Keppel & Seafox Group’s MPSEP SEAFOX 5 secures first job in offshore wind

The KFELS MPSEP vessel will be deployed for foundation works at DanTysk in the German Sector of the North Sea, starting 4Q2012.

Singapore, 18 April 2011 – Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) is pleased to announce that a contract from the joint-venture Aarsleff Bilfinger Berger (ABJV) Dan Tysk, worth in excess of EUR 35 million, has been secured for SEAFOX 5, the KFELS Multi-Purpose Self-Elevating Platform (MPSEP) wind turbine installation vessel owned and managed with the Seafox Group. The customer ABJV DanTysk has an option to extend the charter by an additional 90 days.

Keppel FELS is on track to complete the construction of SEAFOX 5 in the second half of 2012. When delivered, the vessel will be used for installing offshore wind foundations in the 288 megawatt (MW) DanTysk windfarm, developed by Europe’s leading energy company Vattenfall and Stadtwerke München, in the German sector of the North Sea.

A 75/25 joint venture (JV) company was formed between Keppel FELS and Seafox respectively, to build and own SEAFOX 5.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel FELS, said, “This new charter contract is a significant milestone in establishing Keppel’s footprint as a value-added solutions provider for the emerging offshore wind energy sector. I would like to thank our partner,

Seafox, whose rich operating expertise was instrumental in the winning of our first charter in the North Sea.

“Our proprietary KFELS MPSEP vessel brings to bear Keppel’s experience in designing, engineering and building rigs for harsh environments, and will offer important advantages over the existing fleet of installation vessels, in terms of safety, and operational and cost efficiency. We are pleased that Keppel and Seafox have won the confidence of leading offshore wind farm contractors such as ABJV DanTysk with this new generation vessel.”

Keppel FELS’ proprietary concept was chosen by the Seafox Group in July 2010 as the basis for a new-generation, wind turbine installation vessel. Upon completion, SEAFOX 5 will be managed and operated by Workfox BV, the leading operator of multi-support service jackups in the Southern North Sea, and member of the Seafox Group.

Mr Keesjan Cordia, Managing Director of Seafox Contractors BV, said, “Developers and operators of offshore wind farms place high emphasis on the reliability of delivery and operations. As such, the collective strengths and track records of the Seafox-Keppel alliance, augmented by an outstanding vessel concept, have launched us forward in sealing the charter contract with ABJV DanTysk.

“SEAFOX 5’s ability to withstand harsh offshore environmental conditions all year round will be advantageous in this first charter where it is expected to work through winter in the North Sea. We look forward to meet ABJV DanTysk’s expectations with the delivery of safe and uninterrupted operations as we fortify SEAFOX 5’s track record.”

The KFELS MPSEP, designed by Keppel’s R&D arm, Offshore Technology Development, features an offshore pedestal crane with a 1,200-tonne lifting capacity, and a spacious deck in excess of 3700m2 with a variable load of 7000 MT.

“The SEAFOX 5 will prove to the industry that this vessel can be well utilised in both foundation and turbine installation works. We are more than pleased to get started on the DanTysk foundation works in cooperation with ABJV”, Mr Cordia added.

In addition, to being well-suited for servicing offshore wind farms, SEAFOX 5 also meets all the stringent operating regulations of the offshore oil & gas industry and can support a wide range of related activities such as accommodation, well intervention, maintenance, construction and decommissioning.

The above charter contract is not expected to have material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year.

Olam - Classic example of Long Hammer on 23 Feb 11

KY: "Hopefully when i trade again, I will be profitable rather the being the "Stuck Long Term investor" haha...  I'm studying your blog."

KY attended a  free preview. Createwealth8888  has mentioned many times liao that he has attended most of the free previews and usually could go home with one or two ideas if you are still in the learning stage.

What KY has learned from the speaker: "The speaker  stressed to look out for hammer in the downtrend and shooting star in an uptrend for reversal."

KY: "I will keep a lookout for the hammer and shooting star to validate the methodology."

Createwealth8888:

Since KY is so hardworking in studying and Easter is coming, I gave him an early Easter Egg lor. LOL!

But, Uncle8888 prefered a long hammer with high volume and it will be better if it follows after the previous Long Black candle. More ferocious bulls might seen the great opportunity presented and pushed up its price and forcing more bears to cover their shorts. Click the chart bigger and read the comments.

Olam on 23 Feb 11 presented a classic example what Uncle8888 likes to see it of a Hammer in the downtrend - a key reversal.

Long Hammer with high volume with preceding day of Long Black candle.

Tianjin Eco-city signs 6 new investment deals

The signing of the joint venture agreement between Keppel Integrated Engineering Limited and Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co. Ltd. (Credit: Keppel Group)

TIANJIN: Tianjin Eco-city has signed six new investment deals and secured strategic partnerships, bringing in total new investments amounting to about 500 million yuan.

Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong witnessed the signing ceremony in Tianjin on Sunday.

Companies involved in the signing include General Motors, Keppel Integrated Engineering, LHT Holdings, Panasonic, Philips, and Sky Communication.

The new investments are said to be able to bring additional job opportunities and economic vibrancy to the Eco-city.

As strategic partners, Philips, General Motors, and Panasonic will help to shape the implementation of eco-technology.

Senior Minister Goh also officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of Keppel's Seasons City.

To be developed in phases, the first phase includes an office development and retail premises.

Describing the Eco-city's construction as amazing, Mr Goh said that in a few years' time, emphasis should be placed on the city's soft management.

He said: "As for going forward, the whole idea of the Eco-city is that it should be replicable and scalable, which means that what we are doing over here can be done in other parts of China, so this project should not be seen in isolation.

"It should be holding lessons for other cities which want to develop along what you call ecological lines. So that is the feature we are emphasising for the Eco-city."

Other Singapore features to be included in the Eco-city include public housing.

Mr Goh said: "You have to look at the income of the buyers, and when they buy, they cannot sell to anybody else after that and make a huge profit. They have to sell to people who are eligible to buy public housing. So in that sense, that is the feature of Singapore public housing."

Apart from Singapore, Mr Goh said the Eco-city can also borrow from the experiences of China's coastal cities, such as those located along the Pearl River Delta.

Cities such as Shenzhen and Zhuhai are now suffering from outdated, labour-intensive and low-technology industries.

And this is something that the Eco-city should be mindful of when it comes to planning for its long term development.

Mr Goh also made it clear that the Eco-city should set the standard for others to follow, and that more pro-green business incentives will soon be introduced.

