Saturday, May 31, 2025

Portfolio Summary for May 2025

As of 31 May 2025

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 44.72 4.09
UOB 400 35.41 2.95
OCBC Bank 700 16.23 2.36
SGX 3,200 14.02 9.33
ST Engineering 6,900 7.82 11.23
Powermatic Data 13,800 2.39 6.86
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.60 6.52
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.81 7.19
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.58 6.05
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.44 6.44
UMS 31,200 1.17 7.59
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.32 8.27
Riverstone 14,600 0.685 2.08
Nanofilm 36,100 0.535 4.02
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.67 3.05
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.445 3.19
China Sunsine 41,800 0.555 4.83
Kimly 27,000 0.325 1.83
HC Surgical 35,500 0.285 2.11
Portfolio Value = S$480,636
YTD Dividends Received = S$7,750
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$177

Trades
- Bought 14,600 shares of Riverstone Holdings.
- Bought 3,000 shares of Powermatic Data Systems.

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.60 6.29
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.58 6.71
Nanofilm 12,500 0.535 5.26
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.67 3.95
HC Surgical 19,500 0.285 4.37
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.865 73.43
Portfolio Value = S$127,222

Trades
- Sold 5,500 shares of VICOM Ltd.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$1,187

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.189
Portfolio Value = US$13,230

Trades
None


Commentary:
Markets have been in a positive recovery mode throughout the month.  The local Straits Times Index closed up 1.62 percent MoM.  In comparison, the regional-focused MSCI Asia Pacific Index closed up 4.55 percent, while the U.S.-centric S&P 500 Index closed up a significant 6.15 percent.

U.S. President Donald Trump's retaliatory tarriffs were initially blocked by the U.S. trade court [news], which provided hope of a reprieve for exporting countries to America.  Alas, the joy was short-lived, as the U.S. appeals court reinstated Trump's tarriffs just hours later [news].

Things will stay status quo for some time to come.

I initiated a new position in rubber glove maker Riverstone Holdings for my CDP portfolio.  I have been watching this stock for some time now.  So far, the profit margins have remained healthy and the company's dividend history has been consistent.  It is a good example of the companies I would like to hold for the long term.  I will accumulate when there is a good opportunity.

I also added some shares of Powermatic Data Systems prior to the announcement of their fiscal result.  FY2025 revenue was halved YoY from a high base, while net profit slipped 22 percent YoY.  The board declared a dividend of 5 Singapore cents per share, same as the previous year (without the one-off special dividend).

I continued to whittle down my SRS portfolio by selling VICOM Ltd.  As planned, I will concentrate my SRS portfolio in just one or two counters for easier management.

As the dividends start to stream in, bolstering my income, I am grateful that my years of equity investment have borne fruit.  The companies in my CDP portfolio are fundamentally strong, with stable recurring revenue and double-digit margins.  Most of them have little to no debt.  While some companies had experienced revenue decline this fiscal year, they remain profitable and are able to continue dividend distribution.  My purpose for investing in these companies is to have dividend cash replace my salary income during my retirement.

Investment aside, this is the month where several secondary schools held their Open House.  I brought my younger son to visit National Junior College, Catholic High School as well as Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), where his older brother is currently studying.  Even though my younger boy is still in Primary Five, this is a good chance to visit the different schools and look at the study environment.  Of the three, HCI impresses me the most, with its lush greenery and seventy-two acres of school compound.  I hope my younger son will be capable enough to join his older brother in the same school.

Signing off for now.  Take care!



