The stock market has declined a fair bit in the last three months. For a while, there was some panic. Even now, there is probably a lingering sense of unease in the air.
We must know what to do when presented with a situation. Knowing what to do depends on our own set of circumstances and also motivations.
Recently, a reader asked me if she should sell a stock which she said she bought at a much higher price some time ago.
I asked her to consider if she would buy that stock now at the current price if she didn't buy it at a much higher price earlier.
We want to buy at a price we would not sell at and to sell at a price we would not buy at.
In the last three months, in the S-REIT space, I added IREIT Global to my portfolio as its unit price declined. I like the properties the REIT holds but I thought its IPO price unattractive.
To own freehold office buildings in Germany, arguably the strongest economy in Europe, is an attractive idea. At the current unit price, an 8% distribution yield is achievable.
IREIT Global's relatively high gearing level and the weak Euro are pertinent concerns.
However, IREIT Global's loans are in Euros. So, they do have a natural currency hedge. This is unlike LMIR's situation.
My reasoning here is really similar to my earlier reasoning on how we shouldn't see much more weakness in the JPY against the S$ when considering whether to invest in Saizen REIT or Croesus Retail Trust.
I also added to my long position in Soilbuild REIT at the end of August, paying 75c per unit, having avoided adding to my position as the REIT's unit price rose to the mid 80s earlier.
I like the fact that the REIT benefits from the shifting of certain commercial activities from office buildings to business parks which form a relatively big percentage of its assets.
We must stay realistic. Remember that S-REITs' unit prices could come under pressure in the short term. What is short term? Maybe, the next one or two years.
Many S-REITs' unit prices have already declined somewhat in recent months. This is probably in response to interest rates which have risen because the S$ has weakened quite significantly against the US$.
To be sure, there is really no need to be pessimistic. S-REITs remain relevant tools for income investors. They are not going to go kaput. We should try to stay pragmatic.
How much? Oh, sorry, I have been rambling.
Total income from S-REITs for first 9 months in 2015: S$73,139.35.
This works out to be S$8,126.59 per month.
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