Investing Updates: SGX moves to encourage more investors to use broker custody accounts for their holdings

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sgx-moves-encourage-more-investors-use-broker-custody-accounts-their-holdings

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) has launched a public consultation to encourage wider use of broker custody accounts for SGX-listed securities, aligning Singapore with practices in markets such as Australia, the UK, Hong Kong and the US. The consultation, open from Jan 30 to Mar 27, proposes rule changes to allow omnibus broker custody accounts, require brokers and depository agents to support shareholders in exercising their rights, and strengthen regulatory oversight of depository agents. Retail investors will still be able to keep direct Central Depository (CDP) accounts even if the changes are implemented.

Currently, investors can hold SGX securities either directly with CDP or through broker custody accounts. About two-thirds of retail accounts are still direct CDP accounts, a structure originally designed for safekeeping physical share certificates. In contrast, broker custody accounts—often omnibus accounts pooling multiple clients’ holdings—are already widely used for foreign-listed shares.

SGX RegCo said adopting a common broker custody model for both SGX-listed and overseas securities would allow investors to view and manage all holdings through a single platform. This could enable brokers to offer more value-added services such as fractional trading, portfolio management, robo-advisory solutions and other innovative products.

Beyond retail benefits, the shift could enhance Singapore’s market competitiveness. Internationally active asset managers, who are accustomed to omnibus structures elsewhere, currently need separate systems to handle Singapore’s individually segregated accounts. A broker custody model would make it easier for them to participate more actively in the local market.

Market participants broadly view the proposals as timely, given rising retail participation. However, investor groups stress the need for strong safeguards, including robust asset segregation, cybersecurity and PDPA compliance, to ensure omnibus arrangements are as secure as CDP holdings and that shareholder rights remain fully protected.

Comments:

I think most consumers dig into where the brokerages are from and fear geo-political risks or bankruptcy might affect their holdings.

CDP is deemed "safer" since it's locally managed.

When you are in retirement phase, it kind of makes sense to store in CDP too. Go get free gifts in AGMs since got time? 😁

Investing Updates: Singapore stocks track global rally; STI up 1.3% after hitting new high

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-stocks-track-global-rally-sti-1-3-after-hitting-new-high

ChatGPT:

Singapore stocks closed firmly higher on Friday (Jan 23), tracking a broad global rally and pushing the benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) to a fresh all-time high. The STI touched an intraday record of 4,895.15 before ending the session up 1.3 per cent, or 63.13 points, at 4,891.45. The iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index also advanced, rising 0.3 per cent to 1,487.74.

Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering losers by 345 to 213 across the broader market. Trading activity was robust, with around 1.3 billion securities changing hands for a total value of approximately S$2 billion.

The rally was led by Singapore’s banking heavyweights, which reached new highs. UOB emerged as the top performer on the STI, surging 5 per cent, or S$1.88, to close at S$39.50. OCBC also delivered strong gains, climbing 3.4 per cent, or S$0.70, to end at S$21.29. DBS added to the positive momentum, rising nearly 1 per cent to finish at S$58.65. In contrast, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding was the weakest blue-chip stock, slipping 1.2 per cent to close at S$3.34.

Regional equity markets also posted gains, reinforcing the upbeat sentiment. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.4 per cent, Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.3 per cent, South Korea’s Kospi Composite advanced 0.8 per cent, and Malaysia’s FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI increased 0.2 per cent.

Commenting on market conditions, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, noted that investors are increasingly filtering out political noise from Washington. He said markets are warming to an environment of modest synchronised growth, contained inflation and a more accommodative US Federal Reserve, even as concerns around fiscal discipline and central bank independence remain in focus.

Investing Updates: Trust Bank launches retail trading platform for US stocks and ETFs, offering in-app fractional investing

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/trust-bank-launches-retail-trading-platform-us-stocks-and-etfs-offering-app-fractional-investing

ChatGPT:

Trust Bank has launched its in-app retail trading platform, TrustInvest, marking its entry into Singapore’s highly competitive retail investment market. Developed in partnership with Saxo Singapore, the platform allows customers to trade more than 7,000 US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The service was first announced in October 2025 and began admitting users from a waitlist in November.

