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Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts

Monday, 15 September 2025

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is no longer just about the big boys


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After years of sluggishness, Singapore’s stock market is showing renewed vitality. The Straits Times Index (STI) rebounded 29 per cent from an April low to a record 4,375 in September 2025, driven by the big banks and Singtel. Yet the focus is shifting beyond these blue-chip counters. National Development Minister and MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat announced plans for a new index to track large, liquid companies outside the STI, recognising that the STI’s 30 components represent just 5 per cent of over 600 SGX-listed firms.

The timing reflects a broader market upswing. Once-neglected mid-caps and second liners such as Boustead, LHN, Centurion, Wee Hur, and Kingsmen are hitting record levels. Trading since the second quarter has been dominated by these stocks, supported by the MAS’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, with S$1 billion already allocated to funds boosting mid-cap activity. A dedicated index could further draw institutional money and enable passive ETF trackers, expanding liquidity.

However, structural improvements also require companies to engage investors more actively. Beyond earnings briefings, management must communicate consistently and consider “safe harbour” rules for forward-looking disclosures to reduce regulatory fears. Such outreach would strengthen investor confidence, raise liquidity, and lower funding costs by allowing firms to tap equity markets instead of borrowings—creating a virtuous cycle of growth and capital access.

Global conditions add momentum. With funds flowing into Singapore amid geopolitical uncertainty and interest rates set to decline, equities are increasingly attractive. For investors who once overlooked Singapore in favour of regional plays, the tide may be turning. If the US economy stays steady and shocks are avoided, Singapore’s stock market could be on track for its strongest year in more than a decade.

Opinion:

Positive messaging from Singapore's press.

Saturday, 13 September 2025

Investing Updates: SGX to launch index that tracks listcos beyond STI: Chee Hong Tat


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The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will launch a new index to track listed companies beyond the Straits Times Index (STI), said Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) deputy chairman and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sept 12. The initiative aims to showcase a broader segment of Singapore’s equity market, given that the STI – comprising the 30 largest firms by market capitalisation – only represents part of SGX’s listed companies.

Chee, who also chairs MAS’ equities review group, explained that the new index will highlight the performance of the next tier of large and liquid companies, focusing on business transformation, governance, and capital management. The move comes alongside a S$5 billion equity market development programme to boost liquidity, complemented by tax incentives for listings and streamlined disclosure processes.

Chee noted growing investor interest in non-STI stocks, and said more indices may follow, covering areas such as corporate governance and sustainability. Indices, he added, act as recognition mechanisms that enhance company visibility and investor awareness. SGX is also working on roadshows, trade fairs, and media features to help smaller companies improve exposure.

However, Chee emphasised that companies must also take responsibility by actively communicating their strategies, growth stories, and long-term plans. Effective communication—through regular updates, media engagement, and forward-looking guidance—builds investor confidence and ultimately drives shareholder value. MAS is reviewing regulatory frameworks to reduce legal concerns around such disclosures.

Industry leaders echoed the call for stronger corporate practices and more proactive investor engagement. SGX executives stressed that unlocking shareholder value and greater transparency are essential to sustaining market growth. Further measures from the review group will be unveiled later this year to support listed companies in strengthening value creation and visibility.


Opinion:

Nice development on local market.

Let's see what this new index is about and whether it's worth considering.

Thursday, 4 September 2025

Investing Updates: Interest in money market funds in Singapore up 3 times in Q2 despite T-bill yields retreating


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In Q2 2025, Singapore-registered funds saw robust growth, with net inflows of S$4.1 billion—an 86% increase from the previous quarter. Money market funds dominated, attracting S$2.8 billion, three times the prior quarter’s inflows, despite Treasury bill yields retreating to record lows. Total fund flows for H1 2025 stood at S$6.3 billion, with nearly 60% directed to money market funds.


Morningstar analyst Arvind Subramanian found the surge “surprising,” noting that investor demand is likely not yield-driven but reflects a lack of attractive alternatives amid global uncertainty. Recent tariffs by US President Donald Trump and geopolitical tensions have pushed investors towards safer, low-risk options. Money market funds typically invest in instruments like corporate bonds, municipal debt, and T-bills.


Within this category, Asia money market funds led with over S$2 billion in inflows, followed by miscellaneous (S$568.8 million) and US money market funds (S$168.3 million). Fixed income funds came next, attracting S$918.7 million, with Asia fixed income the standout at S$810.3 million. Equity funds, however, saw a sharp decline, falling from S$397.1 million in Q1 to just S$80.9 million in Q2, though Singapore equity maintained stable inflows at S$247.2 million.


CPFIS-included funds delivered 3.16% in Q2, supported by solid one-year gains of around 6.1%. Benchmark performance was mixed, with the MSCI World Index up 5.6% while the FTSE WGBI dipped 0.9%.


