Sarcastic remark or indirect compliement?

Overheard on the grapevine today, interesting story from a girl about some other girl that had crush on guys with proportionate greek bodies.
and then she goes around commenting un-gym like guys in the group . If you ever fall for a guy in your social circle with a nice body, it means you have functioning genes and the guy in question also has good genes as well. (see youtube)
What really amazes me is human beings are about the only creatures on this planet capable of using reason to twist the mind and un-program their genes. On a side note , I’ always believe in a healthy mind requires a healthy body, you cannot have one without the other. Nonetheless a healthy girl is one with big butt and boobs haha =D , ‘beauty’ is for another separate discussion, or so it is said “is in the eye-of-the-beholder”

Review: Fundamentals in Investing Seminar

The 6hr moneySENSE seminar I attended comprised of three separate lectures.

1. Investing in Securities- Back to Basics
   • Fiscal Policy – Government reducing taxes (more for tweaking internal economy )
   • Monetary Policy – MAS printing money , Central bank setting SIBOR interest rate, controlling exchange of SGD over a trade weighted basket ( for tweaking external ecnonomy)
   • Exchanges is a more liquid market with No counter party risk compared to OTC
   • 2 Different Investments Goals – a) Capital Gains : b) Yield
   • Capital Gain for longer investment horizon.
   • Sometimes Options come with Commercial Bond issues.
   • Business Cycles – Investment by Sectors
     Up cycle
     6> Transportation
     7> Technology
     8> Capital Goods
     9> Raw Materials ( commodities :- Dry Baltic Index )
     10> Energy & Resources
     Down cycle
     1> Consumer Non Cyclical ( perishables – luxury/food)
     2> healthcare
     3> utilities
     4> Consumer cycliclas
     5> Financials
2. Making SENSE of Technical Analysis & Risk Control
   • Different TA tools
   • Chart Patterns
3. Creating a MoneySensible Financial Plan
   • Ballpark Figure for Financial Independence
     Lifestyle $36,000
     Housing Loan $100,000
     2 Local uni education $300K
     + Total = $1.7M
   • Cash Flow Statement
   • Basic liquidity ratio
   • Saving ratio
   • Debt Service ratio
   • Non-mortgage debt service ratio
   • Budgeting
   • Undertanding a) Need b) Willingness c) Ability to take risk before making any investments
   • Create own recipe for % returns and % volatility
   • Medical Insurances
     • Term plan for loss of income
     • small 90/99 year critical illness term for AM
     • “shield” plan for medical expenses

All in all the 3 lectures refreshed my understanding of what I’ve already knew , especially on the credit crisis and TA charts. The last lecture was extremely useful to learn how to create a personal financial plan, as well as different stages in life to watch out for.

Comments : Singapore Budget 2009

This has been late due to the Chinese new year and my interim preparations , so here are my short thoughts on the recent budget 2009 which was brought forward earlier in the financial year before companies close their books.

The MOF reeks of keynesian economists ,  believing that big short-term stimulus to break the economy out of a vicious downward spiral. Loss of Jobs -> cut in spending -> Further retrenchment due to recession.

What is different from our  US counterpart’s TARP (trouble asset relief program) is that fortunately our government is not funding budget by borrowing on future earnings, by not issuing bonds and flooding the market with extra bond paper  , thereby depressing bond prices and yield.

Banks should start to lend in order to stimulate the economy, since the government is has already made guarantees on all bank deposits as well as other fiscal measures.

No Personal income tax cut , but good also no CFP cut so it does not affect the long term burden on workers.

I read somewhere that the school of Keynesian economics grew from elitist perspectives on how government systems should be run by a few ‘good’ men in Cambridge.

The original perpertrator John Maynard Keynes believed that the government should dictate what you eat , how many babies you should have etc…

If I’ve the time , I’ll download ‘The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money’ to my reader.

http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/economics/keynes/general-theory/

非诚勿扰 – If you are the one

I <3 Asian films very much and this is the best chinese one I’ve watched so far as well as the first one in 2009.

