(From Article)
SINGAPORE--SMRT swung to a net loss in its fourth quarter, hit by a combination of higher repair and maintenance costs and an increase in staff costs.
In the quarter ended March 31, the company recorded a net loss of S$12 million, a sharp contrast to the S$13.9 million net profit recorded in the same period last year. While revenue increased by 2.4 per cent to S$281.3 million, operating expenses grew at an accelerated pace, increasing by 12.9 per cent to S$297 million.
SMRT said that its “profitability will be further eroded in the next twelve months by the continuing misalignment between fares and operating costs.”
It added that losses in its bus business will continue to increase because of higher energy and staff costs, and the need to replace and grow the fleet size to meet operational demands.
Chief executive officer Desmond Kuek said that SMRT continues to focus on improving the reliability and availability of transport services while taking measures to improve productivity and efficiency.
“At the same time, discussions are ongoing with the government on more sustainable models for both the Trains and Bus businesses.”
SMRT Corporation Ltd announced that the Board has proposed a final dividend of SGD0.01 per ordinary share. Including the interim SGD0.015, this will bring total FY 2013 dividend to SGD0.025.
Share price drop to as low as 1.46 on 30Apr.
Monday 29 April 2013
Thursday 25 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Li Ka Shing winning Hong Kong port workers strike
(From Article)
HONG KONG – Billionaire Li Ka-shing has hired new workers to handle ships and demanded that protesters leave his building in the city’s Central District, as part of moves to end a four-week strike at his docks in Hong Kong, the Bloomberg news agency reported.
The move has cut the waiting time for ships to an average 20-to-25 hours, compared with about 60 hours when the strike started, Hongkong International Terminals said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. The docks are operating at about 90 per cent of capacity.
At least 100 vessels has skipped Hong Kong in favour of nearby ports as a result of the strike which began March 28, the report said.
Some dock workers, who are seeking better pay and working conditions, remain camped around Mr Li’s Cheung Kong Center building in the central business district even after he gave them a noon deadline to leave.
HONG KONG – Billionaire Li Ka-shing has hired new workers to handle ships and demanded that protesters leave his building in the city’s Central District, as part of moves to end a four-week strike at his docks in Hong Kong, the Bloomberg news agency reported.
The move has cut the waiting time for ships to an average 20-to-25 hours, compared with about 60 hours when the strike started, Hongkong International Terminals said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. The docks are operating at about 90 per cent of capacity.
At least 100 vessels has skipped Hong Kong in favour of nearby ports as a result of the strike which began March 28, the report said.
Some dock workers, who are seeking better pay and working conditions, remain camped around Mr Li’s Cheung Kong Center building in the central business district even after he gave them a noon deadline to leave.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on April Payout from First State dividend advantage
(Personal Sharing)
Today I received a cheque of 98.87SGD from Maybank on my First State dividend advantage units. This is so far the highest quarterly payout I received so far since I bought the units in year 2011.
It made me a happy woman today.
Today I received a cheque of 98.87SGD from Maybank on my First State dividend advantage units. This is so far the highest quarterly payout I received so far since I bought the units in year 2011.
It made me a happy woman today.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on NUS student found dead in hostel
(From Article)
A National University of Singapore (NUS) student was found dead in his campus hostel room on Tuesday afternoon. NUS confirmed the student is 22-year-old Peter Huen Kam Fai, a first-year student on the University Scholars Programme.
SINGAPORE: A National University of Singapore (NUS) student was found dead in his campus hostel room on Tuesday afternoon.
NUS confirmed the student is 22-year-old Peter Huen Kam Fai, a first-year student on the University Scholars Programme.
He was found by a university staff member.
NUS said it is currently the university examinations period but was not able to verify if the student had sat for a paper on Tuesday.
NUS said its "thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time".
Its counselling staff members are available to provide support to students, faculty and staff who may be affected.
Police have classified the case as unnatural death and investigations are ongoing.
A National University of Singapore (NUS) student was found dead in his campus hostel room on Tuesday afternoon. NUS confirmed the student is 22-year-old Peter Huen Kam Fai, a first-year student on the University Scholars Programme.
SINGAPORE: A National University of Singapore (NUS) student was found dead in his campus hostel room on Tuesday afternoon.
NUS confirmed the student is 22-year-old Peter Huen Kam Fai, a first-year student on the University Scholars Programme.
He was found by a university staff member.
NUS said it is currently the university examinations period but was not able to verify if the student had sat for a paper on Tuesday.
NUS said its "thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time".
Its counselling staff members are available to provide support to students, faculty and staff who may be affected.
Police have classified the case as unnatural death and investigations are ongoing.
Dividend Chaser on Iphone5S launch delayed by fingerprint scanner
(From Article)
LONDON — The iPhone 5S could be delayed until after June because of problems with a new fingerprint-scanning feature designed by Apple to replace the passcode-based unlocking system on previous models.
A supply chain source in Taiwan said Apple was trying to find a coating material that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor, and this may be causing a delay.
In addition to the iPhone 5S, suppliers said Apple is also developing a cheaper model, which can appeal to lower-income buyers in emerging markets such as China and India. A supplier source in Japan said small-scale production of display panels will begin in May, ramping up to mass production in June.
Both phones will use the same 4-inch screen, but the cheaper version will probably not include the new fingerprint technology and sport a cheaper plastic casing, the sources said.
Apple has been expected to introduce fingerprint-scanning technology since it acquired biometrics firm AuthenTec last year.
Last month, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said his firm expected the results of that takeover to be revealed this summer with the new iPhone 5S.
He said: “We expect [that] iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability.”
LONDON — The iPhone 5S could be delayed until after June because of problems with a new fingerprint-scanning feature designed by Apple to replace the passcode-based unlocking system on previous models.
A supply chain source in Taiwan said Apple was trying to find a coating material that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor, and this may be causing a delay.
In addition to the iPhone 5S, suppliers said Apple is also developing a cheaper model, which can appeal to lower-income buyers in emerging markets such as China and India. A supplier source in Japan said small-scale production of display panels will begin in May, ramping up to mass production in June.
Both phones will use the same 4-inch screen, but the cheaper version will probably not include the new fingerprint technology and sport a cheaper plastic casing, the sources said.
Apple has been expected to introduce fingerprint-scanning technology since it acquired biometrics firm AuthenTec last year.
Last month, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said his firm expected the results of that takeover to be revealed this summer with the new iPhone 5S.
He said: “We expect [that] iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability.”
Dividend Chaser on 42 year old woman hit and dragged by SBS transit bus
(From Article)
A 42-year-old woman was killed on Tuesday morning after she was hit by a bus at about 7.35am.
It is understood that she was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing when a double-decker bus running the service 78 route, turning from Commonwealth Avenue West onto Clementi Avenue 3 ran her over, pinning her underneath the bus.
She was dragged for about 5 metres before the bus came to a stop. Paramedics pronounced her dead on the spot after arriving on the scene at 7.50am.
SBS Transit's senior vice-president for corporate communications, Tammy Tan said the company was very sorry that the accident has happened and their priority is to render assistance to the deceased family.
Ms Tan added that the bus captain has been suspended from driving duties with immediate effect, pending the outcome of investigations.
The police have confirmed that the 47-year-old Singaporean driver is assisting with investigations.
A 42-year-old woman was killed on Tuesday morning after she was hit by a bus at about 7.35am.
It is understood that she was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing when a double-decker bus running the service 78 route, turning from Commonwealth Avenue West onto Clementi Avenue 3 ran her over, pinning her underneath the bus.
She was dragged for about 5 metres before the bus came to a stop. Paramedics pronounced her dead on the spot after arriving on the scene at 7.50am.
SBS Transit's senior vice-president for corporate communications, Tammy Tan said the company was very sorry that the accident has happened and their priority is to render assistance to the deceased family.
Ms Tan added that the bus captain has been suspended from driving duties with immediate effect, pending the outcome of investigations.
The police have confirmed that the 47-year-old Singaporean driver is assisting with investigations.
Monday 22 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Greek kids starving
(From Article)
Greek children are going hungry, yet another terrible consequence of the economic crisis that has gripped the country for five years. Children have been seen looking through trash cans and students have asked other children for food. Schools are not only witnessing the sight of children bent over with hunger pangs — the government is itself reporting the same.
Dr. Athena Lipsos of the University of Athens Medical School tells the New York Times that “when it comes to food insecurity, Greece has now fallen to the level of some African countries.” Food insecurity shows how much a child faces hunger or is at risk for such.
According to a 2012 Unicef report, among the poorest Greek households with children, more than 26 percent have an “economically weak diet.” Immigrant families have certainly been affected, but also Greeks in cities and in rural areas. Families in the countryside can still grow some of their food, but not those in urban ones and pasta, rice, lentils and cabbage are all that many children are living on. One father tells the New York Times that he supplements the family’s diet of cabbage with snails.
Greece’s schools do not offer subsidized lunches for students, who either bring their own food or purchase it from a cafeteria. With some students able to do neither, Prolepsis, a nongovernmental public health group that Dr. Lipsos is affiliated with, began a pilot program last year. From it, children receive a sandwich, fruit and milk at 34 public schools; more than half of the 6,400 families participating said they had experienced “medium to serious hunger.”
Thanks to an $8 million grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the program is now being expanded to cover 20,000 children at 120 schools. The Greek government also says it is receiving European Union funding to provide fruit and milk in schools and food vouchers for bread and cheese; it is is also working with the Greek Orthodox Church to provide thousands of care packages.
This report of Greek children is, needless to say, in sharp contrast with those from just a few years ago about obesity in the country’s youth, as the increased presence of fast food and supermarkets stocked with convenience foods pulled children away from the traditional Mediterranean diet. In 2008, two-thirds of Greek children were overweight and facing the complications of obesity, from high cholesterol to diabetes.
