How to invest without remorse
Our survey of more than 4,400 affluent and high-net-worth investors across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, conducted in partnership with business school Insead, reveals that investors tend to regret taking action more than not doing so.
According to our findings, 40 per cent of investors who took action felt regret, compared to 35 per cent who stayed on the sidelines. This is more pronounced in Singapore, where 49 per cent of investors felt rueful for taking action versus 38 per cent who did not.
Reasons for regret
Why does taking action trigger regret more than missing an opportunity entirely? Many investors find themselves disappointed for emotional and practical reasons. Insights into these trends reveal that one of the biggest regrets is not having done enough research.
A recent study conducted by investment firm Columbia Threadneedle found that almost a quarter of investors who've made a financial mistake admit that failing to do their research is their biggest financial regret.
In addition, periods of heightened volatility since the start of the year – caused mainly by rising geopolitical tensions – have put investors on edge and could in turn lead to hasty decisions. This could result in selling too soon and missing out on gains, or even incurring losses.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
Sign Up
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), colloquially known as 'Wall Street's fear gauge', surged 118 per cent over a three-day period in April, revealing increased investor anxiety as markets experienced large swings, and a variety of asset classes fluctuated wildly.
Furthermore, high fees, poor timing, or being locked into illiquid investments can also contribute to frustration and second guessing.
In Singapore, where investors take a more conservative and cautious approach to their wealth decisions, the feeling of regret is amplified, especially if their actions result in their investments underperforming.
This risk-averse mindset is also seen in our research, where 32 per cent of investors in Singapore are willing to take a risk if there is an equal chance of gaining or losing the same amount of money. This is lower than the average of 34 per cent across markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Regret can be valuable
While uncomfortable, regret can be valuable. It is one of many behavioural biases exhibited during an investment journey, and can come with important lessons. Staying calm and not succumbing to emotions following market swings are critical.
Having specific goals and a long-term mindset, rather than trying to time the market, deliver more consistent returns, while diversification helps spread risk and limit the impact of any single setback.
Equally important is balancing risk and return, ensuring investments align with your goals and your risk tolerance. Meanwhile, in an increasingly unpredictable world, having protection in place whether through insurance, liquidity buffers, or robust wealth structures, can cushion the impact of unforeseen events. These principles can help reduce financial risk and soften the emotional blow when things don't go according to plan.
Professional advice also plays a critical role. Our survey found that investors deciding against financial advice were more likely to lose on their investments. Of those that made losses, the number of investors that relied mostly on their own judgment was three times higher than those who sought professional guidance.
Recognising behavioural biases, such as regret, is a good start to any investing journey. Sharper thinking, improved resilience and better investment decisions can help manage and protect your wealth.
The writer is global head, advisory and managed investments, wealth solutions, Standard Chartered. This column is based on wealth research with Insead.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
an hour ago
- Business Times
Delfi H1 net profit down 37.7% to US$12.2 million on softer performance in Indonesia
[SINGAPORE] Delfi posted a 37.7 per cent drop in net profit to US$12.2 million for its first half ended Jun 30, 2025, from US$19.6 million in the previous corresponding period. Excluding a non-recurring item resulting from the streamlining of its Philippine manufacturing operations, net profit would have been down 33.9 per cent to US$12.9 million, the chocolate confectionery company said in a bourse filing on Tuesday (Aug 12). Earnings per share stood at 2 US cents for the half-year period, down from 3.2 cents the previous year. In the half-year period, the company said it had spent more on promotions in Indonesia to drive the growth of its key brands and to address heightened competitive pressures. Meanwhile, its agency brands in Indonesia recorded lower sales, on the back of reduced promotion spending by some agencies, it said. Revenue for H1 fell 0.5 per cent to US$259.6 million, from US$260.8 million in the year before. This was primarily due to a softer performance in Indonesia, but largely offset by growth in its regional markets. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The top line also reflected the impact of a weaker Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar during the period, Delfi said. An interim dividend of 1 US cent (1.28 Singapore cents) a share was declared for the half year, down from 2.72 Singapore cents the year before. The dividend will be paid on Sep 12, after books closure on Aug 28. Delfi expects the operating environment to remain challenging in the rest of 2025 and into 2026, shaped by ongoing geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic headwinds and uncertainty in global trade. Persistently high cocoa bean prices also remain a major headwind for chocolate manufacturers globally, and are expected to continue hurting industry earnings, it said. Shares of Delfi closed S$0.01 or 1.2 per cent higher at S$0.85 on Tuesday, before the results were released.