Webull Super Amazing Promotion- Deposit just $0.01 (1 cent) and receive US$500

Another low-cost online broker is taking the Singapore brokerage trading market by its horns! Webull is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and headquartered in New York. To entice users to try out is zero-fee brokerage services, Webull is offering up to US$500 worth of blue-chip shares as long as a new user funds his/her account. The definition of funding means new user can top up as little as just 1 Singapore cent to get up to US$500 in this super amazing promotion!

Webull’s Amaaaazing Promotion

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to receive free US$500 worth of shares from Webull.

Step 1: Download the Webull mobile app from the Apple/Google Play store or access its desktop version

Step 2: Sign up using this referral link

Step 3: Register and open an account. You can key in your personal details or allow Singpass MyInfo to populate them.

Step 4: Once you have completed your account opening, simply wait for the approval from Webull. It usually takes just 1 business day.

Step 5: Simply fund your account upon account opening via FAST or DDA. Any deposit is fine, even $0.01! Upon successful funding, go to dashboard to redeem your well-deserved rewards.

Simply click “My Rewards” icon to redeem your fractional shares! You will receive 3 blue-chip, fractional shares comprising of either Alphabet, Microsoft, Apple or Tesla. Each of these shares will be worth a minimum of US$10 to a maximum of US$100.

But wait, that’s not all yet.

If your account continues to stay funded for another 30 days, you will receive 2 bonus chances to redeem 2 more free shares. It will stay funded as long as your initial deposit of 1 cent has not been withdrawn. Thereafter, sell the 5 free shares and cash out. That is how you walk away with up to US$500 after just 30 days of doing almost nothing!

Even without the sign-up promotions, Webull is amazing for its ZERO platform fees and commission charges on US Stocks. This is the lowest cost that you can possibly find in the Singapore brokerage scene right now.

It is evident that the “effort-reward” ratio is remarkably high and that is why you should not pass up on this amazing promotion from Webull!

Sign up and fund your Webull account to claim your free shares now!

https://www.webull.com.sg/i/newuser

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Best currencies to trade from Singapore

Forex trading is a popular investment activity among Singaporeans, and the city-state has established itself as a hub for foreign exchange trading in the region. Singapore’s location at the crossroads of major trading routes, coupled with its advanced financial infrastructure, has made it an attractive destination for traders worldwide.

In October, it was announced by The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that the average daily trading volumes (ADTV) for foreign exchange (FX) in Singapore had risen to US$929 billion in 2022, marking an increase of 45% from April 2019. This steady growth helped Singapore to maintain its position as the world’s third-largest FX center, following the UK and the US, with a global FX volume share of 9.5% as of April 2022, up from 7.7% in April 2019. The growth in FX ADTV in Singapore was widespread across major currencies, with the US dollar, Japanese yen, and euro leading the way, with forex trade volume increasing from 39% to 50% in 2022. Following closely behind were the Chinese yuan and the Singapore dollar.

This article explores the best currencies to trade from Singapore, analyzing their performance against each other and providing insights into why they are popular among Singaporean traders.

Top Currencies for Singaporean Traders

The US dollar, euro, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and Singapore dollar are among the best currencies to trade in Singapore. Each of these currencies has unique characteristics and trading patterns, making them ideal for different types of investors.

US Dollar (USD)

https://pixabay.com/id/photos/dolar-mata-uang-uang-dolar-amerika-499481/

The US dollar (USD) is the most widely traded currency in the world, and its influence extends far beyond the United States. The USD is often used as a reserve currency by central banks around the world, and many commodities, such as oil, are priced in dollars. As a result, the USD is one of the most popular currencies for trading from Singapore.

When trading USD from Singapore, traders often pair it with the Singapore dollar (SGD) or other major currencies, such as the euro, Japanese yen, or Australian dollar. The performance of the USD against the SGD and other currencies is closely watched by traders, as it can have a significant impact on their investment portfolios.

In recent years, the USD has experienced highs and lows against the SGD. In 2020, the USD weakened significantly against the SGD due to global economic impacts. However, the USD has since rebounded, and as of March 2023, it is trading at around 1.33 SGD.

