Market Overview - The Singapore market is experiencing significant momentum, with DBS Group Holdings Ltd trading at record highs near S$60 and Singapore Exchange Ltd surpassing a historic peak of S$19.20 [1] - The Straits Times Index has risen from 3,372 to nearly 5,000 over the past year, indicating strong market performance [1] Investment Strategies - **Avoid FOMO**: Investors are advised not to chase stocks that are hitting new highs, but rather to assess whether they are buying strong businesses or merely reacting to price increases [3] - **Reinvest Dividends**: Emphasizing the importance of reinvesting dividends from blue-chip stocks and REITs to benefit from compounding returns [5][6] - **Review Gearing**: Investors should regularly check the gearing ratio of their holdings, as companies with lower debt levels have more flexibility and resilience in changing market conditions [7][8] - **Dollar-Cost Averaging**: A consistent investment strategy, such as dollar-cost averaging, helps mitigate the emotional aspects of investing during market fluctuations [9][10] - **Long-Term Patience**: Maintaining investments during market volatility is crucial, as successful investing relies on time in the market rather than timing the market [11][12] Key Takeaway - The Year of the Red Fire Horse presents opportunities, but a disciplined approach focusing on reinvestment, balance sheet strength, and patience is essential for long-term investment success [13]

Core Viewpoint - Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) has experienced a significant share price increase of approximately 43% over the past year, driven by strong fundamentals, increased trading volumes, new IPOs, and supportive policies [1][3]. Group 1: Business Fundamentals - SGX operates as Singapore's sole approved and regulated stock exchange, creating a natural monopoly that allows for robust cash flow generation with minimal capital expenditure [2]. - The exchange has a solid dividend track record, having paid annual dividends since 2003, which has historically rewarded long-term shareholders with dependable dividends and capital appreciation [5][6]. - SGX's recent annual dividend for 2025 is S$0.375 per share, with a payout ratio of 61.9%, supported by a healthy free cash flow of S$773.6 million for FY2025 [6]. Group 2: Recent Developments - Recent market fluctuations have led to increased trading and derivatives volumes, alongside positive policy initiatives and market reforms that have heightened interest in Singapore's markets [3][4]. - SGX is diversifying its offerings, including data, derivatives, and fixed income, which reduces reliance on equity trading and supports revenue growth [5][7]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - Despite the positive outlook, SGX's current forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 27.6 times, which is elevated compared to its 10-year historical average of 21.9 times, indicating stretched valuations [8]. - Long-term investors should focus on underlying fundamentals rather than short-term price movements, with current trailing annual yield at 2.1%, below the 10-year average of 3.44% [9][10]. - A dollar-cost-averaging (DCA) strategy may be prudent for investors to mitigate the risk of buying at a premium while ensuring consistent dividend income [11].

Core Insights - A retail investor, Erik Smolinski, has achieved an average return of 24.6% annually from 2018 to 2022 and "triple-digit" gains in 2023, providing insights for investors looking to improve their strategies for 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Long-term Investment Strategy - Smolinski emphasizes the importance of a long-term investment plan, suggesting that investors should consider how their portfolio will align with future market conditions over the next three to five years [3] - The focus should be on significant trends, such as artificial intelligence, rather than short-term market fluctuations [3] - Historical data indicates that the S&P 500 has delivered approximately 10% annualized returns, reinforcing the value of a long-term perspective [4] Group 2: Active vs. Passive Management - Research shows that only about 20% of active funds outperform their index counterparts over the long term, with around 65% of active funds underperforming the S&P 500 in 2024 [4] - This data supports the notion that maintaining a long-term investment strategy is more beneficial than reacting to market volatility [5] Group 3: Investment Automation - Smolinski advocates for putting money to work through automated contributions, such as monthly transfers from paychecks to investment accounts, to facilitate compounding growth [5] - The dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy is recommended as a method to mitigate risk while building wealth over time [6]

