Investors of the Roundtable

Hosted by The Fifth Person

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284

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Join The Fifth Person as we discuss the latest stock market topics in Asia and the U.S. The Fifth Person is an award-winning investment site that focuses on Asian and U.S. equity research. The Fifth Person won best independent investment website at the SGX Orb Awards organised by the Singapore Exchange in 2018 and 2020.

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60 recent

August 26, 202633 min

JB–Singapore RTS Link: Which Singapore REITs Win or Lose?

The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link promises faster, easier cross-border travel—but could it divert Singapore’s retail spending across the Causeway? We examine how the RTS may change shopping habits, which Singapore malls and retail S-REITs could be most exposed, and whether increased spending by Malaysian visitors could offset some of the impact. We take a closer look at Frasers Centrepoint Trust, Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, Starhill Global REIT and Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust—and whether investors should avoid these REITs or view any market weakness as an opportunity. All this and more in our latest episode!00:00 Intro 00:56 RTS 03:53 Impact on SG retail 14:28 Regional impact 16:31 Impact on retail S-REITs 17:21 Frasers Centrepoint Trust 18:33 Lendlease Global Commercial REIT 19:28 CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust 20:11 Starhill Global REIT 20:30 Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust 21:10 Factors to consider 24:16 What to do as an investor 27:42 Sheng Siong

August 22, 20267 min

How to Invest When Everything Feels Uncertain

How should you invest when markets are volatile and uncertainty is high? When prices are swinging sharply and headlines are changing daily, it can be difficult to know whether to buy, sell or simply stay on the sidelines. In this discussion, we break down the key factors investors should consider when evaluating opportunities, managing risk and positioning their portfolios during unpredictable markets. Tune in as we share practical perspectives on staying disciplined, avoiding emotional decisions and investing with greater confidence amid uncertainty. 00:00 Intro 00:57 Key factors 01:22 Business model 05:42 Balance sheet 06:49 Allocation

August 19, 202628 min

KOSPI Crashes 40%: Opportunity or AI Bubble Warning?

The KOSPI more than doubled in 2026 before plunging 40%—but what drove this extraordinary boom-and-bust cycle? We unpack three key factors that fuelled the spectacular rally and magnified the subsequent crash, while examining the role of volatility, investor sentiment and leverage in the market. With KOSPI valuations now significantly lower, is this an attractive buying opportunity, or could the market have further to fall? Finally, we also discuss whether Singapore’s similarly top-heavy Straits Times Index could ever face the same risks and scenario. All this and more in our latest episode!00:00 Intro 01:07 KOSPI rise & fall 04:13 Leveraged ETFs 05:55 Volatility 09:45 Bubble 13:41 Opportunity? 17:41 Allocation 18:15 Semiconductor cycle 19:21 Leverage in the system 23:35 STI concentration

August 12, 202635 min

CDP vs Custody Accounts: Everything Singapore Investors Need to Know

In this roundtable, we revisit the Pan-Electric crisis and explore how it gave rise to Singapore's Central Depository (CDP) and transformed the way investors own and safeguard their shares today. We explore the key differences between CDP versus custody accounts, compare the advantages and safeguards of each, and discuss whether custody accounts could eventually rival CDP. We wrap up by sharing practical guidance on choosing between CDP and custody accounts based on your investing needs. All this and more in our latest episode! 00:00 Intro 01:26 CLOB saga 06:26 Pan-Electric crisis 11:30 Advantages of CDP 15:37 Advantages of custody accounts 20:20 Safeguards 23:32 Will custody accounts match CDP? 26:50 CDP or custody 31:30 Role of SIAS today

August 8, 202616 min

The Biggest Money Myths Singaporeans Still Believe?

In this fireside chat, we explore some of the most common money beliefs Singaporeans grow up with, and whether they actually hold up. From the fear of debt and the role of CPF to popular financial sayings and investing myths, we discuss how these beliefs shape our financial decisions and what investors should consider instead. All this and more in our latest episode! 00:00 Intro 00:44 Debt 04:40 CPF 09:55 Singaporean beliefs

August 5, 202623 min

Are You Underpaid? Singapore's 2026 Salary Data Revealed

How much should you really be earning in Singapore? Using insights from The Straits Times' 2026 Singapore Salary Guide, we dive into the data to uncover salary trends across different professions and discuss what they really mean for your financial journey. But beyond the numbers, we explore bigger questions: Is comparison the thief of joy? Is your income really your financial report card? At what point does earning more stop making a meaningful difference to your happiness? Join us for a thoughtful discussion on salary, money, wealth, and what it truly means to achieve financial success in Singapore. 00:00 Intro 03:35 Comparison 05:43 Balance 09:40 $15K or $8K? 11:05 Net worth 14:52 Luck 16:19 Privilege

July 29, 202630 min

Is This the Best Semiconductor ETF to Buy in 2026?

Is this semiconductor ETF still one of the best ways to invest in the AI revolution, or has the easy money already been made? In this roundtable, we break down the ETF's holdings, performance, and long-term prospects. We discuss whether the semiconductor industry can continue growing as AI adoption accelerates, and examine whether today's valuations still offer attractive long-term investment opportunities. We also explore the biggest risks investors should be aware of, including the industry's cyclical nature, concentration risk, and the factors that could derail the AI investment boom. Whether you're considering adding a semiconductor ETF to your portfolio or wondering if it's still worth increasing your exposure after its strong rally, this episode will help you make a more informed investment decision. All this and more in our latest episode! 00:00 Intro 01:30 ETF holdings 04:19 Industry projections 10:33 Cycles 14:34 Valuation 21:32 Risks

July 22, 202625 min

SPYL vs VWRA: Should You Bet on America or the World?

Should investors concentrate on America’s biggest companies or spread their investments across the world? In this roundtable, we also discuss why the U.S. market has outperformed for so long, whether that dominance can continue, and whether global diversification may offer better protection if market leadership changes. Finally, we explain how investors can choose between an S&P 500 ETF and a global ETF based on their return expectations, risk tolerance, investment horizon, portfolio structure, and retirement goals. All this and more in our latest episode! 00:00 Intro 01:51 MSCI World 04:50 FTSE All-World 05:33 World ETFs 07:06 S&P 500 ETFs 10:17 The case for the U.S. 16:42 U.S. or the world? 17:33 China 20:15 ETF Dojo 23:31 Retirement

July 17, 202610 min

What We're Teaching Kids About Money (And Why It Matters)

How should we teach kids about money in today's world? In this fireside chat, we discuss how different generations view money, the financial lessons we inherit from our parents, and the most important money habits every child should learn. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or simply want to help the next generation build a healthier relationship with money, this conversation offers practical insights that can last a lifetime.00:00 Intro00:29 How different generations view money05:31 Money lessons from parents06:54 Most important money lesson for kids

July 15, 202623 min

Why You Find It So Hard to Cut Your Losses

Why is it so difficult to sell a losing investment, even when you know you probably should? In this episode, we unpack the psychological biases behind why investors struggle to cut their losses, and how they can keep investors holding on long after the facts have changed. More importantly, we discuss practical ways to overcome these mental traps, make more rational investment decisions, and avoid letting emotions dictate your portfolio. All this and more in our latest episode! 00:00 Intro 00:47 Loss aversion 02:02 Suck cost fallacy 06:36 Anchoring bias 11:41 Confirmation bias