• Brilliant & Witty Dialogs
• Gorgeous Girls ( Shu qi!)
• Superb Scenic Settings ( Second half shot on location in Hoikado)

Definite must watch when it opens in singapore. I suppose it should be in cinemas by valentines 14th feb. It is a good film for non-married couples and lonely singles as well. This film explores the full range of emotions from happy,sad,bitterness,laughter,anger,jealousy..etc even includes a confession to God

I shall not divulge more, watch it with me I guarranty you a good time =) If you are the one

CPF seminar: Reaching 55

A few figures to take note for retirement planning

$5000 : Minimum Amount Withdrawable ( subject to available balances )

$12,500 : $5000 . 40%

$18,000 : Medisave Required Ammount

$29,500 : Half Minimum Sum or Maximum Property Pledge

$106,000 : Minimum Sum

$176,667 : Minimum Sum / 60%

It was mentioned by someone in the audience in the 1986 , CPF interest rate formula was changed to reflect bank deposit rates ( to find out specfics ) or

The minimum interest rate stipulated by the CPF act is 2.5% ,  whichever is higher.

$7000 Cap on CPF topup for Tax relief

O’ levels results

Results of the O levels are out today, I’m delighted that my alma mater is mentioned as a top school : Catholic High dominates O-level list . It produced almost half of Singapore’s top Secondary 4 Chinese students in the 2008 O-level exams. haha despite the fact that I was once a higher chinese student back then even though I CMI (cannot make it). It was ranked 11th when I enrolled , 21th when I graduated.

I believe it is because the better students are not taking O levels like those in the IB program in RI or Chinese High . Cream ala cream.

However, in the mailing list , it was stressed that teachers have to stay behind and teach until 8pm everyday, should the school be reduced into number crunching factories by all this rankings, I doubt these quantitative measures (ie no. of students with A1) is a good indicator for good schools

A litmus test of a good school should be one that produces good leaders, I certainly hope the MP that caught fire last weekend isnt from Cat high

Other musing on the search trends from google showed the following term rankings as at end of today.One can deduce that temasek poly will be the most popular choice for many O level graduates, therefore they will lower their cut off point this year.

1.	temasek poly
2.	singapore poly
3.	ngee ann poly
4.	republic poly
5.	nanyang poly
7.	nanyang jc
8.	acjc
9.	nyp
10.	singapore polytechnic
11.	o level results
12.	anderson jc
13.	meridian jc
14.	jae

15.	sajc
17.	temasek polytechnic
18.	nanyang polytechnic
19.	catholic junior college
20.	innova jc
21.	nyjc
22.	republic polytechnic
23.	mdis
24.	millenia institute
25.	jae 2009

Looking ahead, my 2009 to Come

An obligatory last day post of 2008, for review and stock taking. However never a regressive person I’m, I will look for new grounds to cover and paths to navigate. I do not fear the unknown but only worry being stagnant and redundant.

So the new year brings new resolutions, despite the bleak economic outlook.

Investments wise irregardless of not doing well in my financial portfolio , I will continue investing in creative capital. Because it is the future currency in the coming knowledge economy.(unless the world follows china and becomes commie, then dah government owns you and your intellectual property)

Making critical choices.

Career wise,  after graduation I would prob be stuck working in the same industry for the next 5-10 years till the next business cycle. I’ll have to decide either to pursue my professional registration or not.

Relationship wise , I want to take time to start on the right foot. When work starts, it is difficult to juggle a reasonable work-life balance especially in the building line with deadlines aplenty. Making decisions are tough,nonetheless critical choices have to made.

‘C’ this post refers to you, despite trying my darn best to understand you and from your writings, the feeling is non-congruent with I get in our communications. I don’t seem to get across. No point throwing my good time after bad, and I shall mention this again , it’s all about give and take.

‘J’ with you I think I’m out of my league, not sure you’ll be able to tolerate my humour haha. If I do ever get you to laugh

And on the same note, I came across this hilarious story as told from a female perspective.

A man wanted to get married. He was having trouble choosing among three
likely candidates. He gives each woman a present of $5,000 and watches
to see what they do with the money.

The first does a total make-over. She goes to a fancy beauty salon,
gets her hair done, new make-up and buys several new outfits,
then dresses up very nicely for the man. She
tells him that she has done this to be more attractive for him because
she loves him so much. The man was impressed.

The second goes shopping to buy the man gifts. She gets him a new set of golf clubs,
some new gizmos for his computer, and some expensive clothes. As she
presents these gifts, she tells him that she has spent all the money on
him because she loves him so much. Again, the man is impressed.

The third invests the money in the stock market. She earns several times
the $5,000. She gives him back his $5,000 and reinvests the remainder
in a joint account. She tells him that she wants to save for their
future because she loves him so much.
Obviously, the man was impressed.

