New govt bond, easier ETF access ahead for retail players

Singapore

A NEW type of government bond to be launched soon will offer retail investors a fresh option. Called Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB), it will not penalise early redemption and pays bonus interest when held to maturity.

Josephine Teo, Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, announced on Thursday the new instrument that is aimed at encouraging individuals to save and invest for their long-term financial goals and retirement needs. Speaking at the annual conference of the Investment Management Association of Singapore, she said that SSB was among upcoming initiatives to expand the range of simple, low-cost investment options for individual investors.

Like Singapore Government Securities (SGS), SSB is a safe investment, principal-guaranteed by the government. Mrs Teo noted that current retail partici…