Overall, the USD remains a popular currency for trading from Singapore, and its performance against the SGD and other currencies will continue to be closely monitored by traders in the coming years.

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Japan is a major regional economic power with strong trade and investment ties with Singapore, making the JPY an attractive option for traders.

When trading JPY from Singapore, traders often pair it with other major currencies, such as the USD, EUR, or AUD. Traders are drawn to the JPY for several reasons, including its status as a safe-haven currency during global economic uncertainty. Japan’s strong export-oriented economy and the policies of the Bank of Japan also play a role in the JPY’s popularity as a trading currency.

Euro (EUR)

The euro is one of the best currencies to trade in Singapore due to its liquidity, stability, and global relevance. Traders in Singapore can benefit from trading the euro by diversifying their portfolios, managing currency risk, and taking advantage of trading opportunities in the forex market. Additionally, The EUR is a popular choice for traders due to the strong economic ties between the EU and Singapore and the EUR’s status as a reserve currency.

The policies of the European Central Bank also play a role in the EUR’s popularity as a trading currency. The euro is backed by the European Central Bank (ECB), which implements policies to maintain price stability and support economic growth in the eurozone. This makes the euro less prone to sudden fluctuations and provides a sense of security to traders looking for a stable currency to trade.

Australian Dollar (AUD)

The Australian dollar (AUD) is a popular currency for trading from Singapore due to its close economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore. Australia is a major exporter of natural resources, and the AUD is closely tied to commodity prices, making it an attractive option for traders.

The AUD is a commodity currency closely linked to the prices of natural resources such as coal, iron ore, and gold. As Singapore is a major hub for commodity trading in the Asia-Pacific region, traders can use the close correlation between the AUD and commodity prices to make profitable trades. This makes the AUD an attractive currency for traders looking to diversify their portfolios and exploit market opportunities.

Traders can profit from the AUD’s volatility by trading AUD currency pairs such as AUD/USD or AUD/JPY.

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

https://pixabay.com/id/photos/singapura-uang-catatan-mata-uang-1821535/

The Singapore dollar (SGD) is the official currency of Singapore and is a popular currency for trading both domestically and internationally. As one of Asia’s most stable and developed economies, Singapore attracts significant foreign investment, which drives demand for the SGD.

Singapore has a stable political and economic environment, with controlled inflation and a strong financial system, which adds to the attractiveness of the SGD as a currency for trading. Furthermore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) follows a managed float exchange rate regime, which allows for some flexibility in the value of the SGD while maintaining stability. This makes the SGD an attractive currency for forex traders looking for a currency with lower volatility.

The SGD is often used as a proxy for other emerging market currencies in the region, adding to its popularity in forex trading. Overall, the SGD’s stable economy, strong financial system, and flexibility make it a popular currency for trading in Singapore.

 

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Why survivor bias is a major pitfall and how to avoid it

Fooled by the Winners: How Survivor Bias Deceives Us

Survivor bias is a type of cognitive error that can lead to faulty decision-making.

This bias can be dangerous because it can cause us to overlook potential red flags and make poor decisions based on inaccurate information. So how can we avoid it?

Below, we will discuss some ways to minimize the effects of survivor bias and make better decisions based on the information that’s available.

What is survivor bias and how can it affect our thinking?

Survivorship bias occurs when researchers focus on individuals, groups, or cases that have passed some sort of selection process while ignoring those who did not.

In other words, it happens when we place too much weight on the successes and forget about the failures. This is a major pitfall because it can lead us to make mistakes about the world around us.

We might think that a certain strategy or approach is more successful than it is, or that a particular subgroup represents an entire group. It’s important to be aware of survivorship bias and to take steps to avoid it so that we can make sound decisions based on accurate information.

The dangers of assuming success when using survivor bias
analyzing data

Image Credits: analyzingalpha.com

When you’re relying on survivor bias, you’re making the dangerous assumption that everyone who has made it this far must be good.

You’re not considering the possibility that this person’s success may be a one-time fluke, or that they got lucky in some way. This can lead to some pretty bad decision-making.

For example, if you’re hiring for a new position and only consider the candidates who have been successful in their previous roles, you may be overlooking someone who is perfectly suited for the job but has had a few rough patches along the way.

