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Portfolio Update – November 2023

uehiFinance

peace

Portfolio Summary

Here is a summary of my portfolio at the top level:

  • Raiz Aggressive Portfolio – $17,977.1, total return $569.80 (6.34% according to app)
  • VDHG (using VPI platform) – $93,035.25, total return $6,078.72 (4.50% including DRP)
  • IVV (Selfwealth) – $686.40, total return $198.17 (12.85% including DRP)
  • SYI (Selfwealth) – $2,130.30, total return $283.90 (5.26% including DRP)
  • VISM (Selfwealth) – $560.40, total return $16.34 (1.09% including DRP)
  • A200 (Selfwealth) – $2,010.76, total return $165.87 (3.81% including DRP)
  • Cryptocurrency – $64,603.76 (-7.75% from principle)
  • Gold – $0
  • Property – $715,000.00
  • Redraw – $6,816.9
  • Mortgage – $556,950.05
A breakdown of my current asset allocation:
  • Australian Shares – 26.30%
  • Global Shares – 31.87%
  • Bonds – 5.84%
  • Fixed Income Assets – 0.30%
  • Gold – 0%
  • Cryptocurrency – 35.69%

Portfolio Total (Stock + Crypto + Gold) – $181,003.97. An increase of 6.48% compared to last month’s value ($169,979.34).

Net worth – $339,053.92

This month’s saving is 15.83%. Another busy month with work and other stuff related to the house. I am surprised that I have lots of things done this month, especially on the house as I was not doing much on the garden.

  • Working slowly on the garden – I spent a couple of days working on the garden, removing weeds most of the time, to make the backyard look a bit cleaner. Thanks to Black Friday, I ordered a bunch of tools from Bunning, and the hedge trimmer really helped a lot. I was able to trim the vine a bit, though there’s still a lot of work to do, especially the grass is growing day by day now.
  • Black Friday sales – I bought the garden tools and spent a bit more on the appliances. A new heat pump dryer and cameras will be delivered soon. The reduction in the month’s savings is due to the expenses on these. However, it’s a good investment for the property, and also a Black Friday sale, so it’s not that bad either.
  • A new sofa + a TV table – by helping my friend with his property, he told me I could bring the sofa + the TV table home if I wanted to. So, $230 to hire the same person who helped me before, and now I have a sofa at home, no need to spend on new things. Finally, I got a nice couch to enjoy the view.
  • Complete freelance work – I managed to finish the system + publish the new app to the App Store. Tired, but hard work paid off. Now, I shall collect my payments for the work.

It’s almost the end of the year, and there are still things I can finish before next year. The biggest challenge was to finish the freelance work, and they have finally finished. I am also about to go on a 5-week break as well, so maybe I deserve to have a bit of a break for myself. Though, the project I got at work is bothering me a lot now, due to the deadline, and I don’t even know if our team can achieve it or not, considering the fact that I have raised about the potential delay in the delivery. I don’t really care much anymore about the project. I think it’s best for me to think more about myself and less about others. I am having burnout atm so, cannot wait till next week when I start my break.

My income for this month is still the same, with the additional income from renting out the rooms ($1,120/month). However, I have bills to pay next month so it would be good to see how much electricity, gas and water are used for this water. I am kinda scared about the bills now. But let’s see how much I would pay, and use it as a baseline, especially if the weather is cold atm.

There are 2 contributions that I have made for this month – the same old $400 for the Raiz account and $2,000 toward my variable home loan, so I got $2,000 in my redraw account. What surprises me is that if I make an additional payment, the next mortgage payment will not be deducted from my bank account, because I have already made an extra payment last month. To be fair, I still want it to be deducted from my bank account, however, due to the policy, that’s just how it is.

Since I have now completed my freelance work, hopefully, I can get my payment before Christmas, and use that money to add more to my home loan and cover the expenses during my break.

Note: A reminder is that this number is still an estimation only as my crypto portfolio consists of different assets, including NFTs, staking, and Defi. I have to use other tools to keep track of and maintain the value of investments to finalize the value of my portfolio. NFT is hard to estimate because of price fluctuation in the crypto market. However, estimation is still good enough in this case.