Greece is entering its sixth year of recession and its unemployment rate has continued to rise, standing now at 27 percent and over 50 for those in their twenties. 6 out of 10 job seekers say they have not worked in more than a year. The 2012 Unicef report also notes that 439,000 children in Greece live below the poverty line. Of these children, not only do over 20 percent have a diet lacking in animal protein, but 37 percent lack adequate heating in their homes and over 20 live in what are defined as “poor environmental conditions.”
The hunger too many Greek children are now facing shows the ongoing effects of the austerity measures demanded by the country’s creditors to receive financing to address crushing debt. A graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Thomas Herndon, has found that a famous study by Harvard University professors that is often used to make a case for austerity contains errors. You would think that this, along with so many Greek children going hungry and suffering from malnutrition, would make government leaders and economists rethink austerity policies that have called for raising taxes on electricity and cutting jobs, pensions and services.
Greek children are going hungry, yet another terrible consequence of the economic crisis that has gripped the country for five years. Children have been seen looking through trash cans and students have asked other children for food. Schools are not only witnessing the sight of children bent over with hunger pangs — the government is itself reporting the same.
Dr. Athena Lipsos of the University of Athens Medical School tells the New York Times that “when it comes to food insecurity, Greece has now fallen to the level of some African countries.” Food insecurity shows how much a child faces hunger or is at risk for such.
According to a 2012 Unicef report, among the poorest Greek households with children, more than 26 percent have an “economically weak diet.” Immigrant families have certainly been affected, but also Greeks in cities and in rural areas. Families in the countryside can still grow some of their food, but not those in urban ones and pasta, rice, lentils and cabbage are all that many children are living on. One father tells the New York Times that he supplements the family’s diet of cabbage with snails.
Greece’s schools do not offer subsidized lunches for students, who either bring their own food or purchase it from a cafeteria. With some students able to do neither, Prolepsis, a nongovernmental public health group that Dr. Lipsos is affiliated with, began a pilot program last year. From it, children receive a sandwich, fruit and milk at 34 public schools; more than half of the 6,400 families participating said they had experienced “medium to serious hunger.”
Thanks to an $8 million grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the program is now being expanded to cover 20,000 children at 120 schools. The Greek government also says it is receiving European Union funding to provide fruit and milk in schools and food vouchers for bread and cheese; it is is also working with the Greek Orthodox Church to provide thousands of care packages.
This report of Greek children is, needless to say, in sharp contrast with those from just a few years ago about obesity in the country’s youth, as the increased presence of fast food and supermarkets stocked with convenience foods pulled children away from the traditional Mediterranean diet. In 2008, two-thirds of Greek children were overweight and facing the complications of obesity, from high cholesterol to diabetes.
Greece is entering its sixth year of recession and its unemployment rate has continued to rise, standing now at 27 percent and over 50 for those in their twenties. 6 out of 10 job seekers say they have not worked in more than a year. The 2012 Unicef report also notes that 439,000 children in Greece live below the poverty line. Of these children, not only do over 20 percent have a diet lacking in animal protein, but 37 percent lack adequate heating in their homes and over 20 live in what are defined as “poor environmental conditions.”
The hunger too many Greek children are now facing shows the ongoing effects of the austerity measures demanded by the country’s creditors to receive financing to address crushing debt. A graduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Thomas Herndon, has found that a famous study by Harvard University professors that is often used to make a case for austerity contains errors. You would think that this, along with so many Greek children going hungry and suffering from malnutrition, would make government leaders and economists rethink austerity policies that have called for raising taxes on electricity and cutting jobs, pensions and services.
Dividend Chaser on how to apply rights issue using ATM
(From Article)
Just recently I had the chance to apply for Rights Issue using the ATM (DBS) so I thought it would be good to note down that it's actually quite an easy process.
In your rights offer document, there will be a page stating which ATMs you can use to apply for the rights units. If it is not stated, that means the only way to apply is through the banker's draft/cashier's order.
You will just need to take note of the following 3 things before going to the ATM, other than knowing which rights issue are you applying for:
How many rights units are you entitled to
How many excess rights units are you going to apply for
What is your CDP No (optional)
Note that the application for rights issue is only available at the ATM Mon - Sat, up to 9.30pm. I didn't know about that until I tried to access it outside this timing.
The following are some of the steps I recalled at the ATM:
1. Go to the "Other Services", Electronic Shares Application (ESA) section. There should be an option for rights issue.
Note that you will have to go through several disclaimer screens after that.
2. Choose the type of bank account you're deducting the cash from.
3. Choose the rights issue you're subscribing to. The cost of the rights units will be automatically displayed.
4. Key in the total number of rights units you're entitled to (e.g. 1000).
Note that this is the total number of units, not board lot.
5. Key in the number of excess rights units you're subscribing to (e.g. 1000).
Note that this is the total number of units, not board lot.
6. At this point, they will show you your NRIC and CDP No, and you can choose to re-key your CDP No. if it is incorrect.
7. Confirm the total number of rights units you're subscribing to, and the total amount that it will deduct.
That's all to it. The cash will be deducted immediately from the bank account that was selected. Note that for DBS, there's a $2 transaction fee.
The main thing you'll have to remember is the number of rights units you're entitled to. The CDP No is not even necessary as I believe that they are able to access the CDP information using your NRIC No that is linked to your ATM bank account.
Just recently I had the chance to apply for Rights Issue using the ATM (DBS) so I thought it would be good to note down that it's actually quite an easy process.
In your rights offer document, there will be a page stating which ATMs you can use to apply for the rights units. If it is not stated, that means the only way to apply is through the banker's draft/cashier's order.
You will just need to take note of the following 3 things before going to the ATM, other than knowing which rights issue are you applying for:
How many rights units are you entitled to
How many excess rights units are you going to apply for
What is your CDP No (optional)
Note that the application for rights issue is only available at the ATM Mon - Sat, up to 9.30pm. I didn't know about that until I tried to access it outside this timing.
The following are some of the steps I recalled at the ATM:
1. Go to the "Other Services", Electronic Shares Application (ESA) section. There should be an option for rights issue.
Note that you will have to go through several disclaimer screens after that.
2. Choose the type of bank account you're deducting the cash from.
3. Choose the rights issue you're subscribing to. The cost of the rights units will be automatically displayed.
4. Key in the total number of rights units you're entitled to (e.g. 1000).
Note that this is the total number of units, not board lot.
5. Key in the number of excess rights units you're subscribing to (e.g. 1000).
Note that this is the total number of units, not board lot.
6. At this point, they will show you your NRIC and CDP No, and you can choose to re-key your CDP No. if it is incorrect.
7. Confirm the total number of rights units you're subscribing to, and the total amount that it will deduct.
That's all to it. The cash will be deducted immediately from the bank account that was selected. Note that for DBS, there's a $2 transaction fee.
The main thing you'll have to remember is the number of rights units you're entitled to. The CDP No is not even necessary as I believe that they are able to access the CDP information using your NRIC No that is linked to your ATM bank account.
Dividend Chaser on Hutchison Port strike hurts trust shares
(From Article)
Shares in billionaire Li Ka-shing’s Singapore-listed Hutchison Port Holdings Trust extended losses Friday, as there is no end in sight for a strike at a Hong Kong port operated by one of Mr. Li’s companies.
HPH Trust ended 1.2% lower Friday, down more than 4% on the week. The broader Straits Times Index closed flat. The strike, which has dragged on for three weeks, has severely interrupted operations at the port. Hutchison operates 16 of Hong Kong’s 24 deep-water ship berths and has a 70% market share in terms of port handling volumes.
On Friday, Global Stevedoring Service Co., one of the external contractors employed by Mr. Li’s Hongkong International Terminals, said it won’t renew the service contract with HIT when it expires June 30. The contractor said it will wind-up the company and lay off its staff.
“Hong Kong faces serious competition from equally efficient regional ports [that] have lower operating costs, and if all parties do not consider the proposals with an open mind and try to understand the challenges that the industry is facing, workers across the [city’s] entire logistics industry will suffer,” Global said in a statement Thursday.
More than 400 Hong Kong port workers have been on strike since March 28, demanding a 20% pay rise from HIT. This week, they extended their action to the headquarters of Mr. Li’s Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. in Central district. Cheung Kong has the largest stake in Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. , which runs HIT.
Citigroup Inc. said in a note this week that the strike has dented HPHT’s revenue by around HK$100 million (US$12.9 million), or less than 1% of its estimated earnings before tax, interest depreciation and amortization for this fiscal year ending Dec. 31.
Although the amount is relatively small, Citi said wage pressures could increase if all the subcontractors decide to negotiate their own terms with Hutchison HIT hires at least five subcontractors for its port operations.
Shares in billionaire Li Ka-shing’s Singapore-listed Hutchison Port Holdings Trust extended losses Friday, as there is no end in sight for a strike at a Hong Kong port operated by one of Mr. Li’s companies.
HPH Trust ended 1.2% lower Friday, down more than 4% on the week. The broader Straits Times Index closed flat. The strike, which has dragged on for three weeks, has severely interrupted operations at the port. Hutchison operates 16 of Hong Kong’s 24 deep-water ship berths and has a 70% market share in terms of port handling volumes.
On Friday, Global Stevedoring Service Co., one of the external contractors employed by Mr. Li’s Hongkong International Terminals, said it won’t renew the service contract with HIT when it expires June 30. The contractor said it will wind-up the company and lay off its staff.
“Hong Kong faces serious competition from equally efficient regional ports [that] have lower operating costs, and if all parties do not consider the proposals with an open mind and try to understand the challenges that the industry is facing, workers across the [city’s] entire logistics industry will suffer,” Global said in a statement Thursday.
More than 400 Hong Kong port workers have been on strike since March 28, demanding a 20% pay rise from HIT. This week, they extended their action to the headquarters of Mr. Li’s Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. in Central district. Cheung Kong has the largest stake in Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. , which runs HIT.
