Bought some shares to learn trading

After exiting my positions earlier in NKE and ZM, I had a bit of spare US$ lying around which was earmarked as tuition fees to help me learn trading. I have re-initiated trading positions in NKE, MCD and LLY and added an extra $15k to the tuition fee pool because I will probably need to average down.

November Strategy: HK/China and US stocks

 

The current market narrative is that Trump is bad for China and HK listed ETFs have been hit again, with 2800.HK dropping below $20. This amount of fear is attractive to a contrarian investor like myself. I bought 2000 2800.HK @ $19.83. This is in addition to my regular FSMOne RSP.

Separately, I have been accumulating MCD and NKE, two consumer stocks that were hit by short term losses (surely MCD's food poisoning incident doesn't affect the fundamentals?) and some FLCT REIT. I've also been topping up some of my UK stock holdings such as GSK and Pru.

That's a lot of individual stock purchases for someone who has resolved to buy more World ETFs. I should be resuming World ETF purchasing shortly, just that some individual stocks looked cheap and I couldn't resist....

Sold ZM @ $80

 Exited my position in ZM @ $80 for a US$1.7k profit. Doesn't move the needle much on my net worth, more of me trying to learn/practice trading with relatively small amounts but still large enough that it would be annoying to lose the money. 

ZM had a strong run-up recently I guess because of its "AI Assistant"? Anything with AI going up in price?

With companies like Amazon cancelling work from home, better to exit now.

US Post-election rally?

 

I bought more VWRD, VHYD, and NKE earlier this week. I also initiated a small position in McDonalds MCD as I wanted to gain exposure to the consumer sector in case there was a post-election rally. 

Based on what CNBC is saying, there is going to be a post-election rally.  However, it appears that China stocks will go down as market believes that China tariffs are incoming.

As I've said many times, even if US stocks appear expensive, never underestimate the power of the S&P500.

Dividends Collected: Oct 2024

 

Not many dividends paid out in October.

Bought NKE, Pru, GSK

 While the bulk of my buying has been ETFs, I still occasionally dabble in individual stocks.

I reinitiated a small position in NKE, 100 shares under $80, and prepared to average down further as I have high conviction that fair value >$80.

Topped up PRU. I feel Pru is undervalued, having been hit by negative China sentiment.

Topped up GSK. As the price has been flatlining, its an opportunity to continue to accumulate.

2025 Holiday Planning

 

SQ's Annual Time to Fly sale is back for travel period Jan to Sep 2025. I booked two short holidays to Japan and Australia. I was monitoring the pre-sale prices so that I can be 'sure' that the discounts are genuine and they appear to be. SG-Sydney is usually $4.4k but dropped to $3,688 so thats fine. Its an 8 hour flight so its long enough for me to fly Biz. Suites doesn't seem to be part of the sale so not worth it.

I am a regular visitor to Japan but I have never done the "Cherry Blossom" season. For 2025, I have decided to give it a shot with Economy Lite, and will see if I regret it (more people than cherry blossoms?). At least with Krisflyer Gold, I can do priority check-in and security clearance at Osaka KIX, as the economy queues are super long and painful during peak periods.

Remember to set aside some time and funds for 'self-care' activities, such as going on holiday.