Here is my stock portfolio updates for October 2020. This month, many companies and REITs have reported their third quarter fiscal year 2020 financial results.
Despite my busy work schedule, I will to find pockets of time to flip through those financial results that has been released. A few of the REITs that I have gone through are CapitaMall Trust, Suntec REIT and Keppel REIT.
We all know that the United States is currently undergoing through presidential election. Analysts have predicted that the stock market will go down if Joe Biden wins the presidential election. With no signs of the COVID-19 pandemic settling down in the United States and European countries, the stock market started to show signs of volatility again after a few months of recovery.
Since the Singapore stock market seems to reflect the behaviour of US stock market, the Straits Times Index started to retreat again. I took the opportunity and nibbled on CapitaMall Trust. As such, my allocation of CapitaMall Trust had increased from 9.70% to 10.06%. I will not be making big purchases since my funds are limited. Instead, I will be using the strategy of buying in small tranches over the next few months.
Last, I wanted to just share my thoughts about the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a painful lesson for many. For office workers like me, we are forced to follow whatever instructions and policies the company enforced on us. During the pandemic, I have to work on weekends which takes away valuable family time.
Many new company policies have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While some enjoyed working from home, some might not. I can assured you that most local employers are still not comfortable with their employees working remotely. Bosses get uneasy because they cannot “see” them when doing their work.
Needless to mention, you have also already read countless stories of retrenchment. There isn’t even time for the employees to be prepared. On Friday, Robinson announced the closure of all its stores in Singapore.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught me a few things
- Do not be overdependent on your Employers. Employers are unreliable and untrustworthy. Build a retrenchment fund in preparation of crisis.
- Have an investment plan and stick to it no matter times are good or bad. Start small and accumulate wealth over time.
- An early and comfortable retirement can be only be achieved by value investing and accumulation of passive income through stocks that pays stable and consistent dividends, NOT through your monthly salary!
The pandemic is far from over. Thus, never let your guard down and stay safe!