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Thursday, May 1, 2025

Portfolio Summary for April 2025

As of 30 April 2025

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 42.45 4.12
UOB 400 34.64 3.05
OCBC Bank 700 16.15 2.49
SGX 3,200 14.36 10.13
ST Engineering 6,900 7.41 11.27
Powermatic Data 10,800 2.45 5.83
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.57 6.78
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.76 7.41
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.64 6.65
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.35 6.40
UMS 31,200 1.08 7.43
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.28 8.49
Nanofilm 36,100 0.525 4.18
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.695 3.36
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.44 3.35
China Sunsine 41,800 0.545 5.02
Kimly 27,000 0.32 1.90
HC Surgical 35,500 0.27 2.11
Portfolio Value = S$453,552
YTD Dividends Received = S$1,658
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$100

Trades
None

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.57 5.61
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.64 6.33
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.35 5.30
Nanofilm 12,500 0.525 4.69
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.695 3.72
HC Surgical 19,500 0.27 3.76
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.915 70.59
Portfolio Value = S$139,991

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$866

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.199
Portfolio Value = US$13,930

Trades
None


Commentary:
April has been a volatile month, to say the least.  Stock markets around the world experienced huge whipsaws near the start of the month.  Investors hung on tightly to the roller-coaster ride, deciphering every word coming out of the U.S. Administration to divinate what is to come.  As U.S. President Donald Trump pushed through his tarriff policy, every trading partner of America was impacted.  This caused shock and consternation among many countries.  None was spared the baseline 10 percent charge.

Nations, including Japan and South Korea, are busily negotiating for better deal terms, but no new agreement has been announced yet.  Only China seems to remain defiant, gearing up for a protracted fight while rolling out stimulus for its own faltering economy.  In this economic tug-of-war, nobody is a clear winner, as much as Trump would want America to be.

As markets gyrated with ferocity, I stayed on the sidelines.  I did not execute any trade this month.  While the local bank stocks have fallen from their all-time high, their valuations are still not cheap, compared to recessionary periods.  I will continue to be in observation mode.

Nothing much has changed for me at the workplace, or at home.  I have started to pay more attention to my younger son's development in school.  He is currently in Primary Five, and will sit for the PSLE next year.  He has shown an interest in Robotics, having represented his school in the National Robotics Competition last year.  This May, he will represent his school again in the National Robotics Programming Competition.  Come September, he will compete in the World Robot Olympiad RoboMission Elementary category.  I hope to build his portfolio in Robotics, so that he has an opportunity to participate in the Direct School Admission selection next year.

Singaporeans will go to the polls in three days' time.  Fair to say, many eyes will be on the Election result.  Will the ruling party continue to win a great majority of the seats, thereby giving a clear mandate to the Prime Minister to pursue his agenda, or will the Opposition parties see more members make it into Parliament, thus strengthening the grassroots' voice for check and balance on the government?  Only time will tell.

Stay safe, my friends!




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Monday, March 31, 2025

Portfolio Summary for March 2025

As of 31 March 2025

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 46.47 4.48
UOB 400 38.09 3.34
OCBC Bank 700 17.30 2.65
SGX 3,200 13.37 9.37
ST Engineering 6,900 6.79 10.26
Powermatic Data 10,800 2.69 6.36
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.56 6.69
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.64 6.86
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.62 6.52
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.34 6.31
UMS 31,200 1.11 7.58
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.32 8.70
Nanofilm 36,100 0.65 5.14
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.705 3.38
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.445 3.36
China Sunsine 41,800 0.545 4.99
Kimly 27,000 0.315 1.86
HC Surgical 35,500 0.28 2.18
Portfolio Value = S$456,845
YTD Dividends Received = S$1,394
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$76

Trades
None

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.56 5.66
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.62 6.35
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.34 5.35
Nanofilm 12,500 0.65 5.89
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.705 3.84
HC Surgical 19,500 0.28 3.96
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.88 68.95
Portfolio Value = S$137,831

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$866

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.205
Portfolio Value = US$14,350

Trades
None


Commentary:
It is the end of the first quarter.  This will (again) be a short post, because I did not trade for my portfolios in March.  The markets remained choppy as political tensions and tarriffs took centre stage.  Gold hit above US$3,000 as investors sought safe haven.  Nobody is really sure where the market will head one day from the next.