Since then, about 10,000 customers have opened trading accounts. According to the bank, adoption has been broad-based rather than concentrated in a specific demographic, with both new and experienced investors using the platform. Notably, 45 per cent of customers who have traded so far have made use of fractional investing.

Fractional trading, which Trust Bank says is a first for a banking app in Singapore, allows investors to buy portions of a single share with a minimum investment of US$10. This lowers the barrier to entry for high-priced US stocks such as Tesla or Meta, which trade at several hundred US dollars per share.

Trust Bank said it will not charge platform, custody or settlement fees. Commission fees for all trades are waived until Jun 30, 2026. After that, trades will be charged a commission of 0.05 per cent, subject to a minimum fee of US$2.99 per trade.

Chief executive officer Dwaipayan Sadhu said the zero-fee approach is intended to help the bank build a more holistic banking relationship, with investing complementing its existing savings and lending products. Trust Bank believes its value proposition lies in combining the regulatory trust and security of a bank with the low fees and user-friendly experience typically associated with fintech platforms.

The platform currently focuses on US markets, reflecting strong local investor interest in US assets. Trust Bank plans to expand its offerings to include Singapore equities in future, although no timeline has been provided.

Investing Updates: About half of Singapore fund managers expect STI to rise 5-10% in 2026, potentially hitting fresh records

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/about-half-singapore-fund-managers-expect-sti-rise-5-10-2026-potentially-hitting-fresh-records

ChatGPT:

About half of Singapore-based fund managers remain optimistic on local equities in 2026, with 52 per cent of respondents in an Investment Management Association of Singapore (Imas) survey expecting the Straits Times Index (STI) to rise by 5 to 10 per cent by year-end. Based on the STI’s level of around 4,500 when the survey was conducted, this implies a potential climb to between 4,800 and 5,020, which could see the benchmark reach fresh record highs. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents expect the STI to either strengthen or remain stable in 2026.
The positive outlook is supported by resilient bank earnings, attractive dividend yields and government initiatives aimed at revitalising Singapore’s equity market. The STI had already delivered strong gains of 22.7 per cent in 2025 and touched an all-time high earlier in January 2026.

Singapore’s prospects are part of a broader bullish stance on Asian equities. In the survey, Japan and China were rated the top potential outperformers for 2026, while Singapore ranked joint third with Taiwan. Regionally, 72 per cent of fund managers expect the MSCI Asia ex-Japan Index to rise by 10 to 20 per cent.
The Imas survey, now in its 11th year, gathered views from C-suite professionals across 63 member firms overseeing more than US$35 trillion in global assets. Respondents identified three major forces shaping the industry over the next year: increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the continued rise of alternative investments, and growing regulatory and operational costs.
AI emerged as a newly prominent theme, with more than half of managers already using it in core investment functions such as research and fund commentary. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs are rising, while margin pressure from passive investment strategies remains a key concern. On the macro front, most respondents expect monetary easing in 2026, with many anticipating significant US Federal Reserve rate cuts, even as worries grow over the sustainability of recent market performance and central bank independence.

Investing Updates: Singapore a ‘safe harbour’ amid global volatility with Singdollar set to gain: Julius Baer

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-safe-harbour-amid-global-volatility-singdollar-set-gain-julius-baer

ChatGPT:

Julius Baer’s 2026 market outlook positions Singapore as a “safe harbour” amid heightened global volatility, with expectations that the Singapore dollar and local equities will perform well. The Swiss private bank forecasts the Singdollar to appreciate and projects Singapore corporate earnings growth of about 8 per cent in 2026. Combined with Straits Times Index dividend yields of around 5 per cent, this could translate into total returns of roughly 10 per cent in Singapore dollar terms.

The bank highlighted South-east Asia as an area of opportunity, particularly Vietnam, which is benefiting from the “China plus one” manufacturing strategy and ongoing infrastructure development. Julius Baer said its positive outlook is largely unchanged despite uncertainty stemming from renewed tariff threats by the Trump administration, noting that markets have so far shown limited reaction. While geopolitical developments may increase short-term volatility, they are not expected to derail longer-term market trajectories.

