Core Viewpoint - Inflation erodes purchasing power, making it essential to invest money to achieve returns that outpace inflation [1][2][14] Inflation Overview - Singapore's headline inflation rates for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were 2.4%, 4.8%, and 6.1% respectively, with significant contributors being the increase in GST and post-pandemic economic recovery [5] - Between 2014 and 2022, the headline inflation rate was mostly below 1% [5] Investment Strategies - Investing in blue-chip companies like DBS Group can help withstand inflation due to their ability to absorb rising costs and maintain customer loyalty [7] - Consumer goods companies such as Proctor & Gamble are reliable investments during inflationary periods due to the inelastic demand for staple goods [8] - Dividend stocks, particularly real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Capitaland Integrated Commercial Trust, provide predictable income streams and have historically increased rentals during high inflation [9][10] - Commodity-linked stocks, such as Sembcorp Industries, benefit from inflation as they are tied to the real economy and experience increased asset values [10] Diversification and Investment Discipline - Diversification across different sectors is crucial for a balanced investment portfolio [11] - Strategies like dollar cost averaging can mitigate risks associated with market timing [11] - Holding excessive cash is a mistake as it is vulnerable to inflation, while speculative stocks without strong fundamentals pose additional risks [12] - Maintaining a focus on companies with strong fundamentals can help protect and grow wealth against inflation [14]