Citigroup Inc. said in a note this week that the strike has dented HPHT’s revenue by around HK$100 million (US$12.9 million), or less than 1% of its estimated earnings before tax, interest depreciation and amortization for this fiscal year ending Dec. 31.
Although the amount is relatively small, Citi said wage pressures could increase if all the subcontractors decide to negotiate their own terms with Hutchison HIT hires at least five subcontractors for its port operations.
Dividend Chaser on Fire at Jurong Point Kopitiam
(From Article)
SINGAPORE: A fire broke out at a foodcourt in Jurong Point just before 10am Monday.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire was confined to a stall’s cooking area, which measured about 9 square metres.
SCDF said the fire was put out within 20 minutes by the stall's water sprinkler system and SCDF personnel.
Shoppers and tenants were evacuated before SCDF personnel arrived at the scene.
SCDF also ventilated the foodcourt to rid it of smoke.
There were no reported injuries.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
SINGAPORE: A fire broke out at a foodcourt in Jurong Point just before 10am Monday.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire was confined to a stall’s cooking area, which measured about 9 square metres.
SCDF said the fire was put out within 20 minutes by the stall's water sprinkler system and SCDF personnel.
Shoppers and tenants were evacuated before SCDF personnel arrived at the scene.
SCDF also ventilated the foodcourt to rid it of smoke.
There were no reported injuries.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Saturday 20 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Huang Wen Yong's death at age 60
(Personal Sharing)
Huang Wenyong (25 July 1950 - 20 April 2013) was a Malaysia-born Chinese Singaporean actor. A veteran MediaCorp actor, he was among the first few batches of locally-trained actors to enter the local entertainment industry.
Huang Wenyong (25 July 1950 - 20 April 2013) was a Malaysia-born Chinese Singaporean actor. A veteran MediaCorp actor, he was among the first few batches of locally-trained actors to enter the local entertainment industry.
Dividend Chaser on 5 year old girl raped and tortured in New Delhi
(From Article)
NEW DELHI — The case of a 5-year-old girl who was kidnapped, repeatedly raped, starved and tortured has provoked a protest, official condemnations and calls for larger demonstrations this weekend in New Delhi.
The police arrested a 25-year-old man early Saturday morning in Bihar, said Rajan Bhagat, a Delhi police spokesman. The man accused in the case, Manoj Kumar, had recently married and was tracked down with the help of cell phone records to the town of his in-laws, according to Indian media reports.
Mr. Kumar had a ground-floor apartment in the same building as the family of the 5-year old, who went missing the night of April 14, according to Indian media reports. Her parents reported her disappearance to the police the next morning.
The girl was found on April 17 by her parents in the ground-floor apartment after they heard her crying, although the accused had already left by then. The girl was taken to a public hospital in New Delhi Friday night, where doctors said her condition was critical, according to Indian media reports.
“We found a 200-millimeter bottle and two, three pieces of candle inserted into her private parts,” R.K. Bansal, the medical superintendent of Swami Dayanand Hospital, said in a televised interview."This is the first time I have seen such barbarism.”
“There were injuries on her lips, cheeks, arms and anus area, her neck had bruise marks suggesting that attempts were made to strangle her,” Mr. Bansal added.
The alleged attack comes four months after a woman was gang-raped and tortured and her companion beaten in a case that shocked the nation and led to weeks of spontaneous protests by people demanding better security for women. That case led to a strengthening of in rape laws, but horrific rapes continue to be reported around India with regularity.
Whether women are less safe in India than in other emerging countries is uncertain, but the issue of rape and police competence in dealing with such crimes has become a burning political issue.
In the most recent case, the parents of the 5-year-old complained that the police failed to take their complaint seriously, failed to search adequately for her attacker and then offered 2,000 rupees — about $37 — if they would keep quiet about the case.
Those complaints prompted a small protest Friday, and rage seemed to build after TV news channels showed a large mustachioed police officer slapping a female protester in the face. A nascent political party in India promised to hold protest rallies on Saturday in New Delhi over the case.
NEW DELHI — The case of a 5-year-old girl who was kidnapped, repeatedly raped, starved and tortured has provoked a protest, official condemnations and calls for larger demonstrations this weekend in New Delhi.
The police arrested a 25-year-old man early Saturday morning in Bihar, said Rajan Bhagat, a Delhi police spokesman. The man accused in the case, Manoj Kumar, had recently married and was tracked down with the help of cell phone records to the town of his in-laws, according to Indian media reports.
Mr. Kumar had a ground-floor apartment in the same building as the family of the 5-year old, who went missing the night of April 14, according to Indian media reports. Her parents reported her disappearance to the police the next morning.
The girl was found on April 17 by her parents in the ground-floor apartment after they heard her crying, although the accused had already left by then. The girl was taken to a public hospital in New Delhi Friday night, where doctors said her condition was critical, according to Indian media reports.
“We found a 200-millimeter bottle and two, three pieces of candle inserted into her private parts,” R.K. Bansal, the medical superintendent of Swami Dayanand Hospital, said in a televised interview."This is the first time I have seen such barbarism.”
“There were injuries on her lips, cheeks, arms and anus area, her neck had bruise marks suggesting that attempts were made to strangle her,” Mr. Bansal added.
The alleged attack comes four months after a woman was gang-raped and tortured and her companion beaten in a case that shocked the nation and led to weeks of spontaneous protests by people demanding better security for women. That case led to a strengthening of in rape laws, but horrific rapes continue to be reported around India with regularity.
Whether women are less safe in India than in other emerging countries is uncertain, but the issue of rape and police competence in dealing with such crimes has become a burning political issue.
In the most recent case, the parents of the 5-year-old complained that the police failed to take their complaint seriously, failed to search adequately for her attacker and then offered 2,000 rupees — about $37 — if they would keep quiet about the case.
Those complaints prompted a small protest Friday, and rage seemed to build after TV news channels showed a large mustachioed police officer slapping a female protester in the face. A nascent political party in India promised to hold protest rallies on Saturday in New Delhi over the case.
Friday 19 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on CapitalMall Trust DPU up 7%
(From Article)
SINGAPORE — CapitaMall Trust said yesterday that first-quarter distribution per unit (DPU) rose 7 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier, as the real estate investment trust benefited from higher revenues from malls where upgrading work was completed.
Unit holders will receive 2.46 Singapore cents for the three months ended March 31, up from 2.30 cents a year earlier.
Gross revenue rose 14.8 per cent to S$178.2 million, boosted by the reopening of JCube mall and the completion of upgrading work at Bugis+ and Atrium@Orchard malls, said the trust, which is sponsored by Singapore’s largest-listed property developer, CapitaLand. Net property income rose 15.5 per cent to S$125.1 million from S$108.3 million.
SINGAPORE — CapitaMall Trust said yesterday that first-quarter distribution per unit (DPU) rose 7 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier, as the real estate investment trust benefited from higher revenues from malls where upgrading work was completed.
Unit holders will receive 2.46 Singapore cents for the three months ended March 31, up from 2.30 cents a year earlier.
Gross revenue rose 14.8 per cent to S$178.2 million, boosted by the reopening of JCube mall and the completion of upgrading work at Bugis+ and Atrium@Orchard malls, said the trust, which is sponsored by Singapore’s largest-listed property developer, CapitaLand. Net property income rose 15.5 per cent to S$125.1 million from S$108.3 million.
Dividend Chaser on Aviva to cut 2000 jobs
(From Article)
Insurer Aviva has revealed plans to cut 6% of the company's workforce worldwide over the next six months.
The cost-cutting move will see about 2,000 people in the UK, Europe and Asia lose their jobs.
The company will consult with unions and staff before the number of job losses in the UK is finalised.
Altered redundancy packages for UK staff were also announced. From May this year, redundancy pay will be capped at 78 weeks, down from 104.
Payouts will also be cut from four weeks' pay for each year of service, to two. However, this change will not kick in until December, after the latest round of redundancies.
Unite, the UK's largest union, reacted angrily to the news.
"Once again, finance staff are being forced to pay the price for boardroom failure," said Unite national officer Dominic Hook. "To cut redundancy pay so drastically when there is deep uncertainty over job security is a callous and disgraceful act."
Aviva said the steps were necessary.
"I know this is difficult news for our employees, but these changes are essential if we are to remain competitive," said Mark Wilson, group chief executive officer. "Aviva needs to become a more efficient and agile organisation to unlock its potential."
The company is attempting to reduce costs by more than £400m. Its financial results released in March showed savings of £275m had already been made.
Insurer Aviva has revealed plans to cut 6% of the company's workforce worldwide over the next six months.
The cost-cutting move will see about 2,000 people in the UK, Europe and Asia lose their jobs.
The company will consult with unions and staff before the number of job losses in the UK is finalised.
Altered redundancy packages for UK staff were also announced. From May this year, redundancy pay will be capped at 78 weeks, down from 104.
Payouts will also be cut from four weeks' pay for each year of service, to two. However, this change will not kick in until December, after the latest round of redundancies.
Unite, the UK's largest union, reacted angrily to the news.
"Once again, finance staff are being forced to pay the price for boardroom failure," said Unite national officer Dominic Hook. "To cut redundancy pay so drastically when there is deep uncertainty over job security is a callous and disgraceful act."
Aviva said the steps were necessary.
"I know this is difficult news for our employees, but these changes are essential if we are to remain competitive," said Mark Wilson, group chief executive officer. "Aviva needs to become a more efficient and agile organisation to unlock its potential."
The company is attempting to reduce costs by more than £400m. Its financial results released in March showed savings of £275m had already been made.
Thursday 18 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Rickmers Rights Issue
(From Article)
The Units will trade on a "cum-Rights" basis on the SGX-ST up to 5.00 p.m. on 23 April 2013.
The Units will trade on an "ex-Rights" basis on the SGX-ST from 9.00 a.m. on 24 April.
