Straits Times Interactive - INVEST

Dealing with investment anxiety

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Every month, a survey of wealthy investors in the United States asks them this question: 'What do you think is the probability of a catastrophic stock market crash in the US, like that of Oct28, 1929, or Oct19, 1987, in the next six months?'

Safe bets pay off for ad agency boss

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

For six years until recently, Mr Stephen Mangham, 50, was the group chairman of Ogilvy & Mather Singapore, and busy managing 600 people.

A second look at yuan products

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The China growth story has been lifting demand for the yuan and yuan-denominated products ever since they went on offer in Singapore last year.

I do - but read the fine print

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT

We have all seen or heard the stories: Wealthy man - or sometimes woman - forced to give up a chunk of his fortune to his former wife after a divorce.

Such cautionary tales have become part of our social fabric so it is no surprise that most celebrity engagement stories are swiftly followed by details about the pre-nuptial agreements.

But pre-nups are not just for the rich and famous; they are also a good idea for people who are just rich.

Better to get medical insurance while young and healthy

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Some people say they fear sickness and disability more than death, as the former will drain their wealth.

Beware the risks, buy only if you see value

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

For most of last year, as the stock market was hit by waves of volatility, I was quite content to stay on the sidelines, preferring to hold cash rather than jump in.

Mentor helped him rise from rags to riches

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Growing up poor made Darren Tan Zi Hong, 36, determined to strike it rich on his own.

Make the most of your bonus

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

It's bonus season, that time of the year when everyone feels a little bit richer, a little bit more generous, a little bit keener to go shopping.

But financial advisers are quick to remind us not to splurge the lot on a holiday or a no-holds-barred spree along Orchard Road.

Why you wait too long to fix money mistakes

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Recently I've had a lot of conversations with people about why we avoid facing painful financial decisions. These conversations have got me thinking about the time between the first sign of trouble and the moment when we finally decide to face reality.

Riding the Dragon Year profitably

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

It is customary to shower one another with well-wishes as we toss the ritual yusheng, or raw fish dish, for good luck during Chinese New Year gatherings.

New view on life after near-death experience

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A near-death health scare in 2009 changed Ms Peh Li Lin's perspective on life and her mindset towards money.

Black Water Dragon 'to cause trouble'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

As if there was not already enough doom and gloom in the world, we now have to contend with the appearance of a Black Water Dragon.

Stocks v property

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Retail investors, especially those in Singapore, tend to think of stocks as a short- to medium-term investment.

When seeking a long-term investment, most Singaporean investors think of property first.

But a recent comparison done by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has shown that, in fact, local stocks have outperformed private residential property over the long run.

Want financially smart kids? Teach by example

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

If you worry about whether your children will fall into the future ranks of 'haves' or 'have-nots', consider your own financial behaviour in a more imperative duality: Are you a 'doer' or a 'dreamer'?

Investors, check out Telekom Malaysia

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

'It looks like telcos are on top of everyone's minds these days,' an analyst friend from a foreign research house said.

He plans to give millions to charity

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Business owner Lee Song Teck, 33, is a goal-oriented person who cannot sit still. Just four months ago, he started a gold trading business, and is now preparing to start three more businesses.

Do markets really rise in January?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The stock market's rise of over 5 per cent so far this year has once again led investors to talk about the so-called Capricorn effect.

Is it time to buy into the US?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

As confidence grows in the US economy, some analysts believe it is time to look West again. Some equities are looking attractive, at low valuations and with potential for higher corporate earnings.

A dose of optimism and a dash of caution

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Are investors too pessimistic about this year?

That's the question being asked last week after the shroud of doom and gloom hanging over the global economy seemed to be at least partially lifted recently, after a surprise spate of good news.

The two major centres of concern in Europe and the United States have both lately ignited small beacons of hope.

What's wealth without health?

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

In the recent hit movie New Year's Eve, actress Michelle Pfeiffer plays an unhappy secretary who enlists the help of a young delivery man to fulfil her list of New Year's resolutions before a fresh year kicks in at midnight.

Pilates gives her greater control

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Ms Audrey D'cotta started her own pilates studio The Moving Body in 2009 after her husband encouraged her to do so. It was a small operation with four staff until a major investor came in a year later. Today, the studio employs 15.

Markets will continue to be volatile

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

If volatility was the main theme for both commodities and equities last year, expect more of the same this year.

Another way to diversify your assets

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

There is a rocky year ahead so a well-diversified portfolio is essential, which means it's as good a time as any to look at adding corporate bonds to the mix.

Bonds can be daunting to many investors, even though they are proving popular.

A treasure trove of insights

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

A financial adviser once asked psychologist Amos Tversky for a complete list of the stocks in his portfolio, including the price at which each had been bought. The adviser was astonished when the professor inquired mildly: 'Isn't it not supposed to matter?'

2012 may be year of two halves for global economy

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Investors are approaching the new year with a newfound sense of cautious hope that was missing from the equation just a few weeks ago.