The man thought for a long time about what each woman had done with the
money he'd given her. Then, he married the one with the biggest boobs.
Men are like that, you know.

Knowing men are from mars like myself, I tend to agree as well. However I would choose a bride with the biggest asset, (not necessary boobs) A bigger ‘heart’ is more important

I’m Yours

The lyrics are fabulous!

But I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love love

Listen to the music of the moment people, dance and sing
We’re just one big family
And it’s our God-forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved

So I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

Also this month’s economist ran an interesting article on Human evolution and Music.

“

Like real cheesecake, music sates an appetite that nature cannot. Human
appetites for food evolved at a time when the sugar and fat which are
the main ingredients of cheesecake were scarce. In the past, no one
would ever have found enough of either of these energy-rich foods to
become obese, so a strong desire to eat them evolved, together with
little limit beyond a full stomach to stop people eating too much. So
it is with music. A brain devoted to turning sound into meaning is
tickled by an oversupply of tone, melody and rhythm. Singing is
auditory masturbation to satisfy this craving. Playing musical
instruments is auditory pornography. Both sate an appetite that is
there beyond its strict biological need.

“

RMI: Financial Globalization causes and consequences

Last lecture of the series. Basically a final summary lecture of the causes and remedies for the global financial crisis.

Impacts on individual Asian countries was discussed, which was very informative. Will shall share them as follows.

• Asian region’s financial institutions have relatively small exposure to toxic assets
• Asia’s major trading partners other than US continue to do well
• Asian economies have large FOREX reserves
• The 1998 financial crisis forced governments in this region to introduce regulation, risk management and checks and balances in financial instruments.
• Domestic trade within region is 50% of total trade
• Asia will weather the storm

SINGAPORE

1. Little change in value of Sing Dollar versus US Dollar
2. GDP may shrink by 1%
3. Tourism down by 6%
4. IRR project viability in focus

JAPAN

1. Japanese banks have relatively small exposure to toxic assets in relation to equity
2. Export earnings to US and Europe hit
3. SONY, PANASONIC, NISSAN and HONDA announce profit warnings
4. Carry Trade in Yen unravels

KOREA

1. Korean banks have relatively small exposure to toxic assets in relation to equity
2. Economy dependent on export to US and Europe
3. There is a liquidity crunch for availability of US$ to service forex deposits and foreign debt
4. KOSPI down by 40%
5. Korean won has depreciated by 50% versus USD-1998 level
6. Real estate prices are down
7. 11 $ bn package announced to stimulate domestic industry
8. 30 $ bn credit swap arranged with US federal reserve

CHINA

1. Chinese banks have relatively small exposure to toxic assets in relation to equity
2. Stock market has been badly affected
3. Export earnings to US and Europe hit and factories closed down
4. Industrial growth will grow at < 10% down from 17%
5. Unemployment will swell along with possible social unrest.
6. Policy changes will be made to boost domestic consumption especially in rural areas.
7. Worldwide demand for raw materials will come down.
8. GDP growth may go down to 8% from 11.9%

INDIA

1. No information on Indian banks exposure to toxic assets – likely to be minimal.
2. Stock market has been badly affected.
3. Software export earnings to US and Europe hit and layoffs expected.
4. Industrial growth will not change much as it is driven by domestic demand.
5. Flight of investment capital to safe destinations and Rupee depreciating against USD
6. Real estate bubble set to burst.
7. Policy changes will be made to boost domestic consumption especially in rural areas.
8. GDP growth will go down to 7- 7.5% from 8.9% last year

Asian Countries Loan-Deposit Ratio

For Korea is significantly high

Other Notes:

• Bank debt restructuring by resetting loans if the capital lost in the asset side cannot be balanced by injected liquidity (either gov or private)
• With low interest rate, USD might be the next currecy for carry trade. Perhaps like Japan , American will experience the lost decade.
• Comparing India and China’s economy which I’ve blogged about earlier

Merry Christmas

A diamond shines no brighter
than that lovely Christmas star.
It shines in all its brilliance;
Its seen from near or afar.

A symbol of the Christ-child
as He lay upon the hay,
It tells to all the waiting world
a King was born that day.

Give us strength and hope and courage
to do our best by far
And never falter in our faith
as we watch that Christmas star