Somerset Puteri Harbour is finally ready. They are renting out the first floor only as far as I know. These are their staffs at the front desk. The public can already start booking on Somerset's official website or any other travel websites.
The so called shop area seems to be walled up. Hope they will be removed or these could simply become a vacant walkway without any life.
The harbor facing units and again pretty much all walled up on the first floor.
Let's see how it looks when it is fully ready.
Golf membership has fallen significantly over the past years according to an article compiled by the straits times. This is good news for avid golfers. This is really cheap as compared to years ago during its heydays. Jurong Country Club is now only $43k and this is one of the few in Singapore with night golf.
However, with so many choices in the region especially across the causeway, golf membership seems to be really less appealing. Golfers also likes varieties (even if you likes chicken rice you wouldn't want to eat every day right?) but of course some may still want the prestige of owning a local golf membership. With such low prices, not sure if they are really prestigious anymore with the exception of Sentosa, SICC and TMCC of course.
Singapore is only about 0.2 points away from Hong Kong which is ranked as the freest economy in the world. This is according to the Index of Economic Freedom.
Upon closer look, it may not be so difficult to overtake Hong Kong. Singapore fell short in these few categories, investment freedom and financial freedom. These two categories are the main culprits.
Interesting compilation of the change in the value of the regional currencies for this year. This is due to the soaring US dollar and plunging oil prices. Japan is the worst that loses 11.3% since january. It is at a level not seen since 25 years ago so it is the best time to visit japan. Ringit is also at its worst since 1998. Looks to be a good time to buy or invest in these countries except US.
I am a fan of high dividend stocks as compared to unit trusts. One gives you dividends and the other you have to pay them for 'service charge'. If the property stocks are more volatile then you should choose the Telco stocks. Telco services has become so much a necessity that most people will be willing to cut down on other spendings than their telecommunications bills.
If I can only buy one London apartment, this would be the one. The location is just excellent. It is in Zone 1 and within walking distance to Leicester Square, Piccardilly circus and Chinatown. If you miss chinese food in London, you can just swing by the Chinatown which is just 5 mins walk. Can't get better than this for Asians or overseas chinese. It's heart of most action in London and you can catch the popular musicals there too. Will I invest now? I don't think so as there will be more policies coming to curb the rising property prices in London. Most of which is vacant and owned by foreigners as a hedge against inflation. This has prompted many calls to the government to do something about it so I believed something major will happen soon.
Furthermore, this property doesn't come cheap. It cost about GBP 527,100 pounds as advertised and it ranges from 296-429 Sqft. This works out to be GBP 1,228-1,780 psf. That's SGD2,603 - 3,773 psf. That's expensive and London property is nearing the peak now so better to just wait.
At least Singapore does not top the most expensive rental list despite being the most expensive city. That's some relief for our government :)
If you are wondering why things are getting more expensive, wonder no more. It's official, Singapore is the costliest city in the world. We certainly rise really fast in terms of cost but did your salary rise as fast to beat the inflation? Oops.. touched a raw nerve i think...
Looking for high dividends stocks in Singapore? These are the ones. I find that high dividends stocks especially blue chips are better investment than unit trusts. They do not have sales charges or expenses and they gives you good stable returns. I am just waiting for the right time to sell of all my unit trusts. The fund managers guesses are as good as you and mine so why should i pay for those charges for them to 'guess'.
Despite my criticism of our national media, they do produce rather good stuffs especially the money section. I usually just skip the political stuff about Singapore as they are totally detached from reality.
One of my favorite stock is StarHub as it gives you really good dividends and it is very safe. They have their subscriber base and nowadays communication devices like mobile phones have become a necessity rather than luxury item. Most people will forsake certain purchases than terminate their mobile lines. And we haven't even talk about the internet yet.
If you have 10k StarHub shares, you will be getting about $498 per quarter or $1992 per year. Doesn't that beat savings or unit trust? Your money is working hard for you instead of just sitting in the bank. StarHub has been very consistent in paying out dividends over the years. I believe it is also where many fund managers put their investment too for lack of ideas to generate returns. It is a no brainer and a sure way for them to answer to their investors. I suppose that's the reason why the stocks have been going up and up. Otherwise, there's no reason for the stock to keep going up as the growth in Singapore is limited. The danger is that the share price could fall as it is at its all time high.
My criteria for stocks are:
- Safe (primarily blue chips)
- High dividends
Other high dividend stocks.
A useful snapshot of the yield performance in Singapore.
