Sunday, August 31, 2014

Looking Forward To Financial Mastery 2014 Seminar

Financial Mastery 2014 Ticket
In about 6 days' time, will be attending the 2-days Financial Mastery 2014 seminar with a peer retail investor (Mr Lim). I've received the entrance ticket early this week and am looking forward to attend this "action-packed" 2-days seminar. 

It is important to set some prior expectation when attending any course/seminar (even though it is a complimentary one for this case, but our time is also money right?). As this is a 2-days seminar and expected to cover quite a wide spread of topics, to be specific, following are the topics to be covered (extracted from the Financial Mastery 2014 official site):

1. The Psychology of wealth
2. Strategies for Financial Freedom
3. High Profits Investing Approach
4. Advantage Commodities
5. Market Cycles, Cyclicals and Cynicals 
6. Beginners guide to create an online presence and getting handsomely for it on autopilot
7. Wealth Profiling : Improving you business sustainability and wealth generation through Chinese Metaphysics
8. Forex-trading as recession proof business

For more details of these coverage, click here!

Personally, this will just be my learning or knowledge grabbing phase. I am not expecting it to have immediate impact/change to my current investing philosophy (which is focusing on Fundamental Analysis and Capital gain). 

So, in summary, will try to learn as many strategies/tactics from the seminar as possible and review them whether it fits my preference/style or not. I am fully aware that investing is not one-size fits all kind of game. 

If you are attending the seminar next weekend and would like to say hello to me, feel free to email me at investopenly@gmail.com and we can get in touch during the seminar.  

Cheers!

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Finally Decided To Sell My Facebook Stock

Facebook Stock
In late April 2014, I've bought my maiden US Stock, Facebook (Nasdaq). Even with a very small odd lots (since I am a small retail investor), I felt happy as I like Facebook a lot and it is my first holding of a US Stock. For my earlier post, click here

Four months later, I've decided to release the stock for a simple reason that it has hit my sell target. I bought the stock at USD57.45 and have a sell target of USD74.60. I managed to release it at USD75.20 on Tuesday (26/08/2014). I am happy with the slightly more than 25% returns (after 
minus all the commission/fee).

Meanwhile, I will just keep a look out for the next potential stock(s). 

Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 30th August 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. IPS Securex Holdings (40A) - The provider of security products and integrated security solutions, said it has won a $4.5 million contract from the HDB for the installation, leasing and maintenance of alert alarm systems (AAS) for several blocks of residential housing across Singapore. (source : The Edge)

2. Linc Energy (TI6) - Has entered into an agreement to sell its Carmichael coal-mine royalty deed in Australia to India’s Adani Group for A$155 million ($180 million) in cash. (source : The Edge)

3. Yoma Strategic Holdings (Z59) - Proposed the acquisition of a 70 percent interest in a piece of land located in Yangon, Myanmar, and a 20 percent interest in YSH Finance. The land piece measures 20.3 acres and comes with a purchase price of US$5.6 million, which the company intends to develop into an international school. When the acquisition of YSH Finance is completed, YSH Finance will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yoma. (source : The Edge)

Cheers!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

What Does The Upcoming Changes To The Toto Betting Means To The Investors?

Toto Singapore Rules Changes
If you have not already know, come 7th October 2014, you will have slimmer odds in winning the Toto Top Prizes amidst the bigger prizes. The changes are in response to the Government's decision to increase the betting duty rates on lotteries from 25 per cent to 30 per cent from July onwards.  

Here are some key changes to be expected in October 2014 :

1. Minimum bet will be doubled from 50 cents to 1 dollar;

2. The guaranteed jackpot will increase from $500,000 to $1 millions;

3. The total numbers will increase from 45 to 49 (means the odds for the top price is reduced from "one in 8 millions" to "one in 14 millions");

4. There will be a new prize category i.e. combination of three numbers will win you $10 (this will increase your odds of winning from "one in 321" to "one in 54").

So, what does it means to the investors (I means, punters)? It means that our money has become smaller (i.e. 50 cents no longer enough to buy you dream) and it is harder to get rich by luck. So, you might be better of saving and accumulating your "intended fund" and invest it regularly in EFT or stocks which has more potential of accumulating wealth for you. 

Personally, I am not a Toto fan and hence such changes has no impact to me. What about you?

Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 28th August 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. Stats Chippac (S24) - Said Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology Co. and Tianshui Huatian Technology Co. approached the Singapore-based semiconductor test and assembly services company about purchasing it. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. Straco Corp (S85) - Which focuses on tourism businesses in China, said it plans to acquire the giant Singapore Flyer ferris wheel in downtown Singapore for $140 million. For more details of the report, click here(source : The Edge)

3. Wilmar International (F34) - Proposed the acquisition of Nexsol (Malaysia) for a cash consideration of RM27 million from Kulim (Malaysia). At the same time, the group will acquire a 30-acres land parcel that is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from Kulim for RM23 million in cash. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Global Yellow Pages - My CNAV Analsyis

Global Yellow Pages
Inspired by the recent post from Singapore Stock Investing (SSI), which Ah Tom has shared a few times earlier on the same penny stock, Global Yellow Pages (Y07), I've decided to dive in further to evaluate this stock using CNAV (Conservative Net Asset Value) Analysis.
 
Following are my findings :
 
Stock In Evaluation : Global Yellow Pages (Y07) 

The Key Quantitative Indicators of CNAV Strategy:

Net Asset Value (NAV)                             = $0.120
Conservative Net Asset Value (CNAV2)  = $0.041
Current Price                                              = $0.049
Discount For CNAV2                                = -20%

Conclusion : Since it is a negative "Discount for CNAV2", it means that the stock is traded at premium. However, it is traded at a huge 60% discount when compared with the less conservative indicator, NAV. 
 
The P.O.F Scores of CNAV Strategy: 
 
Profitability Score         = 1 (With the PE ratio of 6)

Operational Efficiency = 1 (with three consecutive years of positive operating cash flow)

Financial Efficiency     = 1 (Debt To Equity Ratio of 38%)

Conclusion : A Perfect P.O.F Scoring

Final Conclusion : This stock is warrant to be in my watch-list and will plunge right in when the price hit the level of $0.04.

Other Relevant News :
1. After the failed take-over intend of Gloria Jean's Coffee, the company is still looking for other potential diversification avenue. 

Are you vested in Global Yellow Pages? What is your take on this stock?

Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 27th August 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. QT Vascular (5I0) - Announced that the Japanese patent office issued its wholly owned US subsidiary, TriReme Medical LLC, a Japanese patent number 5580886 for its proprietary balloon technology relating to side branch balloon. Significant elements of this technology are used in the group’s Glider PTCA balloon catheter. For the complete details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. Taiwan’s China Development Financial Holding Corp said on Monday its brokerage unit is buying Singapore’s AmFraser Securities, a move that the Taiwan financial group said will broaden its overseas business. (source : The Edge)

3. Otto Marine (G4F) - The offshore marine company which owns and operates offshore support vessels, announced that the group has secured time charter contracts with two Oil Majors for its Deep Water Anchor Handlers, GO Sirius and GO Spica, worth A$57 million ($66.2 million). (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 26th August 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. United Engineers (U04) - Said StarChase Motorsports (Singapore) has agreed to acquire the entire issued and paid-up share capital in each of Wearnes Automotive and Associated Motor Industries from its 67.6% owned subsidiary, WBL Corporation. For the complete report, click here. (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Never Underestimate The Reach Of Our Humble Blog

Yesterday, I've written a short review of an article ("Investing is a bit of a gamble") written by Melissa Tan in The Sunday Times (click here to see my earlier post). Today, I am surprised and thrilled to receive a thank you email directly from her. Apparently, he colleague saw my review and alerted her and hence her thank you note. 

Pleasant surprise never failed to put a smile on my face (for that matter, on any one's face). This bring me to the topic of this post : never underestimate the reach of what we have written online (be it on our blog or social networking sites). Of course, same thing is true if we have written something sensitive or less desirable, the speed of backfiring could be fast and furious too. 

In fact, I encourage anyone who can write simple language (be it English or Chinese) to own a blog and start to share something that they are passionate about. For a start, it might seems uneasy but once you've established your online voice and presence, it is a very powerful online community to get into.

For me, I owned a couple of blogs, what triggered me to blog is because I like to read and write, hence I wanted to create my own online voice in the fields of my interest (personal finance and movies). What about you?

Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 25th August 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. United Engineers (U04) - Has requested for a trading halt. Singapore property and construction company may be poised for a takeover after Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. said it is in talks to sell its stake in the company. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. Global Logistic Properties (MC0) - Has signed two new lease agreements totaling 34,000 square metres of leasable space in Eastern and Northern China, adding two new companies into its clientele. The facilities to be leased, will be used for the storage and distribution of packaged foods, including products with temperature-control requirements. (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

YES! I Also Say So That Investing = Gambling

Investing = Gambling
Today, there is an article in the The Sunday Times that caught my eye. It can be found at the Invest section with the title of "Investing is a bit of a gamble" (by Melissa Tan). I totally agreed with her view that investing is kind of like gambling, but so does most other things in life. As long as we are dealing with anything in the future, we are effectively gambling as tomorrow might never come, in the first place. 

