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Alvin Soong's Blog

Alvin Soong's Blog
Financial RIsk, Wealth and Insurance Management
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Articles

How to dividing the assets without losing your home in a divorce
2008-03-05 17:38:00
This is useful knowledge esp for the female divorcees as the knowledge helps to protect them in favour. Pls read: DIVORCING couples come under even greater emotional strain when they try to sort out who gets what. Last October, measures were put in place that tilt the balance towards divorced women who would otherwise get little from the sale of the matrimonial home - or could even lose the roof over their heads. Under the revised Central Provident Fund (CPF) rules, retirement funds will be distributed more equitably when coupples split their matrimonial property. In a nutshell, the changes allow CPF assets such as property or unit trusts, or sale proceeds from these assets, to be transferred immediately to the ex-spouse’s account. Most Singaporeans use CPF monies to buy the matrimonial home. In some cases, the husband is more willing to transfer it to his former wife, says lawyer Amolat Singh of Amolat Singh & Partners, especially if she can show she’s entitled t...
More About: Divorce , Home
Survival Tips For A Stormy Stock Market
2008-03-04 17:35:00
When the market’s waters turn choppy and dark, unprepared investors who refuse to change course quickly find themselves capsized and underwater. These bear markets can be difficult for novice and professional investors alike, but there are things individual investors can do to mitigate risk and eke out returns nonetheless. In this article we’ll show you which companies to watch and which to avoid in a down market. We’ll then explore four tips to help investors find diversity and safety in rough seas. Stock s to Watch During trying times retail and institutional investors flock to companies that make or sell simple, easy to understand goods and services. They focus is on basic necessities known as consumer staples: food, clothing and personal hygiene products for example. During market downturns consumer staple companies have fared well historically. After all, people still need to eat, drink and care for themselves. So-called sinful stocks are also popular during a ...
More About: Stock Market , Market , Tips , Stormy
CPF Rates are no longer gauranteed!!
2008-03-03 18:44:00
I have met a few of the policyholders to tell them that the CPF rates are no longer gauranteed. However they have doubts of what we have to say. So I decided to extract the relevant info. for people to look at it: CPF Interest Rates (01 Jan 2008 to 31 Mar 2008) (reviewed quarterly) Ordinary account 2.50% p.a. Special, Medisave & Retirement accounts 4.00% p.a. For Ordinary Account (OA), CPF members receive a market-related interest rate based on the 12-month fixed deposit and month-end savings rates of the major local banks. (not gaurantted) From 1 January 2008, savings in the Special Account, Medisave Account and Retirement Account (SMRA) will be pegged to the 12-month average yield of the 10-year Singapore Government Securities (10YSGS) plus 1%. To help members adjust to the floating (not gaurantted) SMRA interest rate, a 4% floor for the SMRA rate will be maintained for the first two years. In addition, an extra 1% of interest will be paid on the first $60,000 of a member...
Something about how Sub Prime Mortgage Problem arises
2008-03-02 20:19:00
This is something which I received from a banker friend. I am not sure how true it is. It has however some comic relief to it. Do download to see in powerpoint application. sub-prime-expl.pps
More About: Mortgage , Problem , Prime
Questions on 3rd party Life Insurance Policies
2008-03-02 01:28:00
A client asked me the following questions on assignee and assignor for 3rd party Life Insurance Policies (eg. Parent buying for the child): 1. The parent (policyholder) buys vivolife for his child (insured) with Enhanced Waiver, if the parent dies, will the child automatically becomes the policyholder. How does it work? 2. If the policyholder did not vest the policy to the child, and when the child has grown up to say age 35 then the policyholder dies, what happens to the policy? Answer for both questions: Life assured does not automatically become the policyowner. Legally, policy is part of estate of policyholder. Whether to continue with the policies or not will depends on the estate.Usually the administrator of the estate is someone closed to the ph (such as the spouse, parents or siblings). It will continue indefinitely as long as the premiums are paid. The administrator of the estate can also assign the policy to whoever or dissolve the policy and distribute the cash value to ...
