Posts

Showing posts from May, 2010

Donations through CIMB Cares

Image
In conjunction with Wesak Day, this is a very meaningful topic.  Previously, I am facing difficulties in performing such an angel act – Donations . I am sure everyone of you faced situations when someone approaching you to make donations to… And, maybe you think: “Is this fellow trying to con me?” “Will he channel the funds for the real purpose?” “Why not I donate directly to the designated organizations?” Frankly, I’m thinking of the 3 rd questions most of the time. (Sorry to those approaches) However, where am I going to donate directly? Is it very troublesome to go there? Are there any alternative ways? From now on, you can make donations to your favorites charity organizations, through CIMB Cares. Etc. WWF, MAKNA, Mercy Malaysia … It’s convenient , secure and 100% of your donation goes to your chosen charitable organization. There are 4 categories of charitable organizations, namely Environment, Education, Welfare, and Healthcare. The online fund raising portal makes donating a br

In the midst of selling – Pick and Choose

Image
As an investor, looking at the market falling freely for the whole week gave me two different approaches. Depending on your stocks to cash holdings, it could dictate your next move. Mr. A (If you are holding many stocks) There is a possibility that your heart beat is getting greater, and you are thinking whether to sell your holdings now. Mr. B (If you are holding many cash) There is a possibility that your mouth is getting bigger, trying to swallow whatever stocks you had targeted for long time, and you are thinking whether to utilize your holdings now. Whether you are A or B, my advise would be keeps on holding to what you have now. WHY? Answer to Mr. A If you want to sell, you should sell it earlier , before the week, not after. Depending on type of stocks you are holding now, some may fall less, and some may fall crazily over the week. Those that fall less, most of them is dividend counters , which means the price is relatively stable. If you sell now, it would not make a lot o

EPF i-Akaun

Image
Since EPF go online years ago, many people are disappointed by the way the website was maintained and updated. However, as time goes by, EPF had done a face-lift to its website. If you noticed, I could say that EPF website nowadays is very informative, convenient, well-organized.  I know, I know, maybe you are saying: “Is it really so goooood ???” The fact is, I am not a EPF staff, then why I need to praise them? From now onwards, there will be an EPF series written in this blog. In this 1st series, I would like to touch on i-Akaun by EPF. What is i-Akaun? i-Akaun is a member’s or an employer’s personal account to be used on the Internet, specifically on myEPF portal. By having this account, users are able to access EPF services that are being offered online. What are the online services offered? For members: - View and print account statement for current and previous year. - View withdrawal status and history. - View EPF transaction activities. - Update mailing address and personal d

Special Coverage: Web of Europe’s Crisis

Image
$1 trillion rescue package by European Union. Global share markets reacting positively towards EU latest move. Euro gains 2.7% in one day boosted by EU and IMF. European markets posted best one day gain this year. Sounds GOOD? This is the power of UNITY showed by EU countries during this round of financial meltdown. After a frantic talk on Monday, European officials agreed the 16 euro nations would put up $572 billion in new loans and $78 billion under an existing lending program. Meanwhile, IMF will pump in another $325 billion, adding up to a rescue package of nearly $1 trillion. However, many economists and analysts are still concern as to how the money would be dispensed and on what terms. A lot of them citing the euro rescue won’t solve the main problems plaguing the economies of Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Italy, which is low growth and weak balance sheets . Let’s enlarge the chart below ( you must ) to have a clear picture of the debt-ridden countries, taken from www.

Focus of the Week: GREECE crisis – World wide version

Image
With Greece having trouble, it is now pulling other assets too: US Dow Jones plunged as much as 9% on Thursday before recovering to end 3% down. MSCI’s emerging markets index lost 11% since mid-April. Crude oil price has fallen 14% over the past week, with Greek crisis putting the brakes on speculators as well as fears for Chinese growth. Commodities indexes have lost 5% in a week. The question in all investors mind this week would be: When would this stopped?   To contain the infections, Euro zone leaders decided on Friday they have special measures ready before financial markets open on Monday to prevent financial turmoil in Greece spreading to other countries such as Spain and Portugal.   However, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso declined to give any details of the proposals, which will be presented to all 27 EU finance ministers for approval on Sunday.     The EU summit, called to discuss longer-term efforts to coordinate economic policies, turned into a crisis

New Fund: OSK-UOB Capital Protected US Recovery Fund

Image
Yet, another capital protected fund will be launched by OSK-UOB investment bank. The 3-year closed-end capital-protected fund is aiming to provide investors regular income over the medium term. The theme for this fund is "US Recovery". The fund will be offer for subscription from May 10 to June 23. The fund's principal strategy is to invest 87% to 93% in zero-coupon negotiable instruments of deposits (ZNIDs) to accord the capital protection and the remainder in a 3-year over-the-counter US option. Min. Initial Investment : Rm1000