4 December 2024
Money and Me: Is market concentration any good and should you invest in bonds today?
With the stock market set to continue breaking records, how much of a concern is the increasing weight of mega US stocks in most market capitalization portfolios for investors? Should investors be investing in bonds as yields remain elevated? And after its recent correction, should you be investing in India or China? Michelle Martin puts these questions and more to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend as they discuss how to best position your portfolio for 2025.

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7 November 2024
Money and Me: How to position your investment portfolio for a Trump administration? 
In a whirlwind of action and suspension, Donald Trump has been elected as the new President of the United States, nearly 4 years after leaving office! And markets are fast to react, having witnessed astonishing moves on ‘Trump Trade’ plays across assets ranging from dollars to stocks. But while this signals confidence that a second Trump term will spur economic growth and profits, how might this impact inflation and the US Fed’s interest rate cut trajectory?
Dan Koh speaks with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to find out the winners and losers of Trump’s win, how global markets are reacting to news of a Trump administration, and what it means for the US Fed and their fight against inflation. They also discuss where you can find attractive opportunities in equities that have been lagging amid a recordbreaking rally in the US markets.

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9 October 2024
Money and Me: Navigating China’s Stimulus, US Rate Cuts, and Tech Stocks
Hosted by Michelle Martin today's edition of the show all about markets and investments features guest Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend. Michelle she explores market reactions to China’s post-Golden Week market dip, questioning if recent stimulus measures can rejuvenate a volatile landscape. Cheng Chye Hsern offers insights into how investors should approach China’s rally — bull or bear? Shifting to the US, the Federal Reserve’s major rate cut sparks a discussion on its impact on stocks. Finally, US tech stocks face headwinds this quarter. Discover if it’s time to reduce exposure to tech and pivot to the broader S&P 500.

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3 September 2024
Money and Me: Forget AI. What value stocks should you be looking at today?
Dan Koh is joined by Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providendto discuss why investors aren't satisfied with their recent quarterly earnings results, if the market rally is broadening beyond tech, and what investors need to do to reposition their portfolio ahead of a potential rate cut this September and beyond.

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7 August 2024
Money and Me: Market meltdown and your portfolio
Join Michelle Martin in conversation with her guest, Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend. Global markets faced a severe downturn on Monday, with significant losses from New York to Tokyo. The VIX, Wall Street's "fear gauge," saw a historic spike, indicating heightened market volatility. Japan's Nikkei 225 suffered its biggest drop since 1987, exacerbated by fears of a US economic slowdown. Cheng Chye Hsern analyzes the factors behind these market movements, the implications of high P/E ratios, and potential portfolio strategies for investors amidst the chaos.

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19 July 2024
Money and Me: Small Cap Surge could continue, 3 new CPFIS Funds, and Market Risks
Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investing at Providend, this episode delves into the recent performance of the Russell 2000 small cap index, which has surged 10% since July 8, compared to the flat S&P 500. They discuss factors driving this trend and the potential for further growth in small caps. Michelle and Cheng Chye Hsern explore the concentration risk in the S&P 500 and the Straits Times Index, providing strategies for Singapore investors to mitigate these risks. They also cover the launch of Dimensional Fund Advisors' CPFIS-approved funds and how investors can incorporate these into their portfolios. Lastly, they review the market performance in the first half of 2024 and key events that could impact the second half.

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24 June 2024
Money and Me: What do the ECB Rate Cuts mean for your portfolio? NVIDIA and private equity
Michelle Martin hosts Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend, to discuss the European Central Bank's recent rate cut to 3.75% and the implications for investors. The conversation shifts to Nvidia's market dominance; if NVIDIA stumbles how hard could markets fall? The historical perspective may surprise you! The both discuss navigating credit spreads and what investors need to know to choose between corporate and gov bonds. They also evaluate opportunities in private equity investments.

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24 May 2024
Money and Me: Why have US markets surged? Why do older Singaporeans prefer these stocks?
Michelle Martin and guest Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend. Stocks discuss the healthy showing in May for US markets. They also explore the investment preferences of older vs. younger investors in Singapore, what the MSCI's recent deletions from the Singapore index mean for the five companies involved, and the outlook for emerging markets for the rest of the year.

