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Singapore stocks opened positively on Monday—STI gained 0.1%

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SINGAPORE: Singapore stocks opened positively on Monday, June 10, despite global markets ending the previous week on a downtrend.

At 9:01 am, the Straits Times Index (STI) registered a modest gain of 0.1%, translating to an increase of 1.86 points, bringing the index to 3,332.63, The Business Times reports.

In the broader market, there were slightly more losers than gainers, with 59 stocks down and 54 up. A total of 57.8 million securities worth S$65.4 million were traded.

Seatrium was one of the most actively traded stocks, gaining 2.4%, or S$0.04, to S$1.74, with 4.9 million shares changing hands. Thai Beverage also saw significant trading activity, posting a 1% increase, or S$0.005, to S$0.515.

On the flip side, CapitaLand Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust declined by 0.8%, or S$0.02, to S$2.63.

Banking stocks had a mixed performance. DBS saw its shares rise by 0.7%, or S$0.24, closing at S$35.76. United Overseas Bank (UOB) saw a gain of 0.4%, or S$0.12, reaching S$30.88.

Meanwhile, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) dipped slightly by 0.1%, or S$0.02, to S$14.25.

This positive opening in Singapore follows a weaker performance on Wall Street at the end of last week.

US stocks were pressured by May’s job data, which showed strong job growth and reduced hopes for imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

The S&P 500 fell by 0.1% to 5,346.99, the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.2% to 17,133.13, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.2% to 38,798.99.

Similarly, European shares ended lower after the release of the US jobs report. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed down by 0.2% at 523.55. Despite this dip, the index recorded its first weekly gain in three weeks. /TISG

Read also: Singapore stocks edge higher on Friday—STI up by 0.2%

Featured image by Depositphotos

Tourist says Singapore resident invaded personal space at checkout line

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SINGAPORE: While many foreigners have enjoyed exploring Singapore, one tourist shared that she had a rather unsettling experience in the country.

In her post on Reddit, she explained that while queuing to pay for her items at Watsons Pharmacy at the Marina Bay Mall, a local resident stood uncomfortably close to her, invading her personal space.

“This woman was very close to me, almost glued to me. When I turned slightly to check, she had her phone pointed very close to my face as if I were being recorded or photographed, as if to provoke me,” she wrote.

“She was tiny and Asian but the phone covered her face so I could not see this person very clearly.”

Considering that there were only three of them in line, the tourist expressed that she could not understand why the local would stand so close to her.

“She continued to stand close to me until the moment I finished my payment at the cashier.”

The incident occurred a few weeks ago, after the tourist had been in Singapore for five days. At that point, she knew this was not common behavior among the locals. However, as she felt unsure about how to react, she acted normally and completed her purchase without saying anything or looking back.

“I was hoping the cashier would pick up on it but he acted normally and in turn, so did I. I just moved onto my next destination.”

Reflecting on the encounter, she said she is still trying to understand the stranger’s intentions, questioning whether they were attempting to provoke, steal from her, or scam her. She also wondered if the local was being “racist,” as she had a darker Mediterranean complexion.

“Just wondering if this has ever happened to anyone before?”

“I don’t think she was being racist, I think she was just queuing in a weirdly aggressive way.”

In the online discussion, several Singaporeans shared that they, too, had the same experience. However, they explained that the person who stood so close to her could have been a Chinese national or a Korean, as this behavior is common in their countries.

One Redditor, who had worked in China, confirmed this and explained that queue-cutting is pretty prevalent there. Because of this, locals have developed a defence mechanism of sticking really close to the person in front of them to prevent anyone from cutting in line.

He added that the phone thing might have been a misunderstanding. The person could have just been browsing their phone; however, because of the close proximity, the person could have held up her phone so high that it made it seem like they were doing something suspicious.

Another Redditor mentioned that this kind of behavior, unfortunately, happens quite often in Singapore. He then recommended that the tourist try “TSK”-ing loudly next time.

He said, “TSK-ing very loudly usually works as they’re mostly ignorant and mean no harm. Sometimes, if I’m especially annoyed, I flick my hair hard enough and hope it hits the person behind so they get the hint. I do hope that you’ve enjoyed your stay in Singapore despite this!”

A third Redditor described a similar experience at the Botanic Gardens while queuing for a vending machine. Despite the fact that no one else was around, the woman behind her pressed her body against hers, making her uncomfortable.

She added, “I don’t think she was being racist, I think she was just queuing in a weirdly aggressive way.”

