AAPL - Apple Inc

 

iPhone XS manufacturer AAPL

I finally bought AAPL at US$170/share today. I have kept observing this stock for so many years. From before the stock split to US$140 -> US$150 -> US$160 -> US$170.

I had previously vouched not to purchase technology stock due to previous bad experience with Creative Technology stock.

Somehow, this stock trading at 30 times PE is just a galloping horse and the price keeps running up, while brick and mortar stocks are terrible performers.

Other reason I can think of:- Warren Buffet owns AAPL since 2016.

The amount I paid is the price of a iPhone 13 in Singapore. Hence it is not a big amount, but hopefully, this stock will beat inflation and the annual return from S&P 500 (10%). If it can achieve a rate of return of 20%, I would own another iPhone in 5 years time (price without inflation consideration).

Pfizer Vaccine

I had my first dose of Pfizer Vaccine in July 2021. The first dose has side effect. On the same night of the injection, there was chest pain. The chest pain was substantially felt for 3 days. After 3 days, the pain began to subside. But it didn't fully go away. In fact, after 3 months, I still feel slight discomfort.

Due to the chest pain, I was in Hospital for observation, had ECG done that showed my heart was pumping normally, as the fear then was whether myocarditis had set in. During my short stay in hospital, I noticed that there were other patients who had the same chest pain. The questions then wer why was this not massively publicized? And why it happened?

The first answer is probably due to the strategy to encourage a large population to be vaccinated. More publicity of negative side effects would lead to fear among people. As to why it happened, I read that mRNA vaccine creates antibodies as a immune response. As part of the properties of these antibodies, they would attack the virus if found. Concurrently, they would also attack healthy cells, thus causing inflammation. This would likely be the reason why chest pain was felt. 

Not everyone who had taken the vaccine have the same side effect as each body is differently built.

Due to the chest pain, I had to visit a cardiologist and had a Stress Test done on my heart. The Stress Test is to assess whether my hear is functioning properly by increasing the heart rate to 143 bpm. Fortunately, it is healthy. I was given my second dose of my Pfizer Vaccine in November, more than 3 months since the first dose. Other than a slight headache and tiredness on the following day post vaccination, there was no major chest pain. 

The endemic approach would mean that vaccination is a solution to reduce the risk of illness and death due to Covid 19. 

Rotring Rapidograph 0.35

Rotring Rapidograph

The Rotring Rapidograph 0.35 technical pen. I just brought this pen in Singapore, but the ink was all dried up. I have purchased the ink cartridge waiting for delivery. I am interested in this pen due to historical reason. Back in 1980s, probably around 1983, I was working in my Father's office, in Kallang Avenue Industrial Centre, when I noticed this strange pen. As a high school student, I was familiar with ball point pen, pencil and marker. But this pen had unique pen nib that was rigid and it was not a fountain pen. At that time, there was no ink in the cartridge and I had pretty bad impression of the pen performing the function of writing due to its rigid nib. The colour was red. 

Only much later that I realised that it was a Rotring pen, meant for technical drawings.

Fast forwarding 38 years, I managed to buy this Rotring pen. Strangely, it had a "W. Germany' engraved on its pen clip. As we know West Germany was unified with East Germany in 1990, hence, I suspect the pen is from 1980s era, which further reminisces my childhood. The cap requires turning in order to assess the pen nib. It is a fine pen. Loving it especially the deep maroon red.

General Anaesthesia

I went for a surgery yesterday under general anaesthesia(GA) to remove a lump on my body rear.

This was not my first GA surgery as I had a pneumothorax and wisdom tooth removal done under GA.

The standard practice under GA is still the same after all these years:- 1) intravenous injection 2) placing a mask over my nose/mouth and 3) inhaling the GA gas (which has a smell now) 4) knocking out in less than 10 seconds.

The unconscious state under GA has no feeling, no recollection, no dreams, no colours, no sense of time, no meaning, no attachments. Nothing. It just allows me to appreciate what death is about which has equivalent emptiness. Applies to pre-birth. 

Body and mind have no meaning. 

A stark reminder that while life matters, death doesn't. Death has no meaning.

Mars Perseverance Landing

Nasa Mars Lander Perseverance is landing in Mars today after flying for about 6.5 months in space. I wish Nasa all success in the landing mission. Also wish orbiter/lander of other countries that have sent their probe to Mars, China and UAE, a great success in their quest for scientific knowledge.

Looking forward for more photos of planet Mars.  It is significant step for mankind.

SGD $3 Million

 

Water and Wealth from Jewel Changi, Singapore

It is the first day of 2021. By default, the CPF Board (Singapore Retirement Scheme) will distribute its interest for the year 2020 on all accounts within an individual CPF.

After taking into account the CPF monies and all my assets, excluding property, I realise that I have about SGD 3 Million, which is equivalent to US$2.27 Million (base on 1 Jan 21 exchange rate). However, CPF monies are immobile and they are largely for the purpose of retirement.

A part of the wealth comes from US Equity and ETF investments which has recorded its highest level, even though Covid pandemic is spreading across the world. On the other hand, the Singapore Stock market is one of the poorest performer in the world for returns on investment, for year 2020. 

The downside of US Equity and ETF investments is that US dollar has been slipping in value against major currencies of the world, including SGD. (from 1.40 to the current 1.32)

Happy New Year to everyone!