Wednesday, April 30, 2014

My Shares Portfolio Recap #1

Time flies, I have been blogging about my small shares investment venture for more than a month now and it is time to do some recap of how I done so far.
 
Being a small retail investor, the capital and the figures that I am about to share will deemed negligible to many of you but I am pretty sure that soon after I've gotten a hang of the game, I will gradually increase the capital (to make the numbers more meaningful).
 
Without further ado, here are some main recap of my shares portfolio :
 
Time period : 1 month (first shares was bought on 31st March 2014)
 
Number of counters currently still holding : 3 (2 from SGX and 1 from NASDAQ)
 
Total Capital : SGD3,566.00
 
Overall Rate Of Returns : 2% (or 0.04% if taking into consideration of the commission/fee)
 
What I've learned so far?
So far, I've learned quite a number of fundamental and common phenomena (e.g. share price will usually dropped on the ex-date, which is almost equivalent to the dividend declared) etc. Such knowledge will better equip me to withstand the momentary market trends without emotionally affected. 
 
The Challenge?
For small investors, the main challenge is the high commission rate (currently, I am using POEMS which comes with a minimum SGD25 commission fee). Together with the transactional/clearing fee, the charges itself is an upfront loss of about 1.5%.
 
For more details about my portfolio, check it out here.
 
Cheers! 
 

I Am Reading : The Little Book Of Market Myths

The little book of market myths by Ken Fisher
There are lots of thing we can learn from the history, it is especially useful to smash any myth that we have in dealing in whatever venture we are into. One way to learn from history is through reading. Lucky for me, reading is one of my hobby.
 
Two days ago, I've borrowed an investment book from Library that titled "The Little Book Of Market Myths", the reason why I picked up the book are :
 
1. It is literally small (little) and hence easy to bring around.
 
2. The writing style is very layman and easy to understand for the newbies (author : Ken Fisher)
 
3. There are a total of 17 chapters to cater for 17 market myths, we can jump around the chapters (myths) without affecting the flow of reading. Some key myths to smash are :
 
Is Bonds Safer Than Stocks?
 
Is there a short cut in Asset Allocation?
 
Is the market more volatile now?
 
Is strong dollars equal strong stocks?
 
Is high unemployment kills stocks? and many more
 
The one that I am reading is 2013 edition, published by Wiley. If you are interested to check it out, see more details via AMAZON below :
 
The Little Book Of Market Myths by Ken Fisher
What is/are the investment book(s) are you reading now?
 
Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 30th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
Tomorrow (1st May 2014) is Labour Day in many countries and wish every working adults a very happy and restful May Day.

As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Blumont Group (A33) - Police were probing its acquisitions as part of an investigation into the company following a penny-stock crash last year. (source : The Edge)

2. EMS Energy (5DE) - Has agreed to purchase International Offshore Equipments, a Singapore-based manufacturer of marine and offshore deck machineries, for $0.8 million. The acquisition will be funded via an issuance of 13 million new EMS shares, at $0.0614 apiece, representing 1.7 percent of EMS’ enlarged share capital. (source : Shares Investment)

3. OKP Holdings (5CF) - OKP's subsidiary, Eng Lam Contractors Co has secured a $19.2 million contract to implement drainage improvement projects at several locations in Singapore. The contract, awarded by Public Utilities Board, commences on 30 April and is due for completion by 4Q16. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 29th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Fraser and Neave (F&N) (F99) -  Has bought a 70% stake in Malaysia's Yoke Food Industries (YFI), paid $21 million for the purchase. Yoke Food Industries manufactures, markets and distributes canned beverages in Malaysia. (source : The Edge)
 
2. Aspial Corporation (A30) - Is buying its third Melbourne property this year. The freehold property was acquired by its new subsidiary, WCL-A Beckett (Vic) from City Light Properties for A$26.8 million ($31.2 million). (The Edge)
 
3. Great Eastern Holdings (G07) -  Earnings for 1Q14 increased 12% y‐o‐y to $231.6 million on better performance of the insurance business, as well as a one‐off gain of $31.9 million from the group’s divestment of its stake in its China joint venture from 50% to 25%. (source : The Edge) 
 
4. Wilmar International (F34) - Goodman Fielder, the Australian and New Zealand foodmaker, rejected a A$1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) offer from Wilmar International and First Pacific Co., saying it “materially undervalues” the company. For more details of the story, click here. (source : The Edge)

Cheers!