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) SPH Media CEO Chan Yeng Kit; MBS COO Paul Town; Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu; SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan; MBS senior VP for communications and corporate affairs Nicholas Ionides; and BT editor Chen Huifen at the Singapore Stories gala dinner. SINGAPORE - Singapore's remarkable transformation from a fishing village to a First World financial hub owes much to the country's ecosystem of home-grown corporates and multinationals that have proudly called it home. The Business Times celebrated this success story in style on Aug 12, when more than 400 people – including current and former political office-holders, industry heavyweights, business leaders and diplomats – gathered at Marina Bay Sands for the Singapore Stories gala dinner. The evening served as a tribute to the nation's vibrant business community, recognising its hard-won achievements and commitment to creating jobs, expanding industry capabilities and fostering innovation. The event was supported by Temasek. In her keynote address, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu noted that BT has played a crucial and enduring role in telling Singapore's economic story. 'Since its founding in 1976, BT has been more than a financial daily. It has been a fact-checker, a storyteller, a convenor, and a catalyst – shaping discourse, celebrating excellence, and strengthening market function through information access,' she said. 'Beyond timely and accurate reporting on global developments – such as the US tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic, BT has continued to provide thoughtful, in-depth features that clarify the roles of key companies in our economy and help spread broader messages like supply chain resilience and energy transition,' continued the minister. Ms Fu brought up two recent features on companies that were also present at the event. One story put the spotlight on Zuellig Pharma, one of Asia's largest integrated healthcare solutions providers, and its use of digital tools to build trust and enhance supply chain visibility. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Scoot to launch flights to Chiang Rai, Okinawa, Tokyo-Haneda, and boost frequency to other places Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court She also named BT's piece on petroleum giant ExxonMobil and its collaboration with the Singapore government, as part of a consortium with Shell, to evaluate and develop the nation's first cross-border carbon capture and storage project. Highlighting BT's consistent efforts in celebrating excellence through its awards, Ms Fu added that the publication has innovated to remain relevant. This is exemplified by BT's Sustainability Impact Awards, which recognise individuals and corporates in Singapore that demonstrate leadership in sustainability; as well as the Design AI and Tech Awards that aim to spur innovators from startups and companies to harness design and technology to tackle real-life business challenges. Ms Fu also listed four other annual awards organised by BT, namely the Singapore Business Awards, Singapore Corporate Awards, Enterprise 50, and the Emerging Enterprise Awards. 'These awards do more than reward excellence – they inspire action. They signal what the business community values, and what progress we aspire to achieve,' she said. Beyond its reporting and awards, BT also expanded its platforms, fostering financial literacy among the youth with Thrive and continuing to engage regional tech and startup communities with its Tech in Asia partnership, she added. 'For all these efforts, BT deserves our appreciation – not only for chronicling Singapore's economic journey, but for shaping the values, relationships, and aspirations of our business community,' concluded the minister. A night to remember Ms Fu was presented with a hardcover copy of a book titled SG60 Singapore Stories, featuring content from a special 72-page supplement earlier released by BT on Aug 6 that outlined the evolution of various companies and government agencies. Those at the dinner returned home with individual copies too. SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan (left) presented Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu with a copy of The Business Times' SG60 Singapore Stories book. PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES Said BT editor Chen Huifen in her welcome address: 'A dynamic enterprise ecosystem isn't just about multinationals or capital providers. It's also about our small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy. 'It's about encouraging entrepreneurship, providing platforms for growth, and building the infrastructure to innovate and scale. Every part of this ecosystem contributes to our collective success.' Guests were treated to performances by international award-winning young violinist Travis Wong; local singer-songwriter and ChildAid alumna Amni Musfirah; as well as home-grown musician Jessie Meng. Ms Meng is the youngest musician to be named a Young Steinway Artist, having been selected in January 2024 by renowned American piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons. She performed on a Steinway Grand Piano, hailed by some as the gold standard of musical instruments. Paper artist Dawn Koh created an installation specially for the gala dinner, in partnership with Ms Rachel Chua from The Weekend Florist. Titled Where Grace Takes Root, the piece is a poetic interpretation of Singapore as a living, evolving garden that thrives amid a rocky terrain. As the Republic marks 60 years of economic transformation, the global operating environment has shifted in fundamental ways and Singapore must adapt to that, said Fu in her speech. 'In an era when major decisions are announced through social media, sometimes in less than 30 words; when the cadence of decision-making requires speed in information; when competition for attention demands information to be eye-catching, the role of a credible fact-checker, objective analyst, and neutral convenor remains critical,' said the minister. 'As a trusted voice in our business community, BT helps us surface ideas, connect changemakers, and shine a light on what matters. The stories it tells, the values it celebrates, and the platforms it provides will help galvanise the business community in support of our refreshed economic strategies.'
