Interview with Kennynah
Background
a) Formerly in the Info Communications and Telecoms and Government Defence sectors
b) Currently, specializing in Human Resources Headhunting (so, PM me, if you want to discuss career opportunities )
c) Invests mainly in US Equities and Derivatives
InvestIdeas: How long have you been investing / trading ?
Kennynah: I started my trading adventure in 1988. With a small pooled capital among school mates, I was “volunteered” to trade the commodities market, specifically Pork Bellies. The only primary extra-curricula lesson we all learned, was that the “brokerage firm” was not to be trusted.
It dawned on us that our orders were very likely rigged. There was no way to be certain that our orders were filled until after market had moved. Inevitably, our orders were “filled” when it became losing positions but not when it registered profits. It wasn’t an “investment” per se. It was pure gambling, for none of us knew better then. The only thing we knew was that we traded pigs. The reality was that we were the pigs, and got slaughtered.
In the early 90s, I dabbled in Singapore and CLOB shares. It didn’t go too well either, for I lacked the necessary education and knowledge about trading and investing. My formal education was in Computing Science, that offered a mere semester on Financial Accounting, a minor module.
And so, for almost 10 years, I mugged around, getting in and out of the stock market. Mainly due to the need to focus on my career, I did not spend too much effort learning the tricks of trading. Fortunately, some of the dividend paying “long term” stocks cushioned the losses. Overall, the cost of my endeavour was not too high.
Then by the turn of the century, I began what most would consider, an awakening into the world of equities and derivatives investment. I spent considerable amount of time reading veraciously materials pertaining to investment, which led me to better comprehend Fundamental and Technical Analysis. Till today, I consider constant reading a key factor to trading success.
InvestIdeas: What are your investment vehicles ?
Kennynah: Right now, I invest/trade mainly the US equities and derivatives. In early 2000, I invested in a modest property that generates rental yield. I used to, but no longer, participate in FCFD. The slippages in bid/ask by the banks are highly disadvantageous to a small investor like myself.
InvestIdeas: Why choose the US markets over SGX or HKSE ?
Kennynah: It is a matter of preference. Perhaps, it is my past experiences trading the SGX market that unconsciously deters me from a lesser liquid and lower capped market.
As for my lack of interest in HK market, I suppose, it could be that I could never quite remember all the digits associated with HK stocks. Knowing myself, I would gravitate towards any counters that had “8″ in them and avoided those with “666″ or “4″. That would not be a very wise move.
Jest aside, the US Exchanges remain the most liquid and highest capped exchanges. The possibility of manipulation is thus highly unlikely.
InvestIdeas: What has been your best investment so far?
Kennynah: In my financial education and time spent with family and dear friends.
InvestIdeas: What has been your worst investment?
Kennynah: Investing in some Singapore based company stocks
InvestIdeas: What advice do you have for a young/newbie who is just starting out ? ( in both Investment and on his life’s journey ? )
Kennynah: Read wisely and widely, listen more intently, observe with the mind, touch caringly, excel in one or more primary skillsets, speak concisely, stay healthy, understand and practice humility, try to be happy always
Continue reading at the forum to find out more about his interests in Japanese Candlesticks, Option Strategies and more.
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