Articles

The Emotional Side of Investing
In recent months, volatility in global equity markets have increased, with indices like the Dow swinging more than 200 points in a single day and the Hang Seng moving in the 1000-points per day range. Such market gyrations can cause emotions in investors to run high, and if not properly managed, these emotions can be an investor’s worst enemy.

Looking Beyond the Current Correction……
Equity markets have recently been jolted from complacency into panic. Mounting fears on the effects of a possible US sub-prime mortgage meltdown, and its subsequent contagion effect on other parts of the global economy, led investors to sell off higher risk equity positions, seeking haven in government treasuries.

Asian Financial Crisis: Ten Years On
It's been 10 years since the Asian Financial crisis ravaged Asian markets and it is fitting to look back and examine what happened then, how that has changed the landscape of Asia and where we are today…

Revisiting Capital-Protected Structured Deposit
The recent Sunday Times article (10 Sep 06) highlighted UOB's Champion Deposit - a capital-guaranteed structured deposit - and comments from finance professionals on its pros and cons. From this article, it can be seen...

The Rise of Exchange-Traded Funds
In recent months, there has been much excitement on the growing demand for exchange-traded fund ("ETF"). Many product providers are rolling out a slew of ETFs, focusing on different regions or sectors or asset classes.

The Right Use of Funds
The Straits Times (3 July 2006) recently highlighted the issue of Singaporeans facing the risk of running low on retirement savings due to overspending on housing, with more than 25,000 people above the age of 55 still paying off their housing loans with their CPF savings.

What's Happening in Global Stock Markets?
After the recent onslaught in the stock markets in May, the saying that one should “sell in May and go away” will now be etched more firmly in our minds. But did the macro environment warrant an outright sell and exit from stock markets? The answer is no.

Holding Cash as a Tactical Move
In the course of managing investments, we get client enquiries on the level of cash in their portfolios. Interestingly, these views differ widely, with some clients asking why so much cash, and others asking why so little.

Reflecting on Risks, Diversification and Asset Allocation
Recently, China Aviation Oil (CAO) shares resumed trading after more than a year of suspension and US$550 million in trading losses (Source: 27 Mar 06, The Straits Times). Many investors holding on to CAO shares must have breathed a sigh of relief.

Managing a Retirement Portfolio
Many of us have pondered over our retirement at some point, whether we are nearing or still working towards retirement. In retirement, our expenses will be funded not from employment income, but from drawing upon our existing wealth.

Capital Preservation versus Capital Growth
Over the past year, we have received feedback from clients and held discussions with them regarding investing into capital protected/guaranteed products. With recent articles again highlighting such products, it may be timely to explore whether such products are really as good or as bad as they seem.

To Think Beyond Deposits
In a recent survey conducted by ACNielsen, results revealed that Asians have the greatest inclination to save their disposable income. What drives us to save so much? Is it the lack of better alternatives, or is it our culture, or our lack of knowledge? With low interest returns from saving deposits, surely it is not wise to place disposable income only in deposit accounts...

Why You Should Contribute to the SRS
The SRS was introduced to complement the basic retirement needs provided by the CPF. Unlike the CPF scheme, contributions to SRS are not mandatory. Why then should you forego current disposable cash and contribute to the SRS, locking it up for relatively long periods? The SRS can help...

Asia: A New Century in the Making
The 1997 Asian financial crisis threw the region into disarray and prompted many to think then that the Asian miracle had ended before it begun. Since then, Asian central banks and corporations have undergone massive restructuring. Today, we are talking of an Asian century once more...

Good Advisers, Bad Advice
Would good advisers give bad advice? Impossible. Unlikely. But then, why are there still numerous complaints against financial advisers? Are they not well-qualified and competent to give good advice to clients? The recent article.

Growth of Multi-Manager Portfolios
In recent years multi-manager funds or portfolios have been increasing in popularity. These portfolios comprise of funds managed by different investment managers specializing in different regions and asset classes.

Growing Wealth to meet your Needs
Growing wealth is similar to growing plants. First, you need good soil for a strong foundation. Then, you have to shower them with.