More About: Party , Questions , Life Insurance
Dealing with Jaundice Pain and Symptoms
2008-03-01 02:30:00
Treatment of infection like the leptospiral infection has to be carried out with doxycycline like drugs. For this, you need right diagnosis. Exchange transfusion of blood may be carried out in children with high bilirubin. The special blue spectrum of light helps to reduce the bilirubin in children. Fiberoptic  blanket therapy may be used. Post hepatic disorder based  jaundice needs removal of block in bile duct passage by nearby tissue or stone. Usage of drug like stenate is under study in children and it helps to reduce bilirubin. Some times, splenectomy helps to treat the hemolytic jaundice. Chinese herbalist may recommend herbal preparation from herbs like Clementis chinensis. Juice with carrot, beet and cucumber mix help in both prevention and therapy but you need to mix equal amount of water. Essentials of rose oil may help to prevent liver problems. Erythroblastosis fetalis may be prevented by giving gamma globulin called RhoGAM to mother. Usage of paroxetine like drug by p...
More About: Pain , Symptoms
Things you should know about cervical cancer
2008-02-29 01:14:00
1 Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide among women over the age of 15. Breast cancer tops the list. In Singapore, it is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths among women. About 200 women here are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The cancer begins in the cervix - the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina - and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It is not life-threatening if caught early. 2 Cervical cancer usually hits those in their 30s to 50s although there is no age limit to being diagnosed with it. 3 Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV, which is easily transmitted through sexual intercourse or oral sex. Using condoms can cut the risk of transmission. About 50 to 80 per cent of women will acquire a genital HPV infection in their lifetime. In most women, the virus clears up by itself. But in a small number of women, the virus survives for years. It can then convert some cells on the ...
More About: Cervical Cancer , Cancer , Things
Finance Minister response to the roundup on Singapore Budget 2008 changes
2008-02-27 20:02:00
I heard the news on he parliament speech by our Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. I have summarised into 3 Main key points highlighted as below: 1) From 2013, CPF Life will be compulsory for CPF members when they turn 55 - provided they have at least $40,000 in their Minimum Sum. They will get a lifelong payout every month. 2) Government is contributing back from budget surplus of $6.4 billion in aids to the lower income people. Eg. given an expected inflation of between 4.5 and 5.5 percent this year, a two-room household with retirees will see their total spending go up by $650 a year, but they will get around $3,100 from the Budget surplus package and in GST offsets. 3) The GST hike in 2007 was necessary according to Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam as it also enabled the Government to roll out the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, which is a permanent initiative to help low-wage workers. Increasing the GST, said the finance minister, also enabled the Gover...
More About: Singapore , Roundup
Jaundice Symptoms- What You Should Look Out For
2008-02-27 02:20:00
In case of jaundice affected persons, the mucous membranes become more yellowish in color. Yeah. Even the eyes become yellowish. The intensity of yellow color may of course have some variations. If the patients  especially children are with severe jaundice, then intense yellow mucosa may be appreciated in them by pressing the head firmly and releasing the site subsequently. The appetence is highly reduced with them  Increased tiredness and weakness in the routine movements may be seen. If they have severe hepatic disorders, then swelling of liver regions in the abdomen may be noticed and  many times, palpation by the attending medical expert will easily diagnose this or radiographs help the diagnosis. History of heavy drinking may help to support the diagnosis. Diagnosis can be made by examination of components like total and direct and indirect bilirubin level in serum. However, serum protein and albumin level help in addition to liver based iso enzymes towards making diagnosis ...
More About: Symptoms
What is Jaundice?
2008-02-26 02:15:00
Jaundice is a condition caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in an abnormal level and this condition is produced by the increased bilirubin levels in the blood. This may be due to the hepatic or pre hepatic (hemolytic) or post hepatic (obstructive) disorders. The infections affecting liver may end up in jaundice. Pyruvate kinase deficiency may cause this some times. Some times, viral conditions like infectious hepatitis A lead to this. Many times, babies get affected by erythroblastosis fetalis and is caused by incompatible blood group factors. Breast milk jaundice is common among babies of two and three weeks. Severe jaundice may occur in heavy drinkers and in persons who take food in an unlimited manner. Malaria may cause hemolytic type of jaundice and Drugs like levodopa used for Parkinson’s disease lead to jaundice in many countries. Until 2004, hepatitis A was the cause for hepatitis in United States. Infections causes as the one caused by leptospirosis has been doc...
