UT Portfolio as at 19 Jan 08

Another lousy week (another $4k off the scoreboard)..... when will this global downtrend bottom up? Nothing much to comment on this out-of-sync market. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a global reversal next week. If not, the idea of "pull the plug to fight another day" might just appear.....

Version 2 - Mortgage Calculator

Click on the images to download your free Mortgage Calculator now!




Change it to your preferred Colour Scheme, your preferred logo or image & append your contact details, Voila!

Features:

1. Auto tabulation of loan amount based:
a) on the lower of Purchase Price or Valuation Limit
b) Choice of % financing (80 or 90%)
c) Loan Tenor

2. Auto calculation of Stamp fees and other cost of conveyance

3. Adjustable interest rates to reflect difference scenario of loan financing

4. Auto calculation of monthly installments and total interest payable

$50 per customisation, great tool to impress your clients!

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UT Portfolio ast at 13 Jan 08

Two weeks passed.... bad news.... markets no improving much.... sigh.... still not enough time to monitor the volatility.... hmmm....

UT Portfolio as of 06 January 08

Finally, 2008......

Looking back, 2007 was considered quite a good year for the financial markets with Asia leading the charge. China, India and other emerging markets constitute to most of the double digit growth. US's growth for the year in 2007 was wiped last week, presenting a less than satisfactory return for its investors (negative slightly in fact, see DJIA).

Resources was another good investment in 2007, constituted by non oil-related commodities. (most oil related funds post less than expected returns even with the rising oil prices).

Property interests were cleaned out with the ever scarier sub-prime issues. Instead of buying into funds of such asset class, purchasing the actual asset might be a better bet. :D

Personal Opinion:

With Bejing Olympics on the cards, China will still post good investment value towards end of Q1 of 2008. Focus should be channeled to other emerging markets like middle east countries. Buying into a spread of resources funds must be a good hedge against flunctuations in the equity markets. Stay away from property funds for the time being unless you can buy into commercial properties related REIT funds.

My Personal Likes

The following are my personal likes (top 10) for this quarter in 2008:

1. PRU Peacock Fund - SGD 1,406.40 million (as at November 30, 2007)
2. Schroder BRIC - SGD 426.50 million (as at November 30, 2007)
3. Aberdeen India Opp - SGD 638.80 million (as at November 30, 2007)
4. HGIF Indian Eqty - N.A. (New Fund)
5. First State Global Resources - SGD 661.10 million (as at November 30, 2007)
6. Aberdeen Pacific Eqty - SGD 866.10 million (as at November 30, 2007)
7. DWS China Eqty - SGD 857.01 million (as at November 30, 2007)
8. Fidelity EMEA - N.A. (New Fund)
9. SGAM Oasis MENA - N.A. (New Fund)
10. Schroder AS Commodity - N.A. (New Fund)

The above funds selection is solely based on my own opinion, pls consult your financial advisor in greater details before leaping into any investment. If you do not have one, you can contact me for a NO OBLIGATION chat..... :D

UT Virtual Challenge # 3 - Conclusion

It's been a roller coaster ride for all financial markets for the past 3 months with the Bears clearly emerging as the winning side. Jamie finishes top placing with her conservative outlook on the financial markets, hitting 3.29% in total return. Worst performing portfolio came from Rox which managed a -8.14% total return. For educational purpose, i will share their portfolios for your viewing pleasure:


With the average total return at -3.14% overall, it is quite obvious how proper Asset Allocation can help absorb shocks from sudden market downturn as witnessed in the last quarter of 2007. Asia was much affected with at least two funds in the entire portfolio going down more than 10% (China focusd).

Well, some say its bad time to invest since no one knows how long more the downtrend will be; some believed that this is opportune time to go in because the funds will be "cheaper". What do you think?

Property Loan Calculator

I have just developed a mortgage loan calculator which caters to the local flavor. You can click on the image to download this free calculator.