Analysts advise rebalancing portfolios and watching undervalued dividend-yielding stocks. However, Morningstar cautions that the money market fund momentum may fade if market volatility eases, given their currently low yield potential.


Opinion:


This development makes sense.

Because I think SG has many conservative investors.


If market continues higher, greed will seep in and tempt them, haha.

Sticking to my plan with no major changes.

Happy Teacher's Day


Source:


Wednesday, 3 September 2025

Entertainment Updates: Board games, miniature war games: How Singapore’s tabletop community keeps offline gaming alive


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Tabletop gaming is thriving in Singapore, with over 9,000 enthusiasts gathering at TableCon Quest 2025 to enjoy board games, collectible card games, and miniature war games. The event showcased the diversity of offline gaming, from fast-paced card battles to strategy-heavy war simulations with hand-painted miniatures.


Collectible card games remain a major draw, with Bushiroad’s titles such as Cardfight!! Vanguard leading the market. At the Bushiroad Expo and Card Game Festival, 2,000 players competed for rare cards. The PokΓ©mon Trading Card Game continues to be a lucrative niche, with rare cards fetching thousands of dollars, and some traders treating it as an alternative investment.


Beyond cards, Singapore’s tabletop scene spans passionate communities. Historical war gamer Saffarudin Bin Osman organizes monthly sessions through Wargames Singapore, drawing mostly older players returning to the hobby after decades. Meanwhile, indie creators like IT project manager Situ Jianle use events to showcase original games like Spirit War, designed for casual, time-conscious players.


Fantasy miniature games also have a foothold. Conquest by Para Bellum Games offers a cheaper alternative to the dominant Warhammer 40K, attracting around 30–40 active Singapore players and serving as a Southeast Asia hub. Though still niche compared to Games Workshop, Conquest caters to players seeking fresh fantasy themes.


The pandemic accelerated interest in offline play, as players sought social interaction. Communities such as #laiplayleow have since grown, hosting events with F&B outlets and tourism boards while promoting local game designers. Ultimately, Singapore’s tabletop ecosystem thrives not only on nostalgia and competition but also on creativity, community, and the appeal of unplugged, face-to-face gaming.


Opinion:


Hardcore communities FTW!

Investing Updates: REIT Watch - Retail S-REITs see lower cost of debt and positive rental reversions as retail sales improve


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Seven Singapore-listed retail S-REITs reported mixed financials but benefited from lower borrowing costs and stronger consumer traffic, which supported positive rental reversions. The trusts are CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT), Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT), Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust (MPACT), OUE REIT, Starhill Global REIT and Suntec REIT.


CICT’s revenue and NPI dipped marginally due to asset sales, but excluding divestments, both rose. DPU increased 3.5 per cent to 5.62 cents, while occupancy stayed resilient at 96.3 per cent. It raised S$600 million via a private placement to acquire the remaining CapitaSpring stake, a deal expected to be DPU-accretive.


FCT posted 99.9 per cent occupancy, with higher shopper traffic and tenant sales. Debt cost fell slightly, though leverage rose due to perpetual securities. AEI works at Hougang Mall secured 74 per cent leasing pre-commitment.


LREIT recorded revenue and NPI growth, with DPU up 1.8 per cent. Debt cost improved and capital structure strengthened with the divestment of Jem office.


MPACT faced revenue and NPI declines following divestments and weaker overseas income. However, VivoCity delivered strong rental uplift of 14.7 per cent.


OUE REIT achieved a 34.3 per cent rental reversion at Mandarin Gallery, significantly outpacing Orchard Road’s rent growth, supported by new retail partnerships.


Starhill Global REIT maintained stable performance, with full leasing at its Singapore assets despite weaker tenant sales at Wisma Atria.


Suntec REIT’s revenue and NPI rose on overseas compensation and domestic strength. Suntec City Mall posted an 18 per cent rental reversion, though shopper traffic softened. Overall, retail REITs remain supported by resilient demand, positive rent reversions, and easing funding costs despite macroeconomic headwinds.


Opinion:


REITs FTW!

Well, hoping it does slowly as I accumulate more. πŸ˜™

Saturday, 23 August 2025

Rewards Updates : Get S$50 CDC Vouchers just for walking


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Walking Trails@CDC is a new initiative by Singapore’s five Community Development Councils (CDCs) and GovTech Singapore to encourage fitness and community bonding. Participants can earn up to S$50 CDC vouchers by completing five walking trails, each offering S$10 rewards.


The tasks are simple: finish all checkpoints on a trail to earn S$5, and collect five digital Ollie mascots for another S$5. Completing all five trails unlocks the full S$50 in RedeemSG vouchers, usable at participating supermarkets.


