How Covid-19 Affected me

I was supposed to go on a boys' trip with a few of my pals for a couple of weeks in April, then covid-19 struck and the world eventually went into shutdown (at least for tourism sector/ people movement). Within a short span of a month, my office went into full WFH mode, government did a lockdown (except that we can still get essentials) but all outdoor activities had to cease.

Within two weeks, I realized that I wasn't the geeky kid I used to be anymore. I cannot stand long hours of being at home, missed my twice a week basketball sessions, my noisy crowded gym, the local pubs and the feeling of dining out.

I am not too sure if it is due to the sudden and arbitrary shift from a certain office worker's routine to a stayhome worker. Or am I too used to my comfort zone and identity in my daily life. Certainly, being rung up for extra on site duties to keep users safely distanced irked me. Thoughts of "if I am able to retire right now, would it make me much happier knowing the certainty of tomorrow"?

I guess the uncertainty is the part which makes all decisions hard, I dare not begin a new game despite spending more hours at home as I wont know when I will be called up for duty. I dare not commit to a home gym as i wont know when this Covid-19 Situation ends. I prefer the gym I frequent, on saturdays it is not so crowded.

But with every crisis comes opportunities, the sacrifices I made over this period shall endure and become the foundation of my future success. For example, stocks are at multi-year lows, and new biz ideas are being generated constantly. Humans are a tough bunch, and i hope this time we prevail too.

I do hope i get to fly by this December. 

2nd Week of April - Investing in Covid19

I need to keep reminding myself to blog down whatever details I could during this period of investment as I am certain that these would eventually be good learning points for the next crisis. Human memories are short and I probably have only one more chance at accumulation during my productive years. 

Having bought and sold several counters - total cash deployed over this period is about $19,000. 

When news of the Covid19 broke out, I am skeptical of how bad it would be, however to be safe and to ensure that in the event that if there are significant drawdowns which I could trade around I sold some counters which i felt would be dragging my performance, as well as took minor profits. The main goal was not to lock in profits but more to ensure that I have significant warchest. I was at 85% invested in early February. 

Actions taken: 
1) Sold FPL, Ausgroup, Areit, Astera V - Booked total lost of $6.7k from FPL and Ausgroup. Broke even on Astera / Areit

2) Using the cash I quickly made sure to redeploy into counters which I am still holding with stronger convictions - KDC, CRCT, AReit I call this "change horse" tactic. Rider must continue journey but the horse is tired, need to change the ride. Based on their respective drawdowns and projected rebound (to normal situation) and dividend - I foresee that this step is the right choice (time will tell if I made the right decision) 

3) This is the tricky part, another portion of my deployment from existing cash will be used to average down. Gotten Aims Reit, UMS and LL Reit

4) Bought counters at significant discount or for recovery play - Starhill, Ascendas I-Reit

Summary of Week 2 April 

Current state of portfolio is very heavy reits, I am targeting Wilmar / SATS and SMH however these have yet to reach my buy TP. They have shown resilience after the initial dive during early March and gradually recovered to a more palatable pricing. 
I have missed chance to accumulate Wilmar and SATS below $3 due to indecisiveness.. honestly I had a TP but when the moment came so quickly and impactful drop, I reconsidered and held back for couple of days.. then opportunity gone. 

have a plan - STICK TO IT.