Re: Investment Options
 

Mm2h is nothing but a long term tourist visa, albeit a rather superior one compared with some others. But the reality is that none of us are Permanent here so keeping all eggs in ringgit is probably not so sensible.

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I agree with BB that keeping substantial funds in MYR is risky.
Malaysia has had trouble with the Ringgit in the past and applied a non-capital outflow during the Asian Financial Crisis. Although the currency has recovered they still do not allow MYR to be traded outside.
I had to exchange my MM2H FD to buy a foreign currency which, fortunately, I planned anyway..... but just imagine being locked-in for some reason and couldn't get your savings out of the country.
Next year, and maybe even earlier, there will be an election...I'd wait to see the outcome before investing substantially in Malaysia.
IMO...The FD and interest is sufficient...unless purchasing property.

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Good points being raised.. In general I think, if you are native of Europe/US/Canada.. keeping majority of your 'long' term investments in the local currencies will benefits you or at least cushion you against sudden fluctuations and long term declines in Emerging Markets.. on the flip side, if you are savvy investor, money can be made in day trading and currency trading in Asia, because of the volatility.

I agree its a long term tourist visa.. but if it is predictably renewable. I dont really care that i cant participate in local politics (I dont pay (direct) local taxes either) and cant work (I dont want to work..and frankly nature of work (in my profession at least (I am an IT Guy) has changed.. i can work remotely from anywhere if i need to).. so what matters most to me is some form of security, ability to have a place of your own (with secure property rights) .. and getting the hell outta of frigid temps and unacceptable cost of living (and current homophobic/xenophobic/isolationist env in USA) that forces you to work like a dawg most of your life just to survive ..

My $0.02

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How did you manage to open accounts in Singapore NeonHippy? Do you have an address there or can anybody open an account there?

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For those not too risk averse it should be noted that, for the first time, Chinese Bonds are for sale on the Hong Kong Bond Market starting today, and will be freely trade-able.

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And what is the advantage of a CIMB Singapore account compared to a CIMB Malaysia account? Guess the interest rate for SGD everywhere is zero.

Of cause I agree that investing in the Ringgit is risky. But Christmas 2004 the exchange rate to the EUR was 5,12. And then the EUR crashed under 4,00 a couple of times. Yes, we all should have put our money in SGD and CHF, but looking behind is not looking forward.

Conclusio: Mix it.

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You don't have to hold SGD in Singapore. The AUD interest rates always used to be more competitive at CIMB Singapore compared with CIMB Malaysia. They operate independently. I used to have a lot of fun and games haggling with CIMB Malaysia quoting them CIMB Singapore rates and more often than not they used to match the rates if you asked them nicely. Not always the case these days though.

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OK, Australia and New Zealand is the only part of the world I don´t have any business with. No stocks, no currency, no interest, nothing.

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Hi Fenella,
In the UK I always used Fidelity International for my investments and when I left the UK they advised me that living in Malaysia I would no longer be able to trade in the UK and suggested their Singapore office. I looked into that and found that it is not possible to trade directly with Fidelity there, you have to go through an agent.it just so happens that HSBC Singapore is an agent.

I contacted HSBC in Singapore and found that in addition to normal banking branches there is an international investor's branch that specialises in accounts for non-residents wishing to invest in Singapore. They sent me the relevant application forms and after what seemed to be ages I eventually got a trading account.

In the UK, funds in other regions were still traded in £ so it was easy but in Singapore they are traded in base currencies. So I ended up with accounts in sterling, US$, Sing$ and € although I don't use them all yet it does give me freedom to chase strong currencies.

There are a few hoops to jump through, FATCA and a Singapore an requirement to show you are an experienced investor but the staff there are quite helpful. If you are interested let me know and I will pm you the contact details for my relationship manager.

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I agree with that. Which explains why I posted on several occasions my preference to keep investments out of Malaysia and only import the amount of money needed for daily expenses in Malaysia.

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You do not need to go that far back in history. Late last year the Malaysian National Bank also suddenly implemented rules which hampered free trade in MYR. Selling MYR was suddenly limited, catching some (foreign) traders by surprise. If I am informed correctly, are those rules not yet lifted, and still in place.

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Sushifan, from a purely selfish perspective I would have to agree with you. And with some insight into which time and date the grim reaper intends to come calling I could plan to enjoy every last sen. But the reality is that some money will get left behind. The wife excepted, my beneficiaries are to be found in UK, Canada and New Zealand. To protect their interests some money needs to be kept in stronger currencies that the ringgit.

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Hi Neon...if you're really concerned I have an account in Canada and I'll volunteer to look after it if you'd like to deposit with me.
Just tell me the amount you wish to remit so I can advise my banker I'm going to be rich......and need a collateral loan based on my fixed deposit....:rofl:

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Get in the line Davita...:)
Neon my mattress offers excellent protection (I sleep on it everyday... I know if any moneys are missing)...Send ME you money :)

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What do you need Neon's hard earned money for...you're 53, retired and already rich.
Poor me, age 80, and on a diminished UK pension is in need.....I would like a new yacht.
Ok! Ok! maybe, as you started the thread...we can go halves....:nod: