(21-06-2012, 09:00 AM)KopiKat Wrote: (21-06-2012, 08:37 AM)Jared Seah Wrote: "I guess reading investing books ALONE does not make one an investor"
Knowledge and Competence - same same but different.
http://singaporemanofleisure.blogspot.sg...tence.html
It's not just READ alone but rather, we need to UNDERSTAND, ADAPT and finally APPLY.
The best investment books are written in US context. Many people would just READ and then give the excuse that it's not applicable for Singapore market and not learn anything useful. Most likely, either they don't want to admit (even to themselves) they don't UNDERSTAND or is unable to ADAPT / APPLY (to local context).
IMO, If you start the value investing journey after you have sufficient life and work experiences, it help to "UNDERSTAND" it better, and more confidence to ADAPT / APPLY during practical time.
Value investing is not an entirely different skill/knowledge, compare with other skill/knowledge in life.
The same process is required, hard-work, always asking why and keep an overall view in mind, are key to acquire the skill/knowledge
I had started quite early in year 2000, 12 years ago. But it is just a "hobby" with a minimum investing sum. Strategy then is "follow" what friend recommendations.
. I did not spend much time on it, most of my time was invested in full-time job. The period is a "bull" time for my career, good bonus, promotions and huge pay raise
Return from investment? Success at start, but lose almost all by 2004
The "real" investing started around year 2004 with investments mostly on Unit trusts, while starting to pay attention to financial news and did small analysis. I am lucky to invest in India/China funds then. I am still remember, in a specific period, it is ~10% per month. I need to re-check several time to confirm it is not a mistake.
I did not keep a detail record on the investment but a simple average return. From 2004-2007, my return is approx 6.5%-35% per year. Together with the new money invested, the fund increases very fast.
I started to practice value investing in 2008 during crisis, a simple average return are
2008: -29%
2009: +8%
2010: +11%
2011: -11%
I hope with more knowledge acquired, and sharpen the skill with experience, the return can be better.