Events & Porfolio Analysis

General news

  • On 01/11/2023, The United States has seen a rise in “zombie firms,” with 516 publicly listed companies declaring bankruptcy from January to September 2023. Zombie firms are unprofitable businesses that rely on accumulating debt to stay afloat. The growth of these firms is concerning as they can harm healthy competitors. A well-capitalized banking system is crucial for allowing unviable firms to fail rather than propping them up. While zombie firms can increase when banks or governments bail them out, the Federal Reserve reports a decline in such firms after implementing Covid-19 emergency stimulus measures. Banks are now less likely to extend credit to weak companies. Despite rising interest rates, U.S. firms maintain healthy balance sheets, indicating that the Federal Reserve is not supporting zombie firms through favorable credit extensions.
  • On 02/11/2023, The Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged, maintaining the key federal funds rate in a range between 5.25% and 5.5%. This decision follows 11 previous rate hikes, with the economy improving and inflation remaining above the central bank’s target. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that there’s still a long way to go in addressing inflation, and the Fed hasn’t made decisions for its December meeting yet. Powell also clarified that rate reductions are not currently under consideration. The risks associated with the Fed’s approach to inflation have become more balanced, indicating a more cautious stance on rate hikes.
  • On 03/11/2023, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced a package of measures worth over 17 trillion yen (around $113 billion) to mitigate the economic impact of inflation, including tax cuts. Part of the funding for this will come from a supplementary budget of 13.1 trillion yen for the current fiscal year. The total package, including spending by local governments and state-backed loans, amounts to 21.8 trillion yen. The measures aim to help companies improve profitability and increase wages as Japan shifts away from deflation. Inflation, driven by rising raw material costs, has exceeded the central bank’s 2% target for over a year, impacting consumer spending and the economic outlook.
  • On 04/11/2023, In October, the U.S. economy witnessed a deceleration in job creation, aligning with expectations of a slowdown and potentially easing the pressure on the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 150,000 for the month, falling slightly short of the expected rise of 170,000. The United Auto Workers strikes were a significant factor in this discrepancy, causing a net job loss in the manufacturing industry. The unemployment rate also rose to 3.9%, the highest level since January 2022. A more comprehensive jobless rate, which includes discouraged workers and those in part-time positions for economic reasons, increased to 7.2%. This data suggests that the labor market is cooling down, with companies holding onto employees, and wage growth was slightly below expectations.
  • Block, a fintech firm, saw its shares surge by as much as 19% in after-hours trading following the release of its third-quarter earnings report. The company outperformed analyst estimates on both earnings and revenue, reporting adjusted earnings per share of 55 cents, compared to the expected 47 cents, and revenue of $5.62 billion, exceeding the expected $5.44 billion. Block also raised its guidance and announced a $1 billion stock buyback. The company now anticipates full-year adjusted EBITDA to range between $1.66 billion and $1.68 billion, up from the previous guidance of $1.5 billion. Additionally, Block increased its adjusted full-year operating income forecast to $205 million to $225 million, a significant jump from the prior guidance of $25 million. While full-year revenue guidance was not provided, the company expects $875 million in adjusted operating income for 2024. Block also anticipates 2023 gross profit to be between $7.44 billion and $7.46 billion.
  • The Federal Reserve (Fed) recently announced its decision to keep interest rates unchanged. While Fed President Jerome Powell emphasized their commitment to addressing inflation, he stated that they aren’t currently considering interest rate cuts, and if tightening is deemed necessary, they will act accordingly based on data. Raphael Bostic, the Atlanta Fed President, also shared his views on the economy. He believes that the current course of the U.S. economy suggests that further interest rate increases won’t be needed. Bostic mentioned that the Fed’s current policy appears to be appropriately restrictive to achieve the goal of 2% inflation. He emphasized the importance of patience, indicating that the Fed has ample data to evaluate before making further decisions. Bostic expressed optimism about the U.S. economy, stating that, according to his predictions, there won’t be a recession in the United States.
  • On 05/11/2023, Berkshire Hathaway posted a substantial increase in Q3 operating earnings, reaching $10.761 billion, marking a 40.6% rise from the previous year. The company reported a record cash reserve of $157.2 billion at the end of September, exceeding the previous high set in Q3 2021. Berkshire has been investing in short-term Treasury bills with yields of at least 5%, amassing around $126.4 billion in such holdings by the end of Q3. Share buyback activity decelerated as the stock reached a record high during the quarter, with approximately $7 billion spent in the first nine months. Berkshire Class A shares have climbed nearly 14% in 2023, despite a recent 6% dip from their peak in September.
  • On 07/11/2023, Australia’s Reserve Bank has raised its key interest rate for the first time in five months to curb inflation. The central bank increased the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%, marking a 12-year high. It’s the 13th rate hike since May 2022. The move was expected by economists, and it’s aimed at keeping inflation in check. The central bank remains ready to raise interest rates further if necessary, as persistent and unexpectedly high inflation continues to be a concern.
  • WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, focusing on its U.S. and Canadian locations. The company reported liabilities ranging from $10 billion to $50 billion. This bankruptcy filing is part of the company’s ongoing restructuring process, and it intends to trim non-operational leases as part of this effort. WeWork has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the economic impact of the pandemic, leading to a notable corporate collapse, and a loss of value of around 98% since its 2021 debut through a special purpose acquisition company.
  • On 08/11/2023, Microsoft’s stock reached a record high of $360.53, with a 1.12% daily increase, resulting in a market value of about $2.68 trillion. The company’s upward momentum follows optimistic news from its strategic AI partner, OpenAI, which announced updates and plans at an event in San Francisco. OpenAI, in which Microsoft has invested $13 billion, unveiled price cuts and plans to enable custom versions of the ChatGPT chatbot. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the synergies between OpenAI and Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure for developers creating applications with OpenAI’s tools.
  • On 09/11/2023, China’s consumer prices experienced a decline in October, indicating ongoing challenges in its post-COVID recovery. The consumer price index (CPI) shrank by 0.2% year-on-year, exceeding economists’ expectations of a 0.1% decline. This follows an unexpected flat CPI in September, highlighting the need for additional policy support. On the other hand, producer prices fell by 2.6%, slightly less than the expected 2.7% decrease. Factory deflationary pressures have persisted for the 13th consecutive month. The Chinese government has been providing targeted policy support to boost economic growth, as domestic demand remains sluggish, partly due to issues in the real estate sector.
  • On 10/11/2023, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell expressed uncertainty about the central bank’s success in achieving a sufficiently restrictive monetary policy to bring down inflation to the 2% target over time. Powell, speaking after the recent decision to maintain benchmark policy rates, acknowledged that the Federal Open Market Committee is not confident in having achieved the necessary stance. Despite inflation being above the Fed’s long-standing goal, Powell highlighted the considerable drop from its peak levels in the first half of 2022. The speech was briefly interrupted by climate protesters, marking the second such occurrence in recent weeks.
  • The UK economy showed no quarterly growth in the third quarter of the year, according to initial figures. Gross domestic product (GDP) flatlined, following a 0.2% increase in the previous quarter. In annual terms, the third-quarter GDP was 0.6% higher than the same period in 2022. The services sector output dropped by 0.1% on the quarter, but this was offset by a 0.1% increase in construction performance, while the production sector remained unchanged. UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt noted that high inflation remains the “single greatest barrier to economic growth” in the country.
  • On 12/11/2023, Moody’s Investors Service has revised its ratings outlook on the United States’ government from stable to negative, citing increasing risks to the nation’s fiscal strength. While Moody’s maintained the long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings at Aaa, it expressed concerns about rising fiscal deficits and the potential for continued political polarization hindering the formulation of effective fiscal policies. The agency highlighted the risk of the U.S. government’s inability to reach a consensus on a fiscal plan, leading to a decline in debt affordability. The move comes amid ongoing political challenges and the threat of a government shutdown if a funding agreement is not reached.
  • House Republicans have introduced a two-step continuing resolution (CR) as a stopgap funding measure to prevent a government shutdown, which is set to begin in a week. The strategy involves extending several spending bills until January 19, with the remaining bills under a CR until February 2. This approach, dubbed a “laddered CR” or “step stool,” is aimed at accommodating far-right Republicans who oppose typical CRs. The plan does not include budget cuts or aid for Israel. However, its success remains uncertain as some GOP members, like Rep. Chip Roy, have voiced opposition, and the Democratic-controlled Senate has dismissed the two-tiered approach.
  • On 13/11/2023, U.S.-China relations are facing heightened tensions, marked by incidents like close encounters in the air, diplomatic disputes, and military-related events. The upcoming meeting between President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping is their first in-person meeting in about a year, and it comes amid a challenging backdrop. Experts and U.S. officials caution against expecting significant improvements in relations post-meeting, emphasizing that the focus is likely on symbolism and demonstrating a commitment to high-level communication. The leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including military communications, human rights, and the South China Sea, but tangible outcomes may be limited.
  • On 15/11/2023, in October, inflation in the United States remained unchanged from the previous month, providing a potential signal that the high prices affecting the economy could be easing. The consumer price index (CPI) increased 3.2% from a year ago, with a flat month-over-month change, according to the Labor Department. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 0.2% for the month and 4% from a year ago. While still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the annual core CPI was the lowest in two years. This data might influence the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.
  • In the UK, inflation saw a significant drop in October, falling to 4.6% from 6.7% in the previous month. This marks a two-year low for the consumer price index (CPI). The monthly basis of the headline CPI was flat, contrary to expectations of a 0.1% increase. Core CPI, which excludes volatile elements like food and energy, dropped to an annual rate of 5.7% from 6.1% in September. The decline is seen as positive news for the UK in its efforts to combat inflation. The Bank of England had recently left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.25% after 14 consecutive hikes.