First date for payment of right units on 2 May 2013.
Last date for payment of right units on 16 May 2013.
Commencement for trading of right units on 28 May 2013.
The Units will trade on a "cum-Rights" basis on the SGX-ST up to 5.00 p.m. on 23 April 2013.
The Units will trade on an "ex-Rights" basis on the SGX-ST from 9.00 a.m. on 24 April.
First date for payment of right units on 2 May 2013.
Last date for payment of right units on 16 May 2013.
Commencement for trading of right units on 28 May 2013.
Dividend Chaser on Sabana reits property
(From Article)
Sabana Shari’ah Compliant Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sabana Shari’ah Compliant REIT” or “Trust”) is a real estate investment trust constituted on 29 October 2010 (as amended) under the laws of Singapore by the Trust Deed entered between Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd. as the Manager (the “Manager”) and HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) as the Trustee.
The portfolio of Sabana Shari’ah Compliant REIT as at reporting date comprises 21 quality industrial properties (the “Properties”) strategically located across Singapore.
The Properties are:
1. 151 Lorong Chuan, New Tech Park, Singapore 556741
2. 8 Commonwealth Lane, Singapore 149555
3. 9 Tai Seng Drive, Geo-Tele Centre, Singapore 535227
4. 200 Pandan Loop, Pantech 21, Singapore 128388
5. 15 Jalan Kilang Barat, Frontech Centre, Singapore 159357
6. 33 & 35 Penjuru Lane, Freight Links Express Logisticpark, Singapore 609200/609202
7. 18 Gul Drive, Singapore 629468
8. 1 Tuas Avenue 4, Singapore 639382
9. 34 Penjuru Lane, Penjuru Logistics Hub, Singapore 609201
10. 51 Penjuru Road, Freight Links Express Logisticentre, Singapore 609143
11. 26 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508970
12. 3 Kallang Way 2A, Fong Tat Building, Singapore 347493
13. 218 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128408
14. 123 Genting Lane, Yenom Industrial Building, Singapore 349574
15. 30 & 32 Tuas Avenue 8, Singapore 639246/639247
16. 3A Joo Koon Circle, Singapore 629033
17. 2 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596225
18. 21 Joo Koon Crescent, Singapore 629026
19. 39 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408695
20. 6 Woodlands Loop, Singapore 738346
21. 23 Serangoon North Avenue 5, BTH Centre, Singapore 554530
Sabana Shari’ah Compliant Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sabana Shari’ah Compliant REIT” or “Trust”) is a real estate investment trust constituted on 29 October 2010 (as amended) under the laws of Singapore by the Trust Deed entered between Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd. as the Manager (the “Manager”) and HSBC Institutional Trust Services (Singapore) as the Trustee.
The portfolio of Sabana Shari’ah Compliant REIT as at reporting date comprises 21 quality industrial properties (the “Properties”) strategically located across Singapore.
The Properties are:
1. 151 Lorong Chuan, New Tech Park, Singapore 556741
2. 8 Commonwealth Lane, Singapore 149555
3. 9 Tai Seng Drive, Geo-Tele Centre, Singapore 535227
4. 200 Pandan Loop, Pantech 21, Singapore 128388
5. 15 Jalan Kilang Barat, Frontech Centre, Singapore 159357
6. 33 & 35 Penjuru Lane, Freight Links Express Logisticpark, Singapore 609200/609202
7. 18 Gul Drive, Singapore 629468
8. 1 Tuas Avenue 4, Singapore 639382
9. 34 Penjuru Lane, Penjuru Logistics Hub, Singapore 609201
10. 51 Penjuru Road, Freight Links Express Logisticentre, Singapore 609143
11. 26 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508970
12. 3 Kallang Way 2A, Fong Tat Building, Singapore 347493
13. 218 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128408
14. 123 Genting Lane, Yenom Industrial Building, Singapore 349574
15. 30 & 32 Tuas Avenue 8, Singapore 639246/639247
16. 3A Joo Koon Circle, Singapore 629033
17. 2 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596225
18. 21 Joo Koon Crescent, Singapore 629026
19. 39 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408695
20. 6 Woodlands Loop, Singapore 738346
21. 23 Serangoon North Avenue 5, BTH Centre, Singapore 554530
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Li Ka Shing port workers widen protest after wage offer
(From Article)
Hong Kong: Hundreds of port workers at Li Ka-shing’s Hong Kong terminals surrounded his Cheung Kong Center headquarters in the city’s business district after rejecting pay rise aimed at ending a three-week strike.
Contract workers of Li’s Hongkong International Terminals Ltd. were offered a 7% raise in pay by their employers, the company said in an e-mail, compared with the workers’ demand for a 23% increase.
Hong Kong government’s mediators have helped narrow the differences between employers and workers, labour secretary Matthew Cheung told reporters on Wednesday.
Unhappy at the offer, more than 200 workers gathered outside Cheung Kong Center, holding placards demanding better pay and shouting slogans against Li.
The strike, which prompted shipping lines to divert vessels from the city’s harbour to Shenzhen, China, is the biggest revolt against 84-year-old Li, Asia’s richest man and nicknamed superman by the local media for his investing prowess.
Workers are extremely disappointed with the talks as the wage increase offered is less than the union’s demand, said Wong Yu-loy, a representative of the Union of Hong Kong Dockers.
Employees marched near the premises of the 70-storey Cheung Kong Centre, home to offices of companies such as Barclays Plc.
About 100 striking workers are staying back at the Cheung Kong Centre building to continue protests until an agreement is reached on wages, Wong said.
About 450 workers, mostly crane operators and stevedores, walked out on 28 March, seeking higher wages and better working conditions as rising living costs and record home prices spur discontent in the city.
The daily financial loss caused by the strike narrowed to HK$2.4 million on 5 April from HK$5 million earlier as an increasing number of workers returned to the port after the strike began, according to Hongkong International.
In Australia, where Hutchison is building container terminals, agreed to pay dock workers at least A$80,000 ($82,928) a year, Joe Deakin, assistant branch secretary at Maritime Union of Australia, said on Wednesday.
Deakin was in Hong Kong to support the striking workers.
It’s unfair that workers here have been subjected to terrible treatment by Hutchison subcontractors, he said. Yet, workers in Australia are going to be treated decently, that’s not right. Bloomberg
Hong Kong: Hundreds of port workers at Li Ka-shing’s Hong Kong terminals surrounded his Cheung Kong Center headquarters in the city’s business district after rejecting pay rise aimed at ending a three-week strike.
Contract workers of Li’s Hongkong International Terminals Ltd. were offered a 7% raise in pay by their employers, the company said in an e-mail, compared with the workers’ demand for a 23% increase.
Hong Kong government’s mediators have helped narrow the differences between employers and workers, labour secretary Matthew Cheung told reporters on Wednesday.
Unhappy at the offer, more than 200 workers gathered outside Cheung Kong Center, holding placards demanding better pay and shouting slogans against Li.
The strike, which prompted shipping lines to divert vessels from the city’s harbour to Shenzhen, China, is the biggest revolt against 84-year-old Li, Asia’s richest man and nicknamed superman by the local media for his investing prowess.
Workers are extremely disappointed with the talks as the wage increase offered is less than the union’s demand, said Wong Yu-loy, a representative of the Union of Hong Kong Dockers.
Employees marched near the premises of the 70-storey Cheung Kong Centre, home to offices of companies such as Barclays Plc.
About 100 striking workers are staying back at the Cheung Kong Centre building to continue protests until an agreement is reached on wages, Wong said.
About 450 workers, mostly crane operators and stevedores, walked out on 28 March, seeking higher wages and better working conditions as rising living costs and record home prices spur discontent in the city.
The daily financial loss caused by the strike narrowed to HK$2.4 million on 5 April from HK$5 million earlier as an increasing number of workers returned to the port after the strike began, according to Hongkong International.
In Australia, where Hutchison is building container terminals, agreed to pay dock workers at least A$80,000 ($82,928) a year, Joe Deakin, assistant branch secretary at Maritime Union of Australia, said on Wednesday.
Deakin was in Hong Kong to support the striking workers.
It’s unfair that workers here have been subjected to terrible treatment by Hutchison subcontractors, he said. Yet, workers in Australia are going to be treated decently, that’s not right. Bloomberg
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on K-green Trust posted EPU of 0.51 cents
(From Article)
SINGAPORE: K-Green Trust posted an earnings per unit (EPU) of 0.51 cents in the first quarter, representing a 8.9 per cent contraction from the previous EPU of 0.56 cents.
This is based on a Q1 net profit of S$3.2 million, which is down 9.4 per cent from S$3.5 million a year ago.
Excluding construction revenue arising from the flue gas treatment upgrade following its completion, revenue for the quarter inched up 3 per cent to S$17 million.
According to K-Green, net asset value per unit as at March 31, 2013 was S$1.01. Cash generated from operations was S$10 million for the quarter, down from S$11.7 million a year ago.
The business trust, managed by Keppel Infrastructure Fund Management, owns the Senoko Waste-to-Energy Plant, Keppel Seghers Tuas Waste-to-Energy Plant and Keppel Seghers Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant. All three assets have long-term concession agreements with Singapore statutory bodies -- namely NEA and PUB.
In a filing to the Singapore Exchange, Keppel Infrastructure Fund Management said it "will continue to evaluate asset enhancement opportunities in all three assets and will remain focused on acquisitions in areas of waste management, water treatment, renewable energy and energy efficiency", adding that key geographies for potential acquisitions remain Europe and Asia Pacific.
SINGAPORE: K-Green Trust posted an earnings per unit (EPU) of 0.51 cents in the first quarter, representing a 8.9 per cent contraction from the previous EPU of 0.56 cents.
This is based on a Q1 net profit of S$3.2 million, which is down 9.4 per cent from S$3.5 million a year ago.
