adieu 2008

Dear Value Clients’ & Friends,

2008 has been one of the most challenging years I have witnessed during my 14 years in the investment business, as a Remisier & Unit Trust agent. Difficult as it has been, however, it is not without precedent. In fact, if I could deliver a single message to every one of my value clients and friends, it would be this: We have been here before and we have always recovered and eventually enjoyed new periods of prosperity. Malaysia and world economies are resilient, and that has not changed.

For many investors, though, this bear market feels different. In fact, every bear market is different, but having lived through past market downturns has given me some added perspective. Keeping a long-term perspective doesn’t make it easier to live through the current downturn, but it does reinforce my conviction that we will get through it.

Over the past several months, friends, neighbors and even casual acquaintances have asked me the same questions about the current financial situation. They want to know, “What happened?” My view is more basic. I think we got in this mess because the market fundamentally mispriced risk. Too many institutions ended up with too many obligations that they couldn’t meet.

I wish I could assure you that this downturn will end tomorrow or next week. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past 14 years of market cycles is that no one rings a bell signaling the top of a market and no one rings a bell at the bottom. While I don’t know when we’ll reach the low point, or if we’re already past it, I do know that the market will eventually recover and investors who stay the course will be better positioned to participate in the market’s eventual recovery.

In closing, I want to thank all my value clients and friends for their patience and continued trust in our organization in these challenging times. I urge all of you to continue to work closely with their financial advisers, to keep a long-term view and to maintain a well-diversified portfolio. These three simple ingredients are a key to long-term success in meeting one’s financial goals.

Last but not least, LACMS (LEADER Agent & Clients Monitoring System) will be my sincere commitment & contribution to all of you. The system will give you a true advising method and a tight monitoring controll of your investment under LEADER agent’s portfolio.

Thank you,