Read more: “I won’t go to Singapore anymore!” says HK tourist after bad experience at SG hotel

Featured image by Depositphotos

“So arrogant” – Mother draws flak for complaining about strangers touching baby in public

SINGAPORE: A woman is earning both support and brickbats from Singaporeans online after she complained about strangers cooing over and touching her baby affectionately, while they are out in public.

 

Kate Lee Young, a fragrance and beauty influencer, took to TikTok to express her displeasure. The mother of two, who appears to be married to a Singaporean, said she was shopping in Takashimaya in Orchard when a lady approached her, and started “playing with” and touching her baby boy.

 

Mimicking the stranger’s accent, she recounted: “Chinese la! Husband Chinese ah! So pretty la! So cute la! So handsome la!”

 

Kate rolled her eyes and continued: “Yes,my babies are half Asian. So? Get over it! You cannot touching my baby without asking!”

 

She then sought opinions from her followers on whether it was “rude” and “weird” for strangers to engage with other people’s children in this manner.

Respect personal space, some argue

Kate’s video has received mixed reactions from Singaporeans online. A significant number of netizens agreed with her, emphasizing respect for personal boundaries and hygiene concerns.

One mother, Facebook user Zurrid Love, shared her perspective and said that while she appreciates compliments and playful gestures towards her baby, touching crosses a line.

She added, “I will either close the pram cover, or hug the baby towards my chest when I feel uncomfortable. No need to talk because some strangers are defensive.”

“This is normal in Singapore”

Others felt Kate overreacted and failed to appreciate the cultural nuances in Singapore.

Facebook user Parzival CT said: “Let me explain it in a way you understand. Auntie touching your baby is akin to giving your baby picture post a like emoji. It’s their way of saying he’s cute and adorable and deserving of their attention. You, on the other hand…”

Asserting that Kate could have “kindly and respectfully” asked the stranger to back off, Facebook user Ariespief Ariespief said: “Some aunties in Singapore will have the tendencies to commend, praise AND touch babies when they find them adorable and cute. If u are not comfortable about it, do communicate how u feel in a non-intimidating manner. Most aunties will understand”

Facebook user Doudou Lim explained: “The old generation has this urge to touch babies, in a form of adoring as in Sayang, to show liking and indirect form of praising the baby’s parent, so don’t take it too hard.”

Calling this a “generational gap,” Lim advised that asking the stranger to refrain from touching the baby could cause “an embarrassing situation when that person has good intents, especially being smitten by your baby.”

Asserting that it is healthy for babies to be exposed to different elements, Lim added: “To me, and may be some parents, we are proud when this happens, especially a stranger does it, because we asians do not commonly approach strangers, and it means that takes quite a lot of baby power to make it happen.”

“Why so rude?”

A number of netizens were harsher. Many called the mother a “Karen” and slammed her for bringing up her concerns in such an “arrogant” way.

Some commenters even told her off and asked her to go back to her country if she cannot deal with local norms.

A commenter going by the handle Porky America said: “It’s normal in Singapore. Tell her if you don’t like. You are even ruder to complain here? No?”

Another netizen, Shaik Amina, said: “You Are in Spore and being fussy instead of thankful just say can see no touch pls”

Other commenters invoked the principle of adapting to local norms, suggesting that Kate should either embrace the cultural differences or consider relocating if she finds them intolerable.

Facebook user Michael Norris remarked: “Yes, it’s totally OK. When in Rome (as they say)…Embrace the culture…Move on. End of story.”

Another commenter, Ronnie Theva, said: This is Singapore. That’s how Aunties/Uncle’s behave. You not happy bring your baby back to your country, Karen.”

Some critics felt that direct communication would have been more appropriate than public complaining.

Facebook user Hwahwa Lee remarked: “…you don’t like, just tell them face to face. Dont make a scene here.”

Another commenter said rather aggressively: “You are in our country. Our aunties don’t ask for much and by comparison, MOST of our aunties go so MANY EXTRA MILES to give and host you expats generously!!…Show and learn some bloody respect for the LOCALS!”

Several commenters came to Kate’s defense and called out the xenophobic comments, asserting that her concerns remain valid no matter whether she is Singaporean or not.

Some, however, argued that the criticism is not about whether her concerns are valid but more about the “rude” way she put her views forth.

Facebook user Steven Cheam criticised: “If you are so sensitive about it, just say thanks and stop them from touching. Use your brains too. It’s your own property. You have the right to stop them. Worst is u allowed them to touch and rant here?”