My Wish Comes True - Maiden US Stock - Facebook

As per my earlier post (click here to view), I always wanted to own some small lots of US Stock. Today, my wish comes true! I've managed to secured a few odd lots of Facebook (NASDAQ). You can check out the reason of my buying in my earlier post.
 
Even though at the end of the trading day yesterday, the counter has dropped some USD1.57 (last done at USD56.14 and I bought it at USD57.45) but I am OK with that as I will hold it for long term investment.
 
In fact, my strategy is to buy this stock regularly (i.e. monthly basis) for "Cost Averaging" to take effect. The only "issue" I have is the high commission rate (USD20 per transaction) which is definitely not helpful for a small odd lot retail investors like me.
 
Are you a small retail investor too? How do you counteract the high commission rate issue?
 
Cheers! 

Monday, April 28, 2014

Would I Get The Facebook Share In My Portfolio?

Facebook investment
Even though I am a newbie small retail investor but I always wanted to own some US stocks (besides earnings, it is also meant to diversify my portfolio, however small it is). As we can buy US stocks in odd lot, so owning US stocks is not that expensive (of course, if invested in too few shares, it could means that all the earnings, if any, will most likely be offset by the commission charges).
 
In the past few weeks, many of the technology stocks in the US market are facing a south-ward trend, this triggered me to look at one of my favourite company FACEBOOK (FB). Being an hard-core Facebook user, the recent plunge of the share price (USD57.71 at at last Friday, 25th April 2014) and coupled with the stronger than estimate Q1 2014 result, I've decided to try my hand on this counter and submitted my very first BUY of the US Stocks.
 
Still pending for the US market to open later at night, Singapore time and thus will share with you folks whether it is a good news or not tomorrow.
 
Do you invest in US stocks? Which is/are your gems?
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 28th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Raffles Medical Group (R01) - Posted a net profit of $14.56 million for the first quarter ended March, 8% higher than the $13.48 million a year ago. (source : The Edge)

2. Wilmar International (F34) - Australian food company Goodman Fielder said it had received a takeover offer proposal from Wilmar International and Hong Kong's First Pacific Company, but said the offer undervalued the company. (source : The Edge)

3. Ramba Energy (R14) - Has received proposals from interested bidders for the acquisition of a minority interest in the Lemang Block in Indonesia. The upstream oil and gas player holds a 51% working interest in the block. (source : The Edge)
 
4. GuocoLand (F17) - Posted a net profit of $21.5 million for the 3Q ended March. This reverses the $13.3 million loss it posted in the same period last year. Revenue nearly tripled to $270.2 million, up from $92.4 million previously. (source : The Edge)
 
5. Chip Eng Seng Corporation (C29) - Agreed to purchase two pieces of leasehold land in Malacca, Malaysia, measuring 4,210 square metres, for RM19 million. The company intends to develop them into a mixed-use high rise development comprising a hotel, retail units and serviced apartments. (source : Shares Investment)
 
6. OKP Holdings (5CF) -  Secured a $37.3 million contract to widen Tanah Merah Coast Road, design and build vehicular bridges with services trough and all related drainage works for the area. The contract, awarded by Land Transport Authority, commenced on 21 April and is expected to be completed by 31 May 2017. (source : Shares Investment)
 
7. Union Steel Holdings (V69) - Acquiring eight parcels of land in Malaysia, along with the accompany buildings, plant, machineries, equipment and vehicles for RM41.8 million ($16.1 million). The proposed acquisition is expected to increase its market share and presence in Malaysia. (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Investment Seminar 2014 on 10th May looks interesting! Anyone going?

Invest Seminar 2014 - Investing In The Year Of Taper by DBS and Straits Times
Today is a quiet and humid Sunday, after the usual home-made toast bread and kopi breakfast, while browsing through the Straits Time, noticed that there is an upcoming Investment Seminar coming to town (jointly organised by DBS and Straits Times)!

