Saturday 30 December 2017

December 2017 Review

December saw my net worth flat, as investment gains and savings were offset by updating the fx rates used on my assets. In particular GBP has strengthened around 5% against USD & HKD since i last updated the rate, so the value of all my HKD & USD assets dropped when translated back to my base currency GBP.

The value of my investment portfolio was flat.  Whilst equities performed strongly, the fx adjustment offset these gains.

Pension unit values were also flat, with valuation increases offset by fx adjustments.

Property income was good. One property remains unoccupied, whilst there have been viewing the market tends to be flat over the holiday period. There's a potentially large maintenance expense currently under discussion which may happen in early 2018.  I'm also looking into additional potential property investments given my growing cash position.

Cash balances were higher with strong income and reasonable expenses considering a lot of travel and the holiday season.   A full 2017 report will follow.


Year to date net worth growth: 20.3%
Year to date savings rate: 67%

Monday 27 November 2017

November 2017 Review

November saw my net worth increase by 1% driven by good income, lower expenses and investment gains

The value of my investment portfolio was fairly flat.  Equities seemed a bit more choppy and some fx swings made it difficult to read underlying performance.  I am considering stepping back into the market in a targeted manner if i see any pockets of value, but it is unlikely to be significant in scale.

Pension unit values were also around 2% higher although there has been some volatility in valuations

Property income was lower than usual but most of that was timing as i've had to close the month-end early.  After quite a lot of maintenance work my one empty property is back on the market with viewings arranged.  I'm considering another property investment in the new year, yields are holding up well and prices seem steady in my target locations.

Cash balances were higher on good income and more typical expenses.  Cash is back above 30% of total assets which is usually an indicator to invest, with property looking more likely than equities at this stage.


Year to date net worth growth: 20.4%
Year to date savings rate: 68%

Sunday 29 October 2017

October 2017 Review

October saw my net worth increase by 1% driven by very strong income and investment gains

The value of my investment portfolio was up over 1% with continues strength in equities markets. There were noticeably more down days in the month, possibly a sign sentiment is turning? I guess we'll see but markets have been remarkably strong this year so a correction seems long overdue.

Pension unit values were also around 1% higher in line with equities performance

Property income was high.  One tenant paid another 6 months rent upfront, 2 others paid on time and my problem tenants in the remaining property have now left.  Once some maintenance issues are addressed this property should be back on the market within a couple of weeks.

Cash balances were higher on strong income although expenses were high. Despite this including some travel expense and another two years of gym membership, underlying expenses were also higher than usual. Something to keep an eye on.


Year to date net worth growth: 19.1%
Year to date savings rate: 68%

Sunday 1 October 2017

September 2017 Review

September saw my net worth increase by 0.8% driven by good income, moderate expenses and a flatter month in the markets.

The value of my investment portfolio was marginally lower, i think this was more to do with fx (strengthening GBP against HKD assets) than the underlying performance of equities

Pension unit values were slightly higher, but not a significant movement

Property income was in line with expectations.  Two tenants paid on time and the eviction of a problem tenant is still rumbling on longer than hoped.  One tenant has just extended for another year, which helps to keep costs down.

Cash balances were higher on strong income and moderate expenses. Cash is creeping above 30% of gross assets again which is usually a sign its time to look at new investment opportunities!


Year to date net worth growth: 17.9%
Year to date savings rate: 70%

Wednesday 30 August 2017

August 2017 Review

August saw my net worth increase by 0.7% driven by good income, moderate expenses and a flatter month in the markets.

The value of my investment portfolio increased close to 2% as equities markets performed well despite some volatility from political and economic events

On the other hand, Pension unit prices were fairly flat.  I suspect the divergence with equities and pension performance in the month is a function of valuation timing and fx fluctuations. I'm trying not to read too much into pension valuations from month to month given access to the funds is probably a long way off in the future!

Property income was in line with expectations.  Two tenants paid on time and the eviction of a problem tenant is still rumbling on longer than hoped.

Cash balances were higher on strong income and moderate expenses. There were some higher than planned travel costs but nothing to be too concerned about.


Year to date net worth growth: 16.9%
Year to date savings rate: 71%