Summary of What you can do with your Budget 2008 regulations on your windfa
2008-02-25 00:02:00
Some of the Budget handouts will help improve the personal finances of individuals: 1. Personal income tax rebate at around 20 per cent rebate capped at $2,000. There is a cap because the rebate is targeted at middle-income taxpayers rather than high earners. 2. STARTED in 2001, the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) offers tax incentives to Singaporeans and foreigners to encourage them to save for retirement outside the Central Provident Fund (CPF) scheme. Before, only employees could contribute to the SRS. Now it was announced during the Budget that employers will also be able to contribute, on behalf of their employees, up to the current cap of $11,475. 3. Singaporeans aged 51 and older will get top-ups of $150 to $450 in their Medisave Accounts, depending on their age. For those below 55 whose Medisave Accounts have already reached the maximum level of $33,500, the top-ups will go into their Special Accounts. 4. You can now enjoy up to $7,000 in tax reliefs when you top up...
More About: Regulations , Summary , 2008
Treatment Optiions for Benign Brain Tumor
2008-02-23 18:39:00
Treatment options available for benign tumor are very negligible. Benign tumor societies are available and from these one can get information about the community and persons affected by benign brain tumor, These activities help the patient to have more self confidence to fight against the problem. Phenytoin and carbamazine help in the control of seizures. But these drugs should be taken based on the prescriptions by a qualified medical person only. Radiation therapy shall be employed carefully and this needs consultation with a specialist, to avoid the over exposure. Surgery may be done in some cases but if the tumor is having metastatic sites in various regions, then caution needs to be taken during such decisions. Gamma knife radiosurgery is useful in difficult form of meningiomas, Chemotherapy using anti tumor drugs may be of helpful but the side effects of these drugs have to be taken care of properly in a systematic manner. Prevention is by means of enriched nutrition and exer...
More About: Treatment , Tumor , Brain
Discover The Symptoms Of Benign Brain Tumors
2008-02-22 18:39:00
The benign brain tumors are generally expected to make no symptoms unlike the case with the malignant ones affecting the brain. Yeah. It is true! But, if this tumor is present in a vital place of the body, the pressurized organ make the deranged functional activities. Hence, the body functions get disturbed accordingly. If the benign brain tumor presses too much the brain tissues, then the controlled functions are highly disturbed. In some cases, even disturbance in the brain may be seen due to the pressurization over the optic nerve areas. Hemangioma type of benign brain tumors may finally result in the development of seizures or convulsions. Similarly, most of the meningiomas are benign type of tumors and in affected persons, muscle weakness and paralysis may occur. Diagnosis is by means of MRI and radiographs. Further, biopsy of the suspected mass helps to confirm the type of tumor. Blood cell studies help in the differential diagnosis of tumors Pneumoencephalography and angiogra...
More About: Brain , Symptoms , Discover
Civil and syariah law in Singapore
2008-02-21 18:59:00
THE strong reaction in the British media and elsewhere to the syariah remarks made during the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’ recent lecture at the Royal Courts of Justice may not be entirely unforeseen. To quote the archbishop himself, ‘what most people think they know of syariah is that it is repressive towards women and wedded to archaic and brutal physical punishments’. It is unfortunate that one key emphasis made by the archbishop was missed by many, in that ‘citizenship in a secular society should not necessitate the abandoning of religious discipline, any more than religious discipline should deprive one of access to liberties secured by the law of the land, to the common benefits of secular citizenship’. Having had the opportunity to listen to Archbishop Williams speak at the Muis (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore ) Distinguished Visitors Programme at the end of last year in Singapore, I wonder how much of what he said was based ...
More About: Civil
How will matrimonial assets be affected when I remarry?
2008-02-20 18:57:00
Q I AM a widower. If I remarry now, will my current assets form part of the matrimonial assets that my new wife will receive in case of a divorce? What about new assets acquired after my marriage to a new wife? Will these be the only assets considered for distribution upon a divorce? A THE answer is that it will depend on a variety of factors. If your assets, excluding the matrimonial home, are acquired as gifts or inheritance, and when these have not been substantially improved during the marriage by either your new spouse or by both of you, then this category of assets will not be open for division by the court in the event of a divorce. On the other hand, if your asset is a property you purchased before the marriage and which you now share and use as a matrimonial home with your new spouse, then it is defined as a matrimonial asset that can be divided upon a divorce. If you have other assets that you bring to the new marriage and where your new spouse or your children in the ...