It's simply called Invest Seminar 2014 and the theme is Investing In The Year Of The Taper. I considered myself a newbie when comes to investing and haven't really attended such paid seminar. Thus, would like to check out if any of the audience here ever attended this seminar (this is the third annual event) and would is your review?

The Event :
Invest Seminar 2014 - Investing In The Year Of The Taper

The Date:
10th May 2014, Saturday (9AM to 2PM)

The Fee:
SGD48 (for DBS and POSB credit cardholders)
SGD68 (for non DBS or POSB credit cardholders)
Note : 
1. Fee include tea break, buffet lunch and a goodie bag.
2. Payment is via credit cards only

The Registration Site:
Website : https://www.regonline.sg/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1539228 (non affiliate link)
(before 4th May 2014)

The Top 5 Focus of the seminar:
1. The impact of US Federal Reserve's plan to gradually reverse its monetary stimulus policy (which will eventually lead to higher interest rates)

2. How the tight labour market in Singapore and other policies can have an impact on the overall investing climate? (by Ms Lee Su Shyan, The Straits Time money editor)

3. Examination of the outlook for the commodities and the opportunities it offers (by Mr Alvin Foo, Economics correspondent) 

4. Is bonds a relevant option for retail investors amid the rising rate environment? (by Mr Clifford Lee, DBS' head of fixed income)

5. The prospects of Yuan and other currencies (by Mr Phillip Wee, DBS' senior currency economist)

Being a small retail investor, not sure whether I will gain anything out of this seminar as it seems to have quite a broad coverage (i.e. non-Singapore market focus). What do you think?

Cheers!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 25th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. SMRT Corporation (S53) - Said it was 
unaware of a reason to explain why its shares climbed by as much as 21% yesterday to a four-month high of $1.24. (source : The Edge)

2. Roxy-Pacific Holdings (E8Z) - Said it has entered into an agreement to acquire a 28 storey commercial building property located at 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia for a consideration price of A$90.2 million ($105 million). (source : The Edge)

3. Sheng Siong (OV8) - Net profit rose 19.3% to $12.5 million in 1Q2014 from 1Q2013, mainly because of the higher turnover. Revenue increased by 5.7% to $189.7 million. The group’s gross margins increased to 23.8% in 1Q2014 compared with 22.5% in 1Q2013, due to lower input costs derived from the distribution centre and higher selling prices. (source : The Edge)

4. Wee Hur Holdings (E3B) -  Proposed a joint venture (JV) for the purpose of developing two mixed-use development projects in Jiangsu province, China. Under the JV agreement, Wee Hur would invest an aggregate consideration of Rmb120 million for both projects. The company views the JV as an opportunity for the company to participate in the real estate market in China. (source : Shares Investment)

5. Sunpower Group (5GD) - Proposed to issue 65.8 million new shares at an issue price of $0.14 per share. These news shares to be issued will increase the paid-up share capital of the company to 394.8 million shares and represent 16.7 percent of the enlarged share capital. The company intends to channel the expected placement proceeds of $8.9 million into working capital requirements. (source : Shares investment)

6. Singapore Reinsurance Corporation (S49) - Posted a 35.3 percent jump in revenue to $38.7 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2014, supported by timing difference in booking of premiums and higher premiums reported by cedants. Earnings for the quarter dropped 28 percent to $3.9 million, mainly due to higher net commission and management expenses. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

My Dividend Stocks Picking Strategy

dividend stocks
As we are know, Value Investing is supposed to look at long term perspective and at times is it very hard to hold on to something (invisible shares in our case) for very long time. Hence, the regular dividend profits came in handy to dilute the "pain". Hence, one of my stock picking criteria is good track record of Dividend paying history.
 
For thinking out loud, following are my strategy in picking the dividend stocks to invest (do note that I am a small investor and thus blue chip is out of my league at the moment, I guess I will need to wait until SGX implements the odd lot transaction i.e. less that 1,000 shares a lot) :
 
1. Identify the stocks that fit my criteria (i.e. share price less than $1, pass my internal Fundamental Analysis assessment, including good dividend paying history) which are paying the dividend at least one month later (for example, I will be searching for suitable stocks which are paying dividend in the month of June 2014 or later).
 
