Election's over - move on!

Finally this election is over and we can go back to speaking amicably with our friends on the other side of the aisle.  And while I won't bore you with my own political ideology, it's fair to expect two things: higher taxes and an accommodative Fed.  It means the jury's still out on how the stock-market behaves longer term.  That said, I am confident that US housing is fast recovering.  I know I've been talking about the US housing recovery ad-nauseam but I'd actually venture I've been too conservative.  In fact, it's only recently (in my own scramble to purchase in the US) have I realized the pace of the recovery.  Likewise, I have been unpleasantly surprised to realize that the mad dynamics of the HK property market have found its way to US.  That means you'll be competing with a glut of wealthy Chinese buyers happy to pay all-cash!!  Wish me luck.                

Vintage hits Asia

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a total sucker for vintage.  I'm obsessed to be honest!!  Well, perhaps I need to find a way to profit from it.  Long-considered stigma to go second-hand (and it kind-of still is), perception is starting to change here in Asia.  I have already started to see Lane Crawford carry vintage at some pretty impressive prices.  Likewise interesting article here.  I could actually see this working well in China.  Counterfeiting is an increasing problem and vintage is a great way sartorially savvy consumers can distinguish themselves.  Anyway it's wait and see but I'm a buyer.  Incidentally, if you need a good vintage contact, I'd go with Erin at Resurrection in LA.  She's the BEST!!   Tell her a HK-vintage addict sent you, she'll figure it out!

Invest for Inflation

I'm going to bet you'll hear a lot more about inflation.  The US$ is cheap while the American economy is improving.  It means goods and services inevitably get more expensive.  Now this is a problem as people worry that their money isn't doing anything while the world gets pricier.  It would imply your money's purchasing power is eroding.  That's why everyone is  binging on real estate, gold, stock markets, whatever.  This is called inflation hedging.

Personally I'm terrified of inflation.  And, as I get older it becomes more real.  Especially when I recall what things used to cost.   Don't do it - it makes you feel ANCIENT.  I did this just recently when I caught up with my 14 year old god-daughter.   Unfortunately for her, I was blubbering on about what things used to cost when I was her age.  OMG - So Dorky (I know)!  But, my point is make sure your money is working for you.  Please Invest wisely.

Quickly want to talk about my god-daughter again.  She's great and I'm always so impressed with her style as well as the tunes on her iPod.  Incidentally why don't teenage girls have awkward stages anymore?!?!  Apologies I digress.  I recently saw her sporting a Coach carrier pouch.  It looked so fashionable on her and it seems to be the purse of the moment with teens (much like when I was growing up).  Meanwhile the stock has pulled back hugely.  Indeed, it's a poor cousin to Hermes but I don't think anyone under 30 years of age should be sporting Hermes anyway!  Sorry if I offended so will finish here.  Opinions about Coach aside, if you start to see their product go viral (Lululemon style), maybe have a look at the stock.  

20% off SHOPBOP

Exciting News!!  It's 20% off on Shopbop (enter the code 'WEAREFAMILY' as the promotion code).   And.. it's probably ok to treat yourself a little.  Markets are trading well and it seems to be a good time to be invested in risk assets.  Sorry to all my male friends who had promoted my blog to their other halves in hopes of making them more financially savvy.  By no means is this  an edict to go on a spending binge.  However, I would prod you to take some risk.  Be it in the stock market or on shopbop.  For me, I find it way easier to take some risk investing in a stock while I take few risks in the sartorial world.  On that vein, I'm going to 'practice what I preach' and veer away from my Jbrand junkie habits and try Notify Jeans.  See you on shopbop!                      

China's Back (and me too!)

Wow I suck!!  Has it really been two weeks since my last entry?  Guess I broke the cardinal rule of blogging (which I understand to be update daily and don't disappear).  Anyway I don't have any great excuses but I have been busy.  First of all, I've started watching the new HBO series Girls.  It's only ok so that's not a valid excuse.  More believable is that things have gotten considerably busier at work.  Thankfully, the China market appears to have a pulse again with increasing optimism that policy makers get their act together by the power transition on November 8.  And finally (and most exciting as I'm a HK property owner), the property market has gone nuts!  Prices have hit record highs and I've been bombarded with calls to show my flat.  Guess it's kind of the phenomenon happening in many major markets.  That would be the trifecta of:  cheap money, easier borrowing environment, and opportunistic investors (from around the globe) buying in hopes of collecting rent (yield).  All bodes very well for property.

Too hard to tell how long this can continue but jeez isn't it nice to hear people positive about property again?  It's been such a depressing topic for so long and everybody deserves a break.  Even this delinquent blogger!  
    

Indone$ia?

Have you been to Indonesia (and Bali does not count) ?  I'm embarrassed to admit I have not.  Particularly, as one of my closest friends is of Indonesian-Chinese descent.  In any case, looks like things are getting pretty exciting over there.  I already knew this resource-rich country was doing well, but it seems to really be chugging along.  Incidentally I just read they are the Asian country minting millionaires at the fastest pace! Impressive, right?  Anyway I'm keen to check it out.  I hope my friend invites me on her next trip.          

Luxury G$$ds

Golden Week and it's crazy around HK.  It's kind of perplexing as you read a lot of doomsday press about the Chinese economic slowdown, and then you walk into Prada!!  Anyway the wealthy Chinese look to be showing very little price elasticity.  This is probably why I like the luxury trade so much.  Freshly minted millionaires (of all nationalities) are all guilty of crimes of conspicuous consumption.  Moreover, those who are far from millionaires aspire to look like them!  I'll make my own confession here.  NYC circa 2001 - My two roommates and I were sharing a 550 square foot apartment in the East Village.  Claustrophobic and broke but it didn't stop us from binging on $700 Jimmy Choo stiletto boots. Talk about priorities - this meant we'd literally starve for the month!  It's madness, I know!  In any case, I'd venture we weren't alone and thankfully for purveyors of luxury - a new conspicuous consumer is born every second.  Why do you think Van Cleef makes the Clover bracelet for babies?