StockMarket - Trappings & Opportunities - Looking Ahead

everyone wants to make money but few wants to do homework...

Much written in my blog, "Brave The Changes", dated 3rd March, has unfolded and is still progressing

Stock contagion began in mid-March and mothballed into an avalanche recently

A multitude of reasons caused this downswing, the key factor being tariffs/protectionism

But, the writings were in the charts; a tool some laughed at while others dismissed as unreliable

In my minute world, the charts are an aggregate of mass psychology ~ herd instincts and responses

Like the pendulum, equilibrium returns after space are spared and time has lapsed

The capital market is an imbalance, imperfect market ~ the tug of war between believers and doubters, stirrers and provocateurs, with 'manipulators' in tow

Over valued markets make way for fair and under-valued ones ~ the smart money smell their way to safer heaven

It's very difficult to predict when the next recession or stock market crash will come. Don't despair amid the inevitable setbacks, especially during a crisis in the market. 

You are as brave as you are not geared; only invest your excess funds

In the house of cards, nobody survive after the collapse

When it comes to investing, nothing will pay off more than educating yourself. Do the necessary research and analysis before making any investment decisions - Benjamin Franklin

Never plunge in blindly into any investments - you save 100% if you never participate

It's not whether you're right or wrong that's important, but how much money you make when you're right and how much you lose when you're wrong - George Soros ~ Cutting loss is as important as riding the profit(able) uptrend 

52 Weeks High/Low - Index

DJIA                45,073/36,611

S&P 500          6,147/4,835

Nasdaq            20,204/14,784

Nikkei              42,426/30,792

ASX                 8,615/7,169

FTSE                8,909/7,544

STI                   4,005/3,136

HSI                  24,874/16,044

FTSE Bursa     1,684/1,453

IDX Indon       7,910/5,882   

SZ Index          11,864/7,908

Crystalball Gazing

There will be short term rebound and for those who have been, or dares, bottom fishing. There will be meaningful profits - nobody goes broke by taking profits - markets reward those who are prepared and brave. Turbulence are trading opportunities [long or short] 

It is not surprising to see (if) the market testing the recent lows after the rebound. When sense and level-mindedness return, market recovers into 3Qtr. Mid-August & September will be another testing moments (total lunar eclipse)

Do your own homework and assessments. It is not difficult to pick winners but it is easier to loss yourself in the noise, gossips and speculations

Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas - Paul Samuelson

Life Is ... Yours To Lead

Is there life after work...

We work to live and not live to work

In early times, people hunt, fish and farm the land for food; there were enough to go around

As commune formed, exchange begun whereupon the excess food were swapped signalling the beginning of barter trade. Life was a breeze ~ eat, drink, procreate 

天地人 ~ Heaven, Land, Human

天 - Heaven observes and rules but never speak and acts as the equalizer

地 - Land (Earth) provides the abundance; farm it, mine it or simply live on it

人 - Man is given the freedom of choice

Earth provides for all, Man and others, to coexist and live harmoniously and in peace

With specialization and industrialization, overproduction and the unconsumed turned into waste

Raw materials were wasted and rubbish churned with excess food production wasted as those in need did not receive and many were left famished; the great imbalance begins

Industrial wastes contaminate the Land

The 'Thinking Man' becomes selfish, seek dominance and greed brewed, marking the beginning of self-destruction : Man against Man, neighbors against neighbors and family against family

Survival of the fittest shifted from animals to Man ~ whereas animals kill for food but Man kill for game and dominance

Fast forward today. AI and robotics are supposed to make Man's life easier and safer by taking over the more dangerous & hazardous works, the repetitive & mundane jobs so as to release Man to 'enjoy life' and harvest & enjoy the abundance of Nature

Not the reality though ... will leave this to another time

Everyone is running towards the end [of life] although nobody knows when his is due

Yet, many are running around like headless chickens, chasing their egoistic goals against chasing an achievable dream

Dream big is a motivation but you've to get up to work on your dream and do it within your capability and control - management 101

Above all, everyone must be healthy; no amount of money can buy health

Without health, nothing can be achieved; [quote - Steve Jobs - February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011 -  died as a billionaire, with a capital of 7 billion dollars, at the age of 56 from pancreatic cancer, and here are some of his last words... "At this moment, lying in bed, ill and remembering my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth I have are insignificant in the presence of imminent ... money - but you can't hire someone to carry the disease for you]

We eat to live and not live to eat. Let us do the necessary and live life to the fullest

You are as good as your final breathe

Find something to fill the spare time, be it hobby, friends or simply, meditation

Alone is not loneliness and empty is not void

The Supreme, the top person, the absolute leader and the many successful persons are almost always alone ... alone at the top

 

 

Change Or Not Is Not A Choice

change takes time; not changing takes forever...

