BlackRock - Understanding Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

John Bogle says don't trade ETFs

Founder of Vanguard Group gives his views on ETFs. He thinks you should never trade ETFs and suggests just buying and holding them. 

What do you think?

Who Owns Tan Boon Liat Building

Who owns Tan Boon Liat building located near Tiong Bahru in Singapore? It is quite an old building but houses a mish mash of shops and probably offices too. Located just beside Holiday Inn hotel, I would suppose that this plot of land probably has great developmental value.

Anyone knows who owns this building? Leave a comment and let me know.

Singapore Property Feature: Botanique at Bartley

Just doing another property feature for one of the latest condominiums to be launched in Singapore -  Botanique at Bartley.

Developer: UOL Overseas Investment
Leasehold: 99 years
Location: Situated near Upper Paya Lebar Road and Bartley Road
Completion: mid-2018
Number of units: 797
Prices:
One bedroom - from S$598,000
Two bedroom - S$798,000
Three bedroom - S$1.16 million
Prices are slightly under S$1,300 psf

Highest Bank Account Deposit/Interest Rates in Singapore ( Updated 19 March 2015)

Just compiling a list of the highest bank account deposit rates in Singapore currently. Might have missed out some so do feel free to leave a comment if you know of any other accounts that offer high interest rates. Do also note that these are not like-for-like comparisons so one is advised to assess which is best for your own purposes.

1. POSB - 1.88% per annum

POSB is now offering a promotional interest rate of 1.88% for 12 months. You simply need to register before the end of February 2015, top up your chosen savings account between $1000 to $1,000,000, and maintain that amount within your savings account for the next 12 months to get the 1.88% interest rates.

2. Maybank - Singapore Dollar Time Deposits (Up to 1.55%)

Maybank has a time deposit ranging from 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. For amounts greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000, you can earn 1.10% (12 mths), 1.18% (18 mths) and 1.28% (24 mths) respectively.

For amounts above $50,000, you get 1.35% (12 mths), 1.45% (18 mths) and 1.55% (24 mths) respectively.

3. OCBC 360  - 3.05%

This is not a fixed deposit account. It offers a base interest of 0.05% and gives a bonus 1% interest when you credit your salary, pay 3 bills and spend $400 on your credit card. Works for some people who are able to fulfill all these criteria.

4. OCBC Bonus + Savings Account

As stated on OCBC's website, "All funds in the Bonus+ Savings Account enjoy a monthly base interest of 0.05% p.a. If no withdrawals are made, the interest rate will be 0.60% p.a. for 2 months and 1.15% p.a. for the third month. If no withdrawals are made in the quarter and there is minimum $10,000 fresh funds deposit, the interest rate will be 2.35% p.a. for the third month. The maximum effective interest rate for the account will be 1.18% p.a." The diagram above also shows how the bonus interest rates work. As long as you do not withdraw any amount for the quarter and deposit fresh $10,000 in funds, you will be entitled to the bonus interest rates. Terms and conditions apply.

Singapore Property Feature: Commonwealth Towers

Commonwealth Towers is a new development that is located just beside Queenstown MRT. It features 845 residential units and will comprise of two 43-storey towers.

Prices are as follows:
One bedroom unit - From S$780k
Two bedroom unit - From S$1.18 million
Three bedroom unit - From S$1.42 million

Just recording down this information for future reference.

Here is the advertisement from today's newspaper.

Commonwealth Towers advertisement from Straits Times on 7 March 2015

Definition of Success - A Good Reminder

As I was flipping through the NTUC lifestyle magazine during my visits on the first day of the Chinese New Year, I came across this quote that was quoted by Tommy Wee.

A very good reminder indeed to redefine what success means.