In the first round of bidding for February, COE prices were almost unchanged, with a slight rise in price in 2 categories and a fall in 2 categories.

With of those who wanted new cars for Chinese New Year already having purchased their cars well in advance, and those waiting for potential budget goodies still undecided, COE prices showed meagre movement all around.

Category A COEs, for small cars (1600cc & below) and taxis went down, falling 3.3 per cent to $11,489, from last round's price of $11,881, a minor drop of $392.

For Category B cars (above 1600cc), prices went up slightly by 1.27 per cent to $12,152, from last round's price of $12,000

Likewise, the open category COE prices remained almost stagnant, increasing by 0.97 per cent to $12,721, from the last round's price of $12,599.

Category D COEs for motorcycles went down by 15.8 per cent to $1,001, from last round's price of $1,189, a reduction of $188.

Goods vehicles and buses, COE prices remained the same for a staggering fourth consecutive round, rooted to the nominal $1, receiving only 506 bids out of a possible 679, fewer than last month's 690 bids.