I especially like Melissa's sharing of the dice game played during her secondary school math lesson. I am extracting the gist directly from The Sunday Times here :

"My teacher, Mrs Bala, would roll a die. If the number that came up was not a five, those in the game got to add the number to their pot of theoretical gold. If the number five did come up, though, everyone still playing would have all their balances wiped out. It was a lesson on basic probability but what I recall more vividly is that one of my classmates chose to opt out after the third round with only 6 points. She ended up winning (the game)."

Three things I've learnt from the article :

1. It is impossible to time the market (share movement) but it is important to have an exit strategy (i.e. when to sell the shares) in place even before we buy the share. Oh, for the loooooong term value investors, the exit strategy might be NEVER. So be it. 

2. It is important to invest only with the fund that we are prepared to lose completely.

3. ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) could be the Holy Grail for retail investor.

Hence, let's continue to gamble (invest, I mean), regardless! ;-)

Cheers!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

What Is The Flip-Side Of Financial Freedom, if any?

Bank Account
Today is kind of hot here in Singapore and hence just like to release some steam in my blog. This post is not directly related to investing but everything to do with the money (which is also the ultimate goal of investing).

I believed one of the main reason for us (professional or retail investors) to get into the game is with the aim to accumulate wealth and make our money work harder for us and hopefully one day we can achieve the holy grail of Financial Freedom. Of course, this is a noble objective and as long as we are not becoming the "slave" to the pure wealth/money. 

I've read quite a number of financial bloggers here blogging about their achievement and road to "financial freedom", I am truly happy for those who have achieved Financial Freedom. Of course, the flip-side of the question is : at what cost!? I am sure they have went through some rigorous belt-tightening measures and save enough for the investment (I ruled out those received windfall through legacy or 4D/Toto etc...). 

For some extreme cases, it is a "struggle" to reach the Financial Freedom, then, the flip-side of the question is : is this worthwhile i.e. is it the kind of life you want to live until your last breath (as I don't believe they will change their life style after achieving Financial Freedom)? 

Don't get me wrong, I still think that it is important to achieve some stage of financial freedom so that money can be one last thing that we are worry about in our life. However, it is also important to know what we want in life (besides financial freedom) and trying to achieve it concurrently and not sacrificing it just purely because you want to achieve financial freedom. 

Cheers!

Friday, August 22, 2014

Let's Face It! Whatever We Do, There Sure To Be Differing View!

Recently, I've written a post about ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on the potential reason why it went so viral. Personally, I am supportive of the movement, in fact, I've just been challenged and about to do it myself over the weekend too ;-)
 
With such huge success in their movement, I've seen saw quite a number of people oppose to it citing about wasting of water and ice. Personally, think that such people are just "吹毛求疵" (Chinese Idioms), simply means : to find fault.
 
Just like in investing, whichever strategy we adopt (Value Investing, Dividend Investing, Growth Investing or Index Investing), there are bound to be opposing view. No right, no wrong, just differing view. Having said that, it doesn't means that they don't work, it just means that different people has different perception or experience with the strategy and hence have different take.
 
So, next time when you are looking for any strategy to apply (not necessary investment related), don't try to ask others whether it works or not (as their response is irrelevant to your own experience later). What you should do instead is to ask yourself whether YOU believe in the strategy or not! When you are believing in something, you will make sure it works, ultimately (even though you might failed at the beginning).
 
What do you think?
 
Cheers!    

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 22nd August 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. Pteris Global (UD3) - Announced that it has completed the $137.6 million reverse takeover (RTO) deal with Shenzhen CIMC-Tianda Airport Support. Following the RTO, Pteris’ existing operations will be merged with the larger Tianda Group. For more details, click here. (source : The Edge)
 
2. Aztech Group (560) - Has acquired a 100% stake in Glenn Marine Logistics Base on Aug 21, for $11 million. Glenn Marine, which is involved in the repair of ships, vessels, and tugs as well as marine logistic services provision, will be renamed AZ Marine Offshore Services. (source : The Edge)
 
3. Sheng Siong Group (OV8) - Has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to set up a proposed joint venture company with Kunming LuChen Group Co. to operate supermarkets in China. The JV company will have a registered capital of US$10 million. (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 21st August 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. OCBC (O39) - Is in talks to sell its stake in United Engineers, a Singapore property and construction company, to Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, people familiar with the matter said. For more details, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. XMH Holdings (M9F) - The diesel engine provider for the marine and industrial sectors, said the group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire an 80% equity stake in Z-Power Automation from BH Global Corporation and vendors. For more details, click here. (source : The Edge)

3. SingPost (S08) - Has acquired a 100% stake in F.S. Mackenzie, a UK-based freight forwarder, according to media reports. (source : The Edge)

4. Amtek Engineering (M1P) - Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amtek International, has agreed to the sale of all 52.3 million shares of Fischer Tech it currently holds for approximately $8.4 million, which translates to $0.16 per share. Net proceeds of the sale will be used for general working capital, capital expenditure and investments of the group. (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Why Is ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Gone So Viral Globally?