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11 April 2024
Money and Me: Value stocks 2024 outlook, Food inflation, US interest rate cuts expectations, Growth in energy sector
Is it finally time for value stocks to shine after a mega run in growth stocks, fuelled by AI? Has the market changed its expectations around interest rate cuts by the Fed? And will the energy sector be the dark horse of 2024? Michelle Martin puts these questions and more to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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27 March 2024
Money and Me: Are we in a tech bubble?
With strong gains from mega technology companies pushing the main US equity benchmarks to record highs, does this reflect a tech bubble like the one in 1999? What is the likely direction of the US Fed’s interest rate trajectory? And how should investors prepare their portfolios for a rate-cut environment? Michelle Martin asks Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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27 February 2024
Money and Me: The choice edition - options when indices like the SNP 500 and the Nikkei are soaring and a closer look at growing your CPF-OA funds
What's driving stock markets from the US to Japan and if you wanted to invest in the indices, is Feb 2024 a good time to do so? And what are some ways to think of investing your CPF-OA given the recent changes to the CPF announced in the Budget? Michelle Martin finds out with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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24 January 2024
Money and Me: What is the foolish trade of 2024?
What is emboldening speculation around a dovish US Fed pivot? What would be the smartest way forward for investors, given bets on expected interest rates direction today? What would falling rates mean for SSB and local banks? Michelle Martin speaks with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to break it all down.

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29 December 2023
Money and Me: How and what should you invest in 2024?
Surprises - that's how many might describe the whirlwind of the year that we've had. That said, how did global markets perform in 2023? What lessons can be drawn from this year that we could use to help reframe our investment strategies? And aside from the Magnificent 7, are there any other sectors that are showing signs of recovery?
In the final trading day of 2023, Dan Koh breaks it all down with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend. They also discuss where are interest rates likely to go in 2024 and if the new year is a time for you to be more 'active' to invest successfully.

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9 November 2023
Money and Me: Is it time to stock up in November?
Optimism is flooding back into markets this month! In just the first few trading days, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have clocked in a record string of gains in more than 2 years! So what’s boosting investors’ appetite this month? What does the latest earnings season suggest about the health of the US economy, and how can you strategically integrate AI stocks into your portfolio? Dan Koh breaks it all down with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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23 October 2023
Money and Me: Bond market, stocks, gold and challenges for the rest of 2023
Michelle Martin invitesCheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to discuss some of the challenges markets are expected to face at the tail end of 2023 and what the rise in long term interest rates for government bonds mean for stocks and gold prices.

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19 September 2023
Money and Me: Investment opportunities in China, US vs developed markets, Emerging Markets bright spots
Where can we find Chinese investment opportunities? US vs developed markets, where should you be looking at? And while many top fund managers have fled away from emerging markets amid signs of a potential global crisis, are there any bright spots that investors may have possibly overlooked? Michelle Martin unravels these questions and more with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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7 August 2023
Money and Me: Where are interest rates going and what are the implication of Fitch downgrading US credit?
Why did Fitch decide to cut the US credit rating and what should an investor think about before investing in China given the current economic situation?
Michelle Martin speaks to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to find out more.

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18 July 2023
Money and Me: Why more rate hikes if inflation is weakening?
With US inflation falling to its lowest annual rate in more than two years, can a July rate hike be prevented? Can the US Fed still bring inflation down without pushing the economy into a recession? And what do the US banks’ latest earnings results flash about Wall Street? Michelle Martin unpacks these stories and more with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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16 June 2023
Money and Me: Should you jump in on the latest US market bull run?
How did the overall economic outlook change in light of the US Fed’s latest policy decision? What’s fuelling the confidence of the US stock market even in the face of recession warnings or fresh monetary threats from Jerome Powell?
Dan Koh invites Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to break down the latest market reactions and what investors should make of the recent bull run. They also find out what’s driving interest in Japanese equities of late and how investors here should think about investing in Japan.

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10 May 2023
Money and Me: What the possible slowing of interest rates hikes and a spectre of a short recession in the US means for investors in Singapore
Michelle Martin speaks to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to find out what defensive positions can we take as investors to weather a possible recession and diversify in the next phase of rate hikes.

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11 April 2023
Money and Me: Big Banks worth watching?
Ahead of the US earnings season, analysts are expecting most bank stocks to report lower quarterly earnings given last month’s banking crisis. So what does this mean for us who are invested in this sector? And has the attractiveness of the banking sector changed post-crisis? Find out with Michelle Martin as she asks Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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6 March 2023
Money and Me: Here’s how you can mitigate the impact of inflation and achieve your wealth goals!
Just last week, the 10-year Treasury yield finished Thursday’s trading session above 4% for the first time since November! What’s driving this momentum? Have gold prices bottomed out? And what are alternative assets that investors can look at to hedge against inflation? Find out with Michelle Martin as she speaks to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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14 February 2023
Money and Me: How can an investor assess a portfolio against slowing growth in Singapore?
What does the Ministry of Trade and Industry's latest economic forecast mean for us investors? Can the Singapore dollar continue it’s bull run for the rest of 2023? And where are global investor funds flowing towards and from? Michelle Martin discusses these questions with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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19 January 2023
Money and Me: Key themes driving markets in 2023
Will inflation continue to be the theme that drives market movements this year? And is the bond market poised for a recovery in 2023? Michelle Martin asks Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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2 December 2022
Money and Me: Is having too much fixed income in an investment portfolio bad for you?
It’s not surprising that we’re seeing a strong safe investments like the Singapore Treasury Bills and Singapore Savings Bonds, given the rise of inflation and the possibility of a recession. But are there any risks of having too much fixed income in an investment portfolio?
Find out with Dan Koh as he speaks to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend about some of the factors to consider before adding fixed income investments to our portfolio and how you should be investing in 2023.