Business Times
3 hours ago
- Business Times
A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] Singapore's remarkable transformation from a fishing village to a First World financial hub owes much to the country's ecosystem of home-grown corporates and multinationals that have proudly called it home. The Business Times celebrated this success story in style on Tuesday (Aug 12), when more than 400 people – including current and former political office-holders, industry heavyweights, business leaders and diplomats – gathered at Marina Bay Sands for the Singapore Stories gala dinner. The evening served as a tribute to the nation's vibrant business community, recognising its hard-won achievements and commitment to creating jobs, expanding industry capabilities and fostering innovation. The event was supported by Temasek. In her keynote address, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu noted that BT has played a crucial and enduring role in telling Singapore's economic story. 'Since its founding in 1976, BT has been more than a financial daily. It has been a fact-checker, a storyteller, a convenor, and a catalyst – shaping discourse, celebrating excellence, and strengthening market function through information access,' she said. 'Beyond timely and accurate reporting on global developments – such as the US tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic, BT has continued to provide thoughtful, in-depth features that clarify the roles of key companies in our economy and help spread broader messages like supply chain resilience and energy transition,' continued the minister. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Fu brought up two recent features on companies that were also present at the event. One story put the spotlight on Zuellig Pharma, one of Asia's largest integrated healthcare solutions providers, and its use of digital tools to build trust and enhance supply chain visibility. She also named BT's piece on petroleum giant ExxonMobil and its collaboration with the Singapore government, as part of a consortium with Shell, to evaluate and develop the nation's first cross-border carbon capture and storage project . Highlighting BT's consistent efforts in celebrating excellence through its awards, Fu added that the publication has innovated to remain relevant. This is exemplified by BT's Sustainability Impact Awards , which recognise individuals and corporates in Singapore that demonstrate leadership in sustainability; as well as the Design AI and Tech Awards that aim to spur innovators from startups and companies to harness design and technology to tackle real-life business challenges. Fu also listed four other annual awards organised by BT, namely the Singapore Business Awards , Singapore Corporate Awards , Enterprise 50 , and the Emerging Enterprise Awards . 'These awards do more than reward excellence – they inspire action. They signal what the business community values, and what progress we aspire to achieve,' she said. Beyond its reporting and awards, BT also expanded its platforms, fostering financial literacy among the youth with Thrive and continuing to engage regional tech and startup communities with its Tech in Asia partnership, she added. 'For all these efforts, BT deserves our appreciation – not only for chronicling Singapore's economic journey, but for shaping the values, relationships, and aspirations of our business community,' concluded the minister. A night to remember Fu was presented with a hardcover copy of a book titled SG60 Singapore Stories, featuring content from a special 72-page supplement earlier released by BT on Aug 6 that outlined the evolution of various companies and government agencies. Those at the dinner returned home with individual copies too. SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan (left) presented Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu with a copy of The Business Times' SG60 Singapore Stories book. PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN, BT Said BT editor Chen Huifen in her welcome address: 'A dynamic enterprise ecosystem isn't just about multinationals or capital providers. It's also about our small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy. 'It's about encouraging entrepreneurship, providing platforms for growth, and building the infrastructure to innovate and scale. Every part of this ecosystem contributes to our collective success.' Guests were treated to performances by international award-winning young violinist Travis Wong; local singer-songwriter and ChildAid alumna Amni Musfirah; as well as home-grown musician Jessie Meng. Meng is the youngest musician to be named a Young Steinway Artist, having been selected in January 2024 by renowned American piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons. She performed on a Steinway Grand Piano, hailed by some as the gold standard of musical instruments. Paper artist Dawn Koh created an installation specially for the gala dinner, in partnership with Rachel Chua from The Weekend Florist. Titled Where Grace Takes Root, the piece is a poetic interpretation of Singapore as a living, evolving garden that thrives amid a rocky terrain. As the Republic marks 60 years of economic transformation, the global operating environment has shifted in fundamental ways and Singapore must adapt to that, said Fu in her speech. 'In an era when major decisions are announced through social media, sometimes in less than 30 words; when the cadence of decision-making requires speed in information; when competition for attention demands information to be eye-catching, the role of a credible fact-checker, objective analyst, and neutral convenor remains critical,' said the minister. 'As a trusted voice in our business community, BT helps us surface ideas, connect changemakers, and shine a light on what matters. The stories it tells, the values it celebrates, and the platforms it provides will help galvanise the business community in support of our refreshed economic strategies.'
