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.