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Unless you have been to certain part of the world without internet connectivity, otherwise, I am sure you have at least saw one or two ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video/photo in the past few days. If you are Facebook users, all the more it is unmissable. So, What is this ALS ICe Bucket Challenge and why is it gone so viral internationally.

Prior to this, let's first look at what is ALS? ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease. Ending the career of one of the most beloved baseball players of all time, the disease is still most closely associated with his name. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. (details are from the official ALS site : ALS). 

How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge works is that when you are participated in the challenge, you can name three nominees to take up the challenges and they each have 24 hours to accept the challenge OR donate US100 to the ALS Association (or BOTH). 
Bill Gates in ALS Ice Bucket Challnge
Following are my takes that why ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went superbly viral recently :

1. It is a charity event for a good cause which can be achieved by anyone (individually or by group).

2. Human nature are "kiasu" (even though this is Singapore term but it applies across the board) and those high profile personnel will not want to "loose face" and prepared to take up the challenge, anyway, it is just a matter of a bucket of water plus ice. Many of them take up the challenge PLUS donating to the ALS Association.

3. Many celebrities from East and West are participated in the event (e.g. Donnie Yen, Jay Chao and Andy Lau etc.. from the east and Justin Bierber, Robert Downey Junior aka Iron Man etc.. from the west), they are very influential!
Mark Zukerberg in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Of course, there are also opposing voice on wasting clean water for such event. 

For me, if I were to be nominated, I will definitely take up the challenge. What about you? Will you take up the Ice Bucket Challenge? 
Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 20th August 2014

Market News in 2 minutes
If you follow this daily market news blog series, you will notice that there is a missing post for yesterday (19/08/2014). The reason being that I fall sick yesterday and decided to rest without any blogging. But I am back and kicking now! So, expect longer post today! ;-)

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. Olam International (O32) - Has agreed to sell a 25% stake in its packaged foods operations to Japanese instant noodle maker Sanyo Foods for US$187.5 million ($233 million), the companies said in a joint statement. (source : The Edge)

2. Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines is looking to sell its APL Logistics division with the hope of fetching more than US$750 million, according to people familiar with the situation. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

3. Nam Cheong Group (N4E) - Following the sale of Marco Polo Marine Group’s 50% stake in Marco Polo Offshore (IV) to Nam Cheong Group, the two companies have formed a joint venture company with a share capital of US$4 million to invest, fund, own and operate vessels such as accommodation work vessels, work barges, and anchor handling tugs and supply vessels. (source : The Edge)


4. OKH Global (SN3) - Is proposing the acquisition of a 15% stake in Pan Asia, an established logistics and supply chain solutions provider, for $21.5 million. (source : The Edge)

5. SBI Offshore (5PL) - Said it has won a US$24 million ($30 million) contract to provide design and engineering services for a jack-up drilling rig that can operate in water depths of up to 110 meters with a Middle East-Chinese consortium. (source : The Edge)

6. Heeton Holdings (5DP), Lian Beng Group (L03) and KSH Holdings (ER0) - Announced today that they are collaborating via their respective subsidiaries to co-develop a A$150 million ($174 million) mixed development in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

7. Global Logistic Properties (MC0) - Has signed a new lease agreement for 6,500 square meters at GLP Atsugi in Greater Tokyo, with SENKO Co, one of the firm’s largest customers in Japan. With the new agreement, GLP Atsugi, a newly completed 100,000 square meters multi-tenant logistics facility is 100 percent leased. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Interview With Rolf Suey

Rolf Suey
It has been a while since my last interview series post, to be exact, about 26 days ago (my last interview was with Jun Hao of The Asia Report blog on 24/07/2014. 

Today, I am pleased to share with you folks the 18th interviewee of my Interview Series. He is non other than Rolf Suey. If you have visited his blog (Rolf Suey), I am sure you will be surprised with his indepth and detailed analysis of the companies he is interested in. I can feel the passion when he is writing his analysis.