Another common example of survivor bias at work is when investors put all their money into a single stock, based solely on published investment fund return data. This can be a disastrous decision, especially if the company suddenly goes bankrupt.

Practical tips to reduce the risk of making decisions based on survivor bias

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the pitfalls of survivor bias. 

Here are a few practical tips to help reduce the risk of making decisions based on this type of error:

  • Don’t rely on anecdotal evidence.

Survivor bias often leads people to make decisions based on personal experiences or stories they’ve heard from others. However, personal experiences are not always representative of the larger group, so gather data from a variety of sources before coming to any conclusions.

  • Exercise caution when comparing groups.

It’s natural to want to compare different groups and see which one comes out on top. However, this can be a risky move, especially if you’re not taking into account all the factors involved. Always use caution when comparing groups and make sure you’re looking at all relevant facts before drawing any conclusions.

  • Remember that success is not always representative of the entire group.

Just because a particular group or investment has had success, doesn’t mean that every other group or investment is doomed to fail.

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the potential for survivor bias. This is when you make decisions based on the evidence you have in front of you, without taking into account the fact that you might be biased. For example, if you only looked at successful businesses, you would be underestimating the risk of starting your own niche business. This is a major pitfall because it can cause you to make mistakes based on your beliefs. To avoid this, try to look at the evidence from as many different angles as possible. This way, you can make a more informed decision based on a well-rounded point of view.

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Markets are down, time to trade?

2022 has undoubtedly been a tough year for equity markets with global indices such as the S&P 500 down approximately 18% year to date.

A falling market can present interesting situations to different investors, and some would now see the glass as half-full. For instance, they may view cheaper valuations as a safety net that offers a larger margin for error. For investors who are thinking of starting their trading journey now, they can consider exploring with OCBC Securities. A wholly owned subsidiary of OCBC Group, OCBC Securities is a brokerage in Singapore that offers reliable services with transparent upfront fees. Now with their newly revamped iOCBC mobile app that comes packed with a myriad of user-friendly features, an even more seamless investment journey with iOCBC awaits.

Here are 5 new features on iOCBC that can help you spot timely trading opportunities:

1. Intuitive interface throughout the entire trading journey

For those who trade, they will know that every second counts. From the overall look and feel to small thoughtful details, the iOCBC Trade Mobile App is now designed intuitively for traders to trader smoother and faster. To start with, the biometric capabilities allow you to login and submit orders in a flash.

When browsing the markets, their predictive search bar with suggested results can help you to find the security you are looking for quickly, and also show you other similar instruments that are available on the iOCBC platform.

You can then add tickers to your watchlists from various convenient points through the app such as the search results and order ticket. Customise your watchlists to your preferences with collapsible columns to choose what information you want to see upfront or hide, and easily organise your watchlists with the drag-and-drop function.

As a new investor, making your first few trades can be incredibly stressful. With iOCBC, fret not as their trade order form comes with pre-built order validity checks. For newbies, this is very helpful as it will automatically display possible errors upfront by ensuring valid lot size and price range. Seasoned traders will benefit from this as well as it helps to reduce chances of fat-finger errors and also speed up your order placement.

After your orders are placed, tracking them is a breeze as the orders page is cleanly designed with colour coding to easily distinguish between buy and sell orders. Filter your orders by status (active, filled and unsuccessful) and see exactly how each order is filled and at what time with a detailed order log.

2. Gain market insights

The iOCBC mobile app is packed with features to help you spot trading ideas and validate them with your technical analysis. Their professional-grade yet easy-to-use charts powered by TradingView comes with more than 100 Technical Analysis indicators and over 50 smart drawing tools to support you in identifying actionable technical patterns. Investors can also choose to discover new trading ideas effortlessly with iOCBC’s trading tools – Market Statistics, ChartSense and StockReports+. StockReports+ is especially helpful for new investors as reading these reports will help them gain valuable sectoral insights. With in-depth market analysis from industry reports, coupled with charting tools ready at disposal, these could help to elevate trading performances.

3. Manage your portfolio like a professional!

How would one know how well he/she is doing without keeping score? Not to worry, an investor’s portfolio is updated in real-time for timely monitoring as part of holistic portfolio management on the iOCBC mobile app. Amazingly, various types of corporate action events including stock splits, dividends and rights issues are tracked so that the average cost of holdings, realised profit and losses will be adjusted accordingly.