Core Insights - ETFs are recommended as an effective way for new investors to achieve diversification and start investing [1] - A consistent investment strategy, such as dollar-cost averaging, can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time [2] ETF Analysis - **Vanguard 500 ETF**: This fund tracks the S&P 500 and includes 500 of the largest U.S. companies, providing a strong foundation for most investors' portfolios. It has generated an average annual return of 14.8% over the last decade and 23% over the past three years [3][5] - **Vanguard Growth ETF**: This ETF focuses on growth stocks and has produced a yearly return of 17.5% over the past 10 years and 32.5% over the last three years [6] - **Invesco QQQ Trust**: Tracking the Nasdaq-100 index, this ETF has generated an average return of 19.4% over the last decade and 32.9% over the past three years, heavily weighted towards tech stocks [6] - **Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF**: This ETF offers exposure to international AI companies, with nearly 35% of its portfolio in international stocks. It achieved a 32% return in 2025 and an average of 36.4% over the past three years [7][8] - **Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF**: This fund focuses on companies that can maintain and grow their dividends, with a forward yield of 3.8% and an average annual return of 11.5% over the past decade [9][11]

Core Insights - A couple in their mid-30s has $2.3 million in liquid assets and aims to reach $4 million by age 42, with a combined annual income of $550,000 [2][3] Group 1: Financial Situation - The couple's liquid net worth includes cash and investments that can be quickly converted to cash, excluding assets like their home or retirement accounts [5] - Their liquid assets provide significant flexibility, allowing them to navigate financial challenges without stress [6] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The couple employs dollar-cost averaging, investing equal amounts at regular intervals regardless of market conditions, which helps manage investment costs over time [9] - Staying invested during market downturns has been crucial for their financial success, as it prevents timing mistakes that can lead to lower returns [10]

Core Insights - TikTok has evolved into a platform for practical investing advice, with strategies gaining millions of views that can help individuals build long-term wealth as they approach 2026 [1] Group 1: Diversification Strategies - Portfolio diversification is a widely discussed strategy on TikTok, confirmed by experts as a smart move to protect against market fluctuations [2] - Diversifying investments across multiple asset classes can manage risk and reduce the impact of single market events, with stocks and bonds being a good starting point [3] - A self-directed IRA offers additional control and flexibility, allowing investments in alternative assets like real estate and precious metals [4] Group 2: Dollar-Cost Averaging - Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is gaining popularity as a strategy that allows regular investment of a fixed amount, regardless of market conditions [4] - This approach helps reduce emotional decision-making and the impact of market volatility, with many investors applying it to retirement contributions [5] - Consistent contributions to an IRA can potentially grow retirement savings into seven figures over decades in a tax-advantaged account [5] Group 3: Index Fund Investing - Index funds are becoming a dominant topic on TikTok, appealing to those who may not be skilled in stock picking, as they provide exposure to the entire market [6] - Investing in index funds automatically diversifies investments across various market sectors, alleviating the stress of selecting individual stocks [7]

Core Insights - Monthly pay ETFs have emerged as a practical innovation in income investing, providing liquidity, yield, and flexibility that traditional dividend stocks and mutual funds often lack [7] Group 1: Monthly Pay ETFs - Monthly pay ETFs are particularly well-suited for baby boomers and Gen X investors nearing retirement, serving as powerful income complements rather than replacements for Treasury bonds [6] - These ETFs allow investors to reinvest monthly dividends, enhancing long-term income potential through dollar-cost averaging [6][17] - The trend of monthly distributions has gained traction over the past decade, with many ETFs now offering this feature, which is significant for retirees and older investors [4][10] Group 2: Specific ETFs Highlighted - BlackRock Science and Technology Trust II (BSTZ) offers a monthly distribution exceeding 11%, appealing to those willing to accept some volatility [1][15] - Gabelli Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN) combines gold and energy stocks, paying a monthly dividend above 8%, making it attractive for sector exposure alongside income [2][14] - JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) has approximately $30 billion in assets and pays a monthly yield north of 8%, supported by income-focused investors despite some volatility [3][11]

