UOB bank
Given the looming uncertainty, staying on course with your investment plans is key to ensuring you will be able to meet your long-term financial goals.
The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left the global economy reeling. For some countries, national borders have closed and people have been asked to stay home indefinitely, which has caused an unprecedented impact to the lives of many.
The global economy has been hit hard by the virus and it has become increasingly difficult not to get lost in the constant flood of negative news. More than ever, it has become critical to invest in the most important aspects of life - your family and yourself.
Prioritising a healthy lifestyle
There is nothing more important than the health and safety of your family and yourself. Boosting your immunity by continuing to engage in physical activity is the first step. Assoc. Prof Liu from the department of microbiology and immunology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in the National University of Singapore has stated that “People who have a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition and less stress tend to have a more efficient immune system fighting infections”. This is on top of avoiding large crowds, maintaining social distancing and regularly washing your hands clean. While running outdoors may not be the preferred solution today, indoor exercises such as yoga or high intensity workouts can also do the trick.
Similarly, eating well remains important. While some may have stocked up on instant noodles and snacks, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends those staying at home to maintain a healthy diet. This includes cutting down on processed food and consuming sufficient fibre while drinking lots of water. Even though you may not have easy access to that salad bar near your office, it is still important to continue to eat healthy.
Maintaining a clear mind
The disruption to our daily lives and the uncertainty surrounding this pandemic has stoked anxiety across the world. On top of that, the need to stay at home for long periods of time can result in cabin fever. The WHO advises people to strike a balance between having a routine and ensuring that each day has some variety. This could mean alternating between enriching yourself by reading a new book and tidying up your house, Marie Kondo style.
Retreating to a quiet room and engaging in simple meditation can also calm the mind and help you find your focus amid such chaotic times, said the Harvard Medical School.
Adopting a consistent momentum
Stock markets have displayed volatility levels not seen in decades, resulting in panic from investors.
However, we must keep in mind that no calamity lasts forever. Eventually, this will pass and markets will bear some semblance of normalcy again. While this crisis may impact investment returns in the near-term, investors should not lose sight of their long-term goals.
This is why at UOB Asset Management, we believe this is an opportune time to make your money work harder during this period. With UOBAM Invest - Singapore's first corporate robo-advisory service, corporate investors can harness our smart technology and award-winning expertise1 to invest their surplus funds, while they focus on running their business.
This publication shall not be copied or disseminated, or relied upon by any person for whatever purpose. The information herein is given on a general basis without obligation and is strictly for information only. This publication is not an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice to buy or sell any investment product, including any collective investment schemes or shares of companies mentioned within. Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the information contained in this publication, UOB Asset Management Ltd (“UOBAM”) and its employees shall not be held liable for any error, inaccuracy and/or omission, howsoever caused, or for any decision or action taken based on views expressed or information in this publication. The information contained in this publication, including any data, projections and underlying assumptions are based upon certain assumptions, management forecasts and analysis of information available and reflects prevailing conditions and our views as of the date of this publication, all of which are subject to change at any time without notice. Please note that the graphs, charts, formulae or other devices set out or referred to in this document cannot, in and of itself, be used to determine and will not assist any person in deciding which investment product to buy or sell, or when to buy or sell an investment product. UOBAM does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, timeliness or completeness of the information herein for any particular purpose, and expressly disclaims liability for any error, inaccuracy or omission. Any opinion, projection and other forward-looking statement regarding future events or performance of, including but not limited to, countries, markets or companies is not necessarily indicative of, and may differ from actual events or results. Nothing in this publication constitutes accounting, legal, regulatory, tax or other advice. The information herein has no regard to the specific objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. The contents of the above books are not endorsed or approved by UOBAM and do not represent UOBAM’s views. You may wish to seek advice from a professional or an independent financial adviser about the issues discussed herein or before investing in any investment or insurance product. Should you choose not to seek such advice, you should consider carefully whether the investment or insurance product in question is suitable for you.