Random thoughts: Where is your solace

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Sep 8, 2017 | Personal Development |

This post is triggered by a post from AK. He noticed one of his reader might be at risk/ already in depression. It reminded me of a period of difficulty, when I see only suffering. I was lucky, there was solace from home, although my spouse’s family also meet with difficulty. Yup, it never rains but pour. Ironically, the solace I seek then was work. Being with my pupils. I live by the day, waiting for the quiet of night to have some peace. I also know of someone who always talk about taking her life. I know of...

Random thoughts: Defensive stocks?

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Sep 6, 2017 | Investing |

What come to your mind? Names or numbers? In the past, perhaps 1-2 years ago, you might name telcos, healthcare/ heathcare reit? The 3 telecoms are suffering from investors’ anxiety without real confontation from TPG. Having another player at the table has lead to some analysts to shout which company might be merged. Is Singapore market too small for a 4th Telco? Only time will tell, but if u tell someone on the street now that M1/ starhub is defensive, but for the dividends and its cash flow, I am Not sure if u get the same reactions from...

Random thoughts: Myths of ways to academic achievements

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Sep 3, 2017 | Career & Education |

Views are my own only. 1) Tuitions must be given to children because everyone has it. This is simply not true. In my experience with schools, I know there is no simple correlation between tuition and performance, especially if parents take the attitude of “dump money; solve problem” mentality. Children are not stupid. If u dun tell them or discuss with them the reasons for tuition, they will take their tutors as just. Answers machines. I know of children dying to take work home because it is so much easier to be a copier at home....

Random thoughts: POSB Smart Buddy Program

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Aug 26, 2017 | Saving & Spending |

The buddy is a smart watch. My son has one. This is a cynical post. Be warned I think it’s not a bad product. And POSB marketing is brilliant! Get the parents to request school to implement it, and parents and child get a free watch. The thing is I felt offended IS that schools are like sheeps jumping over loops. Still let media trumpet their cashless initiative. Of course there is agenda, support government drive go cashless Ma. But, why POSB over others? Does school Monitoring the spending habits and balance of pocket money help kids develop better...

Lee Metals Q2 results sucks

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Aug 12, 2017 | Shares & Derivatives |

Q2 results is out, it’s profits fell almost 65% compared to a year ago, and 2017 is supposed to be a stronger year when demand for construction and hence steel is concerned. In my earlier post: “If we track BCA demand, 2015 is a bountiful year. Billing was 35 Billion. 2016 was 26 billion. 2017 minimum range is from 28 billion. The recent budget announcement has 700 mio public project brought forward. Of course, there is a possibility of demand falling short, but that is highly unlikely as these projects are local and mainly government projects (2/3 of projected...

Random thoughts: 15 years dabbling with stocks

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Aug 10, 2017 | Investing |

I remember my very first stock buy. It was SIA. My brokerage then was jassion? Can’t remember the name now, it was acquired by UOB Kay Hian soon. It was a $7 stock when I bought it after September 11. I bought only 200 shares. SIA has SIA 200 then. It is a bagger. It turns out, it is is the only bagger. I knew nuts about shares then, but I had a bagger. Ironic, if u ask me. I knew nothing about FCF, growth prospecting, DCF etc. I didn’t need to hold it for donkey...

Random thoughts: Outsmart by pupils, LOL

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jul 31, 2017 | Personal Development |

Today, I did a revision of vocabulary through a game. They all became Pokémon Trainer. They search for printed quizzes with a picture of Pokémon. They by solving the quiz, they will get code for them to key into a webpage containing the picture of a Pokémon. They then just do a screen shot to “catch” the Pokémon. There are altogether 16 creatures (common errors in vocabulary) in 32 sheets for them to find and catch. I am surprised that my class could catch a majority in 30 Min. My previous experience with my class last year (higher ability...

Random story: I’m 1 war strategies

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jul 23, 2017 | Business |

M1’s ruler is glad the renowned strategist is willing to offer advice. “What are my greatest threats?” Sun Biscuit said:” Know your enemy know your yourself. Your potential competitors outclass you in size, balance sheet strength, and most importantly, it’s only using the spare troops to try to conquer. Internally, u have no great commander, your search yield many people with potentials, those in the fixed services, some in niche products like the MOS Payment, but these are just beginning, with no market share of real battle experiences, so u have no commander to lead.” M ask:”It’s my home...