- CNA/ac/ms

Punggol Promenade is a 5-kilometre long public waterfront promenade

Explore more on Punggol Promenade?

This is a nice place to ride your bicycle or jog. I will be doing more of my regular jog or ride along this route starting from Punggol Park.

Hyflux Preference Shares

Just For Laugh ...

Read? Hyflux preference shares Part 3

Wah. Don't tell me Hyflux 6% Preference shares are hitting Singapore like the last MacDonald's Hello Kitty Craze. Die die must HAVE.

Wah 6% per annum hor and  more than double the rate of CPF OA of 2.5%. Hoot liao!

How come Createwealth8888 no hoot?

Let me share with you what I think ...

Hyflux Mgmt is telling you this:

1. Give us your money and don't worry. We will pay you 6% per annum.
2. Don't worry if you don't get paid this year. We will pay you next year and plus what we owe you last year. Just don't worry too much. We will pay you. Promise hor!
3. We say so many time liao. Don't worry. We will finally pay you all we owe you on 2018 and also to return you your capital. Just don't worry too much, everything will be alright on 2018. If not, we will pay you even higher at 8% per annum. You feel so shiok! right? Just worry too much. Everything will be alright!

I am vested in Hyflux. Thank you for your support if you are subscribing for Hyflux 6% Perference shares.

Can My Stupid Charting Works? It is 3M's that really matters

KY asked: "Erm Uncle, how do you use the chart to determine your entry, exit and price target if any? There were quite a number of indicators in your chart, do you actually use them? If so how?"

Read? Gohsip's comment

Two Types of Ancient Chinese Sword fighting Master Swordmen

These types of ancient Chinese sword fighting movies were popular during Createwealth8888 younger days and he realized that there were two types of ancient sword fighting Master Swordmen.

Type One, they have very powerful weapons and superior skills to defeat all other swordmen to become Master Swordmen.

Type Two, they use simple weapons with their superior skills and greater wisdom to defeat others to become Master Swordmen.

The moral of the story: You don't always need to have the most powerful weapons to become Master Swordman.

"In Active Investing, there is no holy grail and stop looking for one. You should seriously and diligently  track and measure your portfolio performance against your higher investing goals. Keep reviewing and revising your 3M's until your portfolio performance starts moving towards your investing goals; probably you may have your 3M's correctly in place." - Createwealth8888

Chart A: To confuse people charting by Createwealth8888. This chart looks a bit professional and more technical. Do you agree?

Chart B: This is the real chart seen in the mind of Createwealth8888. It looks really STUPID right? You agree?

 

Someone already said that Chart A is "dumb" without any commentary.

But, I thought: "A picture is worth a thousand words."

This is an Art of Appreciation and only few can see; appreciate it and

then make money out of it.

Question: Should I continue to confuse people with Chart A? Any suggestion?

3M's that really matters

Read? More on 3M's

Now, back to the moral of the story of Master Swordmen.

Powerful Weapons: You are true discipline who was handed the powerful weapon by the Grand Master e.g. Dr. X, S4C, ChartMake200%Profit,W4Stop, an etc. all the Grand Masters of Powerful Weapons.

You are the TRUE DISCIPLINE following the powerful Method religiously. You can afford to use simple Money and Mind like cut losses at 2%, 6% or 8% etc and having trailing stop according to the rules set by the Grand Masters. What you need to do it is to strictly obey the rules of the systems e.g. when you see this and you do this. You are Type One Master Swordman

Simple Weapons: You are Type Two Master Swordman when you don't have any superior weapon passed down from the Grand Master. You have to beat all other swordmen by having Stronger Mind and Superior Money. It is simply Money and Mind over Method.

Okay, Choose your weapon and fight in the stock market. LOL!

Read? Articles on TA

Articles on Market

Cambridge Industrial Trust: Going for excess rights.

Just For Laugh ...

Is CIT following the Govt in distributing the excess rights like the Growth Dividend?

The More you have the Less you get. The Less you have the More you get.

I only got excess to prevent odd lots nia. Actually, not complaining hor!

Investing Made Simple by Uncle8888 (12)

Read? Investing Made Simple by Uncle8888 (11)

Clearly Know What You Really WANT or  NEED; you may be financially better off!

WANT or NEED?

Classic example of WANT and NEED is a Car.

Most people will WANT car. Right? But how many people really NEED car?

A salesperson who travels around the island doing sales will definitely NEED a car to be productive and efficient.

Does a desk-bound office worker in CBD area traveling only from his home to office and back really NEED a car?

For the same desk-bound office workers without car; they may have more saving and may have more money for investment. If they manage to do well in their investment, they will be financially better off in the long run.

Investing in Stock Market

Do retail investors clearly know what they really NEED or WANT in the stock market?

Uncle8888 have no doubt that it is quite easy to understand the difference between WANT and NEED using the example of a Car.

But, to really understand the NEED and WANT in Investing, Uncle8888 don't think it is that easy. Firstly, you may need to open up your mind to seriously think it through. Secondly, be willing to change your mind-set if you don't think Uncle8888 is senile and talking nonsense. LOL!

Stock Dividends

Uncle8888 believe that most retail investors WANT Stock Dividends and there is no doubt about it.

How many retail investors clearly know that they NEED stock dividends as INCOME or they WANT stock dividends as CASH FLOW?

Uncle8888 believe that if retail investors clearly understand and know the difference between WANT and NEED; they may get higher TSR (Total Shareholder Returns) in the long run by revising or changing their investing strategies. Investing is still a Game of Strategies. The ones with better strategies are more likely to win more.

Who will need stock dividends as INCOME?

Giving two examples here:

1. For retirees having only portfolio of stocks as assets during their retirement will clearly NEED steady and regular streams of stock dividends as INCOME to meet their living expenses.

2. For fund Managers, they may NEED stock dividends as part of their overall cash flow management strategies to take care of expenses, staff salaries, redemption and other cash outflow.


Do some retail investors really NEED stock dividends as INCOME?

When you are employees or self-employed having good income and can save more than enough money every month. You will have enough spare money to invest in the stock market. Do you really need stock dividends as income?

You may have mistaken WANT from NEED. You may actually WANT stock dividends as cash flow and not as income.

If it is not for income, why do you need to chase after stocks such REITs and Biz Trusts as these financial instruments are primarily developed by the Market for the purpose of providing regular streams of stock dividends as income?

Focusing on stock dividends as cash flow will require different investing strategy. The important part of this strategy is deep understanding of this Golden Formula in the Stock Market!.

If you still don't understand it. We may need to talk it further over an Executive Lunch.