Going viral across social media and messaging platforms, Kate’s video has sparked a broader conversation about cultural etiquette, personal boundaries, and the integration of differing social norms in Singapore.

While opinions remain divided, the incident reveals the need for respectful dialogue and understanding in navigating cultural differences, especially in a multicultural society like Singapore.

TISG/

Analysts say freehold flats are not exactly rare right now but will diminish in supply in future

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SINGAPORE: According to a recent report by Huttons Data Analytics, non-landed homes in Singapore that are either freehold or on a 999-year lease represent over 40% of the total condominium supply. This significant proportion contrasts with the common perception that such properties are exceedingly rare, although analysts warn that the supply of such flats could dwindle in the future.

Huttons’ analysis reveals that out of the approximately 328,305 non-landed housing units across Singapore, more than 142,000 are on either 999-year leases or are freehold. In contrast, around 56% of the stock, equating to over 185,000 units, consists of properties on 99-year leases.

The firm attributes the current substantial number of long-lease and freehold homes to historical land sales.

“The large number of 999-year/freehold homes may come as a surprise since they are currently billed as rare. These properties were built on land sold before Singapore’s independence in 1965,” Huttons explained.

Since then, residential plots have predominantly been sold on 99-year leases, leading to a constrained future supply of freehold and 999-year leasehold homes.

Looking forward, Huttons predicts that the availability of 999-year/freehold non-landed homes will diminish.

“New supply is extremely limited and hinges solely on the successful en-bloc and intensification of older developments. In the future, 999-year/freehold non-landed homes will become rarer and may hold their value better,” the firm stated.

The existing stock of long-lease and freehold properties is concentrated in ten districts: 10, 15, 9, 21, 14, 11, 12, 23, 19, and 5. These districts collectively account for nearly 84% of the current supply of such housing.

TISG/

Letter to the Editor | Criticising SIA flight attendants’ looks is unnecessary and not sensible

Dear Editor,

I refer to The Independent Singapore’s featured news, “Beauty is subjective” – Singaporeans tell off netizen who complained about SIA flight attendants’ looks (June 3).

First and foremost, we must ask the most critical requirements or criteria for being a stewardess, a waitress, or a servicewoman.

I believe the human resource department head of Singapore Airlines (SIA) will seriously look for and assess the qualities of individual candidates (who apply for the position of stewardess) for presentable appearance/look, politeness, friendliness, approachability, calmness and high passion for serving flight passengers.

Undeniably, each inflight steward and stewardess has to fulfil and carry out the following functions and tasks while on board the flight.

For instance, each passenger’s luggage and bags should be stored appropriately within the flight’s storage compartments before departure.

Besides, the stewardesses and stewards have to ensure that the passengers’ safety aspects and emergency measures are strictly adhered to during the entire flight journey.

For example, each passenger must fasten the seat belt while the flight takes off during the journey and landing. Moreover, the flight’s crews (stewards and stewardesses) must also serve meals and beverages for the inflight passengers.

Although all the abovementioned tasks are routine, repetitive, and tedious, the flight’s crews must be passionate about executing them. Hence, potential passengers must respect our SIA crew members’ sacred jobs and vital/valuable tasks.

Anyway, commenting or criticising the SIA flight attendants’ looks is unnecessary and not sensible.

Teo Kueh Liang


Featured image: Depositphotos

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Independent Singapore

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Jerome Powell: Future announcements have investors on edge

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All eyes will be on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as he takes the podium following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for June 12. The meeting is expected to maintain current interest rates, reflecting concerns over persistently high inflation and a surprisingly resilient consumer base despite increasing borrowing costs.

However, it’s not the rate decision that makes investors anxious—it’s the potential for Powell’s remarks to ignite market optimism. With just a few carefully chosen words, Powell could hint at future rate cuts, potentially sparking a stock market rally.

This sentiment is echoed by veteran Wall Street strategist Ed Yardeni, who runs Yardeni Research and sees a 20% chance of a “melt-up” in the stock market. “If Powell strikes a dovish tone,” Yardeni promises to raise those odds.

 Words of Jerome Powell

Powell’s influence over markets with his words is well-documented. His remarks at the Jackson Hole symposium in August 2022, where he pledged to combat inflation even at the cost of economic pain, caused stocks to tumble as investors braced for aggressive rate hikes. Now, investors are hoping for a different kind of surprise, one that could propel the market to new heights.

In his recent note to clients, Yardeni argued that there is no immediate need for the Fed to cut rates. The economy is slowing as intended, allowing inflation to cool without triggering a recession.