My work in the new role is going on well.  My big boss from the United States made a stop here in Singapore, and I reported my accomplishments year-to-date to him.  My TL told me that he was happy with my progress so far.  (Lucky.)

At home, my older boy is coping well in his new secondary school (Hwa Chong Institution).  He was selected for fencing as his CCA.  (Sounds like an interesting sport.)  I am glad he was given the opportunity, as the slots were limited and the selection criteria was quite stringent.  My younger boy is also doing well in his current primary school (Ang Mo Kio Primary).  He is also given an opportunity to represent his school in the 2025 National Robotics Programming Competition.  I have also enrolled him for training and to compete in the World Robotics Olympaid (WRO), happening in Singapore during September 2025.  I hope he will put in his best effort and build his portfolio adequately for a shot at DSA (Direct School Admission) next year.

Until next time, take care!




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Monday, March 3, 2025

Portfolio Summary for February 2025

As of 28 February 2025

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 45.85 4.56
UOB 400 38.11 3.45
OCBC Bank 700 17.25 2.73
SGX 3,200 13.35 9.66
ST Engineering 6,900 5.43 8.47
Powermatic Data 10,800 2.81 6.86
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.60 7.09
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.64 7.09
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.63 6.78
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.34 6.52
UMS 31,200 1.03 7.27
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.22 8.31
Nanofilm 36,100 0.68 5.55
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.685 3.39
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.455 3.55
China Sunsine 41,800 0.475 4.49
Kimly 27,000 0.315 1.92
HC Surgical 35,500 0.285 2.29
Portfolio Value = S$442,097
YTD Dividends Received = S$1,110
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$53

Trades
None

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.60 5.90
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.63 6.49
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.34 5.43
Nanofilm 12,500 0.68 6.26
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.685 3.79
HC Surgical 19,500 0.285 4.10
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.855 68.04
Portfolio Value = S$135,707

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$866

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.215
Portfolio Value = US$15,050

Trades
None


Commentary:
February was a short month, and this will be a short post because, well, nothing much happened in my life. I did not place any trade for my portfolios. The bulk of my capital has been diverted away for another use, so I have to be selective with my remaining dry powder.

Most of the companies on my watchlist reported stable and satisfactory results. The exception is UMS Integration, which reported a 19 percent decline in YoY Revenue and a 32 percent drop in YoY Net Profit. On the other side, the three local banks remain highly profitable, logging record fiscal year revenue. Their share prices have reached levels not seen over the past few years. I will not buy the stock at these levels, despite the tantalizing dividend amount.

At the workplace, I had just completed my yearly performance evaluation. My colleagues had complained about paltry annual compensation this year. Some of my peers even had no salary raise. For me, my actual bonus was $400 above the target amount. Management attributed it to a challenging business environment last year. My salary increment is the lowest of all fifteen years I have been in the company. But at least it is not zero. I am zen about the whole thing. At my current job grade, any increment above zero is good enough for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to do something of my interest in this role.

At home, my wife and younger boy came down with the common cold. There seems to be a virulent bug (or bugs) floating around, as some of my colleagues also suffered from the illness. I wear a mask when I am out and about, and I place emphasis on maintaining good personal hygiene. I do daily static exercises in the morning and I run twice a week. I believe these habits helped me to keep fit. Good health should not be taken for granted.

Going into March, I anticipate a slew of dividends to come in and buff up my capital. Dividends are the fruit of our sound equity investment, and ought to be cherished.

Signing off for now. Take care!