  • In the latest portfolio update, Michael Burry, known for his successful bet against the mid-2000s housing bubble and his early investment in GameStop, revealed that he ended his bets against the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 in the last quarter. However, he placed a new wager against semiconductor stocks by purchasing bearish put options on BlackRock’s iShares Semiconductor ETF. Burry, through Scion Asset Management, consolidated the portfolio, reducing the number of positions from 33 to 13. He boosted stakes in Euronav, Hudson Pacific Properties, Nexstar Media, Safe Bulkers, Star Bulk Carriers, and Stellantis but trimmed bets on Crescent Energy and The Real Real.
  • The House has approved a “laddered” continuing resolution (CR) to fund parts of the U.S. government until Jan. 19 and others until Feb. 2. The bill is now set to move to the Senate, where it is expected to pass. The move aims to avert a government shutdown, which would occur if a funding bill is not passed and signed by the president by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday. The CR passed in the House with broad bipartisan support, with 336 in favor and 95 opposed, but it also saw a significant number of Republicans, 93, breaking with party leaders and voting against it.
  • On 16/11/2023, In October, U.S. producer prices experienced the most significant drop in three-and-a-half years, primarily driven by a notable decrease in gasoline prices. The producer price index (PPI) for final demand declined by 0.5%, marking the most substantial decrease since April 2020. This follows data from Tuesday revealing that consumer prices remained unchanged in October. The combination of cooling inflation, slowing job growth, and wage growth is reinforcing expectations that the rapid tightening of monetary policy by the U.S. central bank is coming to an end.
  • China reported better-than-expected data for retail sales and industrial production. Retail sales grew by 7.6% YoY, surpassing the 7% growth forecast, while industrial production rose by 4.6% YoY, exceeding the 4.4% predicted pace. However, the real estate sector continued to be a drag on the economy, with a 9.3% decline in investment for the first 10 months of the year, worsening from the 9.1% drop reported for the first nine months. Investment into real estate remains a weak spot for the Chinese economy, requiring further support, according to analysts.
  • On 17/11/2023, Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta Mester has emphasized that while progress has been made on inflation, further evidence is needed to confirm a sustained path back to the central bank’s 2% target. Recent reports showed consumer prices remaining unchanged in October, and wholesale prices fell 0.5%. Mester stressed the need for more evidence and suggested that although progress has been made, it is crucial to observe if it continues. Market pricing, in response to the reports, has significantly reduced the likelihood of further interest rate hikes and is anticipating potential rate cuts next year.
  • On 18/11/2023, Amazon has begun laying off several hundred employees in its Alexa division as part of broader cost-cutting measures. The move is part of Amazon’s efforts to align with business priorities and maximize resources, focusing on generative AI. The company has not specified which Alexa initiatives are being discontinued. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has been in cost-cutting mode since last year due to economic challenges and slowing growth in the retail business. The layoffs in the Alexa division come after the company initiated the largest layoffs in its history last year, cutting over 27,000 jobs.
  • OpenAI’s unusual company structure, where the founders, including Sam Altman, didn’t have equity in the company, has been highlighted as a factor in Altman’s surprise ousting from the company. This departure from the norm, where founders typically have a significant stake in the companies they co-found, left Altman without a traditional power base. The lack of equity ownership and traditional control played a role in Altman’s vulnerability and quick exit from OpenAI.
  • On 20/11/2023, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has been ousted from his position. OpenAI’s unusual company structure, with Altman holding no equity in the organization, contributed to his vulnerability. Altman co-founded OpenAI along with Greg Brockman, who also left the company on the same day. The decision to remove Altman was made by the board, and his departure surprised many. Investors, including Microsoft, Tiger Global, Thrive Capital, and Sequoia Capital, are reportedly working to reverse the decision.
  • On 21/11/2023, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on X that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, former heads of OpenAI, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team. Nadella expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to its partnership with OpenAI. The announcement comes after Altman and Brockman’s sudden departure from OpenAI, with Emmett Shear replacing Altman as the new CEO. Altman, in response, retweeted Nadella’s post with the message “the mission continues.”
  • On 22/11/2023, Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting revealed a lack of enthusiasm among officials for cutting interest rates soon. Concerns about stubborn or rising inflation were evident, leading members to agree that a “restrictive” monetary policy stance would be necessary until inflation convincingly returns to the 2% target. While the Fed indicated a willingness to “proceed carefully” and make decisions based on incoming information, there’s a widespread belief on Wall Street that the Fed has completed its hiking cycle. Traders are pricing in the possibility of rate cuts starting in May.