2. The declared dividend is more than 3% dividend yield.
 
3. Hold on to the share for at least 3 weeks after the Ex-date (through my research, I am basing on the assumption that that the stock price will usually drop from the Ex-date onwards but if it is a value stock, it will restore to its pre-Ex-date price from third week onwards). 
 
That's it! 
 
This is my simple strategy in picking up dividend stocks, I will update you with my very first maiden stock and its progress soon.
 
Cheers!
  

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 24th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
I am back after missing for 10 days as I was away for a short break! Thanks for dropping by...

As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. IPO Alert : Ballarpur Industries - the Indian paper maker plans to raise about US$250 million ($314 million) in a Singapore listing of its international operations via Deutsche Bank AG. The share sale may take place in the second half of the year. For more details, click here (source : The Edge).

2. Aztech Group (560) - Hits the earnings of $1.68 million in the 1Q2014 ended March from $0.32 million a year ago. This came on the back of $85.58 million in revenue which was 93% higher compared to the same period last year as a result of contribution from all business segments of the group. This translates into EPS of 0.35 cents from 0.07 cents a year ago. (source : The Edge)

3. Yoma Strategic Holdings (Z59) - Has established a joint venture (JV) with Mitsubishi Corporation and First Myanmar Investment to provide technical services and solutions, installation, testing and commissioning and import and supply of elevators, escalators and related products in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The company has subscribed for 20 percent of shares in the JV company through a consideration of US$0.3 million. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

I am back!

Sorry folks, I have been "missing" for the last 10 days as I was away for a holiday in Melbourne, Australia. I am back now and hope to share regular post with you folks and do come back often ;-)

It was a great 10 days in a cooling weather Melbourne city and now I am back to the humid Singapore that made me warm (pun intended).

Some highlights of my trip in Melbourne :

1. The public transport there (mainly train and tram) is quite reliable and convenient. (I think Singapore can learn something from them).

2. Most people there are using iPhones (I can see Apple's smile)

3. Bikes renting in the city is very common and popular. Less car = less air pollution

4. People are still queuing up for new brands (like H&M and Uniglo). So fashions and consumer goods are lucrative businesses there.

5. Australian are very attracted to the visit of the recent visit of Royals (Duke and Duches of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate and of course the baby George)

I know, this post has nothing to do with Investing but I think it is good to spice up my blog with some variety of stuff. 

I will be back with the real thing tomorrow.

See ya! Cheers!   

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Important Dates To Note When Buying Dividend Stocks PLUS Bonus Observation

Dividend Stocks
One of the most passive element (in terms of income stream) of investing in stocks is the dividend payment. Hence, it is important to understand whether the stocks that you are about to invest has a consistent and reasonable dividend payment history (most blue chips stocks are dividend stocks).

For the newbies, when come to investing in dividend stocks, there are a few key dates that you need to get familiar with. On top of that, there are a few terms or abbreviation related to dividend that should know. This post is aim to address these fundamentals.

The Important Dates For Dividend Stocks

Declaration Date:
The Date the company declares the upcoming dividend to be paid

Ex-Date (Ex-Dividend Date):
-- The Date whereby the stock is transacted without dividend. In short, if you buy the stock on this date, you are not entitled to the upcoming dividend;
-- It is reflected as "XD" in the Remarks column of the counter.

Date Of Record:
-- The date the company record the shareholders to receive the dividend;
-- It is usually the third working day from "Ex-Date".

Date Of Payment:
-- The date the company actually paying out the dividend.
-- It is usually 2 weeks after the "Date Of Record"

The Important Terms/Abbreviation For Dividend Stocks

CD:
-- Cum-Dividend indicator, means that when you are transacting the counter with this indicator, you will be entitled to the up-coming dividend

XD:
-- Exclude-Dividend indicator, means that when you are transacting the counter with this indicator, you will NOT be entitled to the up-coming dividend

Dividend Yield:
-- Measurement of the dividend profit against the market stock price (do not take into consideration of any charges/commission to receive your profit)
-- It is reflected in percentage.