Biosensors Weekly

Is the expectation of China Approval priced in?

DBS on track to opening 50 outlets in China, to double workforce there

By ANGELA TAN


DBS Bank said on Friday that it is on track for 50 outlets in China by 2013, and plans to open at least eight new branches and sub-branches in the mainland by 2011.

The bank also said it plans to double its current workforce of over 1,000 employees in China, with hires primarily in the areas of consumer and institutional banking.

The new outlets will be established mainly in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

In the first four months of 2011, three DBS China outlets were opened in Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing, bringing DBS' network in China to nine branches and 10 sub-branches.

In addition to expanding its branch network, as well as growing its consumer banking and institutional banking customer base, DBS China will be also deepening relationships through increased cross-sell of Treasury & Markets and Global Transaction Services products.

Jasper intends to acquire 2-4 jack-up rigs

  SINGAPORE - Singapore oil and gas services firm Jasper Investments said it intends to acquire 2-4 more jack-up rigs in the next 2-3 years and hopes to return to profitability when its drillship starts work on a well in West Africa in October.
Jasper recently ordered two jack-up rigs from Keppel Corp , the world's largest oil rig builder, at around US$180 million each. The first rig is scheduled for delivery in November 2012, while the second one in May 2013.

The firm currently has a drillship Jasper Explorer and Neptune Finder, a semi-submersible hull pending upgrade, in its portfolio.

'We think that in order to achieve economies of scale and to be able to present ourselves as a serious player in the market, we need more rigs,' Jasper executive director Geoffrey Yeoh told Reuters in an interview.

'Hence the desire to add more jack-ups to our fleet, and this could be another 2 to 4 jack-ups' he said, adding that the current market price of a jack-up rig is between US$180 million and US$200 million. -- REUTERS

CapitaLand buys 40% Surbana stake for S$360m

SINGAPORE - Southeast Asia's largest property developer CapitaLand Ltd said it has acquired a 40 per cent stake in Surbana Corporation, a private limited company wholly-owned by Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings, for a cash consideration of S$360 million (US$288.8 million).
Capitaland, about 40 per cent owned by Temasek, said it appointed JPMorgan as the financial advisor to the acquisition of Surbana, a real estate consultant firm and developer with four township developments in Chinese cities. -- REUTERS

Mind Flip (3)

Read? Uncle8888 did a Mind Flip

Next Mind Flip

When 2008 Bear hit on Jan 2008, I (CreateWealth8888) lost $76K on that month due to losses on contra trades.

From Feb 08 - Apr 08, I didn't lose but manage to make an average of $2.5K per month. 

On May 08, I made another $25K and that really made me believe that I was smarter than the Bear and regained my confidence of making an average of $10K per month. But, unfortunately the Bear came back and hit me even harder. I lost on Aug 08 ($68K), Sep 08 ($18K) and Oct 08 ($31K).

I have never experienced two consecutive months of big losses before. It was nightmare and sleepless nights in Oct 08.

What was really wrong with me? TA not powerful enough? Books read not enough? So many why???? I did serious soul-searching.

Suddenly, one night in Oct 08 I have a Mind Flip and the next day I closed all my positions and stopped Contra Trading. The rest was history. I have survived the Great Bear of 2008! Lucky for me, right?

K-GREEN TRUST 1Q FY2011 RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

1. The profit after tax achieved for the first quarter of 2011 was $3.5 million, 5.4% higher than projection.

2. Earnings per unit (EPU) for the first quarter of 2011 was 0.56 cents.

3. Net asset value per unit as at 31 March 2011 was $1.12.

4. Free cash flow for the quarter was $9.5 million.

S'pore Q1 GDP up 8.5%

SINGAPORE - The Singapore economy continued to grow at a healthy pace in the first quarter of 2011, expanding by 8.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis, compared to 12.0 per cent in the previous quarter.

3 bananas in the Morning and 4 in the Afternoon (3)

Read? 3 bananas in the Morning and 4 in the Afternoon (2)

Why I am not interested in any perpetual preference shares e.g. like the latest Hyflux 6% Perpetual Class A Preference shares because I fully understood the moral of this story. 

Why lock your silver bullets for years in the same stock market with these perpetual shares?

You may be getting little or nothing in the Morning; and likely the same stock market is going to give you much more if you can wait patiently till the Evening.

Have re-read and understood the moral of the story?

Biosensors

The last piece of price moving news will be obtaining Approval in China.

Sembcorp to explore building marine city, water plants in China

SINGAPORE - Singapore's Sembcorp Industries, a rig-building and engineering conglomerate, said on Wednesday it is considering building water treatment plants as well as a large commercial, residential and industrial zone in eastern China.

One of its units, Sembcorp Utilities, has signed a letter of intent with China's Jinan Quancheng Water to explore the formation of a joint venture to build, own and operate water treatment plants in the east of Jinan City, the capital of China's Shandong province.

Another unit, Sembcorp Industrial Parks, signed a memorandum of understanding to consider building a 638-hectare international marine city in Shandong that will have commercial and residential developments as well as industrial and logistic zones focused on marine-related industries. -- REUTERS

Golden Formula in the Stock Market!

Just For Laugh ...

Money in Your Pocket = Stock Dividends + Realized Gains

With money in your pocket, you are laughing to bank. Keep doing it in a big way, you are laughing to your financial independence to become Man or Woman of Leisure!

FPSO demand will double this decade

(SINGAPORE) Global demand for floating oil production and storage vessels is expected to more than double this decade as surging crude prices allow exploration to move deeper offshore, senior industry executives said yesterday.

With oil prices at 21/2 year highs above US$125, economic conditions are ripe for oil companies to use these vessels, at a cost of more than US$1 billion each, to dig deeper and further off the coasts of Brazil, Australia, West Africa and the North Sea.

At least 127 of the nearly 200 planned offshore oil projects in the next eight years will likely employ floating production storage ships to exploit crude and natural gas reserves, up sharply from the 92 currently under lease, said Stig Hoffmeyer, chief executive of Maersk FPSO.

'I have never been in an industry before where the future outlook is so bright,' Mr Hoffmeyer said at a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) conference in Singapore.

'Taking oil and gas out of the ground onshore and in shallow waters is coming to an end, so we will be moving more and more to deeper water. I am confident that the industry will grow significantly in the coming 10, 20 and 30 years.'

That was good news for FPSO leader Dutch-listed SBM Offshore, along with rivals Modec in Japan and Norway's BW Offshore that together dominate the industry.

