SINGAPORE - Singapore shares closed up 2.17 percent on Friday, starting the new year on a positive note after the local bourse plunged almost 50 percent last year during the global economic crisis.

The blue-chip Straits Times Index (STI) gained 38.16 points to 1,799.72 on volume of 955 million shares worth 686 million Singapore dollars (472 million US).

Gainers outnumbered losers 305 to 113 with 842 issues unchanged.

Dealers said the index's start to the year was heartening but activity may be limited until later in the month.

"Our view for the STI remains that the first two to three weeks of January could be benign ahead of the January 22 Singapore budget," said DBS Vickers Securities.

Official data released Friday showed Singapore's recession has deepened, and the government says it plans to unveil an expansionary budget that will emphasise help for businesses.

Bank shares were higher, with United Overseas Bank up 46 cents to 13.38, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp gaining 19 cents to 5.18 and DBS rising 27 cents to 8.69.

The property market continued gains, with City Developments rising 23 cents to 6.60, CapitaLand up 16 cents to 3.27 and Keppel Land ending nine cents higher at 1.79.

Singapore Airlines posted a 56-cent gain to close at 11.82, and motor vehicle firm Jardine Cycle and Carriage rose 42 cents to 9.92. Shipping firm COSCO fell 2.5 cents to 92.5 cents.