-- For example, if the declared dividend is 50 cents and the stock price is 12 dollars, the Dividend Yield is 4% (0.5/12)

My Observation

1. Stock prices will drop On the "Ex-Date" onwards which is common since the stock prices is adjusting to reflect the reduced working capital. However, the reduction could be smaller or bigger than the dividend declared.

2. For Growth and Value Stocks, the stock price will recovered by the third week onwards (this is only my humble observation and I cannot proof it with any technical analysis etc..).

Cheers!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Financial Crisis Throughout The Years And What Have I Learned?

Financial Crisis throughout the year
As you know, I have just kick-off my stocks investment journey recently and hence, I need to be upfront that I was not personally affected by any of the Financial Crisis that I am about to share next. In fact, during the time of crisis, it is "business as usual" to me and I didn't even pay much attention to it during that time. I just re-learned these financial crisis through recent reading and trying to relate to my investment strategy.
 
First, let's recap some of the noticeable past financial crisis that plagued the world market since 1997, Following are what I've got :
 
1997 - Asian Financial Crisis (triggered from Thailand)
 
2000 - Dotcom Bubble
 
2001 - September-11 terrorist attack
 
2003 - SARS outbreak
 
2007 to 2009 - Great Financial Crisis
 
During the Financial Crisis, most of the affected indexes dropped furiously and some even went into double-digits free-fall within a day. But what happen next? A few months/years after that? The market or indexes will recover and mostly will go into a healthy pre-crisis levels.
 
Lesson learned?
What's GOES UP Must COMES DOWN
and the reverse is true too!
 
I know, this is nothing new and you probably knew it 20-30 years ago (or even longer) but still like to share it here as it is in line with my investment strategy of Value Investing i.e. holding on to the stock for a longer period. I said longer as I don't think I will hold as long as Mr Warren Buffett, being a small investor, I will blend it with Momentum Investing to cut the losses and reap the profits when the price is right.
 
Cheers! 
 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 11st April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1.  Ezra Holdings (5DN) - Saw a 34% fall in its net profit for the second quarter ended February 28, 2014 to US$19.59 million. Separately, the company said that it has received a Letter of Agreement (LOA) from Noble Energy for the Gunflint Project in the Gulf of Mexico. (source : The Edge)

2. AsiaPhos (5WV) - Has temporarily suspended mining activities due to a landslide that took place in the vicinity of Mine 1 mining area in Sichuan, China. As at 7:32 a.m. 10 April 2014, none of the company’s staff, property or equipment has been injured or damaged as a result of the landslide. Works expected to resume next week. (source : Shares Investment)

3. Etika International Holdings (5FR) - Proposed the disposal of its dairies and packaging business with a sale consideration of US$328.8 million. Etika views the disposal as an opportunity to unlock value in the business, while the proceeds are expected to go towards the payment of bank borrowings, finance the growth of its other business segments as well as distributions back to its shareholders. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 10th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Keppel Corp. (BN4) - Has inked a deal to manage a shipyard in Fujian province in China in a move that taps into the growth of China's offshore and marine industry. Under the 30-year-agreement, which is renewable thereafter, the shipyard will take on projects using Keppel's proprietary designs. (source : The Edge).

2. ST Engineering (S63) - Announced that its aerospace unit, Singapore Technologies Aerospace, has recorded new orders worth $460 million in the first quarter (1Q) of 2014. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

3. Gems TV Holdings (AM3) - Its substantial shareholder, Mounting Holdings, has made a cash offer for the remaining shares of Gems which it does not own. The offer price of $0.00408 per share is equal to Gem’s net tangible assets per share as at 31 March 2014. As of 8 April, Mounting owns 22.4 percent of the total issued shares of Gems. Note : At the time of writing, this share is in Suspense status as per SGX site (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

How Much Time Are You Spending On Stocks Investing Related Actitivies?

Stock Investing
Being new to Stocks Investment (so far only accumulated 2 stocks in my portfolio and I am pretty sure it will grow) and a small investor, one of my initial concern is whether I would spend too much time in the Stocks Investing related activities in prolonged period of time?
 