The three represent 44 per cent of the FPSO market and were expected to increase their share due to the recent demise of smaller rivals, high entry barriers for outsiders, and tight financing.

'In the wake of the financial crisis and significant drop in oil prices, many of the smaller and speculative players left the market,' Mr Hoffmeyer said.

'Today, the three largest contractors sit on almost half of the lease market, creating oligopolistic characteristics. And there is strong rationale for further consolidation.'

South America, West Africa and Asia-Pacific were expected to see the biggest demand for FPSOs since they do not have the seabed pipelines to transport oil and gas to shore, said Robin Allan, Asia director for Britain's Premier Oil.

A third, or more than 60 FPSOs, were currently being used or earmarked for projects in Asia-Pacific, he added.

Despite having an extensive seabed pipeline network, the United States last month gave final approval for Petrobras to use the first ever deepwater floating production storage facility in the Gulf of Mexico.

Analysts, however, do not see a boom in demand for the long-term in North America. -- Reuters

Keppel bags offshore & marine jobs worth S$240 million from global customers

Singapore, 12 April 2011 – Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Singapore, has clinched new contracts totaling S$240 million from international customers.

These entail building a new multi-purpose dive support construction vessel for SBM Offshore as well as modifying and upgrading a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel for Petrofac.

Mr Nelson Yeo, Managing Director (Marine) of Keppel O&M, said, “These new contracts reflect the confidence of our customers in the capabilities of the Keppel O&M group. We are proud of the solid partnerships built with faithful customers who turn to our yards worldwide for their fleet expansion and upgrading needs.

“Looking ahead, I am confident that we will continue to strengthen the mutual trust and partnership with SBM Offshore and Petrofac with Keppel’s commitment to quality and reliability.”

Keppel Singmarine will build for SBM Offshore a prototype multi-purpose dive support construction vessel (DSCV) scheduled for delivery in 2Q 2013. This cutting-edge vessel combines capabilities of diving support, subsea construction and anchor handling, and features a DP III (Dynamically Positioned) system.

The DSCV will be equipped with a fully integrated 12-men saturation diving system that enables divers to work safely up to a depth of 300m, and a 250-tonne crane to support subsea oilfield development. It will also feature a 200-tonne double drum winch, four chain lockers and a stern roller for anchor handling functions.

Since 2000, sister company Keppel Shipyard has completed 13 FPSO and FSO projects for SBM Offshore with another four FPSO conversion projects currently underway.

Keppel Shipyard has also secured a fast-track project for the upgrading of a FPSO vessel from Petrofac International (UAE) LLC, a subsidiary of Petrofac. The upgrading of the ex- FPSO East Fortune includes refurbishment and life extension works, engineering, fabricating, installing and integrating new topside process modules, upgrading of spread mooring and auxiliary support systems.
 
Work has commenced in 1Q 2011. Designated for an oil and gas field offshore Peninsular Malaysia, this FPSO facility will be able to handle both oil and gas production.

The above contracts are not expected to have material impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

By Bronnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Eleven Rules by Bill Gates

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about Eleven (11) things they did not and will not learn in school.

He talks about how “feel-good, politically correct” teachings. Created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and  How this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school.  You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: They called it opportunity.

Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault,  So don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring As they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, Cleaning your clothes and listening to you Talk about how cool you thought you were:  So before you save the rain forest From the parasites of your parent's generation, Try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, But life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades And they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.  *This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters.You don't get summers off and very few employers Are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.  *Do that on your own time.

Rule 10 : Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds… Chances are you'll end up working for one.



The difficulties of investing? Really?

Just For Thinking ...

Read? The difficulties of investing

The difficulties of investing? Really?

I think the problem may lie in the mind of retail investors. They like to think that they are buying into companies or businesses when in fact they are NOT. They are just buying stocks. If they can change their mindset to think that they are actually buying stocks; then they don't need few years to realize that they are wrong and wasted their most precious commodity of all - their time.

After you have brought the stocks and their stock prices don't move forward in your favour. It is quite obvious that you are not so right; and probably the only mitigation or feel good factor is when you receive good dividends. If you have bought the stocks right; you should be receiving good dividends and also seeing some unrealized capital appreciation in one year time.

When you realize you are wrong; you should be evaluating your opportunity cost for holding on to such stocks and to decide the next course of actions to improve your year-end portfolio performance.

Another bigger problem is that some retail investors don't take their portfolio performance measurement and tracking seriously with the view to improve their investing skills or to review their investing strategies in ever changing stock market environment.

Investing may not be that difficult.  It can be made simple by doing less analyzing and more investing; but that it will require you to track your portfolio closely and seriously and to keep learning. You have to continuously reviewing and revising your investing strategies to make them relevant in the ever-changing and self-learning stock market. You may make good money in 2009/2010; but now you may be struggling in 2011 to make money as the stock market has changed its form.

Olam says Tata Chemicals to invest in urea project in Gabon

Olam says Tata Chemicals to invest in urea project in Gabon
Monday, 11 April 2011

© 2011 - The Edge Singapore

Standard Drilling buys Clearwater rigs

Oslo-listed Standard Drilling is pursuing an aggressive fleet expansion plan by offering to buy out two jack-up drilling units being built for New York-based Clearwater Capital Partners and declaring options for four more rigs with Singapore's Keppel Fels.

Tan Hwee Hwee 11 April 2011 01:01 GMT

Standard Drilling has offered $8.5 million in cash and $126 million worth of shares equivalent to 30% of its shareholding to Clearwater for the pair of KFels Mod V B Class jack-ups plus an option for two similar rigs.

Standard Drilling also intends to exercise an option for two rigs attached to its November newbuild contract with Keppel Fels for a pair of jack-up rigs.

All four options have been declared at a total value of $768 million or $192 million per rig.

The transaction is subject to shareholders' approval and will be financed by $330 million of private share placement.

The Clearwater acquisition is expected to be complete by early May and a newbuild contract for the additional rigs will be signed by mid-May, Standard Drilling said in a statement.

The entire transaction when complete, will bring Standard Drilling's fleet up to seven newbuild jack-up rigs, due for delivery from July 2012 through May 2014.

The delivery schedules and the 20:80 payment terms of the newbuild contracts imply the merged fleet will be an attractive acquisition target for any "US driller in a hurry to replace its [older] fleet", according to a Pareto Securities equity research note.

Pareto Securities is the joint lead manager in Standard Drilling's $330 million private equity placement.

Investing Made Simple by Uncle8888 (11)

Read? Investing Made Simple by Uncle8888 (10)

Low tide, calm water and big fish?

