As we step into 2023, we are greeted with higher prices, taxes and interest rates. What’s more, we have no idea since when good news has become bad news. The government gave every Singapore household $300 CDC vouchers because we have to pay 8 percent GST now. Healthy GDP growth means inflation is going to stay high. Even US stock prices drop on positive employment, consumer … [Read more...]
Can pay or can’t pay?
In 2022, mortgage rates have surged beyond our expectations. What if borrowers can’t pay? On November 25, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) published the Financial Stability Review 2022. It stated that most households appear to be resilient to interest rate shocks. The proportion of non-performing mortgage loans is likely to remain low. On the contrary, the OCBC … [Read more...]
Now it’s payback time
Payback is a word with double meaning. It can imply something good or bad. Think karma in Buddhism and Hinduism. Karma suggests that every deed, good or bad, has its consequences. In other words, there is cause and effect for everything you do. When it’s payback time, you will see the result of your past action. For instance, you put your money in an investment. When it … [Read more...]
Cheap stuff under high inflation
These days we are told that the world is experiencing high inflation. Things are expensive. But do you know that there are many things that are incredibly cheap now? At any single point of time, there will be things that are cheap and worth buying. If you don’t see them, you are probably looking at the wrong direction. After all, most people are drawn to what is hot in the … [Read more...]
New cooling measures is a waiting game
On September 29 (Thursday) evening, the government announced new property cooling measures again. The new rules aimed to moderate demand and ensure prudent borrowing amid rising interest rates. They were also meant to address the public concern of rising home prices and to improve housing affordability. While industry stakeholders and homebuyers were caught by surprise, some … [Read more...]