KT Wealth

We have seen several global events unfold this year. The downward spiral of oil prices, US Federal Reserve interest rate adjustment, China economic slowdown, threat of terrorism and the continued sluggish commodity demand. I have nothing much to shout in my portfolio. But it’s with the negative sentiment that I smell opportunities. Jack Ma once said “if 90% of those present at a business meeting vote in favour of one or other suggestion, I’ll always throw it out”. You can see more of his quotes here . What this means is that if everyone thinks about a particular idea, agrees and acts on it, the idea becomes stale because all, including your competitors will jump into the bandwagon. By then, it’s too late. My thinking is different. Some call it “Contrarian”. Myself? I label it as “ Market Opportunist ”. I can buy stocks at a better valuation when majority remains superbly pessimistic. Don’t get me wrong. I will not select companies blindly but have a broader assessment of industry d

You can be a great person to build relationships. But if your closing rate is low, it’s as good as losing your plot. Often, a salesperson struggle because (a) he is shy to ask for the client’s signature (b) he develops preconceived assumption about the prospect (c) he can’t sense the buying signal in the beginning Whatever the reason, the salesperson’s (Insurance Agent, Property Consultant, Furniture Sales Executive, Relationship Manager etc.) success depends on the total value of the agreements and the rate of closing. 1. Repeat the prospect’s requirements During the selling process, you need an excellent listening ear. Hear the prospect’s buying signal carefully and write down, so that you remember. Usually, the same words and sentences are mentioned a few times – for instance, he likes things that are convenient. When closing comes, bring out similar phrases and wordings (i.e. convenient) again. Most of the time, the prospect is reassured, knowing that you have heard him.

You heard it. Corporate earnings disappoint. Companies face challenging market conditions, from softening of the retail climate to rising costs of rent, manpower and production. Externally, oversupply of oil with prices plummeting and there are few signs of recovery. Slowdown in China with China Central Bank imposes further interest rate cuts. Locally, Developers are pressing for favorable regulations to incite buyers’ interest in properties. Commodities slump as demand drops heavily from China, Russia and India.The story of “emerging Asia” becomes a theme of the past as funds flow outwards to Europe. Standard Chartered is the latest bank to retrench their staff and begin their corporate restructuring. Other financial institutions are also reducing headcount and cutting back on wayward lending. In Europe, recovery remains fragile after Eurozone crisis due to piling of corporate debts, high national deficit (e.g. Greece) and unresolved unemployment, from Spain to Italy. Many sh

Look around you. There may be money-making opportunities. But the environment is cluttered with various schemes – some are dubious and raise suspicion. Flip the papers and you see an advertisement promising you double-digit returns with an investment that needs little effort. Surf the internet and there are many online link-ups informing that you can earn a 4 digit income within a few days by working from home. I prefer to pursue something that’s credible and pragmatic. In 2015, the chances are here! Do note that the options regarding investment are purely recommendations. Every individual has their personal risk appetite. Please assess the disadvantages and advantages carefully. 1. Stock market Not many will agree this approach - I will focus on companies in cyclical trade. In the past weeks, the share prices of property-related, oil & gas firms are beaten down due to weak macroeconomic conditions such as declining oil prices, slower demand in China and the fear