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8 November 2022
Money and Me: Where to invest your money in this doom and gloom market?
With the US fed funds rate rising to the highest since 2008, how should we be adjusting our investment strategies in this volatile market? Which corners of the market look undervalued and where should investors be putting their money? Well, on today's episode of Money and Me, Zia-ul Raushan and Dan Koh speak to Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to discuss if stocks have bottomed out and where he sees value in the market.
We also analyse why S-REITs have performed poorly this year and are they still considered a good investment.

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12 October 2022
Money and Me: What you should be doing to ensure returns are above inflation over the long term
October is off to a shaky start after the US market closed off with a miserable 9.3% loss in September - living up to its name as the worst month of trading. So the question remains, what other factors might derail markets aside from the Fed raising interest rates? And how can we ensure that our returns are above inflation over the long term? You definitely don't want to miss this as Michelle Martin tears down the details with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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5 September 2022
Money and Me: Volatility of stock markets in September
Given US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's delivery of a stern commitment Friday to halting inflation, what can we expect from the outlook of interest rates? And is September truly the worst month for investing? Michelle Martin finds out with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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15 August 2022

Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend discuss his read of the NASDAQ entering the bull market. The currency shock has muddled earnings and helped buoy the stock market, but what has been behind the dollar’s weakness? And given that the US yield curve has inverted again, can you investors, take advantage of better short term yields here in Singapore?

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5 July 2022
Money and Me: Should investors consider Singapore Savings Bonds as part of their portfolio now?
Just recently, it was reported that the 10-year average return for the August issue of the Singapore Savings Bond (SSB) has climbed to 3 per cent – the highest level recorded since its inception in October 2015. So what is fuelling this surge in yield prices and should investors in Singapore be considering SSB as part of their portfolio given that yields are more attractive now? Michelle Martin asks Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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7 June 2022
Money and Me: Is this the start of a recovery for US stocks?
Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend find out if US stocks are set for a potential recovery, how inflation might be moderated and if Shanghai's easing of restrictions indicate optimism for Chinese stocks.

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18 May 2022
Money and Me: What is an investor to do facing rising rates, recession risk and dollar strength?
We decipher the Fed's May moves and discuss how an investor can best position for success given the current market situation. Michelle Martin also asks Cheng Chye Hsern to share his inflationary outlook.

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18 April 2022
Money and Me: What tightening monetary policy signals for investors and could mean for you
Joining Michelle Martin is Cheng Chye Hearn, Head of Investment, Providend, who breaks down how the latest move by the MAS to combat inflation affects investors.

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2 March 2022
Money & Me: How the Ukraine conflict will influence markets, portfolios and the Feds’ interest rate hikes
How will the Ukraine conflict shape markets for the short and long term, hit investors’ portfolios and influence the Feds’ interest rate hikes? Michelle Martin gets some insights from Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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9 February 2022
Money & Me: Making sense of the Nasdaq's correction and MAS’ off-cycle tightening
Michelle Martin gets help from Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend to make sense of the Nasdaq's recent market correction, the Feds' increasingly hawkish stance to raise interest rate hikes and the surprise off-cycle tightening move by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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11 January 2022
Money & Me: Will global stocks repeat double-digit gains in 2022? Bond yields losing ground and where to invest outside the S&P 500
Global stocks saw double-digit returns over the last three years... will it see a fourth? Are bond yields still considered safe havens even as they're losing ground? And for investors who feel the S&P is overvalued, could US small caps be the next big thing? Michelle Martin gets some answers from Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

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8 November 2021
Investing in real assets
Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern discuss the importance of real assets in todays environment, connecting megatrends and assessing opportunities in real assets.

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16 August 2021
Money and Me: Fed's Taper Talk, Digital Bonds, Gold Prices & China's regulatory crackdown
Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Provident discuss various topics including if the Fed will taper as soon as expected, digital bonds, gold prices and opportunity costs for investors and China's regulatory crackdown.

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12 July 2021
Money and Me: Recent market pullback, CDL’s outlook. Also, when could investors be compelled to return dividends?
Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend discuss the market pullback, a sectoral outlook Chongqing Sincere's potential red flags for potential scams.

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1 June 2021
Money and Me: Economic moats in investing, Cathie Woods and deflation, earning results and investing in copper
Michelle Martin and Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment at Providend discuss economic moats in investing and the businesses synonymous with this concept, Cathie Woods' outlook for deflation and the potential winners from a deflationary environment, how closely to consider a company's earnings and investing in copper.

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