S2E49: Investors are buying into the US market in droves: here's what you need to know to not get burned

The US market is exciting, but it can also be dangerous for young investors. The US market has been on a tear, but it is also littered with pitfalls for unsuspecting new investors.  Should we stock pick or just buy the S&P 500? And what about new IPOs like Space X? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to explore the US market without getting burnt.  Her guests are Sheryl Choong, Head of Client Advisory Singapore at Endowus and Afdhal Rahman, OCBC executive director of wealth advisory. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:12 Should I just invest in the S&P 500?  7:13 What percentage of my portfolio should be in the US?  10:30 S&P 500 vs Nasdaq vs Dow Jones   12:00 How to start investing in the US  15:45 Getting into popular new US IPOs   18:30 Lump sum investing vs regular investing  23:20 Dealing with exchange rates  Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Hosts: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Natasha Liew Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you reveal your salary to your colleagues? What to do if you are underpaid? In this episode, ST’s own manpower correspondent Sharon Salim talks about navigating conversations around salary transparency and how being too transparent can affect workplace dynamics. Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss transparency being crucial to benchmarking against peers in the same industry, and whether firms discourage employees from salary transparency to maintain an advantage in salary negotiations. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00: Intro 3:55 Utilising salary guides & public sector disparity 7:58 The impact on workplace dynamics 11:52 Downsides of transparency 15:34 Job interviews to check “market rate” 19:59 Is sharing your salary against rules 23:29 Negotiating a pay raise 27:42 Track your monthly career milestones Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) and Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Eden Soh, Fa’izah Sani and Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking to friends about money can be sensitive, here’s how to navigate it.  Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Friendships may be priceless, but money talk often crops up among friends - who owes who money, choosing dinner locations, trying to budget for travel together.  But how can we talk openly about money without breaking friendships? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan and See Kai Wen talk about how to navigate this issue.  Their guest is Vivienne Ong from MoneyOwl.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:49 How will it affect the friend group if everyone knows each other’s pay?  7:43 People pleasing vs guarding your own finances  10:56 Money talk when travelling with friends  18:00 Can owing money break a friendship  23:29 Taking emotions out of the equation   24:50 Expensive weddings and hongbao  29:26 How to approach the money convo Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Hosts: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) and See Kai Wen ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Natasha Liew Executive producers: Elizabeth Law Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Job hopping: Career suicide or a way to learn what works for you? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, Annabel Lim, Business & Reputation Director at communications firm We. Communications shares how she built her career by cycling through 7 full-time jobs. She talks about how each change gave her a different perspective or skill that cumulated in her current role, and why “job-hopping” isn't necessarily a red flag in CVs.  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann, who have worked in two jobs and one job respectively, also discussed how long a person should hold their job before making a switch and how to tell when a role no longer works for you. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Job hopping: Is it a bad thing? 6:56 Is there a minimum time one has to stay at a job? 9:45 Rage quitting 13:28 Is company loyalty worth anything? 20:40 Push factors at work 29:52 The urge to quit: just a phase or deeper problem? 34:31 Advice for those thinking of changing careers Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Hosts: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) and Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Natasha Liew Executive producers: Elizabeth Law Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does buy low, sell high work in today’s volatile market? Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Everybody wants to be a Warren Buffett - to buy when the market dips and sell when it soars again.  But is this a good investment strategy for everyone? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at whether to go all in when the market dips.  Her guests are Arpit Agal from Syfe and Chua Inn Chong from PhillipCapital.  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:20 Why did the market dip in June?   2:49 To be or not to be Warren Buffett?  4:33 Can you actually time the market?  13:55 ETFs vs stocks  16:00 Are market swings bigger now than before?  18:00 The gurus’ investing strategies  21:25 SpaceX and hype investing Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Elizabeth Law and Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Singaporeans too rigid to be funny? How to take ourselves less seriously to overcome stress. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, theatrical clown and actor Shanice Stanislaus shares with host See Kai Wen about how thinking and acting like a clown can help navigate high-pressure environments. The “Clown Mentality” includes having the audacity to dream and try, never afraid of failing and finding ways to add whimsy into your life. We all have a little clown in our pockets. Shanice also speaks about her journey as one of the only few professional clowns in Singapore, her award-winning clown shows, and how she helps Singaporeans find their “funny” in her workshops.