Tea with AK71: Eldershield.

I am quite aware that I am ageing and, once in a while, I am reminded of the fact by other people.

Today, the government reminds me of this same fact by sending me a notice saying that I would be automatically insured under Eldershield come 31 December 2011.

Eldershield? Me? Wow, elder. This is cheerful.

So, being Singaporean, I want to know "how much"?

Annual premium: $174.96, payable till age 65.
Total premium from age 40 to age 65: $4,548.96

Second question, "what are the benefits"?

Benefits: $400 a month payout (maximum lifetime limit of 72 months).
Maximum claimable: S$ 28,800.00
Lifetime coverage.

OK, next question is harder. Do I need this? I mean is this really necessary? Opinions, anyone?

CapitaMalls Asia: Directions, please.

On 15 August, I mentioned that pre-empting a trend reversal did not work out and I ceased buying more shares of CapitaMalls Asia. Then, I used the rebound later in the month to reduce exposure.

On the daily chart, it is interesting to note that the Bollinger Bands are narrowing once more. This reduction in volatility when interpreted together with a rising 20dMA that is on the verge of forming a golden cross with the 50dMA suggests that price is more likely to rise than fall.

In the event that price should go higher, we could see it testing the declining 100dMA and even the downtrend resistance again. These are currently at $1.44 and $1.57 respectively. Gap resistance at $1.40 and $1.55 would have to be overcome first in these two instances.

What if price were to weaken instead? I would wait to see if the low of $1.13 holds up as support, failing which I would want to see if a higher low forms on the MACD. Looking out for a positive divergence? You guessed it.