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Saturday, February 1, 2025

Portfolio Summary for January 2025

As of 31 January 2025

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 44.61 4.49
UOB 400 37.51 3.43
OCBC Bank 700 17.40 2.79
SGX 3,200 12.27 8.98
ST Engineering 6,900 4.84 7.64
Powermatic Data 10,800 2.90 7.16
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.57 7.04
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.63 7.12
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.76 7.41
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.31 6.44
UMS 31,200 1.05 7.49
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.23 8.47
Nanofilm 36,100 0.715 5.90
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.685 3.43
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.45 3.55
China Sunsine 41,800 0.445 4.25
Kimly 27,000 0.325 2.01
HC Surgical 35,500 0.295 2.40
Portfolio Value = S$437,216
YTD Dividends Received = S$0
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$27

Trades
None

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.57 5.72
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.76 6.92
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.31 5.25
Nanofilm 12,500 0.715 6.51
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.685 3.74
HC Surgical 19,500 0.295 4.19
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.86 67.66
Portfolio Value = S$137,267

Trades
- Sold 5,800 shares of Kimly.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000
YTD Coupons Received = S$547

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.24
Portfolio Value = US$16,800

Trades
None


Commentary:
This will be a short post because, well, there isn't much activity for me this month.  The Lunar New Year passed quickly.  My family only visited the parents on both sides.  We didn't visit any relatives or friends.  This is our typical routine, as my wife and I don't really enjoy socializing.

Donald Trump is inaugurated as the second-term U.S. President.  He vowed to press ahead with his nationalist policies.  In fact, with effect from today (1 Feb 2025), the U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on its closest neighbours Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 percent levy on China. [news]  And that does not seem to be the end.  Even as the Fed opted to keep the interest rate as it is, these political manoeuvres will surely rock the market with volatility.

I did not make any trade for my CDP portfolio.  As for my SRS portfolio, I sold off my small stake in Kimly.  I continue to lie in wait of an opportunity to load up on some of my watchlisted stocks.

At work, I embarked on my new role.  I have had meetings with various stakeholders in the company - Sales, Product and Engineering in order to understand their plans for 2025 and to discuss how Services (my department) can collaborate.  Already, my workload has increased several fold, since I still have to juggle the responsibilities to my existing Enterprise clients.  Nonetheless, I sense a spirit of renewal.  Work starts to become meaningful for me again.

At home, my older boy started his Secondary One education at Hwa Chong Institution.  He seems to be enjoying himself so far.  I still continue to drill my two boys to do revision on a daily basis (even on public holidays).  I want them to build the disciplined habit of incremental improvement.  That way, when the examinations come around, they will not be so stressed out by the sudden study load.

I just realized this is not such a short post after all.  Haha.  Anyway, earnings release season is upon us.  Will be interesting to see how the companies performed in the last quarter of 2024.  Another focus is on the dividend amount being declared.

Take care!



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Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Portfolio Summary for December 2024

As of 31 December 2024

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 43.72 4.46
UOB 400 36.33 3.37
OCBC Bank 700 16.69 2.71
SGX 3,200 12.74 9.46
ST Engineering 6,900 4.66 7.46
Powermatic Data 10,800 2.75 6.89
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.54 7.00
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.64 7.27
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.69 7.21
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.31 6.53
UMS 31,200 1.03 7.45
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.18 8.24
Nanofilm 36,100 0.755 6.32
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.68 3.45
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.445 3.56
China Sunsine 41,800 0.445 4.31
Kimly 27,000 0.325 2.04
HC Surgical 35,500 0.275 2.26
Portfolio Value = S$431,135
YTD Dividends Received = S$16,182
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$327

Trades
- Bought 2,300 shares of Powermatic Data Systems.

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.54 5.51
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.69 6.53
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.31 5.15
Nanofilm 12,500 0.755 6.75
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.68 3.65
Kimly 5,800 0.325 1.35
HC Surgical 19,500 0.275 3.84
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.87 67.22
Portfolio Value = S$139,776

Trades
None

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.28%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.205
Portfolio Value = US$14,350

Trades
None


Commentary:
The year 2024 has come to an end.  It has been pretty eventful, with major political shifts leading the headlines.  These include:

- Re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President;
- Topple of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladash;
- Topple of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria;
- Rise of the left-wing political alliance in France;
- Impeachment of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol;
- Inauguration of Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba; and locally,
- Inauguration of Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

With new leadership at the helm, change is a given.  In the economic arena, the U.S. Federal Reserve made its first interest rate cut since the ramp-up post-COVID-19 pandemic.  This ought to provide some relief to debt-laden counters like the U.S. focused S-Reits.  Meanwhile, the threat of bigger tariffs on Chinese goods by the U.S. and European Union is set to spark a trade war with China.  Speaking of the Middle Kingdom, the Chinese government has (finally) rolled out new fiscal initiatives to stimulate its faltering economy.  The effect will need time to materialise.  Companies relying on the Chinese consumer spending may have to hold their breath a while longer.