Don't get me wrong, I am completely fine and in fact think that it is necessary to learn and gain some fundamental knowledge (about investment) prior to actually conducted the first trade, which I religiously done so by reading some investment related books (and one of my favourite is Adam Khoo's Secrets Of Millionaire Investors).
 
So, what am I talking here? I am referring to the activities like :
 
a. Reading the market news (online or offline) to keep abreast of the market condition
b. Researching on the financial situation of the identified list of stocks
c. Constantly monitor the movement of the share prices of your stocks etc..
 
As I have just kicked off my stocks investing journey and hence naturally will take more time at the initial stage. On average, I spent about 2 hours a day in the above mentioned activities and at the edge of addiction towards item (c).
 
What about you? How much time are you spending (per day) on all these activities?
 
Cheers!   

Watch Out For Heartbleed bug As It Could Compromise You Online Trading Details

Heartbleed bug
If you have not heard of Heartbleed bug by now, you probably should now! Since Monday (7th April 2014) after the Heartbleed bug was announced by Google Researcher and a Finnish Security firm, Codenomicon, website owners around the world are getting into immediate action to fix the problem. 

You see, this Heartbleed thingy is non ordinary bug as it impact two third of the websites around the world. Following are some details regarding the bug that I've gathered online :

1. What is Heartbleed?
It is a security flaw(bug) that plagued 2/3 of the websites that are using the OpenSSL (Open Source encryption) technology. i.e. those sites with URL begins with "https" and a padlock icon. With this bug, the cyber-criminals can steal your personal data e.g. passwords, credit card details etc. without a trace. 

2. When was the Heartbleed started?
According to the report, it started more than two years ago i.e. since March 2012.

3. What Need to Be Done To Fix The Bug?
It is a tricky and time consuming one. In fact, to fix the bug, both the site owner and user (which is you) need to take some action. 
For the website owner : They need to upgrade to the patched version of OpenSSL
For the user (which is you) : You need to change your password 
Note : According to the expert, if you change the password before the site is being upgrade with the patched version, your new password credentials is still vulnerable,hence, there is no need to rush into password changing frenzy. 

4. How Real Is The Threat?
From the online-security point of view, this is a serious security risk but there is no way to identify/quantified the actual risks since attack (if any) are untraceable. 

As individual investor, I believed most of us are trading online and are dealing with money transactions, hence, it is important for us to be more alert of such threat. If your broker/trading partner asked you to change your password credential and citing Heartbleed as a reason, you might jolly well do so ;-)

Cheers!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Would The Excessive Long Weekends In 2015 Affect Overall Investment Momentum?

Singapore Public Holidays 2015
If you have not already know, we are going to have 8 long weekends in 2015 i.e. Public Holidays fall on Fridays, Sundays or Mondays. It is a good news especially for those who are currently working full time (like myself) as we need to take less Annual Leaves to enjoy longer breaks.
 
Having said that, do you think that with such high numbers of long weekends, would it affect the investment momentum as a whole? In short, comes next year, people might arrange for more regular and longer travelling plans during these period and hence less active in the shares market?
 
But come and think of it, maybe I am just overly exaggerated as nowadays shares trading can be done with just a few clicks (or tap or swipe) online from anywhere in the world. Hence, let's forget about all this investment momentum thingy, just check out the Singapore Public Holidays 2015 below and start to plan your holidays early!
 
Singapore Public Holidays 2015
Singapore Public Holidays 2015
Cheers!

This Thai Ad Worth Your 3-Minutes Investing Time

Unsung Hero - TVC Thai Life Insurance TV Ad
We are just in the mid-week and I decided to create a leisure post that has nothing to do with investing. Who said an investing blog must only be filled with investing related posts? ;-)

Thailand is famed for their influx of heart-warming TV advertisements and I've seen so many of them in the past. Today, I've chanced upon yet another one from TVC Life Insurance called "Unsung Hero" which made me no choice but to share. It is that POWERFUL and INSPIRING! 

I am sure you will not regret spending 3 minutes (or more if you watched it more than once) out of your busy day and get inspired along the way. Oh! You might shed some tears along the way too.

