Due to no car....therefore no "legs", equal to no travel or staying closer to home. Btw it is a 4 rest days week....that is why, I agreed to cover my counter-part when she wants to take leave on Sunday. Might as well...earn some OT money lor and I shall be covering the full 12hrs instead of just 6hrs. Midnight charges...no point.
I have to have 3K of premium plus 4 life cases in order to continue with the insurance...so, I plan to buy for myself and my family. Get this over with...then, I may asked to retire since I have 20yrs services with the company. I also need the coverage since I won't be working for long.
The plan is for me to stay at home...and just enjoy the pool, sauna, gym and just feeding the fishes until I start working again on Thu. Next week is just a 3days work week. Not planning to rent a car...since already lost over 6K on Thu and Fri on shares. Wifey kept making noises on why I cannot take the bus....as it only cost about $4 a day instead of the taxi at $40 per day...or renting the car for 1K per month. Couldn't find the usual $700 to 800 per mth small car for rent....due to CNY session. The cheapest is $950 which is for a manual gear type....Proton Wira. 1K is for a Honda City or Nissan Latio 1.6 auto....but thru pte deal. Meaning....pte no plate.
4D...for weekend - no smell! Hope to have better luck on Wed!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday
Managed to clear out most of my stocks....of course with a loss, don't think that it is a good time to be holding on to equities esp with the present situation. Dow goes up...here still down. Dow goes down....here went "lau sai". How to play...meh? Unless hoping to lose money lor.
One day....it was due to Greece's problem, then China tightening story.....then today it was the Fed inceasing of inter-bank interest rate that kill the market.
So....must lay low for awhile and then watch & see what's up!
This may give me time for swimming, feeding fishes, gym and sauna again. Yeah....no
headache to see the market dropping and money disappearing from my pocket. Plus no heartache too.
Even with T3B system....don't really work in this type of market condition. Shorting?? the trouble is that not many counters can "short" even with my account with MF Global. Guessed there is a limit for the number of share available for "shorting" so it's back to sq one. All the hypes....about CFD account.
One day....it was due to Greece's problem, then China tightening story.....then today it was the Fed inceasing of inter-bank interest rate that kill the market.
So....must lay low for awhile and then watch & see what's up!
This may give me time for swimming, feeding fishes, gym and sauna again. Yeah....no
headache to see the market dropping and money disappearing from my pocket. Plus no heartache too.
Even with T3B system....don't really work in this type of market condition. Shorting?? the trouble is that not many counters can "short" even with my account with MF Global. Guessed there is a limit for the number of share available for "shorting" so it's back to sq one. All the hypes....about CFD account.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Life without a car.....sighed!
Yes....won't be able to get my car back from the workshop due to repairs. Now...got
no choice but to have the feel of those people who has no car.
For me...I have beening travelling by using the taxi. Esp to and fro....home and workplace. It is about $18.6 but I usually give a small tips...and round up to $20.
So the cost will be at about,,,,$40 per day which is not cheap anyway.
The good part is the ability to look look...see see! which I cannot do when I drive.
Afrer 2 days without cars, the car thingy didn't really appeal to me anymore! Therefore may have to give up the idea of getting a rental car soon.
no choice but to have the feel of those people who has no car.
For me...I have beening travelling by using the taxi. Esp to and fro....home and workplace. It is about $18.6 but I usually give a small tips...and round up to $20.
So the cost will be at about,,,,$40 per day which is not cheap anyway.
The good part is the ability to look look...see see! which I cannot do when I drive.
Afrer 2 days without cars, the car thingy didn't really appeal to me anymore! Therefore may have to give up the idea of getting a rental car soon.
4D - update
Wah....rao, esp the last 2 weeks of the year of the Ox. From 31/1 till 13/2.........
really "swee swee" one. Started with 7123 coming in at cons on 31/1....followed by my car no for I-bet ( 2nd prize ) on 6/2 ....then back to 7132 on 10/2.....followed by 2381 for starter on 13/2.