When you seek heedlessly, the chances of failures increased as potential risks lurking around are not notice

When the day is 'washed out', the phone doesn't ring, nothing seems right, leave everything aside and take a break ... a long walk helps change the eco imbalance

When you return refreshed, Qi flows easier, the heart is lighter and the Mind is clearer

Keep a balance of  your Mind and Body

If you are charging like a headless chicken, only self inflict destruction awaits

You can't achieve anything without an end goal ~ & the direction is more important than the goal

Start with the right direction & half the battle is won

The Concept of Wait 等

姜太公 ~ catches those who are willing

守株待兔 ~ wait vainly [one swallow doesn't make a summer]

We can not wait blindly, without plan & purpose and expect windfalls

Luck is where preparation meets opportunity

Where land meets shore, new opportunities arise; no where will the sky meets land nor sea

The wealthy, the powerful and the influential fight to dominate the world but they cannot live in a sea of poor

Without the farmers and the peasants workers, where do they find food and supplies? Surely, they don't want to roll up their sleeves to farm the land and soak in the sun  

Opportunities go to those who are willing to 'sweat' for a few cent more

Nonetheless, Do Not overstretch your limited capabilities ~ do everything within your ability

The peace of mind & good health are blessings that no money can buy

When the world changes, we need to try to fit in but there is no need to search for a crack in the puzzle just to fit in ... do whatever fits & survive to tell the story another day

Dead man tells no tales

Youthfulness is a capital whereas mid-life is influenced by experiences. As you ride into your 60yo, you have a choice to stay out or continue treading the old life paths but void of taking unwarranted risks

To be indifferent means that you have no emotion, no life, no love, no interest in something which another may base their life on by 'loving' it. No expectation, no sufferance

Going with the flow minimize to zerorise resistance.  The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of suffering - Ram Dass

When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you - Lao Tzu

 Accept the inevitable and welcome the changes; it can only get better

Never give anyone the advice to buy or sell shares, because the most benevolent price of advice can turn out badly. Share this Quote Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/benevolent-quotes

Never give anyone the advice to buy or sell shares, because the most benevolent price of advice can turn out badly. Share this Quote Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/benevolent-quotes

Never give anyone the advice to buy or sell shares, because the most benevolent price of advice can turn out badly. Share this Quote Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/benevolent-quotes

Inner Peace

suppressing emotions is the surest stress accumulator...

Relax, relax ... is the easiest word that can relieve the mind and body

But, few can achieve the indepth Zen feel

I want to walk away from the hustle & bustle of life, the 'intense disruptions' and retreat into my little corner to hibernate, recharge & be reformed

I don't live in fear and I always want to be prepared, for the better or worse ~ holding the bull by the horns is the best approach

Fight or flight; the truth is "if you don't fight, there is no chance of flight". Winner gets to write the rules

When your chips are low, lie low. Spend within your means and cut your cloth according to your size.

Don't give too much thoughts to "life is short", "negative gossips about you and your capabilities", "you should do this, do that, blah, blah..." These are all hollow, non-beneficial ideas

Man are creature of habits and any change inevitably involve lots & lots of efforts and 'shedding of the skin'  

However, most will only change if forced upon by circumstances

Change takes time and effort. Anyone who have changed forced upon thyself seldom return to the old self; it's either he flourished or is decimated 

Be prepared, be ready ...read widely, learn new skills that are closest to your heart and someday, it will come in handy and help you change your life and fortune 小船怕风浪 大船转弯难

In this turbulent times, stay calm and calculated, be prepared, let the ill-winds blow pass and only pounced when the situation is clear(er) 

There is no Hero; all Heroes are dead and read in classics ~ live to fight another day

To most, we do not know what tomorrow brings but being prepared and adequately equipped, achieving success is a tad easier

It is always more difficult to change, especially jumping into the obliquely unknown; eg from being an elite commando to a monk, from being a Prince to achieving buddhahood 

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think - Christopher Robin

I am as mortal as the next person and I can accept that the world will never be equal nor fair 

In this journey to side track the ever changing world, I seek to opt out to watch and let the ill-winds pass, to let the situation settles, but if still unsettled, at least, to get used to the new normal

We need not fight every battles but must fight to win a war; the war from within ~ the inner peace

When the Soul is tired, seek refuge

All shalt be well

Be Calm @Interlude

being too aware of yourself may not be good...