It was low tide and the sea water is very calm. Uncle8888 has stopped fishing and was staring towards the sea and day-dreaming. Suddenly, someone shouted very loud that he caught a big fish. Really ah? Low tide and calm water and he caught a big fish?

When Uncle8888 looked at the big fish and thought that it was probably a sick or dying big fish. He advised the man to exercise caution and decided whether he was taking any risk to consume it. The man disagreed and said: "Wow, look at big chunk of flesh and so shiok!"

Naturally, high tide will bring in big fish from deeper to shadow water to look for food; and the big fish will follow the next tide cycle to swim back to the deeper water when the tide is going down. When the tide is really low and the water is very calm, big fish are naturally back to where they come from.

What is common sense to a seasoned fisherman may not be common sense to many others.

Read? A matter of common sense

High Yield, Higher Market?

When the stock market climbs higher, stock prices are going up and yield are coming down and that is normal market behaviour as new buyers are willing to step up their buying for lower yield and possible capital appreciation. Lower yield and higher market is expected.

When the stock market keeps climbing higher and the yield still remain high; then we will have a high yield, higher market. Hmmm...  Why are the new buyers not willing to step up their buying and still insist on buying on premium yield?

Back to the moral of the story. "What is common sense to a seasoned fisherman may not be common sense to many others." - Createwealth8888

Read? Use Your Common Sense In Investing?

I score distinctions in my exam but not in the stock market

Just For Thinking ...

Studying for School Exam

You are intelligent and very hardworking too. When you study hard and do more than what is required in your course, and you may score distinctions in many subjects in your field of study.

Studying for Stock Market Test

You are intelligent and work very hard in the stock market. You analyze very hard either fundamental or technical or both. You also study hard and wide (serious reading and understanding) on lots of finance and investment book. You even attended Gurus conducted workshops, seminars and training courses .

You trained yourself hard to become discipline of Dr. E, Mr. W, Prof. G or Guru Z; but still not doing well in the stock market. Why?

Possible Explanation

In your school exam, you are tested on what should you know. If you have learned more than what you should know then you can score distinctions.

But, the Test in the stock market are not the same exam in the school. The stock market doesn't set Test on what you have learned and should have know. But, it will punish you hard if you don't know and don't learn.

To do well in the stock market; it may require more than knowing more than studying harder. It is not the same as studying for your school exam; otherwise most of the scholars and 1st Class Hons graduates will become richer in the stock market.

CPL

Marathon and Investing

Marathon

In Marathon, everyone is allowed to run his/her own race.  Yes, there are some runners who will compete with each other to see who is the real champion. But, there are more runners who are there at the Marathon just to run their own race. They will do it at their own pace and timing. They are not there to compete who is the best. When they have completed the Marathon, they are happy and satisfied. Still, there will be many who have tried but failed and drop out of the race. Some may even injure themselves.

Does Investing sound similar to Marathon? What do you think?

UnEmployment Fund?

Just For Thinking ...

Read? Why would you need your emergency fund to invest?

I will call it UnEmployment Fund to clearly state its purpose; since in Singapore we don't have UnEmployment Benefits. We have to rely on our savings set aside for this purpose. If we call it Emergency Fund, it may be abused e.g. someone making his girl-friend pregnant and it may become an emergency situation for him and so he need to tap into this "Emergency Fund" to solve his immediate problem. But, if we term it as UnEmployment Fund, then obviously it can't be used for such purpose. LOL!

Why would you need your emergency fund to invest?

Just For Thinking ...

Read? Will you use your emergency fund to invest?

If you ever need to use your emergency fund to invest in the stock market. It is quite obvious that you are  seriously failing in your portfolio; and yet you are overconfidence that this time will be different.

Beware of Greed and Overconfidence as they may kill investors.

Hyflux signs desalinated water deal with PUB

SINGAPORE : Water management company Hyflux has signed a major agreement with Singapore's national water agency PUB to deliver desalinated water for 25 years.


Under the Water Purchase Agreement, Hyflux's wholly-owned subsidiary Tuaspring will deliver the water to PUB from 2013 to 2038.

Located in Tuas, the desalination plant - the second and largest in Singapore - will commence operations in 2013.

The plant will add another 318,500 cubic metres of desalinated water per day to Singapore's water supply.

The price for the desalinated water is 45 cents per cubic metre for the first year.

"By 2060, we plan to increase our desalination and NEWater capacities to be able to meet up to 30 per cent and 50 per cent of our water demand respectively," said PUB chief executive Khoo Teng Chye.


- CNA/al

Have you appreciate the one who has paid for your education?

This is a powerful message in our modern society. We seemed to have lost our bearings and our sense of direction.


One, young, academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview. The director who did the last interview, made the last decision.

The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research. He never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" The youth answered "none".

The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old. It was my mother who paid for my school fees."

The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as a clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me."

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands and then see me tomorrow morning."

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to her son.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tears fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled and that there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes every day to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes and asked, " Can you tell me what you did and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hands, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes.'

The Director asked, " Please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now the meaning of appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only now I realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, " This is what I am looking for in my new manager.

I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. Son,you are hired."

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

Moral of the story ...

A child, who has been over protected and habitually given whatever he or she wanted, would develop the entitlement mentality and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. This kind of person, may be good academically and may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel a sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more.


If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat good meals, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let him experience it. After a meal, let him wash his plates and bowls together with his brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love him in the right way. You want him to understand, no matter how rich his parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young man . The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

Financially literate investors?

Just For Thinking ...

Most financially literate investors will make money from their investment; but not all investors are financial literate. Some investors may think that they are already financial literate; but actually they are still not there yet.

Investors can only become financially literate by acquiring financial and investing knowledge skills through hands-on learning and application of these learning.

"For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." - Aristotle

So are you a financially literate investor?

Ask Uncle8888?

Just For Learning ....

"Sometime we may learn from other people's experiences but at times we may have to re-look at our own experiences and learn from them as well." - Createwealth8888.


Please don't ask me for stocks view either TA or FA, sometime I don't even bother to reply to your email as I just delete them. It is not that I am rude but there are no shortage of bloggers who do that. Please go and ask them.

I may entertain any other questions related to investing or short-term trading without leverages and to share my personal experiences if any.

Kind of Animal in the Stock Market (3)

Just For Laugh ....

Kind of Animal in the Stock Market (2)

Do you want to hold Multi-Baggers?

Now, let Uncle8888 tells you the Greatest Secret to holding Multi-Baggers - Don't be a Chicken!

Chicken can never, never find a Multi-Bagger.

