Despite global stocks giving positive returns 74% of the time since the 1970s, the individual investor experience can starkly differ based on the regime of market that you were in.

Higher interest rates means a higher cost of borrowing for both you and companies, but it also means better opportunities to grow your savings through instruments like T-bills and our Capital Holding account

Research and data show that for both developed and emerging economies, there is no clear pattern to linking market returns with the economy. GDP reports and recession calls are just one of many data points to consider in investments.

Research shows that global markets give a historical average return of 7% p.a., however almost none of the individual years gave that exact return. The actual investment experience has to account for the variability in annual returns, e.g. 2022(-18%) and 2023 (+22%).

Did you know that since the S&P 500 index was created in 1957, it has made 1,186 new all-time highs? A new high every 14 trading days. Studies show that that all-time highs lead to a continuation of the bull market 99.2% of the time.

A lot has been said in the financial media after the S&P 500 and Dow made new record highs but stock markets hit all time highs frequently; they’re supposed to.

It is interesting if we examine the Magnificent 7 from 2022, 3 out of 7 would still be sitting on losses. The largest loser being would be Tesla, with two-year total return of -32.58% — despite posting a whooping +102% return in 2023.

Most people don’t have enough money saved to be able to live adequately in retirement without earning some kind of investment return. In the simplest terms, by not investing, you risk outliving your money.

Global stocks seemed to be on track to beat its longest record of advance without a significant decline from 2009-2021 — 13 years before markets declined by -20.8% in 2022. After a positive 2023, how long will this next run of positive returns last?

Several Bitcoin ETFs have been approved the listing and trading for US investors (No MAS approval yet), but a look at its price chart shows an eerie resemblance to a typical asset bubble pattern.

Nicknamed The Magnificent Seven, these U.S stocks have pushed the pace in the Global Market in 2023 and are now worth more than than all the stocks combined in the UK, China, France, and Japan. But when you are driving at high speeds, small mistakes can have large consequences.

Among others, hot topics in 2023 include but are not limited to a looming recession, the Banking Crisis, and a new war in the Middle East. 2024 will come with its own worries and headlines, but It’s important not to let your emotions get the better of you for your financial decisions.

2023 is a timely reminder that relying on “truisms” and thinking that they’re written in stone can cost you greatly.

Data and research shows reaching a new high doesn’t mean the market will then retreat — more often than not, returns 1, 3, and 5 years after new highs are pretty similar to all other months.

If you are still focused on dividends, you might be missing the forest for the trees as companies steadily turn to other forms of returning cash back to their investors.

Most forecasts by well-known financial institutions for 2023 early last year were gloomy and foreboding, and ended up being way off the mark, with global stocks ended the year at +20%. So what should we expect in 2024?

Who would’ve thought that the global market would return almost 20% this year? As we step into the new year, many things are going to change, but a well developed financial plan that is built upon a strong investment philosophy will stand the test of time.

It can be a bit overwhelming how much can happen in such a short span of time. Regardless, our philosophy — built on evidence and research — remains the same.