Keep reading to find out more of Rolf's investing journey and his story so far (Oh, also the hidden meaning behind his blog name). 

Enjoy! 

Q1 : Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
I am an ordinary Singaporean male, 36 years of age and happily married with kids. I am a newbie blogger of less than six months, and definitely no heavyweights or gurus like many other interviewees listed. I grew up in a humble environment, although poor, I am grateful to receive good education in Singapore. I graduated from NTU during SARs crisis period and started as an Engineer with project and hands-on work experiences onboard offshore vessels/rigs. Years later, I got into sales by accident simply because my boss assigned me to it. Working as sales in an MNC provided me with opportunities to talk/negotiate with top management of many companies and also travel extensively around the globe from Americas, Europe, Middle East to Asia Pacific regions. This valuable exposure changes my mindset positively. 

Going through the GFC in 2008/09, seeing colleagues retrenched and CEOs literally begging for help, due to cash flow problems, is another great learning experience. It makes you wonder "what is job security?” After the crisis, my sales duties took a change to more management oriented. Overdose by more quick success, I made a bad career switch and suffered temporary setbacks. It serves as one of my best learning experiences! Besides, as I accumulate more wealth, my health deteriorates. Since then, I learn to treasure my love ones more. 

My health and career is back to normal now and probably even better since I have more time now to exercise, read, research and invest. I started “Rolf Suey – Better Late than Never” blog to advocate investment in “Yourself” and to spread financial literacy. My blog also serves as a library of information for my children in future. Rolf Suey, when the letters re-arranged means "Yourself".

Q2 : Are you a fulltime or part-time investor at the moment?
Part-time. 

Q3 : When (at what age) did you start investing in shares and who has influenced you the most?
Excluding investment-linked funds, my equity investment started in 2010. I was first influenced by my ex-boss who is a successful investor and business man throughout his life. Moreover, the nature of my work also requires me to know my clients and suppliers better. This is why I started reading annual reports eight years ago, which later led to my investment journey. Like many others, I idolized Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch, therefore their influence on me is significant too. 

Q4 : Do you view yourself as long-term (holding shares in years), short-term investor (holding shares in days/months) or mixture?
Mixture. Basically I devise three categories of stocks. 1. Very long term, normally "more defensive" stocks in my opinion, and going to keep for as long as possible. 2. Yield Stocks to provide regular income and in timeframe of 5-10 years, subject to changes in local/global conditions. 3. Cyclical stocks and more volatile higher-risk stocks, which I would like to consider as "growth” stocks. Strategy, is to profit over shorter term from category 3 stocks , from few months to five years and below, and then re-invest the realized profits into more defensive stocks for long term.

Q5 : What is your basis of selecting the shares to invest (e.g. basing on fundamental analysis, technical analysis or other methods/sources [share a little bit more details if it is the latter])?
Fundamental Analysis definitely. Attended a course on Technical Analysis but seriously have no interest. I like to invest in companies that I know well such as within my work sector or those that I have personal experiences with. 

For instance I have substantial holdings in oil and gas stocks (but I am selective). This is the sector I worked in since graduation. Suntec Reit is another stock I hold having malls and offices I visited frequently. Comfort Delgro taxi services is one of the best I had seen/or taken worldwide. Coca Cola is one of my favourite and most popular drinks in the world. I also have regular medical treatment at Raffles Medical Group. These are some examples why I am vested in all these companies 

Q6 : What is your targeted and achieved annual rate of returns (%) so far? 
My targeted rate of returns is 10 % and above. My achieved rate of returns: From 2010 to 2013, 6-10% p.a. From 2013 to current, 15-20% p.a.

Q7 : What is your most recommended online investing resource (site or blog) to share with our readers? 
www.singaporestockmarketnews.blogspot.sg – a place where you can find many updated reports. 
www.sginvestbloggers.blogspot.sg – a platform compiling all bloggers base in Singapore. 
www.fool.sg – excellent write up/analysis on SGX companies, particularly articles from Mr. David Kuo.
www.investopedia.com - The investment encyclopedia 

Q8 : Besides shares, what other investment are you involved in (e.g. Real Estates, Bonds or REITs etc)?
One Private (stay) and one HDB (rental) properties co-own by me and wife. REITs should be same category as shares. 

Q9 : What is your current Shares Investment portfolio size (in range, no need specific)? 
S$300K +/- currently. It also depends on how much cash I decide to hold from time to time, since I am not 100% vested. 

Q10 : If the readers what to get in touch with you, how to get hold of you? (Sharing of your website/blog/social media profile etc..)
Do drop by my blog at www.rolfsuey.com or email me at rolfsuey@gmail.com . Each posting comprised of painstaking research, time and effort !