Now, enjoy the Ad below:


Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 9th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) - Has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement to buy Changi City Point from Ascendas Frasers for $305 million. Ascendas Frasers is a 50-50 joint venture between Ascendas Development and Frasers Centrepoint. (source : The Edge)

2. JES International Holdings (EG0) - Has entered into an agreement to acquire 51% stake in SCIBOIS Co. for a consideration of up to US$65 million ($81.7 million). The announcement came less than 24 hours after JES released a SGX press statement revealing that auditor firm BDO had “cast significant doubt about the group's ability to continue as going concern.” (source : The Edge)

3. Pacific Radiance (T8V) - Has inked a joint venture (JV) agreement with Westsea Marine (S), an Australian company providing maritime services as well as an owner and operator of a modern diversified fleet of vessels. The JV company, Westsea Radiance, intends to be engaged in the business of ship ownership and other offshore marine related services in the offshore support vessel segment. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Invest The Jerry Maguire Way

Jerry Maguire
In 1996, there was popular blockbuster movie called Jerry Maguire (starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Goody Jr and Renee Zellweger). It is an inspirational drama comedy with instant hit.
 
There is one particular scene whereby Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire) shouting over the receiver of the phone : "SHOW ME THE MONEY..SHOW ME THE MONEY..." It is a powerful scene with full of energy and probably the only scene that the audience can remember after the end of the show...and still remembering it now!
 
Wow, it has been 18 years and I can still remember it vividly! Scary...
 
Oscar-performance from Tom Cruise aside, I do believed that ENERGY is one very important element that we need to maintain regardless of what we are embarking on. Since this is a blog about investing, we can sure learn one thing or two from Jerry Maguire in relation to investing. 
 
Here we go :
 
If you want something hard enough (investment profit/success in our case), we need to put in maximum energy so that we can "shout" (learn/take action) as much as possible.
 
Click ME to view more!
This is just my simple connection between investing and Jerry Maguire, what do you think?
 
Cheers!
 

Best Travel Insurance In Singapore - 50% Discount From TravellerShield (Up To 10th Apr 2014 only)

Travel Insurance
Travelling is one of the most popular hobby among fellow Singaporean (I read it some time ago in one of the research by the local mainstream Newspaper). In fact, travelling has many pluses, besides broadening our view of life, enjoy the scenery. As investors, it is also a good avenue to check out some investing opportunities, be it properties or offshore investment from abroad.
 
In any case, what I am about to share today is what I deemed as "MUST-HAVE" item when travelling - Travel Insurance. Nowadays, getting a travel insurance is just a few clicks away and you can get yourself (as well as your travelling mates) insured instantly.
 
As I have made a last minute plan to visit Melbourne Australia over the weekend, hence the natural thing for me is to Google the best travel insurance deal from Singapore and I am pleased to share that I've found one : MSIG's TravellerShield.
 
They are having a 50% discount promotion for Single Trip plan from 8th April 2014 to 10th April 2014 (3 days only). Hence, if you are planning a trip soon, do grab this hard to come by deal!
 
To check out for more details, click MSIG - TravellerShield (via POSB site) or just click on the image below:
 
MSIG TravellerShield Travel Insurance
 
Hope you enjoy my sharing.
 
Cheers!
   

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 8th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Sembcorp Industries (U96) -  Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sembcorp (China) Holding Co, has signed a joint venture agreement to build, own and operate an industrial wastewater treatment plant in the Jingmen Chemical Industrial Park (JCIP). For more details, click here (source : The Edge)

2. Midas Holdings (5EN) - Announced it has won 318 million yuan ($64.4 million) worth of contracts for high-speed train car body components worth from CNR Tangshan Railway Vehicle Company. (source : The Edge)

3. Singapore Airlines (C6L) - Will operate Airbus A380 aircraft to Delhi and Mumbai cities from May 30, becoming the first carrier to fly the superjumbos into India after a ban was lifted. (source : i3 investor)

Cheers!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Finally! Gotten My Second Stocks - Baker Technology Limited

Finally!
 
Gotten my 4 lots of Baker Technology Limited (568) today at SGD0.310! I've been monitoring the stock and constantly place the trade for about one week now and looks like today is my day! ;-)
 
For my brief analysis and why I picked the stock, check it out here. With this new addition to my portfolio, I have 2 stocks in my bucket now and started to feeling excited about it ;-) My very first stock is Straco Corporation (S85).

