The Goldfinger, a blockbuster movie jointly produced by AMTD Group (which also owns AMTD PolicyPal and ValueChampion), has been making waves at the theatres. Set in the 1980s, it is directed by Felix Chong and stars veteran heavyweights Tony Leung and Andy Lau. This pacey film that centres around white-collar crimes in late-colonial Hong Kong still holds vital financial lessons for contemporary finance, and regular investors like you and me. Here’s what we gleaned from it. Film Synopsis The Goldfinger is inspired by the rise and fall of the once-mighty Carrian Group, a Hong Kong conglomerate ..read more

With the increased attention towards personal assets, people are looking to strengthen their portfolios by investing in low-risk bonds. Learn more about Singapore Savings Bond (SSB), a bond with a steady rise in interest rates with no capital loss! Table of Contents: What is SSB? Features of the SSB Illustration of SSB Jan 2024 Interest Rates Alternatives to SSB Step-By-Step Guide on Investing in SSB Who Should Invest in the SSB? Kick-Start Your Investment Journey What is SSB? The Singapore Savings Bond (SSB) is a bond fully backed by the Singapore Government. No capital loss will be incurr ..read more

We all know by now that it’s not the best idea to leave our excess cash in a bank savings account. After all, with some savings accounts giving as low as 0.05% per annum interest, the meagre returns are insufficient in helping us beat inflation in the long run. Meanwhile, high-yield savings accounts such as multiplier accounts with higher interest rates may make you jump through more hoops to unlock higher interest rates. Maybe you’re not keen on parking your cash in the Singapore Savings Bond (SSB) for 10 years or Singapore Government Securities (SGS) bonds for the full tenor (up to 50 years ..read more

Despite the slight uncertainty in the economy and job market due to geopolitical issues, employees in Singapore are still in a favourable position to gain at least a 4% salary increment in 2024. A recent study by the Singapore Business Federation’s (SBF) on Manpower and Wages has also found that as many as 64% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large companies across all major industries have planned to increase wages by an average increment of 6%, which way to get around the rising inflation which is trending at 4% for the whole of 2023. That said, how will you make the most of your ..read more

In what was described as a “pre-emptive measure”, the authorities imposed yet another round of property cooling measures earlier this year. The most salient change was the doubling of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) to a hefty 60% for foreigners purchasing residential property in Singapore, while tax rates were also stepped up across the board (although to a less drastic extent). The cooling measures seem to finally be having some effect. According to the URA, Q2 2023 saw private residential property prices remaining largely flat amidst lower sales transaction volumes. Rental prices also ..read more

Investing in blue-chip stocks is often regarded as a safer alternative than buying out regular stocks. For one, these stocks belong to more well-established, financially stable companies with strong market presence. They are characterised as having little to no debt and large market capitalisation. As a result, they are less likely to experience large price market fluctuations amidst economic downturns. This also means they are excellent choices for portfolio diversification because they tend to deliver consistent results and are easy to trade due to their liquidity. Another not so hidden sec ..read more

Thanks to an increasingly crowded telecommunications sector, home fibre broadband packages have gotten way cheaper, blessing us all with affordable, high-speed Internet connections at home. At last count, there are no less than six telcos providing home fibre broadband services in Singapore, prompting the question, which one is the best, and what are the differences between the various packages other than price? Related: Best Credit Cards for Monthly Recurring Bill Payments 2023 Source: Unsplash Best value basic fibre broadband packages in Singapore (1Gbps, 24-month) For ease of comparison ..read more

Real median incomes fell by 2.3% in 2023 The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) revealed that real median wages in Singapore fell by 2.3% in 2023. Those earning smaller salaries were more overtly affected; for the bottom 20% of income earners, real income fell by 3%. The culprit? High inflation, which scrubbed away the positive effects of any nominal wage increases that took place this year. According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), core inflation for the year is projected to be at 4%, which is well over the target of 2% per annum. However, core inflation is expected to come down to bet ..read more

A scrumptious brunch is what many will crave for every weekend. If you too are craving a hearty brunch this weekend, here are some of the best free-flow brunch buffets in Singapore that you can check out. Related: Compare Dining Credit Cards in Singapore Colony at The Ritz-Carlton Source: Ritz-Carlton Often regarded as one of the best brunch buffets in Singapore, the mouth-watering menu comprises top-tier delights including freshly shucked oysters, lobster eggs benedict, pan-seared duck foie gras and slow-baked onyx beef tomahawk. Also inclusive of free-flow champagne. Available on Sundays ..read more

After riding through the last few years that were plagued with unprecedented pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and China’s lacklustre growth, Singapore’s economic outlook may finally see a glimmer of hope in the coming year. According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), local economic growth for 2024 is forecasted to pick up pace and inflation rate will ease off more significantly. As the demand for Singapore’s exports recover and the Federal Reserve stabilises interest rates, the year ahead could mark the turning point for Singapore’s financial growth. Related: Key Financial Trends ..read more