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 What is clowning? 02:58 Are Singaporeans too uptight to be funny? 07:11 Why we need to learn how to fail 10:51 Comedy is truth and pain wrapped nicely 15:33 Using humour to break the ice in work situations 21:55 How to find your inner clown and humour 25:47 Adopting a “Clown Mentality” 27:51 Shanice’s experience performing as a clown overseas Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Host: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Elizabeth Law and Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech still holds long-term promise but choose companies carefully based on their fundamentals. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Talk of an AI bubble has been brewing for some time, with many asking when it will burst.  But young investors still want to get in on the tech wave and buy into a sector that has great growth potential. In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at which tech stocks show promise in a mature AI era. Her guests are DBS Bank head of equity and fixed income Subhra Chatterjee and StashAway head of investment advisory Mark Yeo. Highlights (click/tap above): 3:00 Tech is still an integral investment theme   6:00 What is the AI bubble 12:00 Should you still buy the MAG7 17:00 How to fit tech into your portfolio 21:00 SGX or Nasdaq or some other market entirely 31:00 What is dollar-cost averaging? 34:00 Different ways to diversify your portfolio Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Elizabeth Law and Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feel like you are not enough? Learn how to become your ideal self by acting as if you already are. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, Singapore theatre actor and musician Andrew Marko shares with host See Kai Wen about how the “Act As If” theory relates to his self-growth. “Act As If” is a three-part technique that requires people to act as if they are already the ideal version of themselves, even when they are not there yet. The process includes visualisation and taking small, actionable steps towards a goal. Besides opening up about his weight loss journey, Andrew also gets real about his experience as an actor and how he learned to “be in the moment” by playing a character on the autism spectrum.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction to the “Act As If” theory 2:00 Psychology behind being an actor 6:10 Feelings of inadequacy and facing your inner critic 12:35 How to apply the “Act As If” theory to your life 16:11 Defining the most successful version of yourself 19:15 Andrew’s weight loss journey 25:35 Why being present is important 30:30 Embracing uncomfortable growth Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Host: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Elizabeth Law and Joanna Seow Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surviving on vibes and hard work? What it's like working as a freelance artist overseas. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. How does a Singaporean make her way onto London’s glittering West End? Nathania Ong made her mark by playing well-loved characters like Eponine in Les Miserables and Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton, putting Singapore on the world theatre map.  But how did it happen and what does the life of a freelance artist overseas look like? In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the realities and joys of working in the arts.  Her guest is musical theatre actress Nathania Ong.  Highlights (click/tap above): 3:12 Being initially rejected from every drama school  6:39 Nathania’s West End debut  10:54 Deciding to be an actress  18:00 Realities of working in London  22:13 Advice to anyone aspiring to be an actor    26:23 What’s next for Nathania  Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producers: Joanna Seow and Elizabeth Law Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get a peek into the workings of the viral community choir and unpack the importance of finding your tribe. Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. In this episode, Singaporean musician Aarika Lee tells host See Kai Wen her inspiration and journey in starting the viral community choir Sing Song Social Club. Through the choir’s inclusivity, people from all walks of life and ages - ranging from four to 90 years of age - come to sing together. No auditions are needed to join the sessions, which have grown from 30 to 400 participants in less than two years.  Aarika also talks about why having a community is so important and discusses parallels between the science of trees and the psychological need of humans to feel a sense of belonging. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 What is the Sing Song Social Club (SSSC)? 5:30 Role of communities and how Aarika keeps SSSC safe 8:40 How the science of trees explains our need for community 15:40 Independence vs interdependence 20:50 Disagreements in SSSC? 23:50 How Aarika started SSSC, and the roles of the other founding members 29:50 Advice for those who want to find or start their own community 36:03 Aarika plays “This or That” Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Host: See Kai Wen ([email protected]) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew Executive producers: Danson Cheong and Joanna Seow Editorial producer: Elizabeth Law Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: [email protected] Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/theusualplacepodcast --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.