  • Sam Altman is set to return as CEO of OpenAI after immense pressure from employees and investors following his recent ousting. OpenAI announced that Altman would be joined by former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers on the board, with Taylor as chair. The move came after hundreds of employees signed a letter demanding the board’s resignation and Altman’s return. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had previously stated that Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman would join Microsoft to form a new AI lab. The board had initially named Mira Murati as Altman’s interim replacement, but she also supported his return.
  • On 25/11/2023, Argentina’s President-elect, Javier Milei, has emphasized that the closure of the country’s central bank is a “non-negotiable matter,” addressing what he deemed “false rumors.” This announcement aligns with Milei’s campaign promise to shut down the central bank. As he assembles his team ahead of taking office in December, Milei has also appointed Osvaldo Giordano as the head of the country’s social security administration ANSES, and Horacio Marin as the chief of state oil company YPF. These appointments reflect Milei’s commitment to reducing state spending and subsidies. 
  • On 27/11/2023, Asia-Pacific stocks experienced a decline, influenced by a drop in the Chinese market, particularly affecting property firms. In Japan, service Producer Price Index (PPI) surged to its highest level in 45 months, rising 2.3% in October. Meanwhile, China reported a contraction in industrial profits in November, although at a slower pace than in the previous year. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell by 0.26%, mainland Chinese markets were also in negative territory, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.76% lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.53%, and South Korea’s Kospi dipped marginally.
  • Black Friday e-commerce spending in the U.S. increased by 7.5% compared to the previous year, reaching a record $9.8 billion, according to a report by Adobe Analytics. This surge indicates that consumers, despite being price-conscious, are keen on finding the best deals and are increasingly turning to online platforms for their purchases. The strategic approach of consumers to maximize discounts has been a notable trend over the past year. The growth in Black Friday spending also saw a significant contribution from mobile shopping, with $5.3 billion generated from online sales through mobile devices. The influence of influencers and social media advertising has played a role in making consumers comfortable with mobile transactions. Additionally, consumers, managing tighter budgets due to inflation and interest rates, are utilizing flexible payment methods like ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ to stretch their wallets. The report indicates a willingness to spend, particularly when attractive discounts are available.
  • On 28/11/2023, Foxconn Technology, a major Apple supplier, is set to invest more than $1.5 billion in an Indian construction project through its subsidiary, Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development. The investment aims to meet Foxconn’s “operational needs.” The subsidiary has been registered in India’s Maharashtra state since 2015. Foxconn, like other Apple suppliers, has been reassessing its reliance on China due to factors like Covid-19 disruptions and geopolitical challenges. The latest investment follows Foxconn’s withdrawal from a $19.5 billion chipmaking joint venture in India a few months ago. The company remains optimistic about India’s semiconductor industry ambitions.
  • Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, a prominent wealth manager in China, has informed investors that it is heavily insolvent, with liabilities ranging from $58 billion to $64 billion. The firm, which has significant exposure to China’s real estate sector, expressed its apology to investors in a letter. The disclosed liabilities far surpass Zhongzhi’s estimated total assets of about $28 billion. This revelation raises concerns about the spillover of China’s property debt crisis into the broader financial sector, particularly given Zhongzhi’s substantial presence in the country’s $3 trillion shadow banking sector. Analysts anticipate regulatory intervention to prevent wider fallout.
  • On 29/11/2023, Charlie Munger, the billionaire investor and Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has passed away at the age of 99. Munger was known for his long-time partnership with Warren Buffett and played a crucial role in the success of Berkshire Hathaway. In addition to his work with Berkshire Hathaway, Munger was involved in various ventures, including being a real estate attorney, chairman and publisher of the Daily Journal Corp., and a member of the Costco board. Munger’s contributions to the field of finance and investing were widely acknowledged, and his wisdom had a lasting impact on the investment community.
  • On 30/11/2023, Federal Reserve policymakers are expressing comfort with keeping U.S. interest rates on hold, indicating a preference for a “soft landing” for the economy. Fed Governor Christopher Waller, known for his hawkish stance, mentioned that he is increasingly confident in the current policy’s ability to slow the economy and bring inflation back to the 2% target. Waller noted that if the decline in inflation persists, the Fed could consider lowering the policy rate. The central bank aims to manage inflation without causing a significant rise in unemployment. This approach reflects a delicate balancing act in monetary policy.
  •  HSBC has been warned of a potential “hit” exceeding £6.3 billion due to unsecured commercial property loans in China, according to tax consultant Bob Lyddon. Lyddon expressed concerns about the bank’s exposure in Hong Kong and China, stating that losses could “blow a hole in the bank’s equity.” While HSBC acknowledged setting aside £910 million to cover expected loan losses, Lyddon believes the actual situation is more severe. He highlighted issues with HSBC’s stake in its Chinese bank, Hang Seng, suggesting it is overvalued by £3.3 billion. Lyddon urged the bank to recognize the seriousness of the situation and avoid underestimating the financial contagion risk, which could impact the UK economy.