For investors, however, rate cuts mean lower borrowing costs and the promise of increased lending and investment, which could supercharge the stock market’s already impressive rally, up nearly 13% year-to-date. Yardeni cautions that premature rate cuts could fuel an already budding “melt-up” in stocks.

Michael Gapen, chief U.S. economist at Bank of America, shares this view. In a note released Thursday, Gapen predicted that Powell would “preach patience.” He expects the Fed to revise its outlook to account for slower economic growth, typically a signal for rate cuts, alongside persistently high inflation, which usually calls for rate hikes.

Investors’ anticipation

“The bottom line,” Gapen wrote, “is that the Fed believes the next move will be a rate cut, but not soon.” The April employment and inflation reports have reinforced this view, indicating that the Fed will wait for more conclusive data before making any cuts.

As investors await Powell’s remarks, the anticipation is palpable. His words could very well set the tone for the stock market‘s trajectory in the coming months. Whether he delivers a dovish hint or preaches patience, Powell’s press conference promises to be a pivotal moment for investors and the economy alike.

Cover Photo: Depositphotos

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Inflation and global affairs top list of worries for Americans, study

The post Jerome Powell: Future announcements have investors on edge appeared first on The Independent News.

SG student studies 4-5 hours daily, but her parents tell her it’s “barely enough” suggesting “8-10 hours per day” instead

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean student shared online that she’s been studying for 4-5 hours daily since the June holiday started. However, instead of patting her on the back, her parents told her that her efforts were “barely enough.”

She then asked on r/SGexams, “Like I set out tasks to complete daily and I do finish them so is studying 4-5 hours really not enough? Is it really a must to study 8-10 hours per day?!?!”

In the discussion thread, many Singaporeans agreed that the student should stick to her own pace and not be swayed by her parents’ opinions regarding the duration of her study periods.

This is because yielding to their expectations and prolonging her study hours could result in burnout, which can, in turn, compromise both her concentration and well-being.

One individual commented, “8–10 hours of study per day is really calling for a burnout! I used to do almost those hours in secondary school and it really got me so stressed out that I fell sick multiple times.”

A few also clarified that everyone has their own way of learning. What works for one person may not work for another, particularly regarding how long they can effectively study.

One individual said, “You can do notes for 10 hours straight but if nothing gets into your brain, it’s useless. However, if you make full use of just 1–2 hours and you learn something, that’s making good use of your time.”

Some also strongly emphasised ‘studying smarter, not harder.’ If the student feels that she can effectively absorb and understand her study materials within a 4-5 hour timeframe, then there’s no need to push beyond that.

One individual shared, “The quality of your study session is much more important than the duration. Even if you want to lengthen your study sessions, do it gradually.”

They also advised her to take breaks in between her sessions, as it will let her mind rest, boost her productivity, and help her retain information better. Specifically, they recommended a 5–10 minute break for every 40 minutes of studying.

One individual told her, “Take enough breaks in between to prevent yourself from burning out.”

Study finds that dedicating too many hours to studying is counterproductive

In 2022, NUS did a study on Singaporeans’ study habits and discovered that, on average, students spend approximately 50 hours every week studying. 

That breaks down to roughly 28.6 hours for classes and another 22.2 hours for hitting the books outside school. 

At first glance, this number may seem impressive, as it reflects how dedicated and hardworking Singaporean students are in their academics. However, as the study progressed, it shed light on an unexpected revelation.

Contrary to the common belief that more study time leads to better academic performance, the study highlighted that dedicating too many hours to studying can be counterproductive.

“The relationship between academic performance and out-of-school study time is positive up until 35 hours of study per week—and then becomes negative,” said Kelvin Seah Kah Cheng, a senior lecturer in the Department of Economics at NUS.

So, how many hours should students devote to studying?

As a few Singaporeans pointed out above, the ideal number of study hours can vary for each student since everyone has a unique learning style and preferences.

Nonetheless, Think Impact, a platform that provides in-depth analysis and insights on Education and Business trends, suggests that dedicating 3 to 4 hours daily is ideal, as this timeframe enables the brain to operate at its peak without getting overwhelmed.

While a student might opt to extend this duration, experts advise keeping it under 12 hours, as anything beyond that could lead to burnout.

Read also: SG student says, “my mum called me selfish just because I’m not giving my dad $700” from her $2000 award

Featured image by Depositphotos

“He literally reacted with vulgarities hurled at me” — Employee shocked by his colleague’s rude reaction because he took medical leave

SINGAPORE: An employee recently took to social media to share that his colleague became upset when he had to take a medical leave.