As I consciously ward off negative energy and ringfence myself against external, unpleasant forces, I find that I need the Power of AlMighty and his protective shield to lighten the impactful ill-winds

It is a conscious effort to ignore and stay indifferent 静心

The peace achieved is overwhelming - an aura glows and envelops the physique   

Being indifference to your environment shield you from unwanted disruptions and distractions

Gossips, fork-tongued misinformation, bad reviews and opinions, if allowed to manifest and influence your thoughts and actions, will destroy your judgements

The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters - Steve Jobs

Never allow the ill-winds to sway your moods

There will always be someone who wants to see you fall; envy is the worst enemy

Always go with your passions. Never ask yourself if it’s realistic or not - Deepak Chopra 

Dare to dream opens your options and choices but 'do wake up to work on your dreams 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams - Eleanor Roosevelt 

Changes in a turbulent 2025 will surface fast and furious and most events are least expected or totally unexpected

A calm, level minded person will be able to avoid the full impact of the turbulence and changes, with minimal to nil effect  

This apply to financial gyrations and aberrations too

Be cool, calm and calculated ~ the future is awaiting your harvest

 

Brave The Changes

attitude is definitive...

Epic signs of negative responses surface during lunar eclipses ... 14th March is the Total Lunar Eclipse

Generally, the financial markets suffer the brunt of reactions and disruptions; not necessarily on the exact date, 14th March. At times, the fateful events take place plus/minus two weeks

Need not be alarmed; what's bad for one could be good for others 危机

Change, if organized, is less disruptive. Unexpected events are disruptive and a catalyst for major changes and rethinking 

Oil crisis [in the 70s], Black Monday [late 80s], Asia financial crisis [97/98], 9/11 [2001], world/US financial crisis [2008], Covid [2020s] ... just to name a few & all drastically changed the world, going forward

2025 is no exception; P. Trump is certainly a standalone catalyst

Europe will see substantial changes if it wants to decouple with USA. 'It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal.' - Henry Kissinger

Europe/EU can not afford to support nor defend Ukraine unilaterally & it's no wiser to let Ukraine joins NATO   

P Trump is wooing Russia to pressure EU, in particular Ukraine, to pay and pay more for the security umbrella yet 'stealing a balance' with China

The game played among USA, Russia and China will determine how the world evolve while G7 & BRICS will challenge each other for economic influence and superiority 

Expect speedy changes as information and misinformation and deepfakes rule

We can not control nor dictate changes but our steadfast positive attitude will overcome many a challenge

Night breaks into day as day will slide into darkness; hold every thing constant, retreat alittle, watch the changes pass ~ no hurts will last

Human cannot challenge Nature and the wrath of Nature are unstoppable ; step aside and watch it pass

In  GOD we trust and HE will stand by you

Positive attitude will save many a drowning person

The stock markets are not meant for the weak and those in a hurry

Keep enough cash to ride through the untimely challenges

2025 Is A Year Of Opportunities Sprinkled With Uncertainties

it will take more than IQ to succeed in turbulence and disruptions...

2025 starts comically with P Trump wanting to gain control of the Panama Canal, Canada and Greenland. he is serious though

Soon, he included Gaza and with overtures to(wards) Ukraine

In Singapore, the new PM, Lawrence Wong, presented the budget; transferring $6.4bil as rollover reserves, GST collections were up 23.8% to $20.6bil [will probably have a surplus of $1.5bil even without the increased of 1%-2%]. There were multiple sources of revenues as SG is run like an INC. Worse (or better), increased costs of living were marginally offsetted with vouchers, rebates and 'handouts', sprinkled with more infra-projects and potential import of foreigners... voucher dependency will/may lead to a clutch-mentality. An independent Singapore means Singaporeans are Able & Capable to fend for themselves and build their dreams and aspirations 

Singapore started being involved in industries that were labor-intensive, to manufacturing, to high tech and high finance, but today boosting GDP today meant importing more foreigners[labor]  and attracting supra-HNW billionaires to add to the population. Alas! true blue Singaporeans are traded like digits

Malaysia has attracted loads of PRC investments with it's newfound membership with BRICS. The special economic zone linking Johor/SG promised to bring billions of investments and businesses to JB, especially with the high speed trains links

