The above is a new tracker that captures my ongoing effort to achieve my overall portfolio improvement. I have set 5% as the target this year, taking into account that I have an upcoming big renovation expense and other bills payable eg school fees, insurance, tax etc. This month saw an increase of 3.1%, getting off to a positive start. It mainly came from the CPF interest and year end bonus. The stock market rally also contributed. Contrary to previous years, I was actively trading options in January that earned some grocery funds. I seem to be getting the hang of it although my skillset is still at novice level.
With the start of Trump's tariff, it will be some time before a regular person feels any impact. As businesses try to work out solutions, it's prudent to keep a close watch on bread and butter issues. The EU could have been a better place but they are not united enough and face constraints. Hence, the US has to look for allies elsewhere who are close to its economic size. Trump is actually playing smart by leveraging on his country's leading position in many areas and reducing commitments to force the hands of others. For example, they are the largest foreign aid donor and since this is a voluntary act, the US can withhold any time and the receivers will plead a bargain (or it could be a cleanup of fraud as some have alluded). A strong USD makes export expensive but purchasing countries would do well to accept instead of putting on a retaliatory tariff. My opinion is Singapore will be a beneficiary as our corporate standards, judicial integrity, talent availability, financial strength and diplomatic neutrality put us in good stead to manage policy changes. Inflationary pressures will persist while a global rebalancing occurs. I foresee interest rates maintaining/reducing slightly throughout the year, a relatively strong Singapore economy and more expensive holiday travels.
Dividends as of January 2025: $381.20
Tip: William Fevre Fourchaume Premier Cru 2020, light wild flowers, gentle lemon hint within a medium body
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