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. 

My Investment Portfolio - SG (End July 2024)

Transactions:

- Bought 4,500 units of Astrea8A1 4.35%390719 during its IPO
- Bought 2,000 units of Astrea8A2 6.35%390719 during its IPO

Bought Astrea 8 since I need to park my cash somewhere. My last successful application for Tbill was in 31 October 2023, which was a 6 months Tbill. My last Tbill, a 1 year one, had matured on 30 Jul 2024. I have no more Tbills in my portofolio.

Within a short time of a few months, instead of the narrative that rate cuts may not happen in 2024, market has priced in a 100% probability of rate cut happening in Sep 24. Market is also pricing in rate for every fed bank meeting for 2024. I have grown use to seeing such drastic change in market sentiments. This is like flipping prata, we see it in workplaces all the time, the context changes all the time.

In the meantime, I will just take a longer term view and buy fundamentally sounded stocks. Moreover, with the USA elections coming up in November, things will still change and can change drastically with each passing day. With the likely rate cut happening in Sep, I am happy as my portfolio has been positioned for this, with majority purchases in Reits in the last 2 years. Whether there is really a rate cut for every meeting is the big question.

Judging from the recent results and dividends declaration, it looks like my dividends for 2024 will not hit $20,000. I will have to continue and monitor. 

Stay calm and stay vested.

Dividends received* during the month: $0

Total dividends received in 2024: $9,831.63

Average dividends per month^: $819.30

Total Portfolio Market Value: $390,859.33

* 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.