Indonesia is fast replacing India in the "I" in BRICS

The high speed rail line that flow out of Yunnan/Kunming to Laos, through Thailand, traveling into   Malaysia and Singapore will be a great multiplier

Europe, if their apron string with US is cut, will enjoy greater independence, growth and opportunities. After Eastern Europe joined Western Europe, economic opportunities rise and hopes blossomed; it's a shadow of her past  now

While China is restrained and restricted by US and her allies, SEAsia will bloom and as more use SEAsia as the springboard to the global markets, 危机 opportunities spring at every nooks and corners. Singapore can be a niche player by acting as the 'Financial Capital' for SEAsia and 'oiling' the regional countries and economics

I have shared that "potentially there will be crisis of sorts by 1Q/March and again in 3Q/September, plausibly caused by financial degeneration and reorientation, warmongering and skirmishes and political horsetradings, not forgetting natural disasters

Be ready, be well armed with skills and knowledge that are relevant to the new era [needs]. Don't be despair, depressed nor anxious. Everything turn around in due course 

Don't blame nor seek others assistance for your problems ~ others only provide suggestions 

Break away from dogmatism and blind loyalty; your are on your own ...most times

2025 ~ Be Prepared, Be Nimble In The World Of Uncertainty

changes are windows to opportunities...

President-wannabe Trump has boosted confidence in USA and made many 'impossibles' possible. His winning of the presidential seat was an impossible made possible

WallStreet ride the rise and so did BitCoin and the US$

Lately, Europe's leaders are falling like bowling pins; Canada prime minister resigned, German Justice minister resigned and so did, Giorgia Meloni resigned as president of ECR,  France prime minister Barnier resigned ~ renewal of leadership allow the purging of deadwood ideas and create opportunities for new blood. Truth to told "Canada's Trudeau resignation brought about loud cheers"

BRICS brought in new members, the latest being Indonesia whilst Singapore & Malaysia/Johor set up a Special Economic Zone

January 20th, Trump will be sworn in as 47th President of USA, with loads of uncertainties; he wants to 'take over' Canada, Greenland and gain control of the Panama Canal, exacts tariffs from almost every one/country, 'thumb down' China, stop the Ukraine war and 'forced' the release of hostages held by Hamas ...the list is endless

The only constant is change and changes bring opportunities 机会与 危机

2025 is a year of opportunities albeit uncertain

It is not easy to change the macro-environment but the micro-environment can be tweaked小船怕风浪 大船转弯难

Expect major gyrations in the stock and commodity markets; either way there is money to be made ~ you can short the market in a downfall or buy in the upswing

Luck is where preparation meets opportunity ; you need not be gutsy but you must be prepared

It is best that all the uncertainties happen early in the American presidency just as Europe undergo changes with their heads of states. WHY? If the storm must come, let it come with ferocity; when the dusts settled, reconstruction begins 

There is marked differences between USA and China and European Union[EU] and Association of South East Asian Nations [ASEAN]

Both US & EU are developed nations whereas China & ASEAN are still developing countries. If you have climbed to the peak[top of the mountain], it is time to 'walk down' 

There are about 5bil people in Asia in a world of slightly more than 8bil; demand for basic to mid-high(er) end goods and services have lots of room to grow

The next 20-50 years is the Asian Renaissance 

The US, together with her Allies, will try to disrupt the Asian Renaissance and to cement their dominance. Their economic embargo and trade restrictions had dented Asia's progress. Asia, including Russia, will seek alternative trade partners away from the hostile West. By the way, EU is cracking up and many has refused to live under the shadows of USA

Further supporting a demanding US, the West/EU is cutting their nose to spike their face; global trades will slow and become polarized and fast becoming 'vassal states' of US

Any philosophy, be capitalism, communism, socialism, is bad at it's extreme. The world is suffering because the rich control and hoard many resources, leaving the poor to struggle. The world will be a better place if the rich release more resources to be shared with the masses, creating opportunities and harmony via sharing

If Man refused to share, GOD will level down and redistribute the resources ... 2025 is the leveling down era and a sea of opportunities will surface  

Brave the difficult and uncertain near-term & be there when the good times return

[If your had missed the opportunities in the years past ~ 1986/87, 1997/98, 2003/4 2008/9, 2020/21, fortunes is smiling at you again in 2025/26... after the 'destruction/downtrend' comes 'reconstruction/uptrend]