By the way, if you are a retail investor and would like to be featured in my "Interview With The Fellow Investors" blog series, please feel free to email me at investopenly@gmail.com

Also, for the complete list of my interviewees and their posts, check it out here.

Cheers!

Monday, August 18, 2014

This Is An Insurance Related Post But Still Worth The Sharing

For the past few weeks, I have been receiving a number of soliciting emails to request for inclusion of link in my blog, being involved in the Internet Marketing scene for a while, I know this is one of the effective way to generate back-links. As the saying goes: asked and you shall be given ;-)
 
This morning, I've received one such email from Mr Aaron Grey of My Claim Source site providing informative resources on how to fill-up the insurance claims in US. The reason why I am sharing this site and not the others is because I am in insurance industry myself and have keen interest in the insurance claims knowledge/resource. Even though the site is more relevant to the US audience but the idea of consolidating all the insurers' claim processes/resources within one platform is a meaningful one.
 
In fact, prior to developing this blog, I do have similar idea of generating a one-stop platform for local insurance resources but has put it aside inside of the huge commitment of effort required. This might re-ignite my.... or maybe not!
 
Cheers!
 
P/S: This is not a sponsored post! Just sharing...mainly for the idea of it.   

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 18th August 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. OCBC (O39) - Plans to raise $3.37 billion  by offering shares to existing holders after its acquisition of Hong Kong’s Wing Hang Bank. The company will sell as many as 440 million new shares at a ratio of one share for every eight held in a rights offer at $7.65 each. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. KrisEnergy (SK3)  - Said it will begin the marketing and sale of a new issuance of notes under the company’s $500 million medium term note programme. The net proceeds will be used for planned capital expenditures. (source : The Edge)

3. Noble Group (N21) - Said the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Argentina S.A., has agreed to acquire a 22.75% stake in Sitio 0 de Quequén S.A., a company incorporated in Argentina. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Berkshire Hathaway's Share Price Has Crossed The US$200,000

Berkshire Hathaway Inc
If you are new to the share price of Berkshire Hathaway, do take note that there is no typo in the blog title. The Berkshire A Share was last traded at US$201,227 on last Friday (which is more than SGD250,000). 

In fact, I think it might not be a surprise to many as this most expensive share in the world is from  the Value Investing guru, Warren Buffett. The share price doubled in just short 8 years (it crosses the US$100,000 barrier in 2006). To go even earlier, the share price crosses US$100 in May 1977 (37 years ago). The key is, the company has returned 22.6 per cent per year compounded since then. 

Not sure how many Singaporean managed to get a hand to this gem but for those who did, I am sure they are smiling even in their sleep ;-)

Cheers!

Amazing Entrepreneur Raised $2 millions with NOTHING!

entrepreneur
Yesterday, I read an online article from Frobes.com about an entrepreneur named Italy Adam managed to raise $2 millions fund from his 5-slides presentation about NOTHING! 

No Business Model!

No Product!

So, what is he up to? He is still looking for "The Next Big Thing", whatever it may be but he has already gathered a team of 6 (all are veteran with proven track record for online start-up). In short, he has his team (they called it BetaPopcorn) are all ready to go and what is missing now is the bright idea. 

Following is the 5-slides presentation that worth $2 millions fund :


I am sure he has some kind of flair or proven record to convince his investor(s) to part with their money. Having said that $2 millions is not a small sum and personally think that it is even bigger risk than investing in say, property or stocks. For the latter, at least we know what we are in it for. Oh, maybe that's why I can never be a real investor! ;-)

What do you think?

Cheers! 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

English Premier League Is On Its Way, Do You Think It Will Affect Next Monday's Market? LOL

Premier League 2014/15
In Singapore, soccer (the British one) is the hottest sports around. Besides the World Cup, which ended a month plus ago, the next closer competition that will raise the fever pitch is English Premier League. So, the ardent fans of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City etc.. will glue to their TV, PC, Laptop or even smart mobile devices during the weekend matches. Some will be out at the bar, club or restaurants that provide telecasts for a greater atmosphere. 

In less than 2 hours time (by the time you read this post, it might be already over), the first match of the season : Manchester United vs Swansea City will be kicked off at 7.45pm (Singapore Time).

I believed there will be many punters here going to bet in Singapore Pool or other means. So, the question is : Do you think the stock market will be affected next week (especially Monday)? I know, it might be a bit far fetch as it would not be as huge as the World Cup and the timing of the Premier League matches are more palatable. Also, it would be a year long competition (unlike World Cup which is only one month long). 

