Portfolio returns for Apr 2024 - The Big Reset

I felt it would be good to track the returns regularly since the returns will fluctuate from time to time depending on the stock market.

Here are the movements for this month:

Persistently high inflation put a damper on the cutting of interest rates by the Fed. While there has been talk of 3 rate cuts this year starting in Jun, now this seems not likely. More likely rate cuts will only start in Sep, and there is also the possibility there will be zero rate cuts this year. This caused my stocks, REITs, and bond portfolios to dive. 

For the Robo-Advisors, the situation is the same. Syfe Reit especially took a dive.

Additionally, I think it will be interesting to see the breakdown of my portfolios in percentages. There is a component 'X' which I do not want to disclose for now. The concentration of 'X' over the last month has dropped but is still too high. 

Market events over the last month:

• Due to persistent high inflation, there is a risk rate cuts will not happen until 2025

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/17/wall-street-pushes-out-rate-cut-expectations-sees-risk-of-no-action-until-2025.html

• The situation in the Middle East has escalated with Iran launching drone attacks on Israel. While no casualties were reported, Israel is expected to launch a retaliation. 

• Bitcoin halving is done as of 20 Apr 2024. Time will tell where Bitcoin price goes from here

The retracement in the US stock market is happening now. From a high of 5263, it is now 5005. A drop of 4.9%. Only time will tell how far this drop will go. Technically a correction will only occur when there is a drop of 10% or more from the high. 

Wrapping up my Tenth Month of Financial Independence

I just finished my tenth month of FI (Financial Independence) in Mar 2024.

In my previous post, I explained I don't consider myself 'retired' because I am still working. But I am no longer in a salaried 8.30-6pm job, rather I started my own business after I FI. 

Below is what I ate and did for fun, and a record of my expenses.

Eating

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah. This is the Sabah Vegetable dish. Delicious!

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah. Crabs are a must-have in Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Lu Yang Seafood Restaurant, Sabah.

Arang Restaurant @ Manukan Island

Arang Restaurant @ Manukan Island

Arang Restaurant @ Manukan Island

Arang Restaurant @ Manukan Island

Fun

March school holidays! Went to Sabah! Seriously, I feel Malaysia's attractions and food are punching below their weight. Complete opposite of Singapore's attractions. Singapore attractions are punching above their weight much like everything else about Singapore. 

Our view from Shang-Rila Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Shang-Rila Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Kundasang, Sabah

Anooh Coffee, Kundasang, Sabah

Farmer's market in Kundasang, Sabah

Definitely will come back again and spend more days, even weeks here. I think it offers great hikes and great weather. The mountains of Kundasang feel much cooler than Sunny Singapore. 

Oh yes, I also went to the Harry Potter thing with my kids. It was actually pretty good I feel...better than what I expected. 

Expenses

In terms of expenses, busted some budgets this month but still manageable. 

 

Eating Out Target: $650

Eating Out Actual: $694.81 (Some family dinners)

Household Target: $600

Household Actual: $183.47

Travel Target: $100

Travel Actual: $83.95

Entertainment Target: $50

Entertainment Actual: $54

Personal Target: $250

Personal Actual: $191.64 (made a donation to Gaza relief)

Onwards to the next month of FI!

Dividends for Mar 2024 - Towards 5k a month

Here are my dividends for Mar 2024:

So I collected $2,122.55 in dividends for Mar 2024.

 
In case you are wondering, some stocks are repeated because I have 2 brokerage accounts.

Here are my monthly dividends over the last 6 years:

Here are the dividends I collected every year until the current day:

Interestingly, in 3 years, I have already surpassed my total yearly dividends in 2021. And it is only Mar!

My plan is to first receive $2500, then finally $5000 in dividends every month on average.

Additionally, I share the interest I received from the various banks for the deposits in Mar:

So I collected $526.40 in interest payments this month.

Onwards!