A polarization of the global world order is likely to encourage a us-versus-them attitude, growing nationalism, onshoring or friendshoring, and widen the rift among countries.  With the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict still ongoing, world peace seems like a faraway ideal.  With increasingly frequent and ferocious natural disasters, the climate crisis is only going to exacerbate the suffering of the impoverished and war-torn refugees.  The year 2025 may paint yet another bleak picture for the future of humanity.

Fortunately for me at home, things ended on a happier note.  Firstly, my wife and I fully repaid our housing mortgage loan, putting us one step closer towards financial independence.  My older boy passed his PSLE with flying colours, and secured a place in a prestigious secondary school.  None of us encountered any major illness during the year, for which I am grateful.

2024 also marks the year when equity markets soared to higher ground.  The S&P 500 Index hit a lifetime high on 6 Dec 2024, logging an impressive 24 percent for the year.  The local Straits Times Index also climbed over 17 percent for the same period.  Investors kept piling money into popular stocks.  FOMO and TINA ("There Is No Alternative") are at play here.

As markets consolidated in the final month, I executed only one trade for my CDP portfolio.  Bought 2,300 shares of Powermatic Data Systems as it tested 52-week low.  It has been a while since I last bought a stock.  I will continue to monitor and take advantage of pullbacks when available.

In 2025, the CPF Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) will be increased from $71,500 to $75,500.  I have set aside $4,000 to top up my CPF Medisave Account in January.  I will also set aside $15,300 to top up my SRS account in the first quarter of 2025.  As per past few years, I will continue to top up my Mum's CPF Retirement Account.  This is to maximise my own income tax relief. 

DBS NAV Planner shows my net worth has crossed S$1.45M:

I am pleased with the progress made in 2024.  I target to retire by the year 2034, when I reach age 55.  Thereafter, I want to travel and see the world.  This has been the main motivation for me to work hard all these years!

At the workplace, I will take on a new role, which encompasses more in-depth client engagement and technical consultation.  I am excited by the challenge, yet at the same time, there are butterflies in my stomach.  I wonder whether I will be successful or not.  Regardless, I have resolved to give it my best shot.

Have a wonderful New Year 2025!  And for my Chinese friends, if you do not hear from me, here's wishing you and your family a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year!



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Saturday, November 30, 2024

Portfolio Summary for November 2024

As of 30 November 2024

CDP

Security # shares Price S$ %
DBS 440 42.43 4.37
UOB 400 36.36 3.41
OCBC Bank 700 16.28 2.67
SGX 3,200 12.72 9.53
ST Engineering 6,900 4.50 7.27
Powermatic Data 8,500 2.96 5.89
TheHourGlass 19,600 1.53 7.02
Sheng Siong 19,100 1.65 7.38
Micro-Mechanics 18,400 1.66 7.15
VICOM Ltd 21,500 1.32 6.64
UMS 31,200 1.03 7.52
Credit Bureau Asia 30,100 1.19 8.39
Nanofilm 36,100 0.78 6.59
HRnetGroup 21,900 0.69 3.54
TalkMed Group 34,500 0.45 3.63
China Sunsine 41,800 0.48 4.70
Kimly 27,000 0.325 2.05
HC Surgical 35,500 0.27 2.24
Portfolio Value = S$427,123
YTD Dividends Received = S$15,202
YTD SBL Fees Received = S$300

Trades
None

SRS

Security # shares Price S$ %
TheHourGlass 5,000 1.53 5.49
Micro-Mechanics 5,400 1.66 6.43
VICOM Ltd 5,500 1.32 5.21
Nanofilm 12,500 0.78 7.00
HRnetGroup 7,500 0.69 3.71
Kimly 5,800 0.325 1.35
HC Surgical 19,500 0.27 3.78
NetLink NBN Trust 108,000 0.865 67.03
Portfolio Value = S$139,369

Trades
- Sold 8,700 shares of Sheng Siong Group.