Excluding construction revenue arising from the flue gas treatment upgrade following its completion, revenue for the quarter inched up 3 per cent to S$17 million.
According to K-Green, net asset value per unit as at March 31, 2013 was S$1.01. Cash generated from operations was S$10 million for the quarter, down from S$11.7 million a year ago.
The business trust, managed by Keppel Infrastructure Fund Management, owns the Senoko Waste-to-Energy Plant, Keppel Seghers Tuas Waste-to-Energy Plant and Keppel Seghers Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant. All three assets have long-term concession agreements with Singapore statutory bodies -- namely NEA and PUB.
In a filing to the Singapore Exchange, Keppel Infrastructure Fund Management said it "will continue to evaluate asset enhancement opportunities in all three assets and will remain focused on acquisitions in areas of waste management, water treatment, renewable energy and energy efficiency", adding that key geographies for potential acquisitions remain Europe and Asia Pacific.
Dividend Chaser on Jim Rogers says Gold could go as low as 1200
(From Article)
Commodities guru Jim Rogers is not buying Gold yet.
He says gold could go as low as 1200-1300 which is 30-35% correction that is normal in markets.
He says he expects gold to fall further due to foreseeable future and to eventually go higher over the decade.
He says if it goes down enough, he will start buying, without identifying a level.
Commodities guru Jim Rogers is not buying Gold yet.
He says gold could go as low as 1200-1300 which is 30-35% correction that is normal in markets.
He says he expects gold to fall further due to foreseeable future and to eventually go higher over the decade.
He says if it goes down enough, he will start buying, without identifying a level.
Monday 15 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Free MRT Travel
(From Article)
SINGAPORE — The transport authorities have announced more perks to encourage pre-peak hour travel by MRT.
Commuters who end their journeys at 16 designated MRT stations in the city area before 7.45am on weekdays will enjoy free travel, while those that exit between 7.45am and 8am will be given a discount of up to 50 cents.
This one-year trial by the Land Transport Authority will begin on June 24, 2013 and will be funded by the Government, with the objective to encourage commuters to travel early and spread out peak-hour crowds, the LTA said in a press release this morning.
To cater to the expected shift in ridership, more train trips will be injected during the pre-peak morning period to provide additional capacity, the transport authorities added.
"The free travel trial will be a significant enhancement to the existing SMRT Early Travel Discount scheme, which offers up to 50 cents discount for travel on SMRT lines into 14 SMRT stations in the city area before 7.45am.
It will also entail a wider coverage compared to the current scheme as it will include SBST’s North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang and Punggol LRTs (SPLRT) - commuters who enter at stations on NEL and SPLRT and exit at the designated city area stations will be eligible for the discount," said the LTA in its statement.
"In addition, the two NEL stations in the city area – Clarke Quay and Chinatown – will be included in the scheme, bringing the total number of designated city stations from 14 to 16, or essentially every MRT station in the city area."
Responding to the announcement, SMRT Vice-President for Corporate Marketing & Communications, Ms Kalai Natarajan, said: "We are supportive of the trial that hopefully will shift the travel pattern of commuters away from the current peak periods, and spread the loading so that we can achieve a more comfortable travel experience for all.
"Since 2011, we have committed to setting aside up to S$5 million annually in support of demand management schemes to incentivise commuters to shift their travel patterns.
We are in discussion with the Land Transport Authority to work out the details and operational requirements in support of the trial, which will likely include the deployment of more trains and staff at the stations to assist commuters during the pre-peak travel window."
SINGAPORE — The transport authorities have announced more perks to encourage pre-peak hour travel by MRT.
Commuters who end their journeys at 16 designated MRT stations in the city area before 7.45am on weekdays will enjoy free travel, while those that exit between 7.45am and 8am will be given a discount of up to 50 cents.
This one-year trial by the Land Transport Authority will begin on June 24, 2013 and will be funded by the Government, with the objective to encourage commuters to travel early and spread out peak-hour crowds, the LTA said in a press release this morning.
To cater to the expected shift in ridership, more train trips will be injected during the pre-peak morning period to provide additional capacity, the transport authorities added.
"The free travel trial will be a significant enhancement to the existing SMRT Early Travel Discount scheme, which offers up to 50 cents discount for travel on SMRT lines into 14 SMRT stations in the city area before 7.45am.
It will also entail a wider coverage compared to the current scheme as it will include SBST’s North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang and Punggol LRTs (SPLRT) - commuters who enter at stations on NEL and SPLRT and exit at the designated city area stations will be eligible for the discount," said the LTA in its statement.
"In addition, the two NEL stations in the city area – Clarke Quay and Chinatown – will be included in the scheme, bringing the total number of designated city stations from 14 to 16, or essentially every MRT station in the city area."
Responding to the announcement, SMRT Vice-President for Corporate Marketing & Communications, Ms Kalai Natarajan, said: "We are supportive of the trial that hopefully will shift the travel pattern of commuters away from the current peak periods, and spread the loading so that we can achieve a more comfortable travel experience for all.
"Since 2011, we have committed to setting aside up to S$5 million annually in support of demand management schemes to incentivise commuters to shift their travel patterns.
We are in discussion with the Land Transport Authority to work out the details and operational requirements in support of the trial, which will likely include the deployment of more trains and staff at the stations to assist commuters during the pre-peak travel window."
Dividend Chaser on Boston Bombing Killed 2
(From Article)
WASHINGTON — The Navy has sent one of its bomb-disposal units to Boston to assist local authorities as needed in the aftermath of the two explosions near the Boston Marathon’s finish line yesterday at around 2.50pm (2.50am today, Singapore time).
The blasts killed two and injured more than 100.
The three-member explosive ordnance disposal team based at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, was sent to Massachusetts after state officials asked for help.
Authorities are investigating the bombings and also are checking other bags and packages that may have been left unattended as terrified crowds races away from the chaos.
The Pentagon said no other active duty military personnel had yet been sent to the scene, although state National Guard troops were there. The Defence Department has not raised the threat level across the nation’s military installations. REUTERS
WASHINGTON — The Navy has sent one of its bomb-disposal units to Boston to assist local authorities as needed in the aftermath of the two explosions near the Boston Marathon’s finish line yesterday at around 2.50pm (2.50am today, Singapore time).
The blasts killed two and injured more than 100.
The three-member explosive ordnance disposal team based at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, was sent to Massachusetts after state officials asked for help.
Authorities are investigating the bombings and also are checking other bags and packages that may have been left unattended as terrified crowds races away from the chaos.
The Pentagon said no other active duty military personnel had yet been sent to the scene, although state National Guard troops were there. The Defence Department has not raised the threat level across the nation’s military installations. REUTERS
Dividend Chaser on Gold's Plunge - Catastrophic or Time to buy
(From Article)
Investors should be "backing up the truck" to purchase gold if they believe the Federal Reserve's massive bond-buying program will continue for another year, Gamco strategist Howard Ward told CNBC on Monday.
"The only reason to be out of gold right now is if you really think quantitative easing is going to end this year," Ward said in a "Squawk Box" interview.
"If you think there is another 12 months of quantitative easing, I wouldn't be selling gold. You should probably be backing up the truck to buy gold."
At one point, gold prices were down more than $200 in two sessions.
The precious metal plunged through the level of $1,400 an ounce Monday for the first time since March 2011.
Among the reasons are concerns that Cyprus will have to sell gold to help finance a $13 billion international bailout and questions of whether that would set a precedent for other European nations that may seek assistance.
The countries "shouldn't sell the gold," Ward said.
"What they should do is sell gold-backed bonds, which would have instant credibility in the marketplace and might be a very helpful way of dealing with their debt problems."
The doom and gloom in the gold market was encapsulated on CNBC's "Squawk Box" earlier Monday by Dennis Gartman, editor of The Gartman Letter.
"There are a lot of people throwing up their hands. Throwing positions overboard. Panic is everywhere."
Robert Doll, senior portfolio manager at Nuveen Asset Management, told "Squawk" there may be good news amid the carnage.
"Fundamentally, I think it's a sign, maybe belatedly, that the world is healing," he said.
Why had gold been doing so well over the past five years? Doll asked.
"Because the dollar did so poorly. There was concern that the world would fall apart.
The central bankers would create inflation."
"But the world didn't fall apart. Inflation is not a problem," he said.
"Why should I hold so much gold?"
But Doll acknowledged that gold's recent move is a huge shift in a short time.
"I think the risk we have to be careful of is that this doesn't signal some sort of new deflationary concerns," he said.
Investors should be "backing up the truck" to purchase gold if they believe the Federal Reserve's massive bond-buying program will continue for another year, Gamco strategist Howard Ward told CNBC on Monday.
"The only reason to be out of gold right now is if you really think quantitative easing is going to end this year," Ward said in a "Squawk Box" interview.
"If you think there is another 12 months of quantitative easing, I wouldn't be selling gold. You should probably be backing up the truck to buy gold."
At one point, gold prices were down more than $200 in two sessions.
The precious metal plunged through the level of $1,400 an ounce Monday for the first time since March 2011.
Among the reasons are concerns that Cyprus will have to sell gold to help finance a $13 billion international bailout and questions of whether that would set a precedent for other European nations that may seek assistance.
The countries "shouldn't sell the gold," Ward said.
"What they should do is sell gold-backed bonds, which would have instant credibility in the marketplace and might be a very helpful way of dealing with their debt problems."
The doom and gloom in the gold market was encapsulated on CNBC's "Squawk Box" earlier Monday by Dennis Gartman, editor of The Gartman Letter.
"There are a lot of people throwing up their hands. Throwing positions overboard. Panic is everywhere."
Robert Doll, senior portfolio manager at Nuveen Asset Management, told "Squawk" there may be good news amid the carnage.
"Fundamentally, I think it's a sign, maybe belatedly, that the world is healing," he said.
Why had gold been doing so well over the past five years? Doll asked.
