THE Straits Times Index might have ended 2012 on a relatively triumphant note, but fourth-quarter corporate earnings are expected to fizzle more than sizzle.

Analysts expect the dismal showing of sectors such as manufacturing and shipping firms in the third quarter to spill over into fourth-quarter numbers.

" The manufacturing part of the economy is very weak, so you can expect it to continue to be weak. The strong Singapore dollar is not good for manufacturing. Commodities and shipping companies generally have a weakish revenue profile. They didn't do well in Q3, (and) they're unlikely to do well in Q4," said CIMB research head Kenneth Ng.

The electronics segment, specifically, could be facing a lacklustre year-end. " Recent conversations with electronics exporters suggest that orders for H2 2012, which had begun to see moderation in Q3, look unlikely to see a strong seasonal pick-up in Q4," said a Citi Research report last month.Hmm..looks like nothing is in favour.