Julius Baer urged investors to move away from a traditional buy-and-hold strategy towards more tactical and diversified approaches. While artificial intelligence remains an important growth driver, global policy divergence is creating broader opportunities across regions and sectors. The bank pointed to defensive sectors such as global healthcare and cyclical stocks in Europe as attractive diversification options. Healthcare, in particular, is seen as undervalued, trading at a significant discount to global equities while delivering stronger-than-expected earnings growth and increased merger and acquisition activity.

On currencies, the report expects the US dollar to weaken due to slower growth, lower interest rates, and persistent trade and debt imbalances. Safe-haven alternatives such as the Swiss franc and Singapore dollar are expected to benefit. Precious metals, supported by central bank buying, remain attractive but volatile, prompting recommendations for tactical hedging and buying on price weakness. Overall, Julius Baer emphasised active rebalancing and global diversification to navigate a more uncertain investment landscape.

Investing Updates: SGX to reduce board lot sizes to 10 units for securities above $10

Source:

https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/eqdp/sgx-reduce-board-lot-sizes-10-units-securities-above-10

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will reduce the board lot size for securities priced above $10 from the current 100 units to 10 units, according to an announcement made on Nov 19 as part of the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) equities market review. The change aims to make higher-priced stocks more accessible to retail investors and to stimulate overall trading activity. This is the first adjustment since January 2015, when board lots were reduced from 1,000 to 100 units to lower the investment threshold for blue-chip and other large-cap counters.

MAS says the smaller board lot size will allow investors to buy into a wider range of equities with lower capital outlay, helping broaden market participation. Alongside this change, SGX will introduce measures to expand the offering of investment products linked to SGX-listed securities. These include enabling portfolio management services, fractional trading, and robo-investing for SGX counters, potentially aligning Singapore’s market practices more closely with those seen in major global exchanges. Fractional trading, in particular, is expected to appeal to younger or smaller-scale investors seeking greater flexibility in position sizing.

Additionally, SGX plans to adopt a broker custody account model, which MAS notes is consistent with international norms and may attract more globally active asset managers. Despite the shift, retail investors can continue using their traditional CDP (Central Depository) direct accounts if preferred, ensuring continuity for those accustomed to existing arrangements.

SGX will conduct a public consultation in 1Q2026 before implementing the rule changes, giving market participants the opportunity to provide feedback. Overall, the adjustments are intended to modernise Singapore’s equity market structure, enhance accessibility and competitiveness, and support long-term investor engagement across retail and institutional segments.

Investing Updates: Moomoo to open first physical stores in Singapore across Lendlease malls

Source:

https://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/moomoo-open-first-physical-stores-singapore-across-lendlease-malls

ChatGPT:

Moomoo to Open First Physical Stores in Singapore Across Lendlease Malls (270 words)

Moomoo Singapore, the online trading and investment platform, is expanding into physical retail through a new partnership with Australian real estate group Lendlease, marking its first move into brick-and-mortar experiences in Singapore. The collaboration will see Moomoo launch three retail touchpoints across Lendlease’s malls: 313@somerset, Jem and Parkway Parade.

Two permanent concept stores at 313@somerset (939 sq ft) and Jem (739 sq ft) are scheduled to open by the end of 2025, signalling Moomoo’s official entry into the physical retail space. These stores aim to reshape how consumers learn about investing by offering in-person assistance, interactive product education, and personalised support for both new and existing Moomoo users. The spaces are designed to foster community engagement and provide a more approachable introduction to investing.

According to Erika Chiang, Moomoo’s Chief Marketing Officer for Southeast Asia, the stores represent “a new way of connecting with our community and redefining how people experience investing in Singapore,” highlighting the brand’s shift towards multi-channel customer engagement.

As part of the launch rollout, Lendlease will also support a pop-up store at Parkway Parade later in the year. The temporary set-up will complement Moomoo’s permanent store openings and provide an additional activation platform to reach new users.

Jenny Khoo, Head of Retail and Workspace Management at Lendlease, emphasised that the partnership aligns with the company’s strategy of delivering fresh, value-adding retail experiences. She noted that introducing a digital investment brand into physical mall spaces reflects evolving consumer behaviours and the growing demand for experiential services in retail environments.