With this, following are my accumulated portfolio at the moment :


Cheers!

P/S: At the time of writing, Baker Technology has raised SGD0.015 to SGD0.325 and hope that it is a good omen and keep the momentum going. Go! Go! Go! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 7th April 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
Hope you folks have a great weekend and let's start the week with some snippets of market news.

As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.
 
Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :
 
1. Annica Holding (5AL) - The latest company to come under scrutiny of the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) (source : The Edge)

2. XMH Holdings (M9F) - Won two contracts worth US$3.6 million to supply engines under Mitsubishi’s licensing. The first contract helps XMH build its business in the Vietnamese market and would aid in reducing the firm’s over-reliance on the Indonesian work boat market. (source : Shares Investment)

3.  Great Group Holdings (I5H) - A subsidiary of Great Group Holdings, 3W Life Investment, has agreed to buy a 90-percent stake in Basic World Resources (BWR) for $8.7 million. BWR provides sourcing, procurement and design services to the garment and fashion industry. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

That's How I Relate Investment With Movie

It's a cooling Saturday night here in Singapore. Today, I am going to share something lighter and how I relate my old hobby with new hobby.

Being a movie buff (old hobby), I think I can conveniently relate investing (new hobby) to movie quite easily. 

Ready?

Here we go...


What do you think?

Have a great Sunday ahead of you.

Cheers!

Secrets of Millionaire Investor (Adam Khoo) - The Book That Awaken My Investor Gene!

Adam Khoo's Secrets Of Millionaire Investors
Before I started this shares investment related personal blog, I only have fairly basic knowledge about share investment and always have the view that Shares is a risky vehicle to make money, you can make money only if luck is at your side i.e. I tends to equate it as gambling.
 
However, I have a complete 360 degree change of mind set after I've finished reading the book that I am about to share next. Co-authored by a local multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Adam Khoo and Conrad Alvin Lim, Secrets Of Millionaire Investors is one of the easiest to understand and yet most practical investment book that I've ever read.
 
It covers the full spectrum of stocks investment ranging from least risky (Value Investing) to the most risky (Options Trading) vehicles. To say the least, it has improved my financial intelligence tremendously (personally believed so) and increased my confidence in stock investing. With such knowledge, I am ready to kick-start my investing venture by focusing on Value Investing and Momentum Investing.
 
Following are the content of book :
 
Chapter 1 - Making Money From The Market

Chapter 2 - The Power Of Investing In Building Your Wealth

Chapter 3 - The Idiot-proof Way Of Making Money

Chapter 4 - Value Investing - Warren Buffett's Secret (my favourite chapter!)  

Chapter 5 - Momentum Investing - Catching The Stocks Before They Fly

Chapter 6 - The Amazing World Of Options

Chapter 7 - Using Call Options To Reduce Risk & Boost Returns

Chapter 8 - How To Make Money In Any Direction

Chapter 9 - Your Next Step To Financial Freedom

Click on the image below to take a look at the book and read the first chapter for free:


Which is/are the book(s) that change your mind-set on investing? Do share them in the comment section below.

Cheers!
 

Friday, April 4, 2014

What Are The Different Types Of Stocks (Infographic)

What are the different types of stocks Infographic
As far as investment is concerned, knowledge is paramount to the success. The more we know, the lesser the risk! In fact, it is true for everything else in life ;-)
 
I am also a proponent of learning together and sharing it forward. Hence, if I were to chance upon any great resources about investment, I will share it all out here.
 
Today, I am going to share an infographic created by Timothy Sykes whereby it provide a fundamental view of the different types of stocks in the market e.g.
 
1. Common Stocks vs Preferred Stock
2. Growth Stocks vs Value (Income) Stocks
3. Different Market Caps
4. Different industry sectors etc...
 
This is more for the beginners!
 
Enjoy the infographic below:
 
Click image to see a larger versionTypes of Stocks 1.0-01What are the Different Types of Stocks via Timothy Sykes
 
Cheers!

Like What You See? Subscribe To Us Here...

* indicates required