Random thoughts: Becoming a teacher again

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jul 16, 2017 | Career & Education |

I have been at my job for more than 12-13 years. Through its ups and downs, I would say I am generally satisfied with my work as a TEACHER (There are a lot of things that are not teaching related, even indirectly) Recently, I felt very thankful and fortunate. It’s like becoming a new and beginning teacher all over again. Doing things different, feeling that heartbeat of a teacher. During my college and NIE training days, I ask myself what kind of teacher do I want to be ? I told myself I want to be a...

1H 2017 Sillyinvestor Inc Intern Report

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jul 10, 2017 | Shares & Derivatives |

Chairman Message: 1H2017 is a bull run, with the world drunk on Trump’s tax promises, financial deregulation. Sillyinvestor Inc did not gain much from this bull run because there was plenty of profit taking throughout the 1st Half of the year. 1.The company did reach a milestone, and that was the portfolio size including cash finally crosses 100K. We sold Accordia Golf Trust, Yangzijiang, SIngpost and Venture. All except SIngpost were exited with a profit. Singpost Loss is neligible as we manage to buy at a low price. The only buy action was centered at silverlake axis. The story...

Random thoughts: Rainy days, Singapore

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jun 25, 2017 | Shares & Derivatives |

I have been walking around Singapore with my family. We been to river safari and sentosa. Broadwalk during rainy days. I thought the view during rainy days are beautiful. Rainy days also mean the crowd is more manageable in the beginning. Otters at river safari are particularly playful and active during the rainy day. Very photogenic. Remind me of the contrarian style of investing. Seeing beauty in the rain. My biggest holding in terms of cost invested is Silverlake axis. It’s has been rainy for a while. People seem not to see the rainbow. They won 3 contracts in...

Random thoughts: What a father wants?

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jun 18, 2017 | Personal Development |

Father wants the best for family. Many interesting stories from my father. How he was bullied at work, ask MP for help for hawker stall. How he keep delaying his Heart surgery for us, and finally got the community chest to heavily subsidize his medical bills from 38K to 8K How he was not trusted with petty cash to give change to customers even when it’s a family business and how pissed he was. How he wanted to clearly state how his money will be split when he passes on. Not that there is a lot to be inherited...

Random thoughts: Swopping 3 Cs for 1 C

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jun 14, 2017 | Personal Finance |

For my generation, the 5 Cs are Condo, Car, Country Club membership, career and cash. I think no one talks about them anymore. I remember when I first blog a post about convincing my wife against selling HDB for a upgrade, there are readers that swear by the property Upgrade game to millionaireship I have also know of many who wanted to leave behind a property for the children because HDB will cost 1 million in their time to come. The topic still props up now and then. But I am glad we didn’t bite. My...

Random thoughts: 2017 1H in review

Posted by Sillyinvestor | Jun 4, 2017 | Personal Development, Site Update |

2017 has a been year of many significant changes. In terms of work, I was given a 17 weeks period to study and develop myself. The course materials are so-so, but I think I read and reflect enough to go back to work with a new purpose. I think I am different, and my colleagues can tell the difference. I am not sure if it’s for better or worse, but I think I am more firm and purposeful now, regarding what needs to be done. My friend told me I am calmer and speaks more clearly...

Random thoughts: Understanding myself better @ work

Posted by Sillyinvestor | May 22, 2017 | Career & Education |

I am back at work for 2 weeks. Beside the first 2 days, the usual hectic and crazy schedule is back. 4-5 to do things, bosses calling you in the last minute, staff looking to you to problem-solve, when I myself has plenty to troubleshoot I am however, coping much better. Of course the long break help. But I have been down with flu, but my motivation has not been affected, I think I have figured why: 1) Always prepare my lessons even if it means I get less sleep. I realize what made my day unbearable is not...

Author: Sillyinvestor