Comments:
August 2021 sees the first month of 2021 where my portfolio saw a negative MoM return, albeit a small one at -0.1%. While United Global (+3.1%) and United ASEAN (+1.3%) each capped impressive runs in August, it was all negated by the poor performance in China-tech heavy funds such as Principal Greater China (-4.6%) and StashAway (-1.5%) as investors fear the tightening restrictions imposed by Beijing on big-tech.
The United Global (+3.1%) performed well mainly due to Pfizer approval by FDA and also Fed's continued dovish view on tapering of bonds purchases. It did just a hair better than the S&P500 (+2.9%). United ASEAN saw a bit of green (+1.1%) as COVID cases decline in Indonesia and the return of political stability in Malaysia as a new PM has been appointed. In fact, the KLCI saw a rebound of +7.1%, but that is after about 5 months of continuous decline.
Principal Greater China (-4.6%) and StashAway (-1.5%) struggled to keep up as Beijing continues its hold on China big tech players. Even TA Global Tech which remained unchanged (0.0%) did absolutely horrible compared to the XLK ETF (+3.56%). The China-tech holdings in the fund has diminished whatever gains US-tech gave.
The Manulife APAC REITS (-1.9%) suffered some pullback this month as the retail and industrial sector continues to find its footing in this region.
Savings continued to be great (RM2872) as we continue our stay at home and work from home life in Malaysia.
Forward Strategy:
I will continue to Value Cost Average (VCA) into my funds, keeping them at a fixed weightage as follows; United Global Equity (20.0%), StashAway (20.0%), TA Global Tech (20.0%), Principal Greater China (15.0%), United ASEAN (12.5%) and Manulife REITS (12.5%).