"Because the dollar did so poorly. There was concern that the world would fall apart.
The central bankers would create inflation."
"But the world didn't fall apart. Inflation is not a problem," he said.
"Why should I hold so much gold?"
But Doll acknowledged that gold's recent move is a huge shift in a short time.
"I think the risk we have to be careful of is that this doesn't signal some sort of new deflationary concerns," he said.
Dividend Chaser on Soup Restaurant Dividends
(Personal Sharing)
Soup Restaurant is giving good dividends.
With 2000 shares, shareholders can apply for S privilege card and is entitled to 15% at all soup restaurants but cannot be used with promotions/discount during festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and Mother's Day.
Soup Restaurant is giving good dividends.
With 2000 shares, shareholders can apply for S privilege card and is entitled to 15% at all soup restaurants but cannot be used with promotions/discount during festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and Mother's Day.
Saturday 13 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on North Korea Simply Wants the World to think they are Crazy
(From Article)
Like hostage-takers, the North Koreans find themselves backed into a corner of their own creation, surrounded by heavily armed foes and driven by beliefs that seem completely illogical to everyone else.
“From the outside, it makes no sense,” said Mr Voss. “From the inside it makes all the sense in the world”.
But the North Koreans also have repeatedly and purposefully backed themselves into those corners, terrifying the world with missile launches and nuclear tests that often end with North Korea getting more international assistance.
Take the early 1990s, when Pyongyang backed away from a nuclear weapons program in exchange for promises of US$5 billion (S$6.2 billion) in fuel and two nuclear reactors.
Or the late 1990s, when North Korea launched a suspected missile over Japan and dispatched a submarine into South Korean waters, but by 2000 the leaders of both Koreas were sitting down for a historic summit in Pyongyang.
Then, in 2006, North Korea terrified the world with a nuclear weapons test, but a year later ratcheted back its nuclear program in exchange for aid and political concessions.
The predictability of the pattern is an important sign to scholars that at least part of what is going on has been carefully considered, and that Pyongyang has clear goals in mind.
In other words: No matter how irrational the situation looks, North Korea’s leadership is not crazy.
Instead, many observers believe, North Korea simply wants the world to believe they are crazy, leveraging the international community’s fear of unpredictability to magnify their power.
The result is obvious.
“How many countries have been overrun since the end of the Cold War?
How many dictators have been deposed?” asked Mr Rodger Baker, an analyst for Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence firm.
"And where is North Korea: It’s still there.”
The North Korean leadership also retains, as far as is known, the support of its people.
Their lives are often miserable, hunger is widespread and indoor toilets are a luxury to many.
But other than a few whispered rumours of minor military rebellions, there has been no sign of revolt.
To many North Korean exiles, the recent round of threats are really about retaining that internal support
“Kim Jong Un is so young,” said Nam Su Han, who fled North Korea as a young man after his father, a military officer, was executed, and who now runs a Seoul-based activist group.
“He needs to gather the support of his citizens ... and he’s using this (belligerence) to make the people come together.”
Fear of outsiders, and pride in their own resilience, has long helped unify the people of North Korea.
The country was pulverized during the Korean War, when more than 1 million North Koreans are believed to have died.
In the mid-1990s, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have died as famine swept the country.
Through it all, North Koreans have been fed an unrelenting stream of propaganda that the Kims are watching over them as parents, and are bravely standing up to the aggressive foreign powers - South Korea and the United States - who are said to be preparing to attack.
Now it is Kim Jong Un - “the great, brilliant commander ... leading the world’s most powerful country” - who is standing up to the aggressors.
Mr Kim is under immense pressure, not just because he is a new ruler, but because a new generation of North Korean military and civilian leaders will rise to prominence in coming years, anxious to live in a more developed nation, said Peter Hayes, head of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability, an Asia-focused think tank.
More exposed to the outside world than their predecessors, Mr Hayes believes they will be far more likely to turn on their ruler if he doesn’t come through.
“If he doesn’t deliver an economy worth living in, he’s toast,” said Mr Hayes.
Like hostage-takers, the North Koreans find themselves backed into a corner of their own creation, surrounded by heavily armed foes and driven by beliefs that seem completely illogical to everyone else.
“From the outside, it makes no sense,” said Mr Voss. “From the inside it makes all the sense in the world”.
But the North Koreans also have repeatedly and purposefully backed themselves into those corners, terrifying the world with missile launches and nuclear tests that often end with North Korea getting more international assistance.
Take the early 1990s, when Pyongyang backed away from a nuclear weapons program in exchange for promises of US$5 billion (S$6.2 billion) in fuel and two nuclear reactors.
Or the late 1990s, when North Korea launched a suspected missile over Japan and dispatched a submarine into South Korean waters, but by 2000 the leaders of both Koreas were sitting down for a historic summit in Pyongyang.
Then, in 2006, North Korea terrified the world with a nuclear weapons test, but a year later ratcheted back its nuclear program in exchange for aid and political concessions.
The predictability of the pattern is an important sign to scholars that at least part of what is going on has been carefully considered, and that Pyongyang has clear goals in mind.
In other words: No matter how irrational the situation looks, North Korea’s leadership is not crazy.
Instead, many observers believe, North Korea simply wants the world to believe they are crazy, leveraging the international community’s fear of unpredictability to magnify their power.
The result is obvious.
“How many countries have been overrun since the end of the Cold War?
How many dictators have been deposed?” asked Mr Rodger Baker, an analyst for Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence firm.
"And where is North Korea: It’s still there.”
The North Korean leadership also retains, as far as is known, the support of its people.
Their lives are often miserable, hunger is widespread and indoor toilets are a luxury to many.
But other than a few whispered rumours of minor military rebellions, there has been no sign of revolt.
To many North Korean exiles, the recent round of threats are really about retaining that internal support
“Kim Jong Un is so young,” said Nam Su Han, who fled North Korea as a young man after his father, a military officer, was executed, and who now runs a Seoul-based activist group.
“He needs to gather the support of his citizens ... and he’s using this (belligerence) to make the people come together.”
Fear of outsiders, and pride in their own resilience, has long helped unify the people of North Korea.
The country was pulverized during the Korean War, when more than 1 million North Koreans are believed to have died.
In the mid-1990s, hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have died as famine swept the country.
Through it all, North Koreans have been fed an unrelenting stream of propaganda that the Kims are watching over them as parents, and are bravely standing up to the aggressive foreign powers - South Korea and the United States - who are said to be preparing to attack.
Now it is Kim Jong Un - “the great, brilliant commander ... leading the world’s most powerful country” - who is standing up to the aggressors.
Mr Kim is under immense pressure, not just because he is a new ruler, but because a new generation of North Korean military and civilian leaders will rise to prominence in coming years, anxious to live in a more developed nation, said Peter Hayes, head of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability, an Asia-focused think tank.
More exposed to the outside world than their predecessors, Mr Hayes believes they will be far more likely to turn on their ruler if he doesn’t come through.
“If he doesn’t deliver an economy worth living in, he’s toast,” said Mr Hayes.
Dividend Chaser on Lion Air Crashed Into Bali Sea
(From Article)
BALI — A Lion Air plane carrying more than 100 passengers and crew overshot a runway on the Indonesian resort island of Bali today and crashed into the sea, injuring nearly two dozen people, officials said.
I Made Krisna Maharta, an official with Bali's search and rescue agency, said all of the passengers and crew were safely rescued and that 22 people were taken to three different hospitals with various injuries. He said initial reports showed there were 101 passengers and seven crew members aboard the plane.
TV footage showed police and rescuers using rubber boats to evacuate passengers and crew members. A photo on local channel TV One showed the plane with a large crack in its body sitting on top of the water.
The Transportation Ministry's director general of aviation, Harry Bakti Gumay, said the plane overshot the runway and fell into the sea from a height of about 50 metres. The cause of the accident was unclear, and Mr Gumay said an investigation was under way.
Hospital officials and paramedics said at least seven passengers were taken to Sanglah hospital with head wounds and broken bones. Many passengers arrived there with wet clothes and bruises.
"The aircraft was in landing position when suddenly I saw it getting closer to the sea, and finally it hit the water," Ms Dewi, a passenger who sustained head wounds in the crash, told The Associated Press. "All of the passengers were screaming in panic in fear they would drown. I left behind my belongings and went to an emergency door. I got out of the plane and swam before rescuers jumped in to help me."
Bali Police Chief Arif Wahyunadi said the plane originated from Bandung, the capital of West Java province, and was landing in Bali.
Lion Air is a low-cost carrier that holds about a 45 percent market share in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago that's seeing a boom in both economic growth and air travel.
Lion inked a US$24 billion (S$30 billion) deal last month to buy 234 Airbus planes, the biggest order ever for the French aircraft maker. It also gave Boeing its largest-ever order when it finalized a deal for 230 planes last year. The planes will be delivered from 2014 through 2026.
BALI — A Lion Air plane carrying more than 100 passengers and crew overshot a runway on the Indonesian resort island of Bali today and crashed into the sea, injuring nearly two dozen people, officials said.
I Made Krisna Maharta, an official with Bali's search and rescue agency, said all of the passengers and crew were safely rescued and that 22 people were taken to three different hospitals with various injuries. He said initial reports showed there were 101 passengers and seven crew members aboard the plane.
TV footage showed police and rescuers using rubber boats to evacuate passengers and crew members. A photo on local channel TV One showed the plane with a large crack in its body sitting on top of the water.
The Transportation Ministry's director general of aviation, Harry Bakti Gumay, said the plane overshot the runway and fell into the sea from a height of about 50 metres. The cause of the accident was unclear, and Mr Gumay said an investigation was under way.
Hospital officials and paramedics said at least seven passengers were taken to Sanglah hospital with head wounds and broken bones. Many passengers arrived there with wet clothes and bruises.