Crypto news

  •  On 01/11/2023, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway invested $750 million in the Brazilian fintech company Nu Holdings, owner of Nubank. They made these investments in June and December of 2021 and have not sold any shares. Nubank is considered crypto-friendly due to its crypto-related services, including Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. The $750 million investment has seen significant gains, with Nu Holdings’ share price rising about 106% this year. This indicates that the investment is now valued at around $879.50 million. At its peak in February 2022, the investment was worth over $1 billion. Nubank, the largest fintech bank in Latin America, has over 80 million customers in Brazil.
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) has incorporated Solana nodes into its services, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growing cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. This integration enables developers to utilize AWS’s infrastructure for Solana’s scalable and fast blockchain platform. It provides a reliable infrastructure with global data centers to minimize lags and disruptions. Developers can also benefit from AWS’s monitoring and management tools for real-time insights into node performance.
  • On 02/11/2023, The ticker symbol for Invesco and Galaxy’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) – BTCO – has been added to the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC) website. This development is part of the ongoing application process for the ETF. However, it’s important to note that being listed on the DTCC site is not a guarantee of future approval for the ETF. The ETF application, jointly managed by Invesco and Galaxy Digital, was reactivated on June 21, 2023.
  • The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged SafeMoon and three of its executives with fraud and unregistered securities sales related to the SAFEMOON token. The Justice Department also revealed charges against these individuals. According to the SEC, SafeMoon’s founder Kyle Nagy, CEO John Karony, and CTO Thomas Smith are accused of misappropriating investor funds and withdrawing $200 million in assets from the project. The Justice Department charged them with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Karony and Smith have been arrested, while Nagy remains at large. The SEC alleges that SafeMoon misled investors by promising to lock funds in the liquidity pool, which was not fully locked as claimed. The Justice Department noted that SafeMoon’s market capitalization increased dramatically, reaching over $8 billion at one point, before vulnerabilities were discovered in the smart contract’s code.
  • PayPal has gained approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer cryptocurrency services in the country. The FCA data shows that PayPal has been registered for “certain crypto asset activities” since October 31, 2023. However, there are restrictions in place, such as ceasing new customer onboarding and restricting existing customers to holding and selling crypto assets. The firm is not permitted to expand its current cryptocurrency services, including crypto exchange, participation in initial coin offerings, staking, peer-to-peer exchange, and decentralized finance activities. This registration makes PayPal the fourth company to receive FCA approval in 2023, following Interactive Brokers, Bitstamp, and Komainu. This development follows PayPal’s temporary suspension of cryptocurrency purchases by its UK customers in October as the company worked to comply with new regulations.
  • On 03/11/2023, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, has been found guilty of all seven criminal counts against him. The charges include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit commodities fraud, among others. Bankman-Fried, who had pleaded not guilty, could face a maximum sentence of 115 years in prison. The charges stem from the collapse of FTX and sister hedge fund Alameda late last year. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams called it “one of the biggest financial frauds in American history.” Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “This case should send a clear message to anyone who tries to hide their crimes behind a shiny new thing… the Justice Department will hold you accountable.”
  • St.Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB), one of Switzerland’s largest banks, is entering the cryptocurrency space by offering Bitcoin and Ether trading services to its customers. SGKB has partnered with SEBA Bank, a global cryptocurrency-focused bank, to provide digital asset custody and brokerage services. The new crypto service is currently available to select SGKB customers, and the bank plans to expand its offerings to additional cryptocurrencies based on client demand. This marks SGKB’s first foray into the digital asset industry, enabling its customers to access cryptocurrencies within their investment portfolios. SEBA is a Swiss-regulated bank specializing in cryptocurrency management, investment, and storage.
  • The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has issued two circulars aimed at regulating digital asset tokenization. These circulars provide guidance to intermediaries engaged in tokenized securities activities and establish criteria for tokenizing investment products that are authorized by the SFC. The SFC treats tokenized securities as equivalent to traditional securities with an added tokenization layer. Therefore, they are subject to the same legal and regulatory requirements that apply to conventional securities markets. This means that tokenized securities offerings must adhere to the Companies Ordinance’s Prospectus Regime and the Securities and Futures Ordinance regarding offers of investment. Intermediaries involved in advising on tokenized securities, managing tokenized funds, and facilitating secondary market trading on virtual asset trading platforms must also comply with existing conduct requirements for securities-related activities.