Benign Brain Tumors : An Overview
2008-02-19 19:36:00
Benign brain tumors are those tumors located in the intracranial regions and these may affect brain structures or meninges or cranial nerves. Even pituitary gland and pineal gland get affected by this. There may be secondary metastasis due to major tumor somewhere in the body. Meningioma, hemangioma, pituitary adenoma etc. are the examples of benign types of brain tumors. These grow slowly. These are not the malignant ones and are generally considered as harmless but are much harmful if located in the vital place. According to central brain tumor registry of United States of America, about 43,800 cases of brain tumor were encountered in the year 2005. About 2000 men and 1500 women get affected every year in UK and mostly this problem is seen in persons aged above 40 years and children below 12 years. More than one thousand and two hundred persons die due to both the benign and malignant brain tumor in country like Australia. The location of the brain is given more significance often...
More About: Brain , Overview
Symptoms and Treatment of Nose Cancer
2008-02-19 18:47:00
Symptoms Ear fullness, which is similar to the sensation in one’s ear as the aeroplane takes off, deafness and ringing in the ear. Nasal obstruction or a blocked nose which fails to clear up. Nose bleeding. Dripping of phlegm and blood from the back of the throat. Sensory or motor paralysis of facial muscles or eye muscle in very advanced cases. Enlargement of the lymph node. This happens when the tumour in the nose spreads to the neck. Eyes can get affected when the cancer spreads upwards. In some cases the cancer can spread both ways - cranial and lymph - and spread to other parts of the body as well. Treatment Surgery to remove the cancer, or radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells. If the tumour is localised, radiotherapy alone can work. If the tumour has spread, a combination of radio and chemotherapy is needed. Radiotherapy is done over a period of 33 days. If chemotherapy is needed, it is administered during the first week and the fifth ...
More About: Cancer , Symptoms
Aviva’s Big e savings plan hit by plunge in interest rates
2008-02-19 01:28:00
PLUMMETING interest rates have forced insurance group Aviva to announce an early redemption for its popular Big e savings plan. This means that all Central Provident Fund (CPF) monies deposited with the plan will be returned to CPF members, and no new money can be put into the plan. The single premium endowment plan, which is targeted at CPF members, guaranteed bigger returns than the prevailing CPF Ordinary Account rate of 2.5 per cent. The year-old plan attracted thousands of investors keen on its initial rate of 3.5 per cent and features such as capital protection and no lock-in period. CPF members preferred Big e’s stable and attractive interest rates and flexibility of withdrawal over the fixed deposits offered by banks. The plan raised more than $50 million in just two months, and continued to attract significant sums in the following months. But as interest rates began falling in the middle of last year, it became increasingly difficult for Aviva to generate enough re...
More About: Interest Rates , Interest , Plan , Rates , Savings
Cost Planning For LIFE - a comment article from the Press.
2008-02-19 01:00:00
CPF Life is just the most basic of provision for your old-age needs. It cannot and will not cover all retirement needs. The following is an article of a Singaporean’s feelings on the new annuity by govt CPF LIFE: See the Video: CPF Life Video —————&mdash ;—————- I WAS sitting in my doctor’s waiting room when the newspaper headline screamed at me: ‘Will you live to be 80?’ It was a front-page report last Wednesday on the Government’s latest plan for reforms to the Central Provident Fund system to help Singaporeans provide for old age, as more people live longer lives. An accompanying table helpfully assured me that, on average, those in my 40-something age group might expect to live another 39 years. So, at 41, I am at the midpoint of my life, with just as much ahead as behind me, I consoled myself, trying to shrug off a mid-afternoon mid-life crisis. It did not make me feel much better, as I ...
More About: Article , Press , Planning , Cost
Key highlights of CPF Life annuity scheme
2008-02-17 18:50:00
* Pls note that this is only for people below 50 years old. What is it? IT GUARANTEES Central Provident Fund (CPF) members monthly payouts from as early as age 65 for as long as they live. The objective is to ensure that members do not outlive their savings due to their longer life expectancy. The new plan, also known as the National Life long Income Scheme or CPF Life, will be integrated with the current CPF Minimum Sum scheme and be operated by the CPF Board. Who is it for? CPF members who hit 50 this year and later will be automatically included in this scheme, which commences in 2013. Those with less than $40,000 in their CPF Retirement Account are excluded, although they can opt in. Also exempted are those with serious medical conditions and those on pensions or have bought approved private annuities. How does it work? WHEN you turn 55, you are required to leave a Minimum Sum in your CPF Retirement Account. The current cap on the Minimum Sum is $99,600, but by 2013, it will...