“He actually was super unhappy; I was really sick, and he literally reacted with vulgarities back to me when I apologised for causing him to work on my behalf. (He does not have extra work for covering me),” he wrote on r/askSingapore.

He also stated that this was not the first time he felt bullied by his colleague.

“I can let things go but I don’t think I can work with him as his partner. I am okay with keeping a friendly relationship with this colleague but I am not okay to work with him at any circumstances (unless there is no choice).

I have already spoken to my boss about my feelings but it’s futile,” he added.

While he contemplated leaving his job due to the toxic environment created by his colleague, he expressed that he could not leave his job immediately because he had bills to pay and was the sole breadwinner in his family.

“Don’t let your job and career be determined by him.”

A few Singaporeans gave the employee some advice in the comments section: don’t just let things slide. They pointed out that bullies often pick on people who don’t stand up for themselves, so it’s crucial to fight back and not be a pushover. 

They also said quitting shouldn’t be the first thing on his mind because he has every right to be there, not the troublemaker causing issues.

One individual cited the saying, ‘even a worm squirms when stepped on,’ implying that it’s okay to stand up for himself and make things a bit uncomfortable for the person who’s been giving him a hard time.

Another individual said, “Don’t let your job and career be determined by him/her. Even if you leave your current job, there is no guarantee that you will not encounter similar people.”

Some also advised the employee to keep a detailed record of any vulgarities sent through chats, texts, or emails, as this documentation could serve as evidence if the situation escalates and requires intervention from management or HR.

On the other hand, a few Redditors speculated that there might be underlying reasons for the colleague’s behaviour and recommended clarifying the situation before taking further action. 

They suggested inviting the colleague for lunch or a chat, taking this as a chance to clear the air and sort out any misunderstandings. 

One individual added, “If your colleague has to do 2 persons work on 1 person’s pay, he is right to feel mad, though he should not have used vulgarities. 

In such a case, your colleague who has to fill the slack numerous times is the more valued employee, notwithstanding that you cannot help being sick.”

Workplace bullying in Singapore

In 2021, Channel News Asia reported about a French national who faced bullying from her boss at WWF Singapore. The story sheds light on how workplace bullying is a bigger issue in Singapore than many realize.

Associate Professor Abhijeet Vadera from the Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources department at the Singapore Management University (SMU) told CNA at the time that employees in Singapore face challenges in speaking up against bullying due to the societal norms that discourage such actions.

Many also hesitate to voice their concerns, believing that doing so will not lead to meaningful change.

He also mentioned that being in a harmful workplace not only impacts the psychological well-being of the person being targeted by bullies but also has significant repercussions for the company.

This is because employees might begin to disengage from their duties or only do the necessary work rather than exceed expectations, which is crucial for the organization’s success.

How to deal with workplace bullies

According to Very Well Mind, a reputable source for health and wellness insights, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries right from the start.

This means directly addressing individuals who bully you and letting them know their unacceptable behaviour.

If their behaviour persists, experts advise keeping documentation of the abuse, including details like the time and specifics of what occurred. Note any witnesses present and save any documents or records supporting your claims.

Having documented evidence can be instrumental when escalating the issue to higher authorities, such as HR or management.

Most importantly, prioritize self-care during difficult periods. Lean on friends or family for support, engage in relaxation methods to handle stress, and don’t hesitate to contact a mental health expert if you feel overwhelmed or distressed.

Read also: “Do you share how much increment and bonuses you received with your colleagues?” — Employee asks

Featured image by Depositphotos

28yo SG woman says she and her partner “don’t wish to get married nor have kids due to the major commitment/responsibility”

SINGAPORE: A 28-year-old woman shared on social media that she and her partner have decided not to get married or have kids.

In her post on r/askSingapore, she opened up about their relationship, explaining that they deeply love each other and are happily looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. 

However, they’ve deliberately chosen to embrace a less conventional path and live on their terms by choosing not to marry. “We are loyal and committed to each other,” she wrote. “We don’t need a kid or a certificate to justify our relationship,” she added.

She elaborated on their priorities, noting that their decision stems from a desire to maintain their freedom and focus on their personal growth and experiences rather than adhering to societal norms. 

Despite their contentment, she expressed curiosity about what they might be missing from a different perspective. 

Thus, she asked the community, “Dear kind redditors, could you play devil’s advocate and tell me why people like me should consider marriage and/or kids?”

