Volatility in the market doesn’t seem to be abating anytime soon. Just today, the Swiss Franc shot up by almost 30% against the $Euro. I really don’t recall encountering such MASSIVE movements of “blue-chip currencies” in a single day and such unexpected jolts do spark fears. Moreover, nobody seems to know how low oil prices could go. It’s really about expectations and if it turns out to be more of a supply glut, we could be in for a boom. However, things could get ugly if it’s the other way round.
On a more personal note, I have also opened up a 2nd OCBC 360 account since I am finally getting a salary again. 😎
Since it’s really not that hard to get 3 more bills (just charge some small expenses on other credit cards), this 2nd account can easily qualify for a 2% interest rate. That’s higher than almost any SGD fixed deposits you can find, which makes sense for me to channel more money into it.
So I am sorry CIMB. You have been really generous with your 0.8% interest for the StarSaver account during the past 4-5 years. But since there’s no way you could match that 2% interest, we just had to part ways. Money’s money. No hard feelings, I hope. 😐
**********
Dividends received in December 14: $0
Dividends received in 2014: $6,725.80
**********
Details of my updated portfolio are shown below.
Stocks (As at 16th January 2015)
| Stock | Share Amt | Share Price | Valuation | Dividend | Est. Income |
| Vicom | 4,000 | $6.190 | $24,760 | $0.2250 | $900.00 |
| Kingsmen | 17,000 | $0.940 | $15,980 | $0.0400 | $680.00 |
| Boustead | 9,000 | $1.730 | $15,570 | $0.0700 | $630.00 |
| ST Engg | 4,000 | $3.350 | $13,400 | $0.1500 | $600.00 |
| Spindex | 24,000 | $0.535 | $12,840 | $0.0180 | $432.00 |
| Wilmar | 4,000 | $3.170 | $12,680 | $0.0800 | $320.00 |
| Semb Corp | 3,000 | $4.120 | $12,360 | $0.1700 | $510.00 |
| OCBC | 1,200 | $10.250 | $12,300 | $0.3400 | $408.00 |
| Dairy Farm | 900 | $11.900 | $10,710 | $0.3000 | $270.00 |
| First Reit | 8,000 | $1.290 | $10,320 | $0.0752 | $601.60 |
| MTQ | 10,000 | $1.030 | $10,300 | $0.0440 | $440.00 |
| PLife Reit | 4,000 | $2.380 | $9,520 | $0.1075 | $430.00 |
| SGX | 1,000 | $7.770 | $7,770 | $0.2800 | $280.00 |
| Challenger | 16,500 | $0.460 | $7,590 | $0.0252 | $415.80 |
| M1 | 2,000 | $3.580 | $7,160 | $0.2100 | $420.00 |
| LKH | 10,000 | $0.675 | $6,750 | $0.0300 | $300.00 |
| Super Grp | 4,000 | $1.105 | $4,420 | $0.0450 | $180.00 |
| Total | $194,430 | $7,817.40 |
Others (As at 16th January 2015)
| Asset | Valuation | Est. Income |
| OCBC 360 Account A | $50,000 | $1,500 |
| OCBC 360 Account B | $30,000 | $600 |
| Total | $80,000 | $2,100 |
Total Valuation = $274,430
Total Est. Annual Income = $9,917.40
===================
Anyway, some apologies for slightly neglecting this blog. 😳
I have been having a difficult time adjusting my sleep patterns and waking up early at around 6am means that I do get sleepy at around the 7pm mark. Which also means I struggle to muster the energy, effort and attention needed to craft a good blog post. 🙁
Ok, I know I am making some poor excuses here but the good news is that after two weeks, I am getting the hang of things. So those (hopefully) long-awaited summaries and analyses on both the expenditure and passive income of the past year should be out soon.
Stay tuned. 😆
Hi 15hww,
Welcome back to the groove. It does take time to readapt to working life. I was on leave last last year for about a month and felt like a stranger when I returned to the office. By then had really adapted to the “jobless” lifestyle. Hope you can say a bit about the new job (I recall you had some issues with the previous one) and the direction it is taking you in, after you have settled down a bit more, in a future post for us curious folks out there.
And yes the volatility. We’re having spades of that now. It is currently a hairy moment in the markets but with volatility comes opportunity.. we just have to stay alert and seize chances that come by!
Hi RetailTrader,
Yeah, maybe if I feel comfortable enough one day, I shall share more about my new work experience. =)
Above average returns are only possible with volatility and of course, others with below average results.
the phrase passive income seem to indicate those stocks do not have to think about them
Hi Kyith.
I personally feel that I do not have to think about most of the stocks most of the time. Plus, no doubt I feel that investing is more “passive” than say being a labourer in a farm.
And nothing against labourers. They are probably more productive than me in this role as an investor. =p
Good idea to set up two ocbc 360 account there. It kinds of work like the best bond out there with much better flexibility
Hi B,
Yup! There’s no need for any bonds right now with these accounts. Next step is to fill the second one to the ceiling of $50,000.
Best wishes . I hope you enjoy your job now .
So now is it bye bye to 15 hours week
Hi Shailesh,
Thanks for dropping by.
It’s too early to say I “enjoy” it but I would say I am sort of looking forward to it every morning for now.
As for the 15 hours work week, never say never especially since my target was always 35 years, which is still a good 6 years away.
Hi 15hww,
Found your blog from a link on forever financial freedom.
Just wondering, do you diversify globally with your stocks? I don’t recognise the names, so I am just guessing they’re local to you.
Best Wishes,
M, from There’s Value
Hi M,
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. You can probably get to know a little more about Singapore from my posts. =)
With regards to your question, yes, at this stage, I am only exposed to local stocks.
However, as the portfolio gets larger, I do intend to invest in overseas markets, especially the U.S. Valuations there are a bit lofty too, considering the run-up in the past 3 years.
Hi 15HWW,
Just browsed through your blog quickly. Great articles there and nice passive income you have 🙂 Keep up the good work!
Hi Secret investors,
Thanks for dropping by and appreciate your kind words!
Hi 15HWW,
Care to exchange blog links so we can keep track of each other’s blog? I’ve added yours already 🙂