It is the holiday season, is it?
One of the most popular questions that is posted would have to be this, “where are you going this year end?” This question will be answered with either great joy and anticipation or a flat No with a little tinge of sadness. Most of the folks have worked very hard in 2022, and with borders reopening in most parts of the world, an overseas vacation does sound like a very good idea. The thrill of planning for a holiday will excite most; to decide on the venue, to decide on specific attractions to visit or unusual adventures to embark on.. And families with children, with the school holidays approaching, it will be a great time of family bonding. The possibilities are indeed endless.
Yet this year end is not like past years, where much Christmas cheer abounds.. Inflation is soaring high and it seems there is no end to the peak of it with much uncertainty on many grounds. Most investment asset classes are heading south, eroding much wealth in many individuals and households. Uncertain times are definitely ahead. So, what should we as investors do? Is it time to exit the market and wait till the coast is clear? Or should one revisit their objectives for investing, reassess their portfolios, and think through carefully if they should ride out the volatility. It is of course easier to phrase the questions than to answer them. Yet as we approach the year end, where things start to slow down, perhaps other than planning a vacation, we should also set aside time and space to look through the portfolio with your consultant and have a detailed discussion of what you want to achieve in the coming years. More often than not, when we approach with logic and much careful thinking, we are able to see this in new and wider perspectives and hence arrive at better decisions, and hopefully that will serve us well when a new bull cycle comes our way.
As the year end approaches, I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and a fruitful 2023 ahead!
Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