  • On 04/11/2023, OpenSea, a prominent nonfungible token (NFT) marketplace, has announced layoffs and the launch of OpenSea 2.0 with a smaller team. This marks the latest change for the platform that launched in 2017, facing staff reductions in the past. OpenSea will downsize by about 50% of its employees across various functions. The company will provide affected employees with four-month severance packages, accelerated equity vesting, and six months of continued healthcare and mental health support. OpenSea’s co-founder and CEO, Devin Finzer, expressed the company’s gratitude for the contributions of those leaving and emphasized their commitment to building a more agile and improved version of OpenSea.
  • On 06/11/2023, Berkshire Hathaway’s Vice Chairman, Charlie Munger, expressed concerns over the recent surge in the price of Bitcoin, highlighting his preference for traditional currencies backed by sovereign entities to facilitate exchanges. Munger emphasized that historically, strong currencies, whether seashells, gold coins, or modern banking systems, have been vital in the transition from hunter-gathering to civilization, underlining his reservations about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
  • The U.S. Federal Reserve has taken legal action against Bitcoin Magazine, alleging that the publication’s merchandise parodies and criticizes its recently launched FedNow service, which the central bank sees as an unauthorized infringement of its image and trademarks. The Federal Reserve claims that the merchandise, which uses the FedNow Service image and trademark, misleads readers into thinking there’s a connection between Bitcoin Magazine and the central bank. This action appears to be an attempt to silence criticism and raises questions about the balance between free speech and trademark protection.
  •  Cryptocurrency attorney John Deaton believes that if Ripple can reach a settlement of $20 million or less with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it would be a significant legal victory for the company. Deaton argues that the advantage in the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit is heavily skewed in favor of Ripple, estimating it as a 90/10 advantage. Many in the crypto community also view a $20 million settlement as a positive outcome for Ripple, considering the potential impact of the XRP lawsuit and the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies.
  • On 07/11/2023, The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has chosen Ripple Labs as its official technology partner for developing the digital lari, the central bank digital currency (CBDC) of Georgia. Ripple will work with NBG to implement and deploy the digital lari pilot initiative through the Ripple CBDC Platform. This partnership will evaluate the potential applications of the digital lari for government, enterprises, and individual retail users. Ripple was selected after a thorough selection process, which included nine other firms with the technological capabilities and commitment to the project’s success.
  • On 08/11/2023, Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) in 2024. This potential move follows a prior attempt in 2022 when Circle aimed to go public through a merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) called Concord Acquisition Corp., but that deal fell through. Although the valuation Circle would seek in the IPO remains uncertain, it was valued at $9 billion in the earlier blank-check deal. Circle’s USDC stablecoin, which had a market cap of nearly $56 billion at its peak, has experienced a significant decline since June 2022. Major investors in Circle include financial giants like Goldman Sachs, Fidelity, and BlackRock.
  • On 09/11/2023, The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is engaged in discussions with Grayscale Investments regarding the details of the company’s application to transform its trust product GBTC into a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETF). This development holds significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry. Grayscale has been in communication with the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets and the Division of Corporation Finance following its recent legal battle and victory against the SEC’s denial of its ETF application. The SEC’s approval of one or more cryptocurrency ETF applications is highly anticipated, as it could make it easier for everyday investors to access digital assets.
  • The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is actively engaged in discussions with Grayscale Investments regarding the details of the company’s application to transform its trust product GBTC into a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETF). This development carries significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry. Grayscale has been in communication with the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets and the Division of Corporation Finance after a legal battle that resulted in victory against the SEC’s denial of its ETF application. The SEC’s potential approval of one or more cryptocurrency ETF applications is highly anticipated, as it could facilitate easier access to digital assets for everyday investors.
  • U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has introduced a bill to protect the right of individuals to self-custody Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This bill, known as the “Keep Your Coins Act,” is aimed at safeguarding an individual’s ability to conduct transactions with cryptocurrency assets without requiring a third-party intermediary. The bill seeks to prevent third-party risks to consumers, particularly in light of recent events such as the FTX collapse. This move is part of a broader effort to promote digital asset usage and financial freedom among U.S. citizens while emphasizing the importance of decentralization within the crypto industry.
  • On 10/11/2023, BlackRock has officially confirmed its plans for a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) by submitting a 19b-4 form filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 9. The proposed ETF is named the “iShares Ethereum Trust.” This move indicates BlackRock’s intention to expand its ETF offerings beyond Bitcoin. The registration of the corporate entity “iShares Ethereum Trust” in Delaware earlier on the same day hinted at the forthcoming filing for a spot Ethereum ETF. Several financial firms, including BlackRock, have shown interest in cryptocurrency-backed ETFs in recent months. At least five firms are reportedly in the running for SEC approval for a spot Ethereum ETF.