Singapore Savings Bonds

Security Amount Coupon Now
GX22120S S$14,000 3.26%
GX23010Z S$15,000 2.95%
GX23110V S$20,000 3.21%
GX23120Z S$20,000 3.30%
GX24060A S$20,000 3.26%
GX24070S S$20,000 3.26%
GX24080W S$20,000 3.19%
Portfolio Value = S$129,000

Speculative Play

Security # shares Price US$
Kep Pacific Oak REIT 70,000 0.22
Portfolio Value = US$15,400

Trades
None


Commentary:
Another month has swiftly passed us by.

I did not make any trade as my target prices were not hit.  The local Straits Times Index climbed 5.07 percent, particularly at the start of the month, buoyed by the positive mood in the U.S. stock market.  The S&P 500 Index ascended 3.62 percent from an already high base, reaching a lifetime high.

The local bank stocks soared to new heights after reporting stellar Q3 results.  Despite the lower NIM, the banks were able to generate superb performance in wealth management.  DBS announced a share buyback plan, which will likely continue to support its share price.  Short of an abrupt selldown, I doubt I will buy more bank shares in the near term.

Donald Trump is going to step into the White House once more.  The tension between U.S. and China will only escalate further.  With Vladimir Putim deploying new weapons and threatening nuclear options, the Russia-Ukraine war is set to rise to a new level.  In a volatile world, safe haven assets like gold will see more supportive demand.  Bitcoin price is fast approaching the US$100,000 mark.  Breaking above this psychological barrier is a matter of when, not if.

Sheng Siong Group was the next to go from my SRS portfolio.  My SRS cash reserve has grown considerably.  Will be patient for an opportunity to re-deploy the capital.

Remember the Plan I wrote about last month?  It has been put into motion.  I have committed my funds and have been disciplined in the execution.  So far so good.  No major catastrophe.  I am still learning and fine-tuning.  However, at times, I feel a sickening feeling in my stomach.  I wondered why the heck did I embark on this uncharted path?  What if it does not work out at all?  Will I regret?  Questions abound in my head.  Nonetheless, the Plan requires patience and time to bear fruit.  I give myself one year to strive for positive results.  Whether the Plan is a success or a failure, you - my dear readers - will be the first to know!

Home-wise, the PSLE result was released on 20 Nov.  My older boy achieved an aggregate score of 5M (M for Merit in Higher Chinese).  Based on past intake, his score qualifies him to enroll into any Secondary School in Singapore, including Raffles Institution (RI), which is his dream school.  However, as my boy had participated in the DSA-Sec exercise, he is no longer eligible to join the S1 Posting exercise.  Initially, we thought that my boy will be placed in Catholic High School, which had granted him a Confirmed Offer.  To our surprise, my boy gained admission into Hwa Chong Institution (HCI), which had placed my boy on Waitlist.  While my boy did not get into his dream school RI, he was equally elated to join HCI, which had impressed him during the school's Open House.

Additionally, my boy was awarded the Edusave Scholarship for Independent Schools (ESIS) [link].  This means his school fee in HCI will be partially subsidised.  That is $200 less every month, which is quite a substantial amount.  My wallet is so happy.  A brand new chapter awaits!

We have come to the last month of 2024.  I am looking forward to my family's Taiwan trip in early December.  Going to spend eight days in the land of bubble tea and XXL chicken cutlet (yum).

Here's wishing you an early Merry Christmas, my friends!




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