A Beginner's Guide to Investing in Singapore: Diversification, Asset Allocation and Dollar-Cost Averaging

Understanding Investment Options in Singapore

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are professionally managed investment products that provide diversification across a mix of asset classes. These funds can offer higher returns compared to fixed deposits or bonds, but they also carry greater risks. Because a fund manager analyses and manages these products, they come with management fees that can reduce your overall returns.

With higher-risk investments, there is a genuine possibility of experiencing losses. Your returns are not guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand the product and its associated risks before committing your money. Mutual funds and ETFs are ideal for investors with a long investment horizon who are looking to grow their money at a higher rate compared to fixed deposits and bonds. Mutual funds are also well-suited for those who prefer a hands-off approach to investing, as a professional firm manages the investments on their behalf.

Investing in Gold and Diversification

Gold has been traded for thousands of years and has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by its sharp rise in price. In Singapore, you can invest in gold by buying physical gold bars or coins, trading gold ETFs, or investing through gold mutual funds or unit trusts.

Unlike stocks and bonds, whose prices are largely determined by the performance of a company or government, the price of gold is shaped by economic conditions such as periods of financial uncertainty or geopolitical stress. Traditionally, gold is held by investors looking to diversify their portfolios and as a hedge against inflation. While it is widely regarded as a safe-haven asset, it is not entirely risk-free.

Dollar-Cost Averaging and New Investment Schemes

Dollar-cost averaging is an investment strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. While the term itself is not elaborated in detail here, it is a common approach for long-term investors. The CPF Board will work with commercial product providers to offer simplified, low-cost, and diversified life-cycle investment products under a new scheme. This new scheme caters to long-term investors who are willing to take some risk for potentially higher returns but may have less expertise in navigating the CPFIS offerings or prefer not to actively manage their investments.