BT Money Hacks: Flipping the script on your Q1 investment missteps

Claressa Monteiro
Published Mon, Apr 7, 2025 · 05:00 AM
    • Was Q1 good to you? Can the rest of 2025 be better?
    • Was Q1 good to you? Can the rest of 2025 be better? PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

    If the start to the year hasn’t been filled with investment wins, you’re in for a treat with the latest episode of Money Hacks by The Business Times. Host Howie Lim brings together highly respected investment mavens David Kuo from The Smart Investor, and Hugh Chung from Endowus to dive deep into the biggest investment mistakes of Q1 and how you can turn things around. 

    It is not a secret that the first three months of 2025 has included major news updates that have made markets around the world jittery. Volatility is a terrifying word for many investors, but Kuo and Chung offer a different perspective. 

    Embracing uncertainty

    They argue that market volatility can actually provide opportunities for savvy investors. Kuo emphasises that understanding what you are investing in can make volatility less intimidating and more of a buying opportunity. Instead of being scared of the market’s ups and downs, you’ll learn how to use them to your advantage.

    The episode offers excellent advice on the importance of market diversification. Chung points out that while some markets like Europe are doing well, others are lagging. 

    The power of diversification

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    Diversification helps you mitigate risks and capitalise on the strong performances in different sectors or regions. If you’ve been affected by the ups and downs of a single market, this episode will guide you on how to build a more resilient portfolio.

    Kuo again prides himself consistent in his staunch advocacy of long-term investing. Throughout the episode, he underscores the importance of staying invested and ignoring the ‘noise.’ He advises against trying to time the market and highlights the benefits of dividend investing.

    Investor mistakes and corrections

    The experts discuss common mistakes that investors make, such as overreacting to market volatility and failing to diversify their portfolios. Chung notes that investors often concentrate their investments in certain sectors or regions, which can be risky. The episode provides actionable tips on how to avoid these pitfalls.

    The primary takeaway from the experts is that if you’ve experienced losses in Q1, it’s not the end of the world. Both offer practical advice on how to reassess your portfolio and make better investment decisions moving forward. Chung highlights the importance of setting clear investment goals and aligning your portfolio accordingly.

    Listen now to get invaluable investment advice and turn your Q1 investment mistakes into future successes.

    The Money Hacks podcast offers reliable and engaging conversations with expert insights, actionable advice and a focus on current events. If you have feedback or story ideas for us please email btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

    Look out for the next episode where we discuss whether cash is still king and other cash management strategies.

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    Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

    With David Kuo, founder, The Smart Investor and Hugh Chung, chief investment officer, Endowus

    Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

    Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

    A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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