Inflation in April 2009

Inflation for April 2009, rises 3% compared to April 2009, though it had fallen compared to March's 3.5%. And the items that rise the most: Food and Non-alcoholic drink, which increased by 7.5%, while non-food increased by 0.9%.

So, we can see that even financial crisis can't stop inflation! As long as the demand is there, prices will keep on rising, and the value of your savings in Fixed Income will continue to shrink!

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20090520171101/Article/index_html

Why you shouldn't put your money in Fixed Deposit now!!!

The obvious reason why you shouldn't put your money in the Fixed Deposit now!


1) Damansara Heights Bungalow1960's: RM40,000
Today: RM3,000,000
Compounded Annual Rate: 11.71%

2) Popular Vehicle
1960's: 1.2 litre Datsun 1200
Cost: RM7,000

Today: 1.3 litre Perodua Myvi
Cost: RM43,000

Compounded Annual Rate: 4.76%

3) A Cup of Coffee
1960's: RM0.15
Today: RM1.20 to RM1.50
Compounded Annual Rate: 4.71%

4) Arrow's T-Shirt
1960's: RM10.00
Today: RM90.00
Compounded Annual Rate: 5.80%

5) Civil Servant's Salary
1960's: RM100 to RM150
Today: RM2,000
Compounded Annual Rate: 6.87%

I haven't check out what is the lastest FD rate now, but surely it's lower than the 3.5% before the Bank Negara cut the rate. And all these examples have a higher annual compounded rate of 3.5%.

Source:
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/18/business/3695447&sec=business

Public Select Alpha-30 Fund

On the 7th of April, 2009, Public Mutual launched their first fund for 2009, Public Select Alpha-30 Fund. It has been quite some time since they last launch a new fund, obviously due to the worsening financial crisis in the US.

So what is the focus of this fund?

- As the name suggests, it will invest in up to a maximum of 30 stocks primarily listed on Bursa Malaysia.

- To diversify its investments, the Fund may invest in selected foreign markets which include Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and other markets.

- equity fund that seeks to achieve capital growth

Nature of the fund: Aggressive risk-reward temperament

Issue price: RM 0.25

During the offer period between 7 April to 27 April 2009, a service charge of up to 5.00% will be charged. After the offer period, service charge of up 5.50% will be charged.

Distributions for financial year ending 31 March 2009

Public Mutual will be declaring distributions its funds for the financial year ending 31 March 2009.

Distributions will be applicable to unit holders of Public Aggressive Growth Fund (PAGF) and Public Regular Savings Fund (PRSF) who remains in the Register as at 31 March 2009.

The rate of distributions will be as below:

PAGF 5.00 sen

PRSF 3.50 sen

The continuous declaration of distributions of Public Mutual funds during this tough times is a sign of its strength in the unit trust industry

Tips to help newly-employed graduates to build a secure nest egg

1) Open a financial freedom account and deposit 10% of your monthly salary there every month.

2) Keep proper records of spending to monitor.

3) Set a monthly expenditure budget and compare that with the actual amount spent. There are free software in the market that can be used.

4) Buy a medical card to protect against hospitalisation and surgical cost if the cover from the employer is inadequate.

5) Create an emergency fund for rainy days; put this money in fixed deposit or money market fund. The amount should be around 3 to 6 months of monthly mandatory expenses.

6) If you really need to use the credit card, pay them in full by end-month. A credit card should be treated like a form of payment, not extra money.

Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/28/business/3558733&sec=business

Inflation never stop!

Think you can escape from inflation during the economic crisis? NO is the answer
Below are the headline from The Star

"February inflation rate rises


MALAYSIA’S inflation rate in February increased to 3.7% from a year earlier.

When compared with the previous month, it increased by 0.2%."

Full article here