Archive for October, 2009

When the smart people works for Wall Street

October 18th, 2009  |  Published in Financial Knowledge, Society  |  Add a comment

Wall Street Smarts
Interesting opinion from a random guy the author met. I’ve never thought of this, but like him, I cannot find a compelling flaw to the theory. I am not sure what the smartest guys from my dad’s generation, born around war times, do as their profession. Maybe doctors, businessmen, teachers. Is there even a demand for banking people then? However, I do know that the smartest people works in banks now. Can’t imagine the cream of the crop working for the government or MAS…



Wine For Asia 2009

October 15th, 2009  |  Published in Arts, Culture, Luxury & Sport  |  Add a comment

After attending this event thrice since 2006, I must say I’m pretty hooked. I just hope the format remains the same. Futhermore, I hope the exhibitors continue to be generous in allowing tasting and education the new wine drinkers in Singapore.


Wine For Asia

(WFA) 2009, the most comprehensive international wine exhibition in the region, returns to Singapore from 22 – 24 October 2009 with the promise of another bumper event.

An exciting exposition that help you expand your footprint into Asia’s burgeoning wine market, WFA 2009 offers a one-stop opportunity to keep abreast of the latest wine offerings, complete with a myriad of first-class business, educational and networking opportunities and lifestyle pursuits. Exhibitors and visitors can look forward to three days of non-stop business, networking and learning opportunities.

Come feel the pulse of wine business in the fast-changing wine scene in Asia!



Why you should not get a Investment Linked Policy for investment reasons.

October 15th, 2009  |  Published in Insurance  |  Add a comment

Firstly for those who have only a vague idea of what a Investment-Linked Policy (ILP) is do refer to this information sheet

For those who still have no idea or wants an in depth understanding, you can study the ILP Guide

Purpose of the article is to show why you should not place priority on investment returns when purchasing Investment Linked Policy. Please be an intellectual and be wise not to jump into conclusions that all ILPs are bad and should never be bought. The merits of ILP for protection will be further discussed.

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A letter to Straits Times from a customer happy with AIA.

October 14th, 2009  |  Published in Insurance, Singapore  |  Add a comment

Investment-linked products beneficial in the long term

After hearing so much AIA bashing, among clients, advisers and in the internet, it is refreshing to hear that there is a client who is happy with his AIA investment linked product. From the details he gave, it does seems like he entered into a fair deal. In my experience, the numbers are true and fit for his profile. He is right too as there are some good points about an investment linked product, as well as bad.

Here comes the interesting thing. For that particular product, AIA is not the company with the best deal, this I know for a fact. As I have done research for more than 10 companies. Contact me if you wish to know more.



Times of Crisis by Reuters

October 14th, 2009  |  Published in Economy  |  Add a comment

An amazing piece of media work on the financial crisis by Reuters.

Times of Crisis



First of the G20 banks to rise interest rates – Reserve Bank of Australia

October 8th, 2009  |  Published in Economy, Financial Knowledge  |  Add a comment

The RBA surprised markets with a move overnight, becoming the first of the G-20 banks to hike interest rates. And even though Australia was increasingly leaning toward a hike, there was more than enough surprise to pull AUD significantly higher vs the broader market. This and renewed risk appetite brought AUDUSD within touch of 0.8900, a new high since late last summer. The 2-year interest rate differentials for the US and Australia are still a tad below the highest level from September, however, then AUDUSD was trading a bit lower, so the direction for AUDUSD after the immediate kneejerk here will still depend on a further widening of the differential and continued robust risk appetite. In other words, it’s all priced in at the moment.

The RBA explained its decision as a result of an economy performing more strongly than expected and an inflation outlook in which “inflation will not fall as far as earlier thought.” The RBA also mentioned that Chinese growth has been very strong. On the strength in the Aussie currency, the RBA simply noted that the currency was strong and that its strength was “considered”. Lack of concern on the currency was also a green light for the Aussie bulls. Barring any exogenous shocks, the RBA is likely to hike at its next two meetings as well.



Citi Personal Wealth Management Shifting Towards New Investment Advisory Model

October 7th, 2009  |  Published in Financial Advisory, Wealth Management  |  1 Comment

October 5, 2009

Source: Citigroup Inc.

Citi today announced a strategic shift in the retail investment business of Citi Personal Wealth Management by focusing qualified Financial Advisors located in Citibank branches on providing fee-only investment advisory services instead of commission-based transactions.

“Moving to an investment advisory model is the right decision for our clients and for Citi. This model is where the market is headed and it will help us offer clients greater flexibility, transparency and meaningful investment choices,” said Terri Dial, head of North America Consumer Banking and Global Consumer Strategy. “This change is about keeping our clients at the center of all we do and providing them with the investment advice they’re looking for and the services they need.”

Investment advisory clients may work with a team of Citi Personal Wealth Management’s own investment advisors who will act as fiduciaries, the industry’s highest standard, charging a transparent fee for advice, based on assets instead of commissions. Clients can also work with Citi Personal Wealth Management’s National Investor Center where they can transact on a self-directed basis or after seeking advice from a “coach-on-call,” choosing from an array of individual securities or a select set of advisory products.

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