2Q 2018 Investment Strategy Update

Nothing spectacular for this quarter as the headlines was dominated with Trump trade war spats with China and EU. Trump must be hoping that with America as the World No 2 economy, his trading partners will hesitate going head to head with him for fear of his threat of slapping more tariffs and harming their industry in the end. Well, so far, his "America First" tactics does not seem to work well. China has immediately retaliate with reciprocal measures of the same degree, but this time, taking aim at America soy industry and EU has drawn up their counter measures as well. Allies does not seem to have a meaning in Trump, as he proceed not to exempt Canada from the Aluminum and Steel tariffs. Canada, on their part, retaliates back. The previous tax cuts incentives that Trump announces not so long ago seems to have all evaporated as company and consumers faced rising cost. Companies has now begin to weigh their options to remain profitable and satisfy shareholders demands. Trumps "America First" policy now seems more like "America Alone" and backfiring him on all front. Stock market has been jittery this quarter. While America good economic results has risen the stock market in the first half of the quarter, but the concern of an all out trade war has been holding back investors, leading to a retreat in the second half. For this quarter, DJI ended at 24271, a rise of 168 points (+0.69%) compared to 1Q. For Singapore, STI ended 2Q at 3268, a decrease of 159 points (-4.63%) compared to 1Q. For Singapore, the huge drop was likely due to Singtel (8% weight on STI), whose share price has been dropping consistently in this 2Q probably for fear of how much their local business will erode when the 4th Telecom Company enters Singapore in the second half this year.

Looking ahead, I believe the market will still be dominated by trade news and how the event will run out. The first volley will go live on 1st July. The results from this event will likely affect the USA mid-election in November, where democrats will hope to turn the balance and not let republican have control of both houses. 

For this quarter, I am quite on the sideline as I feel the downturn in the market is coming. Only 1 transaction is done as below:

Transaction 1: Bought in a batch of IREIT Global in June.

EU economy has been improving and that has driven up the demand for office space and rental. I believe that will be a positive for IREIT Global, given that they will finish the 4th and final payment back to the bank to lower their debt in this quarter. This is also part of my plan to increase the reit exposure in my portfolio. Recent share price has came down a little and I believe now is a good entry point.

That is all for now. See you all in Q3 2018 update and thank you for staying with me. =)

Detective Conan: Zero The Enforcer

Synopsis: There is a sudden explosion at Tokyo Summit’s giant Edge of Ocean facility. The shadow of Tōru Amuro, who works for the National Police Agency Security Bureau as Zero, appears at the site. In addition, the “triple-face” character known as Rei Furuya is believed to be a detective, Kogorō Mōri’s apprentice, and also known to be Bourbon as a Black Organization member. Kogorō is arrested as a suspect in the case of the explosion. Conan conducts an investigation to prove Kogorō’s innocence, but Amuro gets in his way. [Source: Golden Village]

This is by far the most plot twisting Detective Conan movie I have ever seen. Running against time, unsure if a friend can be now considered an enemy, a timely help which arrived that seems to be a trap later, Conan has to work through the massive information to make sense of the case that is quickly unfolding putting Tokyo in the path of a falling satellite. The culprit which was revealed in the end is a shocker. Catch the movie if you want to make sense of what I have just said. =)

Rate: 7.5/10

Laplace's Witch

Synopsis: When a series of inexplicable deaths by hydrogen sulphide poisoning occurs, a university geochemistry professor Shusuke Aoe (Sho Sakurai) is engaged to consult on the cases. During his course of investigation, he meets a strange girl Madoka Uhara (Suzu Hirose) with extraordinary abilities, who is searching for a missing friend. Calling herself "Laplace's Witch", she will bring new clues to the table that will change Aoe's beliefs forever... [Source: Golden Village]

On the surface, by the movie title alone, it may look like a fantasy movie, but truthfully, it is more scientific than what you think. What can happen if you are able to calculate the end result just by knowing the irreversible conditions and motions that are already set in place, to the point that you seem to be able to foretell the future? The answer is the sky is your limits. Journey with the plot as the geochemistry professor tries to solve a murder case by using scientific principles and you may be amazed by the results. Sometimes.... that 0.01% possibility can happen. Not a bad movie to catch.

Rate: 6.5/10

Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple

Synopsis: It has been 6 years since an 88-day dispute that brought with it a storm of blood. There have been cases across the world of a mysterious mist appearing and abilityusers using their own powers to take their own lives. So far, the number of victims have surpassed 500. The government has called this the ‘Ability-User Serial Suicide Incident’. The Armed Detective Agency receives a request to capture a mysterious man named Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, who is suspected to be involved. However, Osamu Dazai goes missing. Then there is also the demon Fyodor skulking in the shadows. An unprecedented new enemy attacks ability-users one after another. As the city is about to get swallowed up in a nightmare, Atsushi and Kyoka rush to Shibusawa’s fortress. However, Akutagawa appears and tells them a truth that they couldn’t have even imagined. [Source: Golden Village]

First of all, the GV cinema sound system where we watched the show is simply too loud for us to truly enjoy the anime. Other than that, it is refreshing for once to see the port mafia and detective agency tag team to bring down a common enemy. Ranpo Edogawa continue as the funny guy for the actions he made (Stuffing his snacks into a safe). The reason behind his action will be revealed at the end of the show. 

Rate: 6.5/10