That's why...I said "swee swee" la. The next set of 4D that still got "hope" are as followwe - 0716 and 2579. These are CNY's numbers....but to be sure to kena, must buy I-bet for them. The bad part is that these are 24-combination type, so it may not be "ba ba" if kena, unless it comes in at one of the top 3 prizes lor. To me....it's a very good chance for one of them to pop-up soon.
For the coming $10 mils TOTO draw....will invest about $100 to 200 for it. It's a yearly thingy....so, will give it a try too.
Hahaha....living on hope? Well...without "hope" then it isn't a chance in hell anymore. Maybe I am kidding myself....but who cares, right?
really "swee swee" one. Started with 7123 coming in at cons on 31/1....followed by my car no for I-bet ( 2nd prize ) on 6/2 ....then back to 7132 on 10/2.....followed by 2381 for starter on 13/2.
That's why...I said "swee swee" la. The next set of 4D that still got "hope" are as followwe - 0716 and 2579. These are CNY's numbers....but to be sure to kena, must buy I-bet for them. The bad part is that these are 24-combination type, so it may not be "ba ba" if kena, unless it comes in at one of the top 3 prizes lor. To me....it's a very good chance for one of them to pop-up soon.
For the coming $10 mils TOTO draw....will invest about $100 to 200 for it. It's a yearly thingy....so, will give it a try too.
Hahaha....living on hope? Well...without "hope" then it isn't a chance in hell anymore. Maybe I am kidding myself....but who cares, right?
Genting shares
WTF....really!!! this stupid counter went into a "free fall" since last week and it's getting worst with huge volume too.
From the volume....it is those "big boys" doing. And I got "stopped out" this afternoon at 97cents. I adjusted down but still kena stopped out. Well....should have just let it kena stopped out at $1.04. That was the trough for the counter.
The whole market does not look "good"...even with the Dow finishing higher last night. Just think....if the Dow will to go "South" again, the market here and HK will be back to the "lau sai" stage again.
Best....to keep clear of the market for those who hasn't vested any money yet. Stay clear and watch until near to the Budget day for here.
From the volume....it is those "big boys" doing. And I got "stopped out" this afternoon at 97cents. I adjusted down but still kena stopped out. Well....should have just let it kena stopped out at $1.04. That was the trough for the counter.
The whole market does not look "good"...even with the Dow finishing higher last night. Just think....if the Dow will to go "South" again, the market here and HK will be back to the "lau sai" stage again.
Best....to keep clear of the market for those who hasn't vested any money yet. Stay clear and watch until near to the Budget day for here.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Had a bad car accident this morning
Well...about to reach the temple at Toa Payoh when my car skidded and crushed into the kerb. It will take 3 weeks to finish the repair.
The lucky thing is that no one was hurt...even myself. That's life....sometime things do happened for a reason and hopefully I can learned something from this experience. To live in order to feed the fishes??? hehehe....yeah they would have missed my feeding them if I mati. Even the birds will missed my free hand-outs.
For a start...I got to be more patient on the road and to drive carefully. What had happen....happened so no point crying over the over thing. Damaged car can be repaired. And I am thankful....that I am fine!
Happy Chinese New Year to all....HUAT AH!!!
The lucky thing is that no one was hurt...even myself. That's life....sometime things do happened for a reason and hopefully I can learned something from this experience. To live in order to feed the fishes??? hehehe....yeah they would have missed my feeding them if I mati. Even the birds will missed my free hand-outs.
For a start...I got to be more patient on the road and to drive carefully. What had happen....happened so no point crying over the over thing. Damaged car can be repaired. And I am thankful....that I am fine!
Happy Chinese New Year to all....HUAT AH!!!
Tips for a roaring tiger year - Fengshui guide
There is a reason why investors approach Tiger years with a touch of apprehension - they often coincide with major crises, such as those in 1974, 1986 and 1998.
But optimistic investors may want to hold a different view, said Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy.
He said previous Tiger years had been 'excellent' times to bargain hunt for shares.
For instance, the Asian financial crisis caused the Straits Times Index (STI) to crash to a low of 800 points in Sep/Oct 1998.
'This caused properties to plunge to their lowest point in that decade and Singapore was in a severe recession, creating the Singapore big sale for most asset classes,' said Mr Fok.
