As the share market is going up since early of year 2009, most of the stocks have gained during the last year. EPF announces 5.65% of dividend for year 2009, which is 1.15% higher than year 2008. Year 2008 is a bad year for share market, where there was economy crisis, especially the subprime mortgage crisis in western countries.
Looking back at the last 10 years, what is the dividend rate announced by EPF???
2009 - 5.65%
2008 - 4.5%
2007 - 5.80%
2006 - 5.15%
2005 - 5.00%
2004 - 4.75%
2003 - 4.50%
2002 - 4.25%
2001 - 5.00%
2000 - 6.00%
From the trend, EPF is no longer announcing dividend rate which is higher than 6% for the past 10 years, and I believe they will not annouce a dividend higher than that in recent years. (year 2006-2007 is a very bullish year in share market)
So, be aware of this, and think about our future. EPF is no longer enough for our retirement fund, and we need to figure out some other channels to prepare for our future retirement fund. Investing in unit trust funds, stock market as well as properties will be a wiser choice for us to accumulate more wealth.
Besides, you may consider to invest using our EPF as well...just find out the best way of your own.