The programme is open to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 15 and above. To join, participants must log in with SingPass, set up a CrowdTaskSG account, and access the Walking Trails@CDC site via mobile.


Each trail spans about 4–5 km across different districts: Central (Kreta Ayer Square to Fort Canning), North East (Punggol Waterway to Digital District), North West (Cashew MRT to Bukit Timah Railway), South East (Fort Tanjong Katong to Siglap Canal), and South West (Beauty World MRT to Little Guilin).


This initiative combines exercise, exploration, and rewards—making it a fun way to stay active while enjoying quality time with family and friends.


Opinion : 


Nice initiative.
Challenging to obtain the rewards though.
Won't be participating.

Friday, 22 August 2025

Rewards Updates : #HuntTheMouse & DBS Launch SG60 Special Edition with $120,000 Hidden in the Heartlands


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ChatGPT : 


The popular cash hunt game #HuntTheMouse has returned with a special SG60 edition, launched in partnership with DBS Bank to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of nation-building. Running from 14 August to 25 September 2025, the game features 200 silver DBS Heartland coins hidden across Singapore’s neighbourhoods, each worth S$600, amounting to a total prize pool of S$120,000.


Organised by Sqkii, the event aims to encourage Singaporeans to explore the heartlands, discover hidden gems, and support local merchants while enjoying an interactive and family-friendly activity. New features have been added to enrich gameplay. A “Places of Interest” function provides historical, cultural, or future-focused insights about nearby locations. “Hunting Stops” at selected bus stops and zones let players earn in-game rewards such as Crystals and power-ups, even without actively searching for coins. Power-ups include Circle Shrink (narrowing search zones), Coin Sonar (scanning for coins), and Metal Detector (turning phones into detectors).


Daily hints are released at 6pm on Sqkii’s social media, with a real-time map offering visual clues. The game is free-to-play and emphasises community safety, respect for property, and fair play.


Opinion : 


Tough game to win, considering the weird weather these days.

Winners should be die hard fans of this genre.

Investing Updates : Retirement Planning In Singapore: How Much Do I Need To Save And Invest To Retire At 55?


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Retiring at 55 in Singapore requires careful planning since CPF LIFE payouts only begin at age 65. Based on average household expenditure data, an individual would need about $3,296 per month, or $39,558 annually, to cover living costs. This means retirees must bridge a 10-year gap between ages 55 and 64 before CPF LIFE kicks in.


If relying purely on savings, this gap requires about $395,580. Factoring in 2.5% interest (e.g., leaving funds in CPF-OA or high-interest accounts), the amount drops to around $350,000. On top of this, retirees need the Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) of $426,000 in CPF to receive payouts of about $3,330 monthly from age 65 onwards. Combined, that’s about $776,000–$821,000 required at 55.


Alternatively, retirees can use investments. A portfolio of about $791,000 yielding 5% annually provides lifelong passive income without touching principal. If drawing down on principal until age 85, about $615,000 is sufficient, though nothing remains after.


Ultimately, a mix of CPF savings and investments is the most practical strategy, balancing steady CPF returns with potentially higher investment yields.


Opinion : 


Expenditure might not be constant with rising inflation.
Article provides good knowledge for investors.

Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Food Updates : The Viral MrBeast Burger Is Now In Singapore—Will It Live Up to the Buzz?


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MrBeast Burger officially launched in Singapore on 15 Aug 2025, operating via delivery and self-pickup at Dignity Kitchen, Boon Keng Road. Signature items like the Beast Style Burger ($15) and Karl’s Deluxe ($11) offered decent flavour but underwhelmed with patties that lacked beefiness and smokiness. The Nashville Hot Chicken Tender Sandwich ($11.50) stood out as the favourite, while the Beast Style Fries ($9) were soggy and overly sauced. A party set ($378) includes Singapore exclusives like Cookie Fries and a Burger Cake. Overall, burgers are enjoyable but not outstanding—worth trying if nearby, but not destination-worthy.


Opinion : 


My kids talk about this person quite often.
Sheng Siong sells their "world's best chocolate" too.
Kids say better than Hershey.

Friday, 15 August 2025

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


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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.

Thursday, 7 August 2025

Food Updates : Commentary: From prata to cars, vending machines are everywhere in Singapore


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Vending machines in Singapore have evolved beyond snacks to offer everything from roti prata to luxury cars, driven by demand for 24/7 convenience, low-cost retail, and self-service culture. Sales hit S$117 million in 2024, and are expected to rise further.


They work well for sealed, on-the-go products, but can’t replace the human touch needed for items requiring advice or experience—like skincare or tech gadgets. Upfront costs, maintenance, and lack of instant support are downsides.


