Euro / Singapore Dollar Exchange Rate

From 2008 to 2010 we endured a double whammy in investment performance because of poor perfroming markets as well as a rapidly declining USD / GBP base against SGD.  There were few SGD hedged investments at that time because for so long the rates had been heading the opposite direction so nobody wanted to hold SGD.

In 2012 things have stabalised more with USD / GBP against SGD - that is to say both currencies are relatively weak, especially sterling and many investors are now taking a view that they may increase their long exposure to these currencies.

Where we are left floundering is with the Euro.  Many of our investors have a euro base, that they will return to.  Relatively in SGD their investments are looking worse than they might because of the currency decline, falling almost 14% in the last 12 months, so even the best euro investments will have lost money in that time period.

We have researched and established a good portfolio hedge to counter this, and achieve stability in return, and also keeping a Euro base for those clients looking to repatriate in the long term.  Of course every individual will see things differently but we are able to tailor a solution for our clients based on bespoke needs, no matter what size the portfolio.

Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg

Financial Advice in Singapore

Unbelievably there are only 16 weeks now until year end.  Traditionally this is a busy time for Financial Advisers, and 2012 looks like it is going to be even more active than ever.

Meyado undergoes reviews of clients portfolios on a regular basis but clients tend to look at their investments on a quarterly or bi annual basis - with the summer break over many clients are now taking an interest in their positions.

As we have been very much out of equity markets since the end of Q1 lots of investors are asking is now a time to get back in.  Taken on balance with your risk profile and time horizons, that could very well be the case, but in specific markets and even more importantly sectors of those markets.

Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg

Office closure Monday 20th August

The Meyado Singapore office will be closed Monday 20th August for the public holiday. Normal service will resume Tuesday 21st.

Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore

Meyado Seminar Wednesday 25th July

We are hosting a seminar on Wednesday which will comprise of a presentation by Andrew Finch of Collins Stewart on whether our money is best off in the markets, or under the mattress!

All are welcome on an RSVP basis.

Please view the details on our website and reply to events@meyado.com

Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore

Meyado Singapore

Meyado in Singapore has had a fantastic start to the year.  The stock markets, have in contrast, had a rockier ride.  Q1 was promising and most emerged markets recovered well, continuing the run from 2011.  Q2 was a very different story however and markets fell back to January levels.  Q3 is showing slightly more positive but we are still in a volatile market, rather than a directional one.

So why are we doing so well?  At Meyado we understand that investment does not always equate to stock markets.  We have a plethora of investments in fixed interest, alternatives, and other asset backed investment classes that are doing extremely well.

Perhaps now is a good time to talk to one of our advisers about what the opportunities in the market are?

Mark Paine
Meyado
Singapore

QROPS, QNUPS or SIPPS?

Not such an easy answer now. With taxation at source, IHT, DTA's and GAD, QROP decisions are made all the more complex.

The main factors to consider, in my view, are; will you return to the UK for your retirement, can you manage your money better than your current pension manager, are the fees worth it and is IHT of concern.

We have spent many hours researching all of these questions and have talked to QROP providers in all three current popular locations (Malta, New Zealand and Isle of Man).

Contact me to discuss further.

Mark Paine
Meyado
Www.meyado.com.sg

The Future of personal financial advice in Singapore

With Financial Advice Industry Review underway in Singapore many advisers are questionning the future of financial services in Singapore.  Or more specifically their own future and that of the firms which they work for.

There is no doubt that a better deal for clients is in everyones interest.  How best to achieve that is the big question.

Meyado has already undergone, successfully, the RDR changes in the UK and is happy to follow a similar business model in Singapore.

Essentially Meyado is already geared toward fee based financial advice, which seems to be one direction the industry could take.  Clients on the other hand are a very long way from understanding, or willingness to pay for financial advice.  Thus, a large amount of time and effort needs to be taken by the MAS to educate the market as to the benefits of professional advice.

For more information on fee based advice in Singapore visit our website or drop me a line directly and I can put you in touch with one of our advisors.

Mark Paine
Meyado Singapore
www.meyado.com.sg