Kind of Animal in the Stock Market (2)

Just For Laugh ...


Read? Kind of Animal in the Stock Market

May be I should attempt to describe how a Pig and Chicken looked like?

Pig

A Pig is someone with portfolio after one market cycle of Bull-Bear-Bull or Bear-Bull-Bear still in deep net losses (realized and unrealized losses).

Chicken

A Chicken is someone who made tiny ROC on many small trades; but regret selling when they saw the stock prices keep climbing up.

STI - No oil liao?

Straits Times

3,146.75

+6.13

+0.20%

Kind of Animal in the Stock Market

Just For Laugh ...

1. Bull makes money
2. Bear makes money
3. Pig gets slaughtered
4. Chicken miss opportunity to make money

Any more other kind of animal in the stock market? hee hee

NOL sees 12% rise in container volume

By NISHA RAMCHANDANI


Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) saw container shipping volumes increase 12 per cent year-on-year to 212,700 forty-foot equivalent units (FEUs) for the four weeks spanning 12 February to 11 March, but average revenue slipped one per cent to US$2,560 per FEU.

'The increase in volume was mainly due to higher volumes carried on the Intra-Asia and Asia-Europe trade lanes while the decline in average revenue per FEU was due mainly to falling rates in the Asia-Europe trade lane,' NOL said in a release to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on Monday.

For the year to date, container shipping volumes have risen 8 per cent to 534,300 FEUs while average revenue per FEU has increased 6 per cent to US$2,616.

My War Room (7) - The Lost Years!

Read? My War Room (6) - The Lost Years

Finally, after 3.5 years it touches the same peak portfolio value level as on 11 Oct 2007 for the first time @ today closing.

3.5 years has been wasted - the lost years!

Is buy-and-hold dead?

Anyone?

Noble: Sold @ $2.21 ROC 10.9%

Stuffing feathers into a Multi-Bagger Pillow Stock since 15 Jul 2008 from 3.8% to 34.3%


Round 14: ROC 10.9%, 20 days, B $1.98 S $2.21

Round 13: ROC 20.8%, 185 days, B $1.72 S $2.08 (Price has been adjusted after XB)
Round 12: ROC 5.4%, 190 days, B $1.87 S $1.98 (Price has been adjusted after XB)
Round 11: ROC 10.1%, 45 days, B $3.04 S $3.37
Round 10: ROC 6.5%, 20 days, B $3.07 S $3.29 (Bought back higher)
Round 9: ROC 5.7%, 74 days, B $1.71 S $1.82 (Bought back higher)
Round 8: ROC 34.3%, 100 days, B $0.96 S $1.30
Round 7: ROC 5.7%, 10 days, B $1.02 S $1.09
Round 6: ROC 3.8%, 1 day, B $1.01 S $1.06
Round 5: ROC 12%, 27 days, B $0.965 S $1.08, (2nd Half)
Round 4: ROC 14%, 8 days, B $0.965 S $1.11, (1st Half) - Bought back higher
Round 3: ROC 7.1%, 8 days, B $0.830 S $0.895
Round 2: ROC 31.6%, 20 days, B $0.800 S $1.05
Round 1: ROC 16.3%, 28 days, B $0.910 S $1.08

DOW vs STI since Oct 2008

Why do I still look at DOW every morning when I am only doing local stocks on SGX?

Like it or not, Uncle DOW is the big brother to Asian markets.

How DOW perform overnight may have some impact on STI and may present risks and opportunities to enter or exit positions.

What did you see from the chart since Oct 2008 between DOW and STI?

Keppel secures repeat jackup rig order from Jasper at US$180 million

Singapore, 3 April, 2011 - Jasper Investments Limited (Jasper) has exercised its option with Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) to build a second KFELS B Class jackup rig at US$180 million for delivery in 1H2013.

The single-rig option was given to Jasper when the customer ordered its first jackup from Keppel FELS in December 2010.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel FELS, said, “Including this latest contract from Jasper, we have secured 17 jackup rigs since November last year. Of these, 14 are proprietary Keppel designs. These include 10 KFELS B and Super B Class rigs.

“We are pleased that Jasper has reaffirmed its confidence in our proprietary technology and execution expertise by exercising the option for a second KFELS B Class jackup rig. We look forward to deliver both its world class rigs safely, on time and within budget.”

Similar to its first jackup rig, Jasper’s latest unit will be able to operate in water depths of 400 feet, drill 30,000 feet deep and accommodate 150 men.

Mr Geoffrey Yeoh, Executive Director of Jasper, said, “With rapidly increasing demand in the market for safer and more capable rigs, this is the opportune time to expand our fleet and increase our solutions for the offshore industry. We are pleased to be able to build another rig to the highly-rated KFELS B Class design with Keppel FELS.

“Teaming up with the world’s leading rig designer and builder enables us to offer reliable, safe and high quality products to meet the most stringent requirements of the market.

Building our first KFELS B Class rigs at Keppel FELS is an important step for Jasper in growing our presence in the offshore drilling market.”

The above contract is not expected to have material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year

CPL - More buying into this laggard soon?

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said the cash-over-valuation (COV) paid on resale public flats has continued to drop.

He said that based on early estimates, COV levels are currently S$20,000 to S$21,000, down from S$23,000 in the last quarter of 2010. Transaction volume has also dropped, but he declined to give figures.

His comments came a day after HDB released figures showing that the growth of resale flat prices slowed to just 1.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year.

Mr Mah was speaking to reporters after marking the completion of the latest housing project under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme.

He noted that the private homes market was also showing signs of cooling and expects further moderation over the next few months.

When asked if he was concerned that prices of private homes in suburban areas are still posting relatively strong growth, he said there is a lot of supply to cater to the mass market and the government also plans to release more land.

Mr Mah also said it is too early to remove the property cooling measures.

He said: "We still need a couple of months to assess the full impact of those January measures. And right now, things seem to be cooling down, so the cooling measures seem to be working. So if that remains, then there's really no need further action. However, if things change, and things can change, then we'll relook the situation again."

-CNA/ac

Hey! What type of investors are you? (2)

Read? Hey! What type of investors are you?

KY said: "I have read most of Robert's books, Alexander Elder's, abit on trading psychology, abit of money management and some finance books from NLB on trading. After a while, the books seems to converge and did not solve some of my doubts namely timing and methodologies."


I absolutely agreed with KY on "After a while, the books seems to converge."  and I have no doubt about it. This is not the first time that I heard someone commented about it and it won't be the last too,
 
Why am I still reading more such books?
 
