The “two cows” analogy is an entertaining way to explain different economic systems using a simple scenario involving cows. This is all in good fun, so do not take it too seriously unless, of course, you are a cow economist. No, this is not an April Fool’s joke! SocialismYou have 2 cows. You give one…
Author: YH Wong
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and happy holidays
Due to a public holiday in Malaysia and Singapore, I will be stepping away from my usual meetings and will resume tomorrow. Today marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, widely known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia and Singapore. Both countries are known for their cultural diversity, with people from various ethnic backgrounds coexisting harmoniously….
Is the customer always right?
I periodically recycle old posts on my blog to ensure that new clients can benefit from valuable content they may have missed and this post is one such example. During a recent family dinner at a restaurant, I found myself an unwilling spectator to a disheartening scene in the VIP dining room nearby. Our table…
Volatility creates opportunity
This morning, some of my colleagues and partners gathered for what can only be described as a lively market debate, part strategy session, part friendly intellectual brawl. With inflation, tariffs, and recession fears driving uncertainty, investors have increasingly shifted toward risk-off assets. The consensus? If markets insist on staying dramatic, we might as well embrace…
Back to school
I have long shared my definition of “inflation” at conferences and webinars that the cost of essentials like housing, healthcare, and education continues to rise, putting increasing financial pressure on individuals and families. While official government data may suggest inflation is under control, the reality is far more concerning. The standard of living for most…
Trade pain and the pain trade
Just wrapped up a partner’s latest weekly report, another insightful read amid these rollercoaster markets. For active investors, the heightened volatility in the coming weeks presents both opportunities and risks. Buckle your seat belts, stay calm and carry on. Here is a section: The so-called “Trump slump” paused for breath last week, and the performance…
Bitcoin and the liquidity cycle
I just finished reading an email update from a partner Down Under, feels like we just spoke because we did, on Zoom, a couple of days ago. Good to see they are always keeping me in the loop either that or they just really enjoy my inbox. For now, I will be busy running simulations…
The protectionist road to Depression
The thought of another Great Depression is enough to make even the most optimistic investor clutch their portfolio a little tighter. Recently, an interesting article packed with charts by the well-respected Edward Yardeni caught my eye. It is a reprint of his September 9, 1985, topical study titled “The Protectionist Road to Depression.” The original…
Survey Monday
Recession risks are back in the spotlight, with a growing number of fund managers, analysts, and strategists sounding the alarm. Higher tariffs are being blamed as the usual suspects and for some, the recent market slump is flashing warning signs of an economic slowdown. Yet, after four consecutive weeks of selling pressure, US equities finally…
How to survive the markets and the people in them
Recently, I had a meeting with a long-time client who has supported my work for over 20 years. This particular client has seen his returns over the years, the result of my team’s hard work. That is why he is still with me after all this time. In our show business, long-term numbers speak louder…