Singaporeans on Marriage and Parenthood

In the discussion thread, some Singaporean Redditors shared why they see marriage and having kids in a positive light.

Rather than viewing it as a mere traditional milestone, they see marriage as a significant way to express their love, dedication, and commitment to their partners. They believe that taking this step can strengthen their emotional bond and provide a sense of security and stability in their relationship. 

Moreover, they also mentioned the practical advantages of having a marriage certificate. Aside from being able to secure an HDB flat before the age of 35, they said that getting married can relatively make the couple’s lives way easier.

One Redditor highlighted how marriage can simplify international work relocations. She explained that having a marriage certificate can streamline processes and cut down on paperwork when moving abroad as a couple, which ultimately makes the transition smoother and more manageable.

Another Redditor, who has been in a nine-year relationship with her partner, shared a personal experience. She recalled a time when she didn’t qualify for compassionate leave after her partner’s family member passed away because they weren’t married.

“I ended up having to take leave. It’s things like that make me wonder if we should get married.”

However, some Redditors reassured the woman and her partner that they could choose not to get married if they preferred. 

They then suggested practical solutions to address legal concerns, such as nominating her partner as the beneficiary of insurance policies/CPF payouts and granting her partner the power of attorney for any decision-making.

One of them said, “The only thing you’ll prolly miss out on is the BTO.”

As for having kids, some shared that this was one of the best decisions they ever made in their lives.

They spoke about the joys, fulfillment, and profound love that parenthood brought into their lives. 

One Redditor said that no matter how difficult his day at work was, all of his troubles would fade away as soon as he stepped through the door and his children ran to welcome him with shouts of  “Daddy!”

He said, “No one has looked at me with more admiration and love than my kids, not even my wife and mother.

Its pretty unpleasant most of the time, but my fondest memories came from them. Ive had great moments in my career, with my wife, etc. Nothing comes close.”

Read also: Woman asks Singaporeans who plan to remain childless: “What are your plans when you turn old?”

Featured image by Depositphotos

“I have an unrealised stock loss of S$13K. How do I re-start my investment journey?” — SG Man

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man recently shared online that his unrealized losses have now hit $13,000.

Posting on r/singaporefi, he revealed that he bought the stocks between August 2020 and December 2021, when the majority of them were near their all-time highs (ATH).

Unfortunately, the prices of the stocks have plummeted and have not recovered since then.

Among his most significant losses are in Medtecs and CORSAIR. He bought Medtecs shares at around $1.50 each, but they have since dropped to $0.15, resulting in an unrealized loss of approximately $8,000. 

Similarly, his investment in CORSAIR at $40 per share has tumbled to $11, leading to an unrealized loss of about $700.

Since 2021, the man shared that he has not made any investment moves due to his fear of incurring further financial losses and because he has been occupied with his studies, internships, and employment. 

Despite seeing his investment portfolio take a hit, the man expressed that he still hoped to earn passive income through dividends or capital gains, as he earned a modest income from his job as an allied health professional in the community sector.

“I hope to earn and amass more money to lead a more comfortable lifestyle and hopefully own a home by 35 years old,” he said.

He then asked for advice from the local online community if he should sell off the stocks in red or keep them in hopes that they would recover.

“How to re-start my investment journey? Any advice on how to re-strategise or spring clean my portfolio?” he asked.

“Invest in yourself so you can get a well-paying job.”

In the discussion thread, many advised the man to sell his stocks if they had depreciated by 50–70% of their initial value since recovery is highly unlikely.

Also, if he still intends to continue his investment journey, they stressed that he should not blindly follow trends this time and do his due diligence.

According to them, it’s crucial for him to have a deep understanding of the stocks he’s planning to purchase and to devise a clear entry and exit strategy. Furthermore, a few advised him to reassess why he bought those stocks in the first place.

If he no longer believes in the initial thesis or if there wasn’t a clear rationale, they recommend letting go of those stocks, switching over to diversified index funds like VWRA, and staying away from stock picking.

One individual suggested that he invest in safe bets like Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) and Treasury bills (T-bills) as an alternative. Meanwhile, others suggested another approach: investing in his skills.

One Redditor said, “Sorry to burst your bubble with some pragmatism, but the best way to earn capital gains reliably (not through gambling, aka amateur-grade stock picking, no offense) is to take a high paying job and invest your big salary into an S&P500 (or World) Index. 

So realistically, the best investment advice to you would be to invest in yourself so you can get a well-paying job.”

Read also: Singaporean advises younger generation “to focus on enhancing their skills rather than learning about investments”

Featured image by Depositphotos