An Uncertain Investment Climate In 2017

We are slowly but surely treading into 2017 with more uncertainty than ever. Particularly for Our little sunny island of Singapore, a lot of global events are slowly unfolding that gives me worries for the coming new year.

The Trump presidency obviously is the biggest question mark. What will he bring to the table for the rest of the world? How will the world react to his protectionist policies? Will the USA even bother about Asia and Singapore anymore? What lies ahead for the markets given the euphoric surging stock jump in the US?

The Terrex incident where China is threatening to confiscate our nine Terrexes (ICVs) that were impounded in Hong Kong. This is a chance for China to flex its muscles by bullying us into breaking off relations with Taiwan. Will we yield? I hope we won't, but how far will China lowball us if we stand our ground?

Over in Europe there are smaller events unfolding. BREXIT, the Italian referendum, the Middle-Eastern migrant crisis. Will the EU still be relevant in the coming year ahead? Will we see a breakup of the EU? Will it be the breeding ground for extremism?

Again China in the South China Sea dispute. How will this unfold in the new year? Will we see a drastic deescalation now that the US has signal a less aggressive posture in APAC? What of all the other claimants' reactions?

Climate change and global warming is also a big worry. The winters are getting colder and the summers are getting warmer. Even in Singapore it is December and the nights are 25 degrees cold. The ice sheets in both poles are melting faster and faster, sea levels are rising.

What can we do to make money out of the above?

What can we do to worry less?

Are we prepared for black swans ahead?

Stay safe. Trade safe.