Here is how some experts see the year ahead:
Mr Terence Wong, co-head of research at DMG Securities
'The market is likely to remain volatile so identifying the right sectors is key. Hospitality is one of the sectors to see good growth with the return of tourism dollars on the back of an improving global economy, as well as the opening of the integrated resorts....
We expect high-end properties... to see a reversal of fortunes this year, as foreigners find their way back to our shores.
Finally, the offshore and marine space should look interesting with oil prices likely to remain high. We expect STI to exceed 3,000 in 12 months.'
Mr Albert Lam, investment director of IPP Financial Advisers
'The market will consolidate within a trading range of between 2,600 and 3,000 in the first half of 2010, on the back of excess liquidity at the sidelines. This gives investors opportunities to buy on dips.
The second half should provide a clearer trend... depending on how much the stimulus packages in the US and Europe have filtered into the main street. That will be reflected in the job market, productivity and economic growth numbers... If the employment rate doesn't improve, consumers will have less confidence to spend and consume, resulting in weak economic growth numbers.'
Mr Vasu Menon, OCBC Bank's vice-president for wealth management
'We expect global economies to continue recovering this year, although at a gradual pace, as unemployment remains high in the developed regions like the US and Europe.
This year, stock markets will find it harder to keep pace with last year's stellar performance.... Investors must be prepared for more modest returns in line with the gradual economic recovery taking place... We are cautiously optimistic about the investment outlook for this year. Stock markets are still inexpensive in terms of price-earnings multiples and the abundance of liquidity should help to support markets and enable them to close the year on a higher note.'
Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy
'I expect 2010 will prove to be a sector- and stock-picker's year... I expect global markets to start on a slow note and generate steady returns in the first half of the year.
Our favourite bet is Asia and it will likely be the key performer again, not only in terms of stock market strength but also economic resiliency. The latter is very important, as 2009 demonstrated that big emerging economies have the ability and enough financial power to withstand big economic hits. Our recommendation is to overweight Asia.
But optimistic investors may want to hold a different view, said Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy.
He said previous Tiger years had been 'excellent' times to bargain hunt for shares.
For instance, the Asian financial crisis caused the Straits Times Index (STI) to crash to a low of 800 points in Sep/Oct 1998.
'This caused properties to plunge to their lowest point in that decade and Singapore was in a severe recession, creating the Singapore big sale for most asset classes,' said Mr Fok.
Here is how some experts see the year ahead:
Mr Terence Wong, co-head of research at DMG Securities
'The market is likely to remain volatile so identifying the right sectors is key. Hospitality is one of the sectors to see good growth with the return of tourism dollars on the back of an improving global economy, as well as the opening of the integrated resorts....
We expect high-end properties... to see a reversal of fortunes this year, as foreigners find their way back to our shores.
Finally, the offshore and marine space should look interesting with oil prices likely to remain high. We expect STI to exceed 3,000 in 12 months.'
Mr Albert Lam, investment director of IPP Financial Advisers
'The market will consolidate within a trading range of between 2,600 and 3,000 in the first half of 2010, on the back of excess liquidity at the sidelines. This gives investors opportunities to buy on dips.
The second half should provide a clearer trend... depending on how much the stimulus packages in the US and Europe have filtered into the main street. That will be reflected in the job market, productivity and economic growth numbers... If the employment rate doesn't improve, consumers will have less confidence to spend and consume, resulting in weak economic growth numbers.'
Mr Vasu Menon, OCBC Bank's vice-president for wealth management
'We expect global economies to continue recovering this year, although at a gradual pace, as unemployment remains high in the developed regions like the US and Europe.
This year, stock markets will find it harder to keep pace with last year's stellar performance.... Investors must be prepared for more modest returns in line with the gradual economic recovery taking place... We are cautiously optimistic about the investment outlook for this year. Stock markets are still inexpensive in terms of price-earnings multiples and the abundance of liquidity should help to support markets and enable them to close the year on a higher note.'
Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy
'I expect 2010 will prove to be a sector- and stock-picker's year... I expect global markets to start on a slow note and generate steady returns in the first half of the year.