Conclusion: Vending machines are a powerful retail tool, not a replacement. The future lies in hybrid models, blending convenience with personal service.


Opinion : 


Vending machine food is cool.
But fresh cooked food is still the best and healthier.

LifeStyle Updates : LG Subscribe comes to SG: Will you pay a monthly subscription to use your fridge or washing machine?


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LG has launched LG Subscribe, Singapore’s first home appliances subscription service, with a physical store at Suntec City. Customers can select appliances with no upfront payment, and instead pay a monthly fee over 3, 5, or 7 years. At the end of the contract, you own the product.


What sets LG Subscribe apart:


- Includes extended warranties (up to 7 years)

- Bundles regular maintenance and servicing

- Two care options:


- Self Care: DIY maintenance kits and consumables sent regularly

- LG Careship: In-person professional servicing

- Launch promo: Free 1-year Redmart+ membership (until 30 Sep 2025)


Example: For the LG Objet Tankless Water Purifier WD518AN, LG Subscribe costs more overall than retail, but includes warranty and filter costs, unlike traditional instalment plans.


Bottom line: You pay more, but get peace of mind through servicing and warranty coverage.


Opinion : 


Interesting concept.
It's probably worth a consideration if you're aiming for a real "atas" device.
If not, spoil, throw and replace is still practical? πŸ˜‹

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Rewards Updates : Nerfed: Chocolate Finance Drops Top-up Programme Rate to 2.5% and 2.2% p.a. on First S$50,000 From 1st September 2025


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From 1 September 2025, Chocolate Finance will cut interest rates on its Top-up Programme for the third time this year:


Balance TierCurrent Rate (till 31 Aug)New Rate (from 1 Sep)
First S$20,0003.0% p.a.2.5% p.a.
Next S$30,0002.7% p.a.2.2% p.a.
Above S$50,000Target 2.7% p.a.Target 2.2% p.a.


- Effective yield will drop to around 2.32% p.a. on S$50,000.

- The Top-up Programme will still run until 31 Dec 2025 or S$1.5B AUM.

- Chocolate Finance tops up returns to meet guaranteed rates if fund performance is lower. If fund returns exceed the set rate, the firm keeps the excess.

- Bond funds, which back the programme, are expected to do well as interest rates fall.


This follows similar rate cuts by UOB One, OCBC 360, and other digital banks.


Opinion : 


Every "safe" product interest rate is falling...
2.5% ain't that bad. But it doesn't beat inflation.
Diversify across riskier assets.

Monday, 4 August 2025

LifeStyle Updates : ‘You offer her S$70M or S$700M also, she still won’t sell her father’s land!’ — S’poreans say about 70+ y/o woman who stands her ground for SG’s last kampung


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72-year-old Mdm Sng Mui Hong, owner of Singapore’s last kampung in Lorong Buangkok, has rejected S$70M offers from developers, staying true to a promise made to her father to preserve the land for future generations. Despite no children, modest savings, and aging infrastructure, she continues renting homes at S$6.50–S$30/month to about 20 families.


Her quiet defiance and simple lifestyle have earned viral admiration. To her, peace, legacy, and dignity matter more than millions. Her nieces and nephews are committed to keeping the kampung intact after she’s gone.


Opinion : 


Strong promise kept by Mdm Sng πŸ‘
I'm not sure on the ask of nieces and nephews to continue the kampung.

Wouldn't it be prudent to let it go to benefit even more people? The extended family could use the money for the betterment of their lives too.

Ultimately, it's their family's choice and in the age of capitalism, it's nice to see family values being emphasized over monetary gains.

Sunday, 3 August 2025

Rewards Updates : Nerfed: Trust Bank and MariBank Slash Interest Rates From 1st September 2025


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ChatGPT : 


FeatureTrust BankMariBankGXS Bank
Effective Date1 Sep 20251 Sep 20256 Aug 2025
Base Interest Rate0.10% p.a.1.28% p.a.1.38% p.a. (Savings Pocket)
Max Interest Rate1.30% p.a. (union) 1.20% p.a. (non-union)1.28% p.a.1.38% p.a.
Promo RatePossible 2.50% p.a. (TBC Sep)Up to 3.08% p.a. on S$10K (new users)Extra 1.2% p.a. on S$6K (new users)
RequirementsSalary credit, card spend, balance tieringNoneNone for base; promo requires signup
Max Balance for InterestUp to S$1.2 millionS$100,000S$75,000 (MAS cap for digital banks)
Cashback/Card PromoUp to 1% cashback; 0% FX feeUp to 4.5% cashback (card spend)Up to 6% cashback + S$3 per ten



Opinion : 


Savings interest is heading lower and lower.
So don't leave too much money in the banks πŸ˜‰
Diversify accordingly to your risk preference.