More About: Highlights , Annuity
A week of articles sources after the Budget 2008
2008-02-17 17:08:00
As there is many government laws and changes in 2008 , followed by the recent changes from Budget 2008. the whole week would be dedicated to discuss on the issues brought up on Budget 2008 and the various sources would be articles from Singapore, the press, internet and various aveues.
More About: Articles , Week , Sources
How To Treat Bacterial Meningitis?
2008-02-17 12:20:00
The treatment of bacterial meningitis often depends on the virulence or pathogenic nature of the concerned organisms. The antibiotic sensitivity test carried out with the cerebrospinal fluid collected for diagnosis of this problem will help in the choosing of the antibiotic in these cases. Third generation cephalosporin like cefotaxime or ceftriaxone are usually preferred ones currently in most cases. Prevention includes maintenance of hygiene related measures by the affected persons or carriers of this problem. If you don’t wash your hands well after defecation, the organisms may enter the body of the new born during handling of baby and meningitis may occur. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for children of six weeks to twelve months age. Similarly, Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is advised for persons aged sixty five and above in USA. Vaccination against childhood meningitis may be tackled with vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines against ...
More About: Treat
Budget 2008 Details
2008-02-16 18:47:00
Singapore has already been affected by this recent rise in global inflation. Inflation was about 2% for 2007 as a whole, but it was much higher and reached 4.4% for December 2007. Overall, we currently expect inflation at 4.5% to 5.5% in 2008 , but with inflation being higher in the first half of the year than the second. - Oil prices have risen by 50% over the last year. Raw food prices at the end of January 2008 had risen by 55% globally, compared to a year ago. - Prices of certain essential items like cooking oil, bread, milk and other dairy products have gone up significantly over the past year. - Commodity prices in general have risen by 31%. All these increases in raw material prices have cascaded down into higher transport costs, more expensive manufactured goods, and costlier consumer foods. We therefore have to brace ourselves for a period of relatively higher inflation globally, which will affect the prices of the goods we import - The GST increase, which has been compen...
More About: Budget , Details
Get to Know the Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms
2008-02-16 16:10:00
The meningitis affected persons reveal reduced movements of the body in addition to the continuing head ache, drowsiness and stupor status. Some times, the stiffness may be seen in the back also. When the pathogenic strain is much virulent in activity, then the affected persons have pyrexia (fever) and weakness. Fever becomes more severe in some cases. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid which is called as CSF helps to rule out the inflammatory changes pertaining to the meninges. Culture of this may reveal the type of bacteria in this. PCR test with this also helps for the confirmation of this disease. In acute type and in tuberculous types, glucose will be low in CSF. However, the hematological examination in the concerned patient further helps in the confirmation of the bacterial agents. The blood picture especially the differential count of white blood corpuscles will show increase in the neutrophil component of total leukocytes. If the meningitis is caused by growths in skull, t...
More About: Symptoms
10 Investment Ideas for volatile year 2008
2008-02-14 21:01:00
1. Stick with Asia and Emerging Markets 2. Bet on Middle East 3. Play with soft comodities and agribusiness theme 4. Profit from climate change 5. Short term on asset reflation 6. Go for Gold 7. Increase exposure to hedge funds 8. Bank on Asia currencies 9. Finding value in inflation-protected bonds and high yields 10. Consider commercial papers By The Edge Singapore 11 Feb 2008
More About: Ideas , Investment , Investment Ideas , Year
Questions and Answers on VivoLife Plan Features
2008-02-14 01:00:00
1. Annuity Option Qn 1: Is the 5% additional cash value guaranteed? The 5% additional cash value is given at the time of conversion. It is not guaranteed. Conversion is subject to the type of plan, terms & conditions, and annuity rates applicable at the time it is exercised. QN 2: Is annuity option available only at age 60? or above age 60? Policyholder can convert the vivolife policy to an annuity anytime from age 60 onwards to enjoy the extra 5% additional cash value. 2. Retrenchment Waiver Qn 1: Can the policyholder notify NTUC Income in advance if he knows that he will be retrenched soon? The PH can only submit the claim when he is retrenched and remain involuntarily unemployed for a continuous period of 3 months. Qn 2: Will the policy be lapsed if the policyholder cannot pay the premium upon retrenchment (during waiting period)? There is a grace period for non-payment, after which the policy will go into APL before it lapses. We will revive the policy upon approval of the c...