Personally, I think the local stock market on next Monday (18/08/2014) will be ended flat (but the Premier League kick-off might not have anything to do with it).

Cheers! 

Friday, August 15, 2014

Announcement : Winner Of The Financial mastery 2014 Premium Ticket

Financial Mastery 2014
Finally! Done with the balloting for the winner of one Financial Mastery 2014 Premium ticket. As I received only 8 emails, hence I've decided to do it the manual and traditional way (check out the photos below on what I meant).
 
The winner goes to.......
 
 
Mr Kah L.L.


The overall balloting slips
The randomly picked winning slip
I like to take this opportunity to all other participants. Do take note that I am still waiting for Kah L.L. for confirmation of his attendance, so, if need be, I might do another round of balloting (e.g. if he cannot make it due to whatever reason).
 
Looking forward to the event!

Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 15th August 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. Swissco Holdings (ADP) - Said that four wholly-owned subsidiaries of Scott and English Energy have entered into charter contracts worth a total of US$94.8 million ($118 million). For the complete report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s state-owned investment firm, purchased U.S.-listed stocks in Chinese technology and consumer firms backed by the country’s billionaires as it diversifies away from bank holdings.

Temasek, directly or through its units, bought 602,139 American depositary receipts (ADRs) of China’s second-largest e-commerce site JD.com Inc. with a market value of US$17.2 million ($21.4 million). It also purchased a net 603,764 ADRs in security software maker Cheetah Mobile Inc., valued at US$12.8 million. Both companies were listed in May.
 
Cheers!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

What Do You Think About My New Blog Header?

If you visit my blog long enough, you will know that prior to today, my blog is without any header/banner i.e. it's plain text. I have been thinking to create a blog header for quite sometime to give some "identity" to my blog ;-)

Hence, I've just spent about 1 hour to create and fine-tuning it. So, what you see below is my brand new blog header/banner :

Invest Openly

I would like to ask for a favor from you folks to give me some comment/feedback on this new creation of mine. All feedback are welcome. Thank you in advanced. 

Oh, by the way, I like green and hence green is my theme color.

Cheers!

Don't Count Yourself As Winner (Too Early) If You Are Still Investing!

This is just my personal view and I am sure many might not agree with me. Stock Investing is a life-long journey, so, as long as we are still investing (which we should), don't count too early that we are the winner of the game (even though you have a pretty good reason to think so in your realised and unrealised profits track record plus the dividend payment).
 
In fact, the reverse is true too. In short, as long as you are still investing, don't count too early that you are the loser (even though you have a pretty good reason to be so in your realised or unrealised losses track record to support your case).
 
Come and think of it, since it is a life-long journey, does it means that if you invest in stocks continuously until your last breath (touch wood), does it means that you will never be a true winner (or loser) of the game? Errr... I think so, at best, you can consider yourself an interim winner/loser (those cash out the profits/losses along the way). So, who will be the real winner/loser of the game? My answer is : those you are passing your legacy to. ;-)
 
Agreed?

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 14th August 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. Top Global Limited (519) - Announced that wholly-owned subsidiary Top Tomlinson Two Pte. Ltd. (TTT) recently agreed to sell a unit at Tomlinson Heights to a buyer by the name of Chen Jie for $9 million. (source : The Edge)

2. UOL Group (U14) - A luxury-hotel operator based in Singapore, agreed to buy a land plot in the City of London financial district from Heron International for 97 million pounds ($202 million) and will develop the first European property with its Pan Pacific brand there. For more details of the repost, click here. (source : The Edge)

3. GLP (MC0) - Has signed five new lease agreements for 90,000 square metres in China, where four of these agreements were signed with express delivery providers in China. The growth in e-commerce has driven demand for modern logistics facilities in China which GLP has been able to provide. (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 13th August 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. Cosco Corp (F83) - Its 51% owned subsidiary, Cosco (Dalian) Shipyard Co., has won contracts valued over US$470 million ($588 million) to  build four subsea supply vessels from Maersk Supply Service AS which is part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 4Q2016 and 1H2017 respectively. Maersk Supply Service also has the option to build two more subsea supply vessels. (source : The Edge)

2. Centurion Corporation (OU8) - Said it has agreed to acquire a piece of land located at Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang, Malaysia, for RM6.3 million ($2.45 million). This marks the group’s first acquisition in another state of Malaysia outside of Johor. (source : The Edge)
3. Search engine Google Inc and five Asian telecom and communications companies have agreed to invest about US$300 million ($375 million) to develop and operate a trans-Pacific cable network connecting the United States to Japan. (source : The Edge)

4. Halcyon Agri Corporation (5VJ) - And its subsidiary, Hevea Global, have signed a memorandum of agreement to acquire the entire stake in New Continent Enterprises (NCE). The consideration for the acquisition will be 118 percent of the net book value of NCE, with total consideration estimated to be approximately US$30 million. (source : Shares Investment)
 
Cheers!