Core Insights - Hyperscale Data Inc. has a Bitcoin treasury valued at approximately $75.5 million, which constitutes about 97.5% of its market capitalization as of December 14, 2025 [1] - The company aims to hold Bitcoin equal to 100% of its market capitalization as part of a broader $100 million digital asset treasury strategy [2] Group 1: Bitcoin Holdings - Hyperscale Data's subsidiary, Sentinum Inc., held approximately 498.46 Bitcoin as of December 14, including 69.68 Bitcoin from mining and 428.79 Bitcoin acquired on the open market, valued at around $44 million at a Bitcoin price of $88,175 [3] - The company has allocated an additional $31.5 million in cash for future Bitcoin purchases, employing a dollar-cost averaging strategy to mitigate short-term market volatility [4] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Milestones - Executive Chairman Milton "Todd" Ault III highlighted the achievement of 97.5% market capitalization as a significant milestone, emphasizing the company's commitment to Bitcoin accumulation despite price fluctuations [5] - The company targets deploying at least 5% of its allocated cash weekly for Bitcoin purchases, with plans to provide weekly updates on its Bitcoin holdings as it works towards its $100 million digital asset treasury target [5]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that starting with a small amount, such as S$500 a month, can lead to significant passive income through consistent investing and dividend reinvestment [2][8]. Investment Strategy - Regular investing fosters discipline and utilizes dollar-cost averaging, allowing investors to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals [3]. - A portfolio invested with S$500 monthly could grow to approximately S$129,000 over 15 years, reflecting a growth of over 43% from a total contribution of S$90,000 [7][8]. Broker Recommendations - Suggested low-cost brokerages for starting monthly investments include MooMoo with a trading fee of 0.03% and a minimum order size of US$5, and DBS Vickers RSP with a trading fee of 0.18% and a minimum order size of S$100 [11]. Stock Selection - Investors should focus on strong, dividend-paying companies with sustainable cash flows, such as DBS Group Holdings, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, Singapore Exchange, and Netlink NBN Trust, which offer dividend yields between 4% and 6% [15][17][18]. Diversification Strategy - A diversified portfolio is recommended to balance growth potential and stability, with a sample investment plan suggesting a rotation among different sectors over time [19][22]. - Diversification helps mitigate market volatility while benefiting from dividend income [22]. Dividend Reinvestment Benefits - Reinvesting dividends can significantly enhance portfolio value, with a hypothetical example showing a portfolio could grow to S$100,627 over 30 years with reinvestment, compared to S$43,219 without [24][25]. - The principle of dividend yield-on-cost indicates that as dividends compound, they represent a larger percentage of the initial investment, highlighting the importance of long-term growth over short-term price fluctuations [25]. Cautions in Investing - Investors are advised to avoid chasing high yields from fundamentally weak companies and to maintain diversification to ensure long-term success [26]. - Trading fees, although seemingly low, can accumulate and impact overall returns if trading frequency is high [27].

Group 1 - The difficulty of picking individual stocks is highlighted, with a J.P. Morgan study indicating that 40% of stocks in the Russell 3000 Index had negative returns from 1980 to 2020, and two-thirds underperformed the overall market [1] - Investing in high-quality index exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Vanguard and employing dollar-cost averaging can effectively build wealth over time [1] - Starting with $5,000 and investing an additional $1,000 monthly for 30 years could result in a portfolio worth $3.2 million with a 12% average return, with nearly 90% of gains coming from market performance [2] Group 2 - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) is recommended as a core holding for individual investors, tracking the performance of the S&P 500, which consists of 500 large U.S. stocks [4][5] - The S&P 500 is a market capitalization-weighted index, meaning larger companies have a greater impact on its performance, contributing to its historical success [5] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has shown strong performance with an average annual return of 14.6% over the past 10 years and 17.6% over the past five years [6] Group 3 - The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (NYSEMKT: MGK) focuses on large-cap growth stocks, providing a concentrated portfolio of 66 of the biggest growth stocks [7] - The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF is presented as a solid alternative for those seeking less growth-heavy investments [8]