Investing Updates: SGX launches Indonesia depository receipts featuring blue-chip listcos

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/sgx-launches-indonesia-depository-receipts-featuring-blue-chip-listcos

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has launched Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs) for three Indonesian blue-chip companies — Bank Central Asia, Telkom Indonesia, and Indofood CBP — enabling Singapore investors to trade these Indonesian-listed securities in Singapore dollars through local brokers during SGX hours. Issued by Phillip Securities, these unsponsored SDRs grant investors beneficial ownership of the underlying shares listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and are part of the Indonesia–Singapore Depository Receipt (DR) Linkage, aimed at strengthening cross-border market connectivity.

SGX CEO Loh Boon Chye described the initiative as a milestone in regional collaboration, following a 2024 partnership with IDX. The linkage aligns with broader Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recommendations to enhance the local equities market.

Retail investors have driven SDR growth, with daily trading turnover reaching S$16 million in September 2025, a 30-fold jump since the product’s launch three years ago. Total assets under management now stand at about S$200 million, reflecting increasing retail participation.

The Indonesian SDRs follow the earlier rollout of Thai and Hong Kong SDRs, expanding SGX’s total SDR listings to 26. SGX plans to add more Indonesian names and expand to other ASEAN markets such as Vietnam by 2026.

SGX’s Serene Cai highlighted that SDRs simplify overseas investing while maintaining regulatory integrity across jurisdictions. Although discussions on a unified ASEAN exchange have slowed, SDRs are viewed as a pragmatic step toward deeper regional capital-market integration.

The three Indonesian firms were chosen for their exposure to domestic growth — banking, telecommunications, and consumer demand — representing Indonesia’s dynamic, reform-driven economy.

Opinion:

Interesting developments.

I hope this boosts our market.

Investing Updates: Trust Bank to launch US equities trading function within its mobile app

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/trust-bank-launch-us-equities-trading-function-within-its-mobile-app

ChatGPT:

Digital lender Trust Bank is set to launch a US equities trading platform within its mobile app, expanding its investment offerings under TrustInvest. The new feature, announced on Oct 15, 2025, will allow users to trade US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) directly from the Trust app. A waiting list for the service opened the same day, with customers to be progressively invited to open trading accounts in the coming weeks.

A key highlight of the new platform is fractional trading, which Trust claims is a first for any banking app in Singapore. This feature enables investors to buy fractions of expensive US stocks instead of full shares — for instance, owning part of a stock like Netflix, which trades above US$1,200 per share. Such accessibility aims to make investing in major US companies more inclusive, especially for retail investors with smaller budgets.

The trading service will be integrated under TrustInvest, the bank’s investment arm launched in February 2025, which already offers a variety of investment products tailored to different risk profiles.

Fractional trading has already been offered by online brokerages like Interactive Brokers, Tiger Brokers, and Webull, but Trust’s move marks its entry into the digital wealth space as the first local bank-backed app to do so. By embedding stock trading into its ecosystem, Trust Bank continues to position itself as a one-stop financial platform, bridging traditional banking with accessible investing for Singapore’s growing digital-savvy market.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Wonder if it's too late for this.

If the trading prices are not right, I doubt it will gain much traction.

Investing Updates: Singapore gets noticed as IPO activity rises

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/singapore-gets-noticed-ipo-activity-rises

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s IPO market has drawn attention after overtaking London in Bloomberg’s 2025 ranking of busiest listing venues. With US$1.44 billion raised this year, largely from REITs, Singapore is now ranked ninth globally, while London slipped to 23rd. The surge comes as companies and sponsors capitalize on buoyant investor sentiment, with the Straits Times Index hitting record highs.

Recent Catalist board listings have performed well. MetaOptics, which sold shares at S$0.20, ended last week at S$0.53. Lum Chang Creations, spun off from Lum Chang Holdings, peaked at S$0.59 before settling at S$0.455, while Dezign Format rose from its S$0.20 IPO price to close at S$0.29. These successes contrast with mixed results from mainboard debuts. Centurion Accommodation REIT delivered gains, rising from S$0.88 to S$1.04. However, NTT DC REIT stumbled initially, falling below its IPO price due to concerns over yields and tenant risks, before recovering to US$1.02. Info-Tech Systems, the first mainboard IPO in nearly two years, debuted at S$0.87 and remains volatile, closing at S$0.88.

