lower correlation with public markets.
An example of alternative investing in Singapore is Kilde, a MAS-licensed platform that gives accredited and institutional investors access to private debt with the same terms typically reserved for institutions. Kilde evaluates each deal across covenant monitoring, collateral assessment, and contractual structure. Its track record since launching in 2021:
Like all credit investments, private credit carries credit and liquidity risk, and on Kilde it is available only to accredited and institutional investors. For those seeking higher, more stable income than public markets typically provide, it can be an efficient way to diversify a portfolio.
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What are the risks in investments?
Investment risk can be grouped into three broad levels. Matching your investments to your personal risk tolerance is essential, both to reach your goals and to sleep at night.
Low-risk investment options
Stable and predictable, but with modest returns. In Singapore these include Singapore Savings Bonds, Treasury Bills, fixed deposits, and CPF top-ups. They suit conservative investors who prioritise capital preservation.
Medium-risk investment options
A balance between safety and return, including REITs and ETFs, which provide diversification but still move with markets. Private credit also sits here for many investors — higher yielding than bonds but with credit and liquidity risk to manage.
High-risk investment options
Higher potential returns with a real chance of capital loss, including individual stocks, certain alternative investments such as private equity and cryptocurrencies, and peer-to-peer lending. These suit experienced investors with a longer horizon and a higher risk tolerance.
How to protect my portfolio
- Diversify across asset classes, sectors and geographies to reduce the impact of any single loss.
- Review regularly and stay informed about market and economic trends.
- Study the fundamentals of companies and funds you hold.
- Reassess your risk level and rebalance as your goals or markets change.
- Seek professional advice for a strategy tailored to your situation.
Where and how to invest in Singapore
There is no single best way to invest in Singapore — the right channel depends on what you want to buy and how hands-on you want to be:
- Online brokerages (e.g. Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, Webull, Saxo, Interactive Brokers, DBS Vickers) for stocks, ETFs and REITs. Compare commission and platform fees, which vary widely.
- Robo-advisors (e.g. StashAway, Syfe, Endowus) for hands-off, diversified portfolios, including SRS and CPF investing.
- SRS operators (DBS, OCBC, UOB) to open an SRS account and invest the funds.
- Specialist platforms such as Kilde for accredited investors who want access to private credit.
Compare fees, product range and minimums before committing, since costs compound and quietly erode long-term returns.
Best investment plans in Singapore (by goal)
When deciding on the best investment plan in Singapore, weigh your long-term goals, time horizon, and risk appetite. Strategies generally fall into three categories:
- Long-term growth. To grow wealth over many years, a diversified portfolio of ETFs (such as the STI ETF and a global equity ETF) or blue-chip stocks offers a good balance of diversification and upside.
- Short-term income and capital preservation. For a short horizon or cash you may need soon, consider T-bills, the (redeemable) Singapore Savings Bond, money-market funds, fixed deposits, or high-yield savings accounts. For steady income, REITs and bonds are common choices.
- Higher risk, higher reward. Investors comfortable with more risk in pursuit of higher returns may add alternative investments such as private credit or private equity.
What changed for Singapore investors in 2026
The single biggest shift is lower interest rates. Safe-haven yields that looked attractive in 2023–2024 — T-bills above 3.5%, SSBs above 3.3% — have fallen to roughly 1.5%–2.1%. That has three practical implications:
- Parking large sums in T-bills and fixed deposits now earns noticeably less, so cash management deserves a fresh look.
- Income assets such as S-REITs and dividend stocks have regained appeal as financing costs ease.
- Investors seeking higher, more stable yields are increasingly diversifying into private credit, which is less directly tied to the public-market rate cycle.
Singapore's structural advantages remain in place: a stable AAA-rated government, a strong regulatory framework under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and no capital gains tax for individuals.
Conclusion
Investing in Singapore is more approachable than it first appears, with options for every risk profile and goal. By doing your research and using a trusted platform or advisor, you can decide what to invest in and build the best investment strategy for your situation.
Keep your portfolio diversified to reduce overall risk, and consider investing consistently over time rather than trying to time the market, so you are not fully exposed to sudden downturns.
Avoid get-rich-quick schemes, seek professional guidance when needed, and approach investing with patience and a responsible mindset. Done well, investing is a powerful tool for building wealth and securing your financial future.
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Sources
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) — SSB and T-bill rates: www.mas.gov.sg
- Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB) — CPF interest rates and SA closure: www.cpf.gov.sg
- Ministry of Finance / IRAS — Supplementary Retirement Scheme: www.mof.gov.sg
- Moody's, AIMA / Alternative Credit Council — private credit market size and outlook (2026)
- Kilde — platform statistics: www.kilde.sg/statistics
Disclaimer Notice
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Please refer to our Full Disclaimer for important details regarding eligibility, risks, and the limited scope of our services.
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FAQ
There is no single best investment in Singapore — it depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. Conservative investors often prefer Singapore Savings Bonds, T-bills, or fixed deposits; those seeking growth lean toward ETFs, stocks, or REITs; and accredited investors looking for higher, more stable income consider alternative investments such as private credit. The Kilde platform, for example, targets returns of up to 15% p.a.
A good investment is one that matches your goals and that you understand. For most people, a diversified mix — a core of low-cost ETFs, some income assets like S-REITs, and a safety buffer in SSBs or T-bills — is a sound foundation. Accredited investors may add private credit for higher yield and diversification.
The main types include Singapore Savings Bonds, Treasury Bills, fixed deposits, the CPF Investment Scheme, the Supplementary Retirement Scheme, ETFs, REITs, stocks, and alternative investments such as private credit and private equity.
You can invest through online brokerages (for stocks, ETFs and REITs), robo-advisors (for hands-off portfolios), CPF and SRS operators (for tax-advantaged retirement investing), and specialist platforms such as Kilde (private credit, for accredited investors). Government channels like SSBs and T-bills are bought via your bank or CDP.
You can start small. Regular Shares Savings (RSS) plans let you invest in stocks or ETFs from around S$100 a month, robo-advisors accept low minimums, and Singapore Savings Bonds start at S$500. Consistent monthly investing helps you average into the market over time.
For a short horizon, the priority is safety and access. Treasury Bills, the (monthly-redeemable) Singapore Savings Bond, money-market funds, fixed deposits, and high-yield savings accounts are common short-term options. In mid-2026 these yield roughly 1.4%–2.1% p.a.
Safe investments offer lower, more predictable returns. In Singapore, government-backed Singapore Savings Bonds and Treasury Bills, CPF top-ups, and SDIC-insured fixed deposits are considered safe. Capital-protected insurance products are also low-risk, though returns are modest.
The best investment plan aligns with your goal and horizon: a diversified ETF or blue-chip portfolio for long-term growth; T-bills, SSBs, money-market funds or fixed deposits for short-term needs; and income assets such as REITs, bonds or private credit for regular cash flow. Many investors blend all three.
It depends on what you want to buy. Popular brokerages include Tiger Brokers, Moomoo, Webull, Saxo and DBS Vickers; robo-advisors include StashAway, Syfe and Endowus; and for private credit, accredited investors use platforms such as Kilde, which caps fees at 0.5%. Compare fees, product range and minimums before choosing.
You generally need a valid ID or passport, proof of address, and a minimum deposit. Most brokerages and robo-advisors let you apply online in minutes, with the account usually ready within a few days after verification. For SGX-listed shares, you will also need a CDP account.