Our favourite bet is Asia and it will likely be the key performer again, not only in terms of stock market strength but also economic resiliency. The latter is very important, as 2009 demonstrated that big emerging economies have the ability and enough financial power to withstand big economic hits. Our recommendation is to overweight Asia.
Be bold but agile, just like the Tiger - Fengshui guide
The Tiger year that starts today can be a double-edged sword for investors: For all the optimism, power and determination it symbolises, there is also a tinge of fear.
Investors have plenty to learn from both the animal's attributes and how they can enhance investment styles before embarking on the new year.
Financial experts note that tigers often live dangerously but are admired for their bravery and courage. Their patience, agility and ability to take advantage of tough situations are handy qualities as well.
Mr Vasu Menon, OCBC Bank's vice- president of wealth management Singapore, said: 'For investors with strong pockets and brave hearts, the Tiger year may prove to be a rewarding experience provided they have the courage to embrace risk and buy into markets gradually during sharp pullbacks and periods of turbulence.'
Here are some of the desirable attributes of the tiger:
Mentally and physically powerful. Tigers have a strong mindset and are physically powerful. Experts believe that investors who trade shares should also possess these attributes.
'This is true especially when the market is in a bear phase. You need mental strength to make the decision to go against the fear of investing in bear markets,' said Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy.
It is also important to keep healthy through a disciplined lifestyle of balanced diet and exercise. Doing so will help investors maintain their composure in times of market stress, too.
Agility. Unlike last year when the stock markets rallied due to the concerted efforts of central banks, excess liquidity and low interest rates, this year will be marked by bouts of market volatility.
During such times, investors can learn from the tiger to 'prey at the right opportunity' and enter the market during a correction, said Mr Albert Lam, investment director of IPP Financial Advisers.
Just as the nimble-footed tiger has the ability and willingness to take advantage of any situation, volatile and uncertain times can also translate to good trading and investment opportunities, added Mr Menon.
Short-term investors may want to buy on weakness and sell on strength. So if you achieve a gain of 10 per cent to 20 per cent, you may want to sell and enter the market again during another pullback.
Boldness. A tiger will wait for the precise moment before pouncing on its prey. It knows it may get hurt in the attack but it takes the calculated risk.
In the same vein, if an investor has done his research and is making an informed investment decision, he should be bold enough to invest and not do so half-heartedly.
Investors often understand the product or strategy well but still hesitate to invest. 'We tell our clients if you don't understand then don't invest, but if you understand the product well then, you should invest,' said Mr Fok.
For example, when the markets were down early last year, investors knew it was the best time to invest more, but many were hesitant and did not commit to any investment. Worse still, some panicked and pulled out their investments.
'Some clients were investing on a monthly basis, and during the first half of last year they stopped investing completely,' recalled Mr Fok.
'Investors understand the concept of dollar-cost averaging, that the best time to buy is when markets are down, but they choose to stay on the sidelines perhaps because they couldn't overcome their fears.'
Independent. Tigers usually prowl individually and make decisions independently. Once they identify a target, they typically pursue it alone.
Likewise, Mr Lam encourages investors to make the effort to upgrade their knowledge by understanding the investments they are buying. This will complement the advice from financial advisers.
Mr Fok warned that investors who follow blindly the 'noises' in the market, without first doing their own research may make the wrong investments.
Courage. Tigers are brave animals even in situations, which are not to their advantage. And when they attack, they zoom in for the kill. Often, they flourish under power and attention and strive to take advantage of the circumstances they are in.
Courage is an important element when it comes to investing but it does not mean grabbing every opportunity that comes along.
Mr Lam suggests that investors hone their ability to take risk as well as their need to take it. That will allow them to invest in assets that are commensurate with the level of risk they can live with.
Graciousness. Even though tigers are portrayed as fierce animals, they can be capable of kindness, particularly when they take on the role of a protector.
Likewise, investors should not be thinking about how to make money all the time, said Mr Fok. 'They should also learn to cushion their losses and ensure they have emergency cash for use in times of need.'
Increasingly, individuals are finding it desirable to give back to society as a way to lead a more meaningful life. This is because the happiness generated from the continual pursuit of acquiring more material goods is often short-lived.
