i realised i havnt blogged for a few weeks now. i blame it on not being inspired. yes, perhaps just the season or me keepin a low profile, perhaps not much to write about or just generally too busy.

 

Global Trader has completed its sale to Purple Capital. This was an exercise that took about 12 months of planning, work and due diligence from our side, with a deal completed in record time. Met Mark Barns yesterday (the new CEO) during the introduction, and look forward to the new developments over the coming months. The full write up of the transaction can be found http://www.sharenet.co.za/v3/sens_display.php?tdate=20070726162411&seq=3465

 

Ive been following the Singapore property scene again, and it seems to have continued moving steadily. The market seems hot yet still without the risk of a bubble. I personally believe, and this is from a South Africans point of view, that the property prices in Q1 2007 relative to international standards (partciular at the low financing rates) were still reasonable. Certain articles claim a growth of 50% in residential value in the last 6 months, a figure far higher than I had imagined. Considering that we are only entering Q3 2007, my previous views on relative affordability might no longer be valid. It seems that people are scared of a repeat of the 1996 crash which is something I do not foresee happening. Comparable to South Africa which saw highs of 24% interest in 1998, and a strong curreny after the change in goverment in 1994; the many market conditions have changed. Like my father often promotes, the economics are different and similarly the stability of such developing countries far higher than it used to be. We are no longer faced with riots, political instability or largely disparate goverment views.

 

My pet project is coming along, the builder made good progress on preparing the shell for renovations. I will post some pictures as the project progresses.