"The aircraft was in landing position when suddenly I saw it getting closer to the sea, and finally it hit the water," Ms Dewi, a passenger who sustained head wounds in the crash, told The Associated Press. "All of the passengers were screaming in panic in fear they would drown. I left behind my belongings and went to an emergency door. I got out of the plane and swam before rescuers jumped in to help me."
Bali Police Chief Arif Wahyunadi said the plane originated from Bandung, the capital of West Java province, and was landing in Bali.
Lion Air is a low-cost carrier that holds about a 45 percent market share in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago that's seeing a boom in both economic growth and air travel.
Lion inked a US$24 billion (S$30 billion) deal last month to buy 234 Airbus planes, the biggest order ever for the French aircraft maker. It also gave Boeing its largest-ever order when it finalized a deal for 230 planes last year. The planes will be delivered from 2014 through 2026.
Friday 12 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Damaged Gold
(From Article)
Gold's safe haven allure takes a beating as Cyprus seeks to raise about € 400 mln in gold sales to fill the €13 bn portion of its total financial needs for the next 3 years.
The rest of the € 13 bn will be from raising corporate taxes and doubling capital gains tax. Gold breaks through our 1525 target laid out in this Feb 28 piece
Gold/ S&P500 ratio hits a 3-year low, losing 42% from the 2011 highs.
Expect repetitive testing of the $1525 support, before extending losses to 1440.
Falling gold may well be blamed on growing signals from Federal Reserve officials considering slowing down the pace of asset purchases from its current $85 bn/month.
But the metal sell-off is also joining a broad decline in commodities this year. Out of a group of 18 commodities (metals, energy and agriculture), only 5 are up (WTI, gasoline, natural gas, palladium and cotton).
The “China cooling” factor had been an issue, as seen in slowing economic growth, business diffusion indices and the 2-month decline in copper prices.
Forced selling by commodities' funds was also major factor in dragging down gold as fund managers sought to absorb losses in other markets.
Hedge funds losing from the 20-30% declines in Apple shares were also among those selling some of their gold holdings to stabilize portfolio losses.
Increased confidence by investors that the ECB would do what it takes to save the eurozone and its currency is highlighted in persistent declines in the bond yields of peripheral nations (Spanish 10-year yields have hit 2.5 year lows and Italian 10-yr yields are down 12% since the election stand-off of late February).
Thus, the threat of an exit by a eurozone member has markedly diminished. This was clearly seen in gold's muted reaction to Cyprus announcement to tax bank deposits.
Comparing gold to stocks, the situation is of serious concern to gold bugs. Using the gold/S&P500 ratio, it has fallen below 1.0 for the first time in 3 years.
The ratio is down 40% from its 23-year peak of August 2011. This is the longest decline since mid-1990s.
Even as most market participants expect the Fed's hesitations over QE continuity to not materialize into an actual reduction in asset purchases before year-end, the negative impact of these Fed discussions is weighing more on gold than on equities.
With our expectations for further selling in gold partly emerging on renewed fund selling to stabilize portfolio losses from the next stocks, or escalating rhetoric from hawkish Fed members, the road to $1,500/oz appears set.
It would take an S&P500 decline of about 4% to reach the next key support of 1527-28 in order to attempt reversing the Gold/SPX ratio back to 1.0.
But that would be insufficient. As symbolic as the Gold/Stocks ratio may appear to some, the 40% decline of the past 6 months is more than just symbolic, and so is the fact that it has fallen for 6 consecutive months, the longest series of declines in 22 years.
Gold's safe haven allure takes a beating as Cyprus seeks to raise about € 400 mln in gold sales to fill the €13 bn portion of its total financial needs for the next 3 years.
The rest of the € 13 bn will be from raising corporate taxes and doubling capital gains tax. Gold breaks through our 1525 target laid out in this Feb 28 piece
Gold/ S&P500 ratio hits a 3-year low, losing 42% from the 2011 highs.
Expect repetitive testing of the $1525 support, before extending losses to 1440.
Falling gold may well be blamed on growing signals from Federal Reserve officials considering slowing down the pace of asset purchases from its current $85 bn/month.
But the metal sell-off is also joining a broad decline in commodities this year. Out of a group of 18 commodities (metals, energy and agriculture), only 5 are up (WTI, gasoline, natural gas, palladium and cotton).
The “China cooling” factor had been an issue, as seen in slowing economic growth, business diffusion indices and the 2-month decline in copper prices.
Forced selling by commodities' funds was also major factor in dragging down gold as fund managers sought to absorb losses in other markets.
Hedge funds losing from the 20-30% declines in Apple shares were also among those selling some of their gold holdings to stabilize portfolio losses.
Increased confidence by investors that the ECB would do what it takes to save the eurozone and its currency is highlighted in persistent declines in the bond yields of peripheral nations (Spanish 10-year yields have hit 2.5 year lows and Italian 10-yr yields are down 12% since the election stand-off of late February).
Thus, the threat of an exit by a eurozone member has markedly diminished. This was clearly seen in gold's muted reaction to Cyprus announcement to tax bank deposits.
Comparing gold to stocks, the situation is of serious concern to gold bugs. Using the gold/S&P500 ratio, it has fallen below 1.0 for the first time in 3 years.
The ratio is down 40% from its 23-year peak of August 2011. This is the longest decline since mid-1990s.
Even as most market participants expect the Fed's hesitations over QE continuity to not materialize into an actual reduction in asset purchases before year-end, the negative impact of these Fed discussions is weighing more on gold than on equities.
With our expectations for further selling in gold partly emerging on renewed fund selling to stabilize portfolio losses from the next stocks, or escalating rhetoric from hawkish Fed members, the road to $1,500/oz appears set.
It would take an S&P500 decline of about 4% to reach the next key support of 1527-28 in order to attempt reversing the Gold/SPX ratio back to 1.0.
But that would be insufficient. As symbolic as the Gold/Stocks ratio may appear to some, the 40% decline of the past 6 months is more than just symbolic, and so is the fact that it has fallen for 6 consecutive months, the longest series of declines in 22 years.
Dividend Chaser on Bank Of Japan Massive Stimulus
(From Article)
By Dominic Lau and Tomo Uetake
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan's massive stimulus to pull the economy out of two decades of malaise has altered the outlook for Japanese assets, according to a Reuters snap poll of analysts conducted after the central bank shocked markets with its radical shift in policy.
The bold plan to inject $1.4 trillion into the world's third-largest economy in less than two years has already pushed the yen to near 100 to the dollar, the lowest since April 2009, and Tokyo's Nikkei (.N225) to a nearly five-year high.
It caught the market by surprise, forcing many analysts to revamp their forecasts for the Nikkei, 10-year JGB yield and the dollar/yen.
Analysts now expect the Nikkei, up nearly 30 percent so far this year, to rise 40 percent in 2013 to 14,500, the highest since June 2008, while the yen will likely slide 18 percent against the dollar to close the year around 102 to the dollar.
Just a month ago, the Nikkei was expected to reach 14,000 by year-end while the latest Reuters foreign exchange poll - on April 3 - showed the dollar trading at 98 yen in twelve months.
If the index were to complete the feats the poll projects, it would be the biggest annual rise since 2005 and should easily make the Nikkei the developed world's best performing stock market this year.
"As the BOJ's 'new dimension of monetary easing' has changed where the Japanese market is heading, we should reset our targets in order to maintain our bullish stance on the Japanese stocks," said Kyoya Okazawa, head of global equities and commodity derivatives at BNP Paribas in Tokyo.
"The BOJ's easing has take the markets into an entirely 'new stage', so I believe we too will need to adjust our target accordingly."
(Personal Sharing)
The problem with Japan is that they they are over productive and they have encumbered their economy by not allowing enterprises to fail and propping them up by taxation thus reducing economic growth.
Japan is effectively a socialist state that is running out of other peoples money so now they are printing their own.
They are effectively going to war with the rest of the world to help pay for their socialism at home.
They are making the things they sell cheaper for others and making things by others much more expensive for themselves.
The inflation they engender will drive interest rates higher on their bonds and this will draw money out of stock markets world wide.
With everybody joining the printing game there is going to be only one end and it won't be pretty.
By Dominic Lau and Tomo Uetake
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan's massive stimulus to pull the economy out of two decades of malaise has altered the outlook for Japanese assets, according to a Reuters snap poll of analysts conducted after the central bank shocked markets with its radical shift in policy.
The bold plan to inject $1.4 trillion into the world's third-largest economy in less than two years has already pushed the yen to near 100 to the dollar, the lowest since April 2009, and Tokyo's Nikkei (.N225) to a nearly five-year high.
It caught the market by surprise, forcing many analysts to revamp their forecasts for the Nikkei, 10-year JGB yield and the dollar/yen.
Analysts now expect the Nikkei, up nearly 30 percent so far this year, to rise 40 percent in 2013 to 14,500, the highest since June 2008, while the yen will likely slide 18 percent against the dollar to close the year around 102 to the dollar.
Just a month ago, the Nikkei was expected to reach 14,000 by year-end while the latest Reuters foreign exchange poll - on April 3 - showed the dollar trading at 98 yen in twelve months.
If the index were to complete the feats the poll projects, it would be the biggest annual rise since 2005 and should easily make the Nikkei the developed world's best performing stock market this year.
"As the BOJ's 'new dimension of monetary easing' has changed where the Japanese market is heading, we should reset our targets in order to maintain our bullish stance on the Japanese stocks," said Kyoya Okazawa, head of global equities and commodity derivatives at BNP Paribas in Tokyo.
"The BOJ's easing has take the markets into an entirely 'new stage', so I believe we too will need to adjust our target accordingly."
(Personal Sharing)
The problem with Japan is that they they are over productive and they have encumbered their economy by not allowing enterprises to fail and propping them up by taxation thus reducing economic growth.
Japan is effectively a socialist state that is running out of other peoples money so now they are printing their own.
