September 2025 Updates

September is traditionally a bountiful month for me in terms of dividends received. This year is no different.

 

Total of $1,720.02 is received from the following:

 

1) Ascendas Reit @ $137.72

2) MIT @ $261.60

3) MLT @ $295.37

4) Venture @ $150

5) CICT @ $501.84

6) CLCT @ $373.50

 

This brings the dividends received YTD to just shy of $10k.

 

In the local market, I did not made any transaction. Applied for 10,000 units of Centurion Accomodation Reit (CA Reit) but got zero allocation. Did introduced this IPO to a friend and he got allocated 1,000 units. Instant profit if he were to cash out now like the institutional investors.

 

I am not surprised at the popularity of this counter though. Was telling my friend I rated NTT DC Reit a 4 out of 10 previously and CA Reit is at least a 7 or 8 for me.

 

In fact I had already set my mind to apply for this IPO halfway through the prospectus.

 

Nevertheless one thing I've learnt from the market over the years is that opportunity always comes back.

 

I guess this time round I didn't get allocated for a reason. But I will be monitoring closely for the chance to add when it arises.

 

In the US market, I averaged up on NVDA by adding @ $170.88 to my existing holding. This one is a keeper and I'm pretty sure it will be the next multi-bagger for me after MSFT.

 

Work-wise, I also received the confirmation letter for my 2nd side hustle. From October onwards I will be teaching in one of our local institution of higher learning as an adjunct lecturer.

 

Hope it will be a fun and enriching journey for me and the students. If it turns out well, I will dedicate more hours to this in subsequent semesters.

 

See how it goes. Excited.

My review of XTEP 2000 KM 3.0

Writing this review to serve as a marker for my first run in this shoes.

For the longest time, my go to brand for running shoes has always been tried and tested Asics, which has served me well for my marathons, half marathons and other races.

Recently I bought a pair of XTEP 2000 KM 3.0 to try out as my current Asics Cumulus is wearing out.

I have heard good reviews about chinese brand running shoes recently and after doing my own research, I narrowed down to this brand and model.

I believe this is their basic model. 

I bought it from their official store in Shopee during 9/9 sale and it costs me $60.46 after vouchers and discounts. At such price point for such quality, there's really nothing much to complain about. 

So today I finally brought it out for some trial runs.

I'm still feeling the burn in my hamstrings and glutes from yesterday's leg day so I only managed to do some slow runs to get a feel. I'm also still in my gym attire from this morning - tee and cotton shorts, not the best attire for a run. Lol.

Anyway I tried it out on both the PCN and roadside. After that I also did some intervals on the PCN.

First impression upon wearing the shoes is they are light. Noticeably lighter than my current Cumulus. 

The shoes provided the stability during the run. Friction is also good.

Didn't really feel the touted rebound though. 

Need to try it out for a long run and wet surface soon.

Would also be interesting to see how long it can last. 

In summary, would I recommend buying this pair of shoes? Definitely, be it for your only pair of running shoes or as a second pair for alternate wearing. 

At such price point, I think it's hard to find another brand with equivalent specifications. Other chinese brands maybe? 

Performance-wise, I'm pretty sure this pair can help me run faster if I have rested enough. 

Design-wise, I feel this is one of their biggest plus points. I love the design and colour scheme. Although my first choice colour was Moonstone Blue which ran out of stock, I am satisfied with this pair too. 

I'm wearing size 46 for my Asics and I bought size 45 for my XTEP. It fits perfectly.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with XTEP except for being a satisfied customer (so far).

P.s. Having said that, I don't mind a collaborative post too if you feel we can be a good fit (no pun intended). 

Shout out to @XTEP!