Momentum appears strong, with upcoming listings in the pipeline. Coliwoo, a co-living property player with 25 sites and expansion plans to 4,000 rooms, and Soon Hock Enterprise, an industrial developer, have filed for mainboard IPOs. Catalist may also see Leong Guan Holdings, a food producer, and Infinity Development, a chemical supplier, entering the market.

While IPO participation carries risks, the rise in listings boosts the broader ecosystem. Investor relations firms are hiring, and research houses, law firms, and banks may follow suit. If Singapore sustains this momentum, surpassing London in IPO activity could become a norm rather than a headline.

Technology Updates: Experts urge caution about using ChatGPT to pick stocks

Source:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/09/experts-urge-caution-about-using-chatgpt-to-pick-stocks/

ChatGPT:

The rapid rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT has extended into investing, with around 13% of retail investors already using AI tools for stock selection, according to an eToro survey of 11,000 people. Nearly half say they would consider using such tools. Unlike algorithmic trading, ChatGPT functions more as an advisory tool: investors ask questions, review analysis, and then trade manually.

Some early results appear impressive. For example, Finder asked ChatGPT in 2023 to pick high-quality stocks, creating a 38-stock portfolio that grew nearly 55%, outperforming top UK funds. Former UBS analyst Jeremy Leung also now uses ChatGPT to support his portfolio, citing its affordability compared with professional data services.

However, experts stress caution. Current strong market conditions—US stocks near record highs and the S&P 500 up 13% this year after 23% last year—make many strategies appear successful. Analysts warn that general AI models lack access to real-time data, can misquote figures, and often rely too heavily on past performance. “The risk comes when people treat generic models like crystal balls,” noted eToro’s UK managing director Dan Moczulski.

AI use continues a long history of tech transforming investing, from Charles Schwab’s electronic trading in 1984 to robo-advisors like Betterment and Wealthfront after 2010. The robo-advisory market itself is forecast to grow 600% by 2029. ChatGPT marks a new phase, enabling direct investor interaction with AI, but with limits—such as no access to paywalled data.

Experts caution that while AI democratizes access to financial insights, reliance on it may leave retail investors unprepared for downturns. As Leung warned, gains in rising markets may vanish if users lack risk management strategies.

Investing Updates: SGX launches new indices. Explore opportunities beyond STI blue chips?

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/iedge-singapore-next-50-index

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has introduced the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices, designed to spotlight mid-cap companies beyond the 30 blue-chip constituents of the Straits Times Index (STI). This move follows strong market momentum—STI rose nearly 18% over the past year, supported by the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) and corporate restructuring efforts.

The indices track the “next in line” 50 large and liquid companies on SGX’s Mainboard. To qualify, firms must have a market cap above S$100 million, adequate free float, and meet liquidity and trading velocity thresholds. Constituents are capped at 5% each, with rebalancing every quarter. Two versions exist: the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index and the Liquidity Weighted Index.

Key constituents include ComfortDelGro, Yangzijiang Financial, NetLink Trust, Keppel REIT, Parkway Life REIT, and iFAST, with real estate investment trusts (REITs) representing about 45% of the index. Financials and industrials also carry significant weight.

Performance has been mixed. Over the past decade, the Next 50 Index returned 5% annually versus STI’s 8.9%, while the Liquidity Weighted Index delivered 3.1%. However, recent years show outperformance: year-to-date in 2025, both indices have gained around 25%, topping the STI’s 19.3%. Notably, in 2019 and 2025, they outpaced the STI by wide margins.

The indices aim to broaden Singapore’s investable universe, enhance market engagement, and create potential benchmarks for future ETFs. For now, no direct ETF exists, meaning investors must buy individual stocks to mirror performance. While the new indices highlight promising mid-cap opportunities, they come with greater volatility and liquidity risks compared to STI blue chips.

Opinion:

New indexes still include many REITs, haha.