I didn't read more books to look for more superior/advance technical analysis, better/more winning methodologies, more/better technical indicators, more charting patterns; and etc.
 
I am reading for one or two new ideas from the authors on their thoughts on investing and trading; and not particularly on their trading methods as I don't follow any Guru's trading system. I don't even use any technical indicators with adjustable parameters. I only have lizard brain so it is not good enough to fully understand and use these popular trading systems or methodologies effectively to make money from the stock market.
 
Actually, I use simple fisherman's methodology - Tide Cycles (i.e. Market Cycles) as I love fishing as hobby.

It has worked for me so far and I also realized that those who are less fearful and more patient with better money and risks management are more likely to win over several market cycles.
 
So does more stock anlaysis help? I don't think so. More stock analysis may not actually help you to win more. There is no Holy Grail in the stock market; but there will be plenty of them as advertised in the newspapers. Later, I will read thesundaytimes papers to see any new Holy Grail. LOL!
 
"Less Analyzing and More Investing is the way to win over market cycles." - Createwealth8888

Cholesterol - to treat or not to treat?

The crux lies in having a better understanding of cholesterol and the drugs prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. By Michael Lim


CHOLESTEROL is essential for the function of the body, yet high cholesterol levels may result in blockage of heart and brain arteries. Over the years, doctors have increasingly been prescribing cholesterol drugs known as statins to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Most people think that cholesterol deposits in the arteries only appear in adulthood, but in reality, they can appear even before birth... Mothers who have high cholesterol levels have foetuses whose arteries have early deposits of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries

Statins block one of the steps in the production of cholesterol in the liver which is the main production source of cholesterol in the body. Commonly used statins include rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin. With its widespread use, it is important to have a better understanding of cholesterol and statins.

What is 'Bad' cholesterol and 'Good' cholesterol? 'Bad' cholesterol refers to Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The LDL is like a delivery truck that goes around the body through the blood vessels and delivers cholesterol to the organs of the body which then use it for making hormones, new cells and other functions. 'Good' cholesterol refers to High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The HDL is like the waste removal truck which removes unused cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Hence, excessive amounts of LDL cholesterol is bad for the arteries as it gets deposited in the walls of the arteries and can cause narrowing of the arteries. On the other hand, a high level of HDL is protective and reduces the likelihood of cholesterol deposits in the walls of the arteries.

What is the earliest age at which cholesterol deposits in the arteries start appearing? Most people think that cholesterol deposits in the arteries only appear in adulthood, but in reality, they can appear even before birth. Cholesterol deposits in arteries start as early as the stage of foetal development. Mothers who have high cholesterol levels have foetuses whose arteries have early deposits of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries.

The sites of these cholesterol deposits are no different from that commonly seen in adolescents and adults, but the deposits are smaller in amount. Fortunately, these cholesterol deposits tend to disappear or are reduced as the cholesterol levels in the baby become low towards the end of the pregnancy or early infancy.

What is the 'normal' cholesterol level? While the question is simple, the answer is not. In a study on newborns, the average total cholesterol (TC) level was almost 160 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) was about 70 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) was about 53 mg/dl. Studies of communities in their 'natural' state, such as segregated tribal hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, Canada and Australia, showed a low mean TC of 123 mg/dl.

Unlike the normal cholesterol values in the 'natural' state, the recommendations for desirable cholesterol levels for those in Western populations are much higher. Based on current recommendations, the desirable level of TC level is <200 mg/dl (5.2 mmol/l), LDL-C is <130 mg/dl (3.4 mmol/l) and HDL-C is >50 mg/dl (1.3 mmol/l).

However, if you are at high risk for heart disease (such as having a history of a previous heart attack, previous stroke, narrowing of neck, arm or leg arteries), the LDL-C should be <100 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/l).

Interestingly, for those at very high risk of heart disease or have significant heart disease, the LDL-C should be <70 mg/dl, a level similar to the LDL-C levels in newborns and hunter-gatherer communities.

When will your doctor start recommending cholesterol lowering medication?

Generally, if your LDL-C is >130 mg/dl and you have other risk factors for heart disease such as family history of heart disease, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, narrowing in the neck or limb arteries, your doctor may recommend that you take medication to lower your cholesterol level.

Do statins have additional health benefits? The main mechanism of a heart attack is a tear in the lining of the artery where there is a narrowing of the artery due to an underlying accumulation of cholesterol. The likelihood of a tear in the lining of the artery is higher if there is underlying inflammation of the lining. Statins have anti-inflammatory properties and are able to stabilise the lining of arteries, thereby reducing the likelihood of a heart attack. Research has also shown that statins can potentially reduce the likelihood of some cancers and progression of kidney disease.

Side effects of statins

What are the common potentially serious side effects of statins?

The more common serious potential side effects which doctors often tell you about are liver damage and muscle problems. When starting on statins, the liver enzymes (blood test) should be checked within six weeks, as occasionally, patients may show an increase in liver enzymes without any symptoms after taking statins.

If the liver enzymes are increased by more than three times the upper limit of normal, the statin dosage should be reduced or the statin should be stopped.

Statins may cause muscle ache and tenderness and this is more likely if higher doses of statins are used. If the blood level of muscle enzymes (creatine kinase or CK) is more than 10 times the upper limit of normal, the statin should be stopped.

In serious cases, the muscle cells breakdown and the breakdown products (myoglobin) can damage the kidney. This is potentially life threatening. The CK level should therefore be checked regularly or whenever there is muscle ache.

Can statin usage cause muscle weakness, tiredness and shortness of breath?

Over the last few years, there is increasing evidence of other uncommon but serious side effects. Damage to the nerves of the limbs and body (peripheral neuropathy) is one of the lesser known side effects of statin. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, tiredness, difficulty in getting up from a sitting position, shortness of breath and difficulty in walking.

The incidence rate of neuropathy related to statin consumption is about one in 2,200 persons and may sometimes be permanent even after stopping statin. A study on 465,000 residents in a Danish community showed that statin consumption increased the risk of neuropathy by 16 times.

Can memory be affected by statin usage?

The impact of statin consumption on memory was most vividly seen in a patient of mine who complained of a significant loss of memory within weeks of taking a statin. His memory recovered upon stopping the statin. Pre-market release studies showed that 4.5 in 1,000 who took a statin had memory loss or cognitive difficulties such as impairment in thinking, concentration, mentation, judgement or irrational thinking.

Statins, the current wonder drugs for cholesterol, are not without serious side effects and hence should be taken in consultation with your doctor. Red yeast rice preparations, which can be bought over the counter, contain the statin lovastatin and users are similarly at risk of statin side effects.