4. Know the fees you pay upfront

Whilst you might have heard of other brokerages having hidden fees that customers may not be aware of, you will be glad to know that OCBC Securities has always been upfront about the fees that it charges to investors. With something as critical as your trading portfolio, you would want to know what you need to pay for and trade with peace of mind.

5. A reliable and secure platform

Lastly, OCBC Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of OCBC Group, and OCBC Bank is consistently ranked among the World’s Top 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance! OCBC Securities offers reliable, secure end-to-end encryption trading and custodises your foreign shares with a renowned global service provider. With more than 35 years of experience in the industry, OCBC Securities has always been a brokerage that priorities their customers’ needs. Customers of OCBC Securities are provided with a dedicated Trading Representative to guide and assist them on their queries and even discuss market ideas. For beginners, this means you will have someone to handhold you to start your trading journey.

Apply for an iOCBC trading account today to get started!


The article is published by MoneyDigest and does not represent OCBC Securities Private Limited (“OSPL”)’s view on the matters mentioned. All views or information expressed or provided in this article belong to and are that of the writers and are for information purposes only. They do not take into account the specific objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should not make any decisions without independently verifying or assessing the contents. No representation or warranty whatsoever (including without limitation any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, usefulness, adequacy, timeliness or completeness) in respect of any information (including without limitation any statement, figures, opinion, view or estimate) provided herein is given by OSPL and it should not be relied upon as such. OSPL does not undertake an obligation to update the information or to correct any inaccuracy that may become apparent at a later time. OSPL shall not be responsible for any loss or damage howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, as a result of any person acting on any information provided herein.

Trading in capital markets products and borrowing to finance the trading transactions (including, but not limited to leveraged trading or gearing) can be very risky, and you may lose all or more than the amount invested or deposited. Where necessary, please seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of any trade or capital markets product taking into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to trade or purchase the capital markets product. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should consider whether the capital markets product is suitable for you. You should consider carefully and exercise caution in making any trading decision whether or not you have received advice from any financial adviser.

 

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MAS Says Dealing in Any Cryptocurrency is Hazardous

To clarify some questions and misconceptions surrounding the collapse of FTX.com, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has recently issued a statement. The Bahamas-based crypto exchange company filed for bankruptcy in the US on Nov 11, 2022 and is said to owe about US$3.1 billion (S$4.26 billion) to its top fifty creditors. Its short reign started last 2019.

In the statement released by MAS last Nov 21, MAS highlighted three key points.

#1: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROTECT LOCAL USERS FROM FTX.COM

Since the company is not licensed under MAS and operates offshore, it is not possible to protect the local users who dealt with the bankruptcy of FTX.com. “MAS has consistently warned about the dangers of dealing with unregulated entities,” the central bank said.

#2: THERE WAS A CLEAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BINANCE.COM AND FTX.COM

To the central bank, there was a clear difference between fellow crypto exchange companies Binance.com and FTX.com. While both companies are not licensed in Singapore, Binance.com was actively soliciting users in Singapore while FTX was not.

“Binance.com in fact went to the extent of offering listings in Singapore dollars and accepted Singapore-specific payment modes such as PayNow and PayLah,” according to the statement released by MAS. Thus, it was placed on the Investor Alert List (IAL).

#3: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIST ALL CRYPTO EXCHANGES ON IAL

Hundreds of such exchanges and thousands of other entities offshore exist so, MAS says that it is not possible to create an exhaustive list of all offshore crypto exchanges in the world on the IAL. The purpose of the IAL is to “warn the public of entities that may be wrongly perceived as being MAS-regulated, especially those which solicit Singapore customers for financial business without the requisite MAS license.”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Users looking to refer to all the MAS-regulated entities should refer to the Financial Institutions Directory. This directory keeps an exhaustive list of such entities. It is important to remember that crypto exchanges can and do fail.

“Even if a crypto exchange is licensed in Singapore, it would be currently only regulated to address money-laundering risks, not to protect investors,” says MAS.

Sources: 1 & 2

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