Would be interesting to see if having both STI and Next 50 indices in portfolio works better long-term.

Investing Updates : SGX Added Two More Hong Kong Singapore Depository Receipts: Here’s What You Need to Know

Source : 

https://thesmartinvestor.com.sg/sgx-added-two-more-hong-kong-singapore-depository-receipts-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

Apple Intelligence : 

SGX added two more Hong Kong SDRs, CATL and Pop Mart, bringing the total to 23. SDRs offer lower brokerage costs, convenience, and diversification by providing access to a wide range of stocks from different sectors. The addition of CATL and Pop Mart broadens the coverage of the Hang Seng Index and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) 50 Index.

Opinion :

Nice additions.

Will not be adding any into portfolio.

Good for the development of local market.

Investing Updates : Can the TACO Trade Push U.S. Stocks Back to Record Highs?

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/can-the-taco-trade-push-u-s-stocks-back-to-114596105486341

Apple Intelligence : 

• Market Reaction to Tariff Ruling: Brief market rally on May 28, 2025, due to a U.S. court ruling declaring President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs unlawful, followed by a temporary stay on May 29, 2025.

• TACO Trade and Market Recovery: The “TACO Trade” (Trump Always Chickens Out), where investors anticipate and capitalize on President Trump’s tendency to backtrack on tariff threats, contributed to the S&P 500 Index’s rebound in 2025.

• Impact of Tariffs on Stocks: While tariffs could potentially hinder the market’s upward trajectory, investors are anticipating the TACO Trade to mitigate any negative effects.

• Market Impact of Tariffs: Trump’s tariff announcements and subsequent pauses caused significant market fluctuations, with steep tariffs leading to market drops and pauses triggering surges.

• Tariff Rollercoaster on Specific Countries: Tariffs on Chinese goods were initially spiked to 145% before being cut to 30%, while threats of tariffs on EU goods were delayed, impacting the markets.

• Factors for Market Growth: Potential rate cuts, sustained corporate earnings growth, and projected foreign investment could contribute to the market reaching new highs.

• Tech Giants’ Performance: The “Magnificent 7” tech giants are regaining momentum, trading at 42x trailing P/E ratios, with potential for further gains.

• Lagging Stocks: Stocks like NVIDIA and Tesla are still below their all-time highs, indicating potential for growth compared to the broader market.

• Investor Sentiment: Investors are optimistic about TACO-driven rebounds and strong fundamentals, anticipating further market gains.

Investing Updates : Retail Investors Aren't Scared Of The Stock Market. That Will Only Make The Selloff Worse

Source : 

https://ttmblog.com/news/2538637504?edition=fundamental&utm_source=news&utm_campaign=2538637504&utm_medium=copy&platform=iOS&shareID=8c64a14506c5185976a3762bed5545b1&invite=KDXR9K&lang=en_US

Apple Intelligence : 

• Retail Investor Behavior: Retail investors are aggressively “buying the dip” in the stock market.

• Market Implication: This behavior suggests the stock market is near a significant top.

• Historical Data: High “Buy on Dips Confidence Index” readings, indicating investor optimism, have historically preceded worse stock market performance.

• Current Market Sentiment: Retail investors are currently buying stocks aggressively, indicating a bullish sentiment.

• Market Bottom Indicator: A market bottom is likely when investors are selling stocks during market upticks due to fear.

• Future Market Prediction: The current bullish sentiment suggests a potential severe downturn is needed to shift investor sentiment and pave the way for a significant market rebound.

Investing Updates : Coinbase to become the first crypto firm to join the S&P 500

Source : 

https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-listed-s-and-p-500-may-19?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

Apple Intelligence : 

• Coinbase’s Inclusion: Coinbase will join the S&P 500 on May 19, becoming the first crypto firm in the index.

• S&P 500 Significance: The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 large US companies and is a broad measure of the US stock market.

• Impact on Coinbase: Inclusion in the S&P 500 is expected to increase demand for Coinbase stock as index funds and ETFs must buy its shares.

• Stock Performance: Coinbase shares rose 8.8% to $225.4 in after-hours trading and finished the trading day up 4%.

• Market Recognition: Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 index is seen as a major milestone for the company and the crypto industry.