The good news is that there will be alternatives - there is a new class of cholesterol lowering medication which can raise the HDL-C by >100 per cent and decrease the LDL-C by 40 per cent and it will be available in the near future.

Dr Lim is the medical director at Singapore Medical Specialists Centre. He is also editor-in-chief, Heart Asia, British Medical Journals Publishing Group chairman, Scientific Advisory Board, Asia Pacific Heart Association honorary professor and senior medical adviser, Peking University Heart Centre

This series is produced on alternate Saturdays in collaboration with Singapore Medical Specialists Centre.

Investors, beware of self-serving bias (2)

Just For Thinking ...

Read? Investors, beware of self-serving bias

Thinking that the worse is over for their stock and the downside is limited is another form of self-serving bias.

When we come to the stock market, it is best to hang our ego at the door because market is known to punish us hard if we are not humble.

The worst for any stock has yet to come until you sold it; then only the worst is truly over. Get it?

Help me! I am still losing money in my Investment Quadrant (5)

"Sometime we may learn from other people's experiences but at times we may have to re-look at our own experiences and learn from them as well." - Createwealth8888.


Read? Help me! I am still losing money in my Investment Quadrant - Part 4

Real People and Reality of Trading


I think I have shared enough of my personal experiences on reality of trading and investing. May be it is good to share one reader's experience and the reality of trading so that newbies can sit up and seriously think about it.

KY in his email to me: "I began my investing journey in 1998 back in the days when CLOB is still ard and am very young. Thus I believe went thru 3 cycles. after HK, dot com, asia finance, asia flu and usa finance."

and he still lose big money after spending years across market cycles. What is really missing?

Read? Articles related to investor overconfidence - This is a real killer to your limited investing capital

I believe he is like some investors/traders are killed by Averaging Down strategy. I have been killed before using Averaging Down strategy; but now I only use Averaging In because ..

"We don't need to win back in the same manner that we have lost it " - Createwealth8888.


Like another reader, CH; I hope that after a series of emails with KY, he may be able to revise his own strategy to win back; but in a different manner to regain his confidence but not overconfidence. This one can really kill!
 
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" - Albert Einstein

Trading for Income or Active Investing for Wealth?

Just For Thinking ....

Sometime we really need to sit quietly and seriously think about it.

If you are an employee or self-employed having a full-time job, do you really need to trade for income and hope that one day you can quit your job and become a full-time day trader?

Full time day trading can be tough and stressful job. Read? Full Time Trading

Trading for income may require you either to have big capital or trade with leverage such as CFD and Margin to amplify your gains and to cut your losses short before they escalate to huge losses limiting your capability to come back.

Trading on leverages may be less forgiving. It may require you to have superior stock analysis skills. You may have less room for analysis errors as you need to cut losses fast and take your profits based on your quality of TA for exits.

If you can re frame your mind to switch from trading for income to trading for cash flow, you may turn yourself from a trader to an active investor. Cash flow can come from stock dividends and realized gains. You may have more room for simpler stock analysis as you may hold it longer for cash flow from stock dividends.  So you may not in a hurry to cut your losses short.

You may do short-term trading and long-term investing. I am telling you it is definitely less stressful and the stock analysis is more forgiving.

Read? Uncle8888's Short-term Trading and Long-term Investing

What you think?

Keppel T&T to sell 35% stake in Wuhu Annto for S$52.6m

By ANGELA TAN


Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation Ltd (Keppel T&T), through its subsidiary, has entered into a conditional agreement to sell its 35 per cent stake in Wuhu Annto Logistics Co Ltd (Annto) to Midea for net proceed of about S$52.6 million.

Keppel T&T said Annto is looking into the expansion of its manufacturing business, which does not fit into its businesses.

Keppel T&T intends to use the proceeds to grow and strengthen its core businesses of integrated port logistics and third-party logistics in target Chinese markets.

The book value of Annto was S$31.9 million on 31 December 2010. It is expected to result in a net gain of about S$20.7 million.

Q1 FY 2011 Performance Report : Down -13.6% QoQ

Read? Last Report: Full Year 2010

Year Goal Hit Rate

(In 2003, I set some bullish progressive year goals from 2003 to 2011 and 2011 Year Goal is 76.8% of 2010 Total Salary including all CPF contributions. Quite a big goal to achieve!)

Year Goal Hit Rate fell by -13.6% from 19.2% in Q1 FY 10 to 5.6% in Q1 FY 11. 

The poor goal hit was due to lack of new trading positions in the quarter and rolling forward the realization of profits to next quarter for Olam and Noble.

Active Investing Performance

Since Nov 08 after I have given up active contra trading and revised my active investing/trading strategies.

Performance indicators are as follows:

Historical ROC per Trade Distribution

Going forward, I think the days of high double digit ROC are likely to be over so I must be happy to get high single digit ROC.

Shocking Truth on some Stock Gurus! (2)

Just For Thinking ...

Read? Shocking Truth on some Stock Gurus!

I realized that there are actually two groups of Stock Gurus.

Really Good Stock Gurus

1. They move on to Private Equity or Investment Management to become Money or Private Fund Managers.
2. They typically charge 1% management fee and 20% performance fee with high water mark.
3. They don't anyhow make money from men-in-the-street. They earned their fee from accredited investors.

An "accredited investor" is defined as:


(a) an individual:

(i) whose net personal assets exceed in value S$2 million (or its equivalent in foreign currency) or such other amount as MAS may prescribe in place of the first amount; or

(ii) whose income in the preceding 12 months is not less than S$300,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) or such other amount as the Authority may prescribe in place of the first amount;

They called themselves Stock Gurus

1. They become Master Trainers who can teach you the easy way to make money from the stock market.
2. They charge only $X,XXX but made their money from the not-so-rich retail investors, sometime from retired uncles and aunties and even NSF men.

See the difference.

Another dose for Mr. SMOL. Hope you like it again. LOL!
 

Sembawang Shipyard signs long-term ship repair deal with Canada's Teekay

By ANGELA TAN

Sembawang Shipyard, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine, has signed a long-term ship repair contract with Teekay Marine Services, Canada.

The contract is for the provision of ship-repair, refurbishment, upgrading and related marine services for a fleet of 137 ships.

Sembawang Shipyard can expect to refit and/or upgrade of 6 to 8 Teekay vessels each year.

Teekay Marine Services is a subsidiary of Teekay Corporation, an international leader in energy shipping which serves the world's leading oil and gas companies.