True contentment and meaning in life comes from being able to make a positive difference to issues that you feel passionately about. These can include the needs of a group of people or issues like global warming, poverty and ageing.
Investors have plenty to learn from both the animal's attributes and how they can enhance investment styles before embarking on the new year.
Financial experts note that tigers often live dangerously but are admired for their bravery and courage. Their patience, agility and ability to take advantage of tough situations are handy qualities as well.
Mr Vasu Menon, OCBC Bank's vice- president of wealth management Singapore, said: 'For investors with strong pockets and brave hearts, the Tiger year may prove to be a rewarding experience provided they have the courage to embrace risk and buy into markets gradually during sharp pullbacks and periods of turbulence.'
Here are some of the desirable attributes of the tiger:
Mentally and physically powerful. Tigers have a strong mindset and are physically powerful. Experts believe that investors who trade shares should also possess these attributes.
'This is true especially when the market is in a bear phase. You need mental strength to make the decision to go against the fear of investing in bear markets,' said Mr Ben Fok, chief executive of Grandtag Financial Consultancy.
It is also important to keep healthy through a disciplined lifestyle of balanced diet and exercise. Doing so will help investors maintain their composure in times of market stress, too.
Agility. Unlike last year when the stock markets rallied due to the concerted efforts of central banks, excess liquidity and low interest rates, this year will be marked by bouts of market volatility.
During such times, investors can learn from the tiger to 'prey at the right opportunity' and enter the market during a correction, said Mr Albert Lam, investment director of IPP Financial Advisers.
Just as the nimble-footed tiger has the ability and willingness to take advantage of any situation, volatile and uncertain times can also translate to good trading and investment opportunities, added Mr Menon.
Short-term investors may want to buy on weakness and sell on strength. So if you achieve a gain of 10 per cent to 20 per cent, you may want to sell and enter the market again during another pullback.
Boldness. A tiger will wait for the precise moment before pouncing on its prey. It knows it may get hurt in the attack but it takes the calculated risk.
In the same vein, if an investor has done his research and is making an informed investment decision, he should be bold enough to invest and not do so half-heartedly.
Investors often understand the product or strategy well but still hesitate to invest. 'We tell our clients if you don't understand then don't invest, but if you understand the product well then, you should invest,' said Mr Fok.
For example, when the markets were down early last year, investors knew it was the best time to invest more, but many were hesitant and did not commit to any investment. Worse still, some panicked and pulled out their investments.
'Some clients were investing on a monthly basis, and during the first half of last year they stopped investing completely,' recalled Mr Fok.
'Investors understand the concept of dollar-cost averaging, that the best time to buy is when markets are down, but they choose to stay on the sidelines perhaps because they couldn't overcome their fears.'
Independent. Tigers usually prowl individually and make decisions independently. Once they identify a target, they typically pursue it alone.
Likewise, Mr Lam encourages investors to make the effort to upgrade their knowledge by understanding the investments they are buying. This will complement the advice from financial advisers.
Mr Fok warned that investors who follow blindly the 'noises' in the market, without first doing their own research may make the wrong investments.
Courage. Tigers are brave animals even in situations, which are not to their advantage. And when they attack, they zoom in for the kill. Often, they flourish under power and attention and strive to take advantage of the circumstances they are in.
Courage is an important element when it comes to investing but it does not mean grabbing every opportunity that comes along.
Mr Lam suggests that investors hone their ability to take risk as well as their need to take it. That will allow them to invest in assets that are commensurate with the level of risk they can live with.
Graciousness. Even though tigers are portrayed as fierce animals, they can be capable of kindness, particularly when they take on the role of a protector.
Likewise, investors should not be thinking about how to make money all the time, said Mr Fok. 'They should also learn to cushion their losses and ensure they have emergency cash for use in times of need.'
Increasingly, individuals are finding it desirable to give back to society as a way to lead a more meaningful life. This is because the happiness generated from the continual pursuit of acquiring more material goods is often short-lived.
True contentment and meaning in life comes from being able to make a positive difference to issues that you feel passionately about. These can include the needs of a group of people or issues like global warming, poverty and ageing.
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