• S&P 500 Inclusion Criteria: Companies must be profitable, trading on a major US stock exchange, generating at least half of their revenues in the US, and have a market cap above $18 billion.

Investing Updates : Worried about Your UCITS ETFs Denominated in USD? Perhaps the Funds Should be Denominated in Yen!

Source : 

https://investmentmoats.com/money/ucits-etfs-denominated-usd-denominated-in-yen/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Currency Denomination Concerns: Investors express concerns about the impact of USD-denominated UCITS ETFs on their wealth, especially with rising gold prices and potential USD overvaluation.

• Fund Recommendation: Dimensional Global Core Equity fund, available in SGD, GBP, USD, EUR, and JPY, offers a solution to currency concerns.

• Performance Comparison: Investing in the JPY-denominated version of the fund since August 2017 would have yielded the highest returns compared to other currencies.

• Fund Comparison: Global Core fund is more similar to MSCI World index than some European, Pacific Basin, Global Targeted Value funds.

• MSCI World Performance: $1 million GBP invested in MSCI World denominated in GBP becomes $7.2 million in 21 years.

• Currency Impact: Same underlying securities but different performance due to different currencies.

Investing Updates : Time vs. Timing: 60 Years of S&P 500 Bull and Bear Market Insights

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/time-vs-timing-60-years-of-s-p-500-bull-114302338859013

Apple Intelligence :

• Market Pullback Frequency: The S&P 500 experiences pullbacks of 5% or more about 3.4 times a year, corrections of over 10% about 1.1 times a year, and adjustments of over 15% about 0.5 times a year.

• Market Recovery: The market always recovers from dips, regardless of the cause.

• Importance of Time in the Market: Staying invested for the long term is crucial, as missing just the best 1% of weeks can significantly impact returns.

• Bear Market Definition: A market decline of 20% lasting over two months.

• Market Recovery: Recovery speed varies depending on the economic backdrop, with some markets rebounding quickly after interest rate cuts and others taking years to recover from recessions and crises.

• Market Timing vs. Time in the Market: Staying invested for the long term is generally more beneficial than trying to time the market, as missing the best days can significantly reduce returns.

• Investment Strategy: Shift focus from short-term metrics to long-term growth.

• Market Timing: Emphasize time spent in the market over attempting to time market entry and exit points.

• Market Downturns: Maintain a long-term perspective and avoid panic selling to benefit from market recoveries.

Investing Updates : Lots of Fear in the Market, Stay Calm and Stick to your Strategy

Source : 

https://edition.cnn.com/markets/fear-and-greed

Opinion : 

Lots of fear in the world markets right now.

Rightfully so, with the uncertainty caused by tariffs.

Stick to your strategy and start allocating or re-balancing as usual.

For me, I'm topping up VWRA to increase portfolio allocation as planned, link here.

I'm also executing CPF trades on Poems with 80/20 allocations to Amundi Index MSCI World A12S (C) and Amundi Prime USA AS (C).

Stay calm and stick to your strategy of Lump Sum or DCA.

Investing Updates : STI's Historic Highs: 4000 Just a Pitstop?

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/sti-s-historic-highs-4000-just-a-pitstop-114239116541958?global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A114239116541958%22%2C%22invite%22%3A103096561%7D&futusource=news_headline_topnews

Apple Intelligence : 

• STI Performance: The FTSE Singapore Straits Time Index reached a historic high of 4,005.18, marking a 12-day winning streak.

• Contributing Factors: Above-trend GDP growth in 2024 and a cautiously optimistic market outlook for 2025 contributed to the index’s surge.

• Sectoral Performance: The industrial sector saw the most net institutional inflows, with ST Engineering and Sembcorp Industries leading the gains.

• STI Performance: The STI breaching 4,000 indicates robust investor confidence and a favorable economic climate, driven by banking and telecommunications sectors.

• Future Outlook: The STI may continue its upward trajectory, driven by banking, real estate, and consumer stocks, making Singapore a potentially defensive investment market.

• Historical Performance: The STI has yielded impressive returns since its inception in 1966, with a total return of 40% over the past three years (CAGR of 11.9%).