My Investment Portfolio - SG (End Sep 2024)

 

Transactions:

- Added 150 units of Mapletree Logistic Trust at $1.276 via scrip dividends
- Added 200 units of Mapletree Industrial Trust at $2.2209 via scrip dividends

The Federal Reserve on 18 September 2024 lowered the interest rates by 0.50 percentage points instead of 0.25. I have not made any purchase for now since I have been preparing my portfolio for this day since 2 years ago.  

Meanwhile the 2024 United States elections will be held on 5 November while the next Federal Reserve meeting, the next opportunity to lower interest rate, is on 7 November. The market will be volatile reacting on the news and rumours on election related news, inflation and job data. 

This period last year, I had managed to reach previous year's dividends. But as shared earlier this year, there is a chance that I may receive a lower dividends amount this year compared to last year. This is also partly because I have opted for scrip dividends in shares instead of cash for some REITS or Trusts. Opting for scrip dividends in shares for fundamentally sound companies are important. Quoting what Albert Einstein said "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it". Having been in the market for a good 13 years, I can relate and understand it. It is either you get it or you don't. 

I am also glad that my portfolio has increased marginally higher compared to last month. Way green than it last was. However, of course when there is a market recession and the portfolio turns red, I need to be disciplined enough to make purchases. 

End of the day, keep calm and stay invested. Focus on the long term strategy and make tweaks to the tactics according to ever changing developments. 

Dividends received* during the month: $3,460.86(CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, Singapore Technologies Engineering, Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust, Mapletree Industrial Trust, Mapletree Logistics Trust, Keppel REIT, Keppel DC Reit, CapitaLand China Trust, Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust)

Total dividends received in 2024: $16,546.64

Average dividends per month^: $1,378.89

Total Portfolio Market Value: $416,944

* Dividends are recognised after payment date. Average dividends per month is calculated by dividing the dividends received by 12 months regardless of the month. 

Portfolio excludes Singapore Savings Bonds, T-bills and Foreign Stocks

^ Divided by 12 months regardless of month of the year. 

My Investment Portfolio - SG (End Aug 2024) - $400k milestone!

 

Source: StockCafe

No transaction was made in the month of August 2024.

I am just waiting to see if September rate cut happens and by how much. The market has priced in a 100% probability of rate cut in the next meeting, 18 September and is expecting at least a 25% rate cut. In fact, the market has priced in rate cuts for all 3 remaining meetings for 2024, a 0.5% cut in December meeting. 

While the market has priced in these probabilities, nothing is cast in stone until it actually happens. It's not over until it's over. It is not done until it is done. Global developments change constantly and these changes will impact many factors. Hence, it is important not to just plan on 1 outcome. There is a need to constantly monitor and have backup plans including warchest ready.  

While my dividends collected in August 2024 is around the same as 2023, my total dividends received for the year in 2024 is slightly lower than 2023 by about $150. This has been expected since dividends have been slightly cut by some companies as their financing costs increased. I expect dividends to increase in 2025 if rate cut happens and there is no recession. 

In the meantime, I have crossed the $400,000 milestone in August 2024, as my portfolio market value crossed this figure! Coincidentally, my wife's portfolio which consists of both equities and Singapore Saving Bonds (SSB) also crossed this milestone. Her portfolio dividends is lower than mine due to SSB allocation. 

While we cross this milestone, I am mindful that we could go below this figure anytime as the market goes up and down. 

Building our portfolio on brick by brick. It may be slow, but I hope the foundation is strong and resilient so that it provides a continuous and sustain source of dividends for us, while having a peace of mind. 

Dividends received* during the month: $3,254.14 (Singtel, OCBC, Keppel, DBS, CapitaLand Ascott Trust, Wilmar, ComfortDelGro)

Total dividends received in 2024: $13,085.78

Average dividends per month^: $1,090.48

Total Portfolio Market Value: $400,324.01

* Dividends are recognised after payment date. Average dividends per month is calculated by dividing the dividends received by 12 months regardless of the month. 

Portfolio excludes Singapore Savings Bonds, T-bills and Foreign Stocks

^ Divided by 12 months regardless of month of the year.