One of the most frequent questions asked nowadays is, “Has the market bottomed or will it go lower?”.
This comes after global indices fell on average by 30% in March, only to recover more than half of that fall by mid-April. This has left many unsure as to the direction of the next move, and investors are more confused than ever when the market rebound comes amid recent disastrous macroeconomic data.
The COVID-19 situation is hitting the income of many businesses and individuals very hard. Are you one of them? And do you need help?
As an Independent Financial Advisory Firm, we support the community by collating the support packages announced* by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) to help individuals and SMEs who have difficulty coping with their existing insurance premium commitments. Through this effort, we are providing a quick reference to let individuals and businesses see what options are in store and each option’s benefits and applicable terms and conditions.
COVID-19 or not, financial advisory customers value security and a seamless experience, so does Financial Alliance.
Security matters even more now that online communications are going to be de rigueur in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. As a financial adviser, which is classified as an essential service that must remain open during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period, Financial Alliance carries out services to fulfil customers’ essential needs for insurance and asset management.
The majority of millennials today in Singapore are tech-savvy, thrifty and tend to care more for their parents, the environment and social causes – this is indicated by OCBC Bank‘s survey of young Singaporeans. They are also all-in about saving more of their salaries. 70% proactively set aside a portion of it as well as showing an interest in buying insurance policies, according to the same survey. But, why aren’t they buying insurance? It isn’t because it’s tough to buy an insurance policy – but maybe because it’s shrouded in misconceptions.
Contributed by Michelle Ee, Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at michelleee@fa.sg)
While COVID-19 rages on, financial help is on hand should you or your loved one become ill from the virus. Financial Alliance has compiled a handy guide to help you quickly identify which types of insurance don’t cover you and which do (and how they cover you).
What’s more, selected insurance companies are offering free COVID-19 insurance to their policyholders. You will find our comparison tables useful for a quick grasp of the free coverage available.
Retirement in Singapore isn’t something that’s on the minds of most people in their 20s, but it’s actually something that you need to start paying attention to — now.
Contributed by Sani Hamid, Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg) This article is a concise version of a report released Feb 7
At the start of the year, there was growing evidence that 2020 could start off on a positive note economically relative to the experience of 2019. Signs were emerging of what seemed to be better times ahead as some global macroeconomic data were actually showing signs of stabilization after months of deterioration. For example, in late 2019 and early 2020, we were seeing headlines such as “Singapore manufacturing back in expansion mode after 7-month slump”1 and “Signs of a global recovery in manufacturing are starting to show”2. Even the IMF’s January 9, 2020 World Economic Outlook publication was titled “Tentative Stabilization, Sluggish Recovery?”.3
Contributed by Sani Hamid,Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg)
In recent months, talk of a recession has been gradually increasing on the back of deteriorating global macroeconomic data. While many countries have not officially entered a recession (which is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative quarter-on-quarter growth), the signs are ominous that it would – sooner rather than later. Given this, what should investors do and how should they position their portfolios? Below, we outline 5 things an investor should take note of as we potentially head into a recession.
Contributed by Tan Siak Lim, Financial Advisory Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at siaklim@fapl.sg)
All along, there have been 2 camps of financial consultants arguing for their opposing cases.
The larger group of traditional insurance agents usually argue that whole life insurance is superior, whereas a smaller “new age” kind of consultants would argue that term insurance is the best solution for ALL situations.
Contributed by Grace Ang, Financial Advisory Manager, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at graceang@fapl.sg)
The research report on “What older people need in Singapore: A household budgets study” was released in May 2019. It has derived a budget of $1,379 per month for a single elderly to meet the basic standard of living. This generated much interest and discussions, especially on whether $1,379 per month is sufficient for one to live on during retirement.
I would like to share some of my thoughts.
Contributed by Kenny Loh, Senior Consultant & REITs Specialist, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at kennyloh@fapl.sg)
A real estate investment trust (“REIT”) is a popular asset class among income seeking investors due to its regular dividend payouts. However, there are pains unknown to most investors that are seldom shared by speakers in public seminars.
The following 4 pains are the common issues constantly faced by REITs investors throughout their whole REIT investing journey.
Contributed by MK Chan, Corporate Development Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at mkchan@fa.sg)
Do you want your financial consultant to listen to you and understand your goals and situation?
Do you want to have your problems solved by solutions that are relevant and reassuring to you?
If you said, “Yes”, you are in good company. Generally, as clients, individuals and businesses would answer the same way. So would we at Financial Alliance.
