This week has been rather quiet.

There are a few guides collated to help navigate your 2024 personal finance journey. First, on inflation, not just the concept but how to tackle it. Followed by a tailored Singaporean roadmap from birth to death.

For investment-related updates, we look at some options that may be worth considering, including China stocks as well as fixed deposits (and others under the CPF investment scheme). There's also a new Association in town for those interested in Sustainable Finance.

Lastly, there's some movement in the Islamic Finance scene in Malaysia. Maybank launched the first Shariah-compliant portfolio financing, and UOB Malaysia established an RM5 billion Islamic debt programme. UOB Malaysia's Tier 2 Sukuk Wakalah was also oversubscribed.

Singapore: Managing Inflation, personal finance, housing

1. Latest Inflation Rate in Singapore (2024): Rising Consumer Prices & What You Can Do About It [Seedly]: You've probably heard everyone around you complaining about inflation recently. But what is it and how does it affect you? And more importantly, how can you 'beat' inflation through these 5 tips? You can learn more through this comprehensive article that explains the concept and background.
2. Singaporeans’ Roadmap: Key Personal Financial Schemes And The Decisions You Have To Make At Every Age In Singapore [D&S]: Won't life be easier if you knew every single personal finance milestone ahead? Well, thanks to Dollars and Sense, now you know! It is rather detailed - from the moment you're born, (receiving your Medisave and MediShield) to retirement and living past 99 years old. This is a good starter guide, you will have more to add on for your own unique journey.
3. HDB resale prices rise 4.9% in 2023, lowest increase since 0.1% rise in 2019 [ST]: HDB resale flat prices in Singapore rose 4.9% in 2023, the slowest increase since 2019. This was due to subdued demand, higher interest rates, and inflation concerns. Fewer buyers paid cash over valuation in 2023. Prices rose most in Punggol, Woodlands, Sengkang, Yishun, and Tampines. Analysts predict modest price growth in 2024, between 3% and 6%.

Invest: China stocks, CPF, and sustainable finance?

1. China stocks: To dodge or dive into? [ST]: Trading strategist at OCBC, Samuel Wong, shares that while 2023 was rough, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. China has introduced various measures to boost its stock market and economy. Samuel noted that long-term valuation investors willing to look beyond short-term market fluctuations may consider the China market. However, if you prefer predictable investible conditions, then China stocks may not be such a good choice.
2. What you need to know about placing your CPF savings in a fixed deposit [CNA]: How can you maximise the growth of your CPF with new options (such as Maybank's fixed deposit) available? This article reminds investors that they should consider their risk appetite and investment time horizon before making any decisions. For example, Maybank offers a fixed deposit rate of 2.9% per annum, and CPF OA already earns 2.5% interest. You have to take into account the CPF interest that is lost, as well as one-time and recurring fees paid to the bank. So is it worthwhile? The author also gave alternatives such as T-bills, unit trusts, ILP, funds, and shares approved under the CPF investment scheme.
3. Investors must 'work harder' with climate change, higher inflation affecting 30-year forecasts: Schroders [TES]: Schroders' 30-year return forecasts highlighted the impact of climate change and higher inflation. Furthermore, equity investors must work harder as cash and sovereign bonds may be more attractive. Nonetheless, over the next 30 years, emerging market equities investors may still be rewarded for taking more risk.
4. New association in Singapore to focus on developing talent, industry standards in sustainable finance [CNA]: Singapore Sustainable Finance Association (SSFA) has been launched to develop Singapore as a leading global centre for sustainable finance. It focuses on 3 areas: talent development, industry standards, and financing solutions.

Islamic Finance in Malaysia

1. Maybank Islamic first to unveil Shariah-compliant portfolio financing [NST]: Maybank Islamic is the first Islamic bank in Singapore to offer a Shariah-compliant portfolio financing solution. The solution is based on Islamic principles and ethics, and empowers customers to "optimise the value of their assets". The solution is designed to meet the growing demand for Shariah-compliant investment options.
2. UOB establishes RM5 bil Islamic debt programme in Malaysia [TES]: UOB Malaysia launched its inaugural Islamic debt programme which will allow up to RM5 billion to be raised under Shariah principles. UOB also issued its first Islamic debt a RM500 million Tier 2 Sukuk Wakalah. The debt offering was oversubscribed and priced at 4.01% per annum. UOB Malaysia is confident the programme will be successful due to strong investor demand.

RizqX's Savvy Muslim Guide is a weekly newsletter on LinkedIn.

We want to help fellow Muslims in Singapore be financially savvy by providing a comprehensive view of the latest happenings that will impact wallets. Of course, we have a sprinkle of Islamic values curated by fellow Muslim investors.

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