STE's Stocks Investing Journey

Time really flies. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming the new year, and now we are already crossing the midway mark of 2026. It is that time of the year again when I sit down, look through the numbers, and do my routine portfolio review. Keeping track of where things stand helps me maintain an honest view of my investment journey, especially now that I am living off this nest egg in retirement. Mid-Year Performance Reflection For the first half of 2026, my (YTD) XIRR stands at 5.28% . Looking at this figure, I can say I am genuinely happy with the results. Let’s be realistic, not every year is going to hand us double-digit gains on a silver platter. Every year behaves differently, and a positive return of over 5% in six months is a steady, respectable outcome that keeps the portfolio moving forward. Watching portfolio returns can sometimes feel exactly like playing with a yo-yo , they just love to swing wildly up and down based on whatever mood the market wakes up in. Earl...

This is my first blog post of 2026, so let me start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year . I hope 2026 will be kind to all of us, with good health, steady income, and returns that are at least as decent as what we experienced in 2025. No need for anything spectacular, just consistent and sensible gains will do. 😊 Before rushing into new plans and ideas for the year ahead, I find it important to pause and properly review the past year. Investing is a long journey, and these yearly check-ins help me stay grounded, remind myself what worked, what didn’t, and what I should not take for granted.   How 2025 Started – Strong Momentum, Then a Reality Check   2025 actually began on a very positive note. The first quarter was strong, and the portfolio continued the good momentum from late 2024 with double-digit returns in the first Qtr. Prices were moving up, dividends were coming in nicely, and on paper, everything looked great. Then April came. The market correction that hit in April...

 Hi ! everyone, it’s time for my September 2025 portfolio and dividend update, as most of my HK/CHN stocks have already announced their 1st half 2025 results by the end of August, and I’m excited to share the latest developments in my investment journey. The markets have been a wild ride this year, with some pleasant surprises and a few sobering reminders of the need for patience. Before diving into the numbers, I want to take a moment to reflect on some timeless wisdom from one of my investment heroes, Howard Marks, whose latest memo, *The Calculus of Value*, offers a masterclass in navigating today’s lofty markets. After that, I’ll break down my portfolio performance, dividend updates, and some thoughts on the road ahead. Let’s get started!     Howard Marks and *The Calculus of Value*: A Lesson in Stock Valuation <Link>   I’ve always admired Howard Marks, the co-founder of Oaktree Capital, for his ability to distil and digest complex market dynamic...