Should have sold in May and gone away?

In The Straits Times and The Business Times today, there are at least three articles which mentioned "sell in May and go away" and whether it holds any water. Has anyone sold a large part or all of their investments in the last few trading sessions?

Well, today, global stock markets retreated as the Greeks and the French elected new leaders into government. They are sick of austerity measures and they spoke with their votes! European debt story is still very much the key sentiment driver for global stock markets, it would seem.

Asian markets and the euro slumped on Monday after voters in France and Greece voted out their ruling parties in a backlash against austerity measures aimed at battling the eurozone crisis. Read article here: CNA.

I am not an economist. I am not a political scientist. Some issues are definitely beyond me. So, what do I do?

Someone just told me that timing is everything and that now seems like the right time. Right time? For what? I replied that things are increasingly more volatile and I find it harder to time anything.

I am chanting the same mantra to myself and that is to stay invested for income while keeping a war chest ready. This is the only strategy I know which would work either way.

I know that the majority of my portfolio which is in S-REITs is actually doing better now than a few months ago. My more recent investments are not doing as well, notably China Minzhong, SoundGlobal and Wilmar. These investments were made as the counters' share prices retreated from recent highs. Do I press the panic button? I like their businesses and I believe they would probably be around for a long time to come. I like the investment themes of agriculture and water. So, I am staying vested. I would probably add to my long positions too if TA shows me clearer signals to do so.

Don't panic. Stay clear headed. Revisit reasons for being invested in the first place. Are the reasons still valid? Are the investments still fundamentally good? If you want to buy more, what does TA tell you? Think with our heads and not our hearts. Good luck.

Related posts:
1. Sleep well at night with a plan.
2. Why do I not panic?

STI declines 2.2% to 2,924.95 at closing
Monday, 07 May 2012

© 2012 - The Edge Singapore

Marvel's The Avengers!

I wanna watch this!

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow.

When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

Prepare yourself for an exciting movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in 1 May 2012!

Check out "Marvel's The Avengers" Official Facebook page and play
Marvel's The Avengers Online Game Slider Puzzle: here.

Win over S$30,000 worth of cash and prizes with BRAND’S®

The theme for BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken’s 2012 Campaign is “Stay Switched On, Stay Open to Opportunities” which is charmingly relatable to consumers who may not have been paying attention to the little clues that caused them to miss out on one of life’s opportunities no matter how small e.g. missing out on a parking space or a chance at a dream job.

BRAND’S® wants to reward its consumers for staying switched on and staying open to life’s opportunities!

From 16 April to 31 May 2012 the BRAND’S® “Stay Switched On, Stay Open To Opportunities” Campaign will give consumers exciting chances to win over S$30,000 worth of cash and attractive prizes just by spotting and sending in the 8-digit code on the promotion pack.

The BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken “Stay Switched On, Stay Open To Opportunities” 2012 Promotion Pack retails at S$18.95 (6 x 68ml bottles) at leading supermarkets, hypermarkets, personal care stores and major pharmacies and all general retailers.

Find out how you could be a winner too:
Stay Switched On, Stay Open To Opportunities!