Last Day For My Financial Mastery 2014 Premium Ticket Give Away

Financial Mastery 2014
If you have not already know, today (by 23:59PM) is the last day to participate in my Financial Mastery 2014 Premium Ticket Give Away (1 ticket), for more details of the event and how to participate, check out my earlier post here.
 
What is the catch? You got to attend the event with me ;-)
 
So far, I've received 5 participants and hence the chances of getting the ticket is still rather high ;-) I will do a random pick by end of this week and email to the winner via email (for your necessary particulars).
 
If you are interested, just email me (investopenly@gmail.com) with the email title : I WANT THE TICKET by 13th August 2014 (Wed) 23:59PM
 
Cheers!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Good Bye Mr Robin Williams

Robin Williams RIP
The world is sadden by the news of the sudden passing of legendary actor/comedian, Robin Williams. The 63 years old veteran of the entertainment world succumbed to the depression and died in an apparent suicide.
 
He is one of the well loved actor that never fail to bring laughter to the audience, some of his noticeable projects are :
 
1. Mork & Mindy (TV series) - from 1978 to 1982
2. Hook (1991)
3. Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
4. Jumanji (1995)
5. Good Will Hunting (1997)
6. Patch Adams (1998)
7. Bicentennial Man (1999)
8. Night At The Museum trilogy (2006, 2009 and upcoming 2014)
 
What a loss to the entertainment industry and he will be sorely missed.
 
I do aware that this is a personal finance blog but being a movie buff and watched so many of his inspirational movies, I can't help but felt a need to express my feeling towards the lost.  
 
R.I.P Mr Robin Williams!
.
P/S : Life is unpredictable, besides accumulating wealth, do pay equal attention to your health (both mental and physical)!
 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 12th August 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. Dairy Farm International Holdings (D01) - An operator of supermarkets and retail stores, is paying 5.69 billion yuan ($1.16 billion) to buy 20% of Yonghui Superstores Co. as it seeks to tap China’s growing consumer market. For the complete report, click here. (source : The Edge)

2. Singapore’s economy unexpectedly expanded last quarter amid recoveries in advanced countries and a government plan to boost productivity and attract new industries. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose an annualised 0.1% in the three months through June from the previous quarter. (source : The Edge)

3. KrisEnergy (SK3) - The upstream oil and gas firm has agreed a US$65 million ($81 million) deal to buy out Chevron Corp’s interest in an offshore oil block in Cambodia and take over as the block’s operator. (source : The Edge)

4. Osim International (O23) - Said it’s in talks to expand its international franchise with stores in Turkey and Russia. For the complete report, click here. (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Dividend Investing Is Like Watching Perseids Meteor Shower

Perseids Meteor Shower
If you do the Googling today, you will noticed that Google has an animated doodle on Perseid Meteor Shower to celebrate the upcoming peak of the meteor shower. The Perseid Meteor shower is active between mid-July to end-August and usually peak at 12 to 13 August.
 
Coincidentally, I've watched the latest episode of the new Hong Kong drama series, Black Heart White Soul (忠奸人), there was also a scene on watching the meteor shower. I am not sure whether this is a plain coincident or a pre-planned by the broadcasters to show the episode at the exact active period !? Actually, it doesn't really matter.
 
The reason why I relate watching Perseids Meteor Shower to Dividend Investing is because:
 
1. You (the dividend investor) are getting pretty excited when come closer to the active period (aka the dividend distribution period).
 
2. Like dividend distribution, the meteor shower happens at fixed internal (annually in this case). At times, we can see it more clearly (i.e. better dividend yield) and other times, it will just be a very short glimpse (i.e. poorer dividend yield).
 
3. When the meteor shower happens, only those who are prepared or lucky enough (i.e. those invested in the company for the dividend investing) can see it.
 
4. When the meteor shower ends, most of the time we will goes "Huh? Like that only ah?" There is always gap between expectation and delivery.
 
So, would you be trying your luck this year to have a peep at Perseids Meteor Shower (I meant Dividend Investing too)? ;-)
 
Cheers!
 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 11st August 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. Wilmar International (F34) - The world's largest palm oil processor, expects China's palm oil imports will be affected in the short term as a crackdown on the commodity financing trade curbs speculative imports. For more details of the report, click here. (source : The Edge)
 
Cheers!

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