More About: Questions , Features , Answers , Questions and Answers , Plan
10 things you need to know about CPF Life
2008-02-13 07:35:00
Workers aged 50 and younger who pay CPF will come under the new annuities scheme that starts in five years’ time in the year 2013 1 How much do I pay? How much do I get? You will pay for your CPF Life premium with your CPF Minimum Sum. You will not have to pay more out of your own pocket. CPF Life is the new name for the annuities scheme. How much premium you pay depends on the annuity you choose. How much income you get monthly depends on how much you have in your Retirement Account at age 55, and on your annuity option. 2 What choices do I have? You will have 12 options to choose from. You can choose the age at which you want to start receiving payouts from your CPF Life. You can ask for your payouts to start at age 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90. For each of these six options, you have a further choice of whether you want your family to receive a refund of the CPF Life premium, should you die early. Once you have made your choice, you cannot change your mind. So if you wa...
More About: Things
Flexible annuities scheme to start in 2013
2008-02-13 06:06:00
Summary: 1. CPF Life annuity starts at default age 80, and gives only fixed payout (without inflation increase). You can start at age 65 earliest. Once timeframe is fixed it cannot be changed. 2. Govt accepts proposals for lifetime retirement income 3. Workers aged 50 and below to be covered 4. NTUC INCOME gives increasing payout (with inflation included) and starts as early as age 60-62. Full details: WORKERS aged 50 and below are set to get a steady retirement income for life under a new annuities scheme to be run by the Central Provident Fund Board. They will have 12 types of annuity plans to choose from, and can decide whether to start their payouts as early as age 65 or as late as age 90. They can also opt to give their families a refund of their annuity premiums if they die early, before they get it all back in monthly payouts. The new scheme is the result of a redesign of the old compulsory annuities plan proposed some six months ago to much public criticism. A committee w...
More About: Start , Flexible , Annuities
Questions and Answers on VivoLife Plan Features
2008-02-12 00:00:00
1. Annuity Option Qn 1: Is the 5% additional cash value guaranteed? The 5% additional cash value is given at the time of conversion. It is not guaranteed. Conversion is subject to the type of plan, terms & conditions, and annuity rates applicable at the time it is exercised. QN 2: Is annuity option available only at age 60? or above age 60? Policyholder can convert the vivolife policy to an annuity anytime from age 60 onwards to enjoy the extra 5% additional cash value. 2. Retrenchment Waiver Qn 1: Can the policyholder notify NTUC Income in advance if he knows that he will be retrenched soon? The PH can only submit the claim when he is retrenched and remain involuntarily unemployed for a continuous period of 3 months. Qn 2: Will the policy be lapsed if the policyholder cannot pay the premium upon retrenchment (during waiting period)? There is a grace period for non-payment, after which the policy will go into APL before it lapses. We will revive the policy upon approval of the c...
More About: Questions , Features , Answers , Questions and Answers , Plan
Budget to target inflation: Economists
2008-02-11 17:31:00
Strong growth last year will let Govt give lower-income group more support THE effects of rising inflation and helping the lower-income group cope with these higher prices are set to be key themes in this Friday’s Budget , say analysts. They say the Budget will be closely watched, given that Singapore is entering a challenging phase fraught with recession risks in the United States, which could drag down the global economy. Global inflation is another key worry, they say. Still, economists and tax experts also believe strong economic growth last year has put Singapore in a position of an overall fiscal surplus instead of the projected deficit of $690 million. They say this will allow the Government to dish out financial help to lower-income earners this year. Experts believe that domestic inflation will rise this year, given the average 20 per cent rise in the annual values of homes last month, hike in taxi fares, and plans to increase Electronic Road Pricing charges and the n...
More About: Inflation , Target , Economists
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