They are effectively going to war with the rest of the world to help pay for their socialism at home.
They are making the things they sell cheaper for others and making things by others much more expensive for themselves.
The inflation they engender will drive interest rates higher on their bonds and this will draw money out of stock markets world wide.
With everybody joining the printing game there is going to be only one end and it won't be pretty.
Dividend Chaser on PSY new single - Gentleman
(From Article)
SEOUL — South Korean pop star PSY’s first new single since his viral hit Gangnam Style is stealing attention from inter-Korean tensions.
YG Entertainment, PSY’s agency, says Gentleman was released in 119 countries today.
PSY co-composed the electronic dance music and wrote the lyrics for the song, which pokes fun at a self-claimed gentleman who enjoys his time at a dance club.
Tensions in South Korea are high, with residents wary of a possible missile test by the North. But South Korean Internet users were more interested Friday in PSY’s new song than North Korea: Gentleman was the most searched keyword on top Web portals.
PSY’s manager Hwang Kyu Wan says the video for Gentleman will be unveiled at his comeback concert in Seoul on Sunday and will then be uploaded onto YouTube. AP
SEOUL — South Korean pop star PSY’s first new single since his viral hit Gangnam Style is stealing attention from inter-Korean tensions.
YG Entertainment, PSY’s agency, says Gentleman was released in 119 countries today.
PSY co-composed the electronic dance music and wrote the lyrics for the song, which pokes fun at a self-claimed gentleman who enjoys his time at a dance club.
Tensions in South Korea are high, with residents wary of a possible missile test by the North. But South Korean Internet users were more interested Friday in PSY’s new song than North Korea: Gentleman was the most searched keyword on top Web portals.
PSY’s manager Hwang Kyu Wan says the video for Gentleman will be unveiled at his comeback concert in Seoul on Sunday and will then be uploaded onto YouTube. AP
Thursday 11 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Lian Beng reported 26% fall in earnings
(From Article)
Construction firm Lian Beng Group reported a 25.7% fall in earnings to $30.14 million for the nine months ending Feb 28, 2018, from $40.56 million a year ago.
It attributed the fall to higher operating expenses, which grew 32.5% to $3.85 million, lowering its gross profit margin.
Revene for the nine-month period rose 5.1% to $350.66 million from $333.65 million a year earlier. The group's order book currently stands at $986 million, with projects running into FY2016.
Construction firm Lian Beng Group reported a 25.7% fall in earnings to $30.14 million for the nine months ending Feb 28, 2018, from $40.56 million a year ago.
It attributed the fall to higher operating expenses, which grew 32.5% to $3.85 million, lowering its gross profit margin.
Revene for the nine-month period rose 5.1% to $350.66 million from $333.65 million a year earlier. The group's order book currently stands at $986 million, with projects running into FY2016.
Dividend Chaser on The Power of Advertisement
(Personal Sharing)
Recently, there is this TV advertisement on 2 uncle that keeps talking about going for check-ups.
My uncle friend gets worried because each time the TV advertisement appears, it reminded him that he should go for a check-up too.
In the end, he did. He had his stomach checked from top and his colon checked from the bottom.
The doctor collected substance from his stomach to cultivate and check if there is bacteria.
If there are polyps, doctors will need to remove it.
His stomach endoscopy and colonoscopy cost about $2500. Seems like not every average uncle can afford.
The power of advertisement is really strong.
Recently, there is this TV advertisement on 2 uncle that keeps talking about going for check-ups.
My uncle friend gets worried because each time the TV advertisement appears, it reminded him that he should go for a check-up too.
In the end, he did. He had his stomach checked from top and his colon checked from the bottom.
The doctor collected substance from his stomach to cultivate and check if there is bacteria.
If there are polyps, doctors will need to remove it.
His stomach endoscopy and colonoscopy cost about $2500. Seems like not every average uncle can afford.
The power of advertisement is really strong.
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Maybank Time Deposits
(Personal Sharing)
In March, I shared my experience on Maybank Time Deposits.
My principal is 25K and my term is 24 months. I get 725SGD interest on the next working day.
The interest rate is 1.45% per annum for 2 years lock-in period.
The time deposit application offer will close on 30 April 2013.
If you have spare cash of 25K or more and you want guaranteed returns with interest of up to 1.6%, you may approach Maybank.
Maximum lock-in period is 3 years and minimum is 1 year.
I opted for Maybank Time deposits because I want my spare cash to grow more than 1% per year.
Little growth. It is better than doing nothing.
In March, I shared my experience on Maybank Time Deposits.
My principal is 25K and my term is 24 months. I get 725SGD interest on the next working day.
The interest rate is 1.45% per annum for 2 years lock-in period.
The time deposit application offer will close on 30 April 2013.
If you have spare cash of 25K or more and you want guaranteed returns with interest of up to 1.6%, you may approach Maybank.
Maximum lock-in period is 3 years and minimum is 1 year.
I opted for Maybank Time deposits because I want my spare cash to grow more than 1% per year.
Little growth. It is better than doing nothing.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on building portfolio
(From Article)
Always know the size you want to build up eventually. If it’s 10% of your portfolio or 15k, divide into 4 portion:
If valuation is attractive, buy using one portion.
If it goes down another 20%, use another portion.
If it goes down another 20%, use another portion.
Instead if it goes up, at least you are 1/4 vested.
Markets move in cycles and if it’s a mild 10% correction chances are the next bear will give you some opportunity.
Waiting for the absolute bottom is difficult.
Many folks were doing that in a 20% market correction in 2011.
They were so happy to be in 100% cash.
Always know the size you want to build up eventually. If it’s 10% of your portfolio or 15k, divide into 4 portion:
If valuation is attractive, buy using one portion.
If it goes down another 20%, use another portion.
If it goes down another 20%, use another portion.
Instead if it goes up, at least you are 1/4 vested.
Markets move in cycles and if it’s a mild 10% correction chances are the next bear will give you some opportunity.
Waiting for the absolute bottom is difficult.
Many folks were doing that in a 20% market correction in 2011.
They were so happy to be in 100% cash.
Monday 8 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Sabana Reits 1Q 2013 financial results
(From Article)
4 April 2013 - Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd., as the Manager of Sabana Shari’ah Compliant Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sabana REIT” or the “Trust”), is pleased to announce that Sabana REIT will release its financial results for 1Q 2013 on Thursday, 18 April 2013, after trading hours.
By Order of the Board
Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd. (Company registration number 201005493K)
As Manager of Sabana REIT
Kevin Xayaraj
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director 4 April 2013
4 April 2013 - Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd., as the Manager of Sabana Shari’ah Compliant Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (“Sabana REIT” or the “Trust”), is pleased to announce that Sabana REIT will release its financial results for 1Q 2013 on Thursday, 18 April 2013, after trading hours.
By Order of the Board
Sabana Real Estate Investment Management Pte. Ltd. (Company registration number 201005493K)
As Manager of Sabana REIT
Kevin Xayaraj
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director 4 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on Margaret Thatcher
(From Article)
Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II was sad to hear the news of the death of Margaret Thatcher.
The former British prime minister known as the “Iron Lady” died Monday from a stroke. She was 87.
The palace said Monday that the queen will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family.
Prime Minister David Cameron also expressed sadness, saying “we have lost a great leader, a great prime minister and a great Briton.”
Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II was sad to hear the news of the death of Margaret Thatcher.
The former British prime minister known as the “Iron Lady” died Monday from a stroke. She was 87.
The palace said Monday that the queen will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family.
Prime Minister David Cameron also expressed sadness, saying “we have lost a great leader, a great prime minister and a great Briton.”
Friday 5 April 2013
Dividend Chaser on H7N9 in Hong Kong
(From Article)
HONG KONG (AFP) - A seven-year-old Hong Kong girl is being tested for the H7N9 flu virus after she returned from Shanghai and showed flu-like symptoms, officials said Friday in the city's first suspected case.
Health officials said the result of the test was expected later Friday, coming after the virus killed six in China and prompted the closure of all live poultry markets in Shanghai as well as the culling of over 20,000 birds.
"She has travelled to Shanghai in late March and had contact with poultry. We have quarantined her," the Hospital Authority's chief infection control officer Dominic Tsang said.
He would not give details of the girl's condition other than that she was displaying flu-like symptoms, including fever.
Health Minister Ko Wing-man said the city would step up random testing in local poultry and mobilise additional staff to carry out body temperature checks on inbound travellers at the border.
He said suspension of poultry from mainland China was not necessary at the moment.
Hong Kong was the site of the world's first major outbreak of bird flu among humans in 1997, when six people died from a mutated form of the virus, which is normally confined to poultry. Millions of birds were then culled.
Experts are concerned that the H7N9 virus appears to have spread across a wide geographical area, with people sickened not only in Shanghai, but also the nearby provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui.
HONG KONG (AFP) - A seven-year-old Hong Kong girl is being tested for the H7N9 flu virus after she returned from Shanghai and showed flu-like symptoms, officials said Friday in the city's first suspected case.
Health officials said the result of the test was expected later Friday, coming after the virus killed six in China and prompted the closure of all live poultry markets in Shanghai as well as the culling of over 20,000 birds.
"She has travelled to Shanghai in late March and had contact with poultry. We have quarantined her," the Hospital Authority's chief infection control officer Dominic Tsang said.
He would not give details of the girl's condition other than that she was displaying flu-like symptoms, including fever.
Health Minister Ko Wing-man said the city would step up random testing in local poultry and mobilise additional staff to carry out body temperature checks on inbound travellers at the border.
He said suspension of poultry from mainland China was not necessary at the moment.
Hong Kong was the site of the world's first major outbreak of bird flu among humans in 1997, when six people died from a mutated form of the virus, which is normally confined to poultry. Millions of birds were then culled.
Experts are concerned that the H7N9 virus appears to have spread across a wide geographical area, with people sickened not only in Shanghai, but also the nearby provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui.
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