  • On 11/11/2023, Poloniex, a digital asset exchange, has experienced suspicious outflows from its crypto wallet, leading to an estimated loss of over $100 million. Blockchain security firm CertiK believes the incident is a result of a “private key compromise.” The funds were transferred to external accounts, prompting Poloniex to disable the affected wallet. The exchange has not issued an official statement about the hack, and further details are awaited.
  • On 12/11/2023, Crypto.com, a major cryptocurrency exchange with a daily trading volume of $1.2 billion, has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF). The Hong Kong-based exchange has been listed on the WEF’s website as an organization. Notably, Crypto.com withstood a significant test in late 2022 during the Proof of Keys event, showcasing its resilience in the face of heightened scrutiny. The WEF has been increasingly involved in the cryptocurrency space, supporting blockchain technology and hosting cryptocurrency conferences, reflecting a broader recognition of the significance of these technologies.
  • The Chinese government has issued a statement emphasizing that stealing digital collections, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), will be treated as theft and subject to criminal charges. The statement categorizes theft of digital collections as both a violation of protection laws and the crime of illegally obtaining computer information system data. It outlines three perspectives on the nature of this crime, with the third view considering digital collections as both data and virtual property, leading to potential charges of “co-offending.” This reflects an effort to address legal issues arising from the theft of NFTs and other digital assets.
  • On 14/11/2023, XRP experienced a brief surge in value following a fake BlackRock filing suggesting the creation of an XRP exchange-traded product (ETP). The filing, indicating the registration of the “iShares XRP Trust,” led to a 12% spike in XRP’s price. However, the gains were quickly erased after confirmation from BlackRock that the filing was fraudulent. The incident highlights the sensitivity of cryptocurrency markets to news and the potential for manipulation.
  • Tether has minted an additional 4 billion USDT tokens over the past month, with the latest issuance being 1 billion on the Tron blockchain. Tether’s CTO and CEO, Paolo Ardoino, clarified that the latest transaction on the Tron network was an “authorized but not issued transaction” and would be used as inventory for future issuance requests and chain swaps. The recent issuance contributes to the significant share of Tether’s total USDT minted in 2023, with 57% on the Tron blockchain and the remaining 43% on Ethereum.
  • On 16/11/2023, Commerzbank, a German bank, has received a crypto custody license from local regulators, making it the first “full-service” German bank to achieve this under the legal framework of the German Banking Act. This license allows Commerzbank to offer custody services for crypto assets and positions it to provide additional digital asset services. The bank’s next step is to establish a secure and compliant platform to support institutional clients with crypto custody services via blockchain.
  • On 17/11/2023, Tether, the stablecoin issuer, is reportedly planning a significant expansion into Bitcoin mining. Paolo Ardoino, who is expected to become the CEO of the company, revealed plans to invest around $500 million in the next six months for constructing mining facilities and investments in other miners. The expansion includes building mining facilities in Uruguay, Paraguay, and El Salvador, with a goal to grow computing power to 1% of the Bitcoin mining network. Tether’s mining investment is part of the $610 million debt financing facility extended to German miner Northern Data Group, which Tether announced earlier in the month.
  • On 18/11/2023, The Philippines government plans to raise 10 billion pesos ($180 million) through the sale of a tokenized treasury bond. This move reflects the government’s embrace of blockchain technology to digitize its domestic debt market. The tokenized bond sale follows similar initiatives, such as Hong Kong’s issuance of a tokenized green bond earlier in the year. The Philippines Bureau of the Treasury aims to confirm the interest rate on the one-year bond on November 20, with the issue and settlement date set for November 22. This move is expected to enhance efficiency, liquidity, and transparency in the bond market.
  • On 20/11/2023, Javier Milei, known for his Bitcoin-friendly stance, won Argentina’s presidential run-off election on November 19, securing over 55% of the votes. Argentina has been grappling with a prolonged inflation crisis, with the Argentine peso experiencing over 140% annual inflation in the last 12 months. Milei has been critical of the country’s central bank, referring to it as a “scam” and advocating for Bitcoin as a means to return money to the private sector. He will take office on December 10
  • On 21/11/2023, The United States Justice Department is reportedly in negotiations with Binance to settle an investigation, requiring the cryptocurrency exchange to pay $4 billion in fines. The agreement, if reached, would allow Binance to continue operating while complying with U.S. laws. As part of the deal, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) might face potential criminal charges related to alleged money laundering, bank fraud, and sanctions violations. The announcement of the agreement is expected by the end of the month, and CZ, who resides in the UAE, would face extradition challenges.
  • The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a lawsuit against Kraken, alleging that the cryptocurrency exchange unlawfully facilitated the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies since 2018 without registering with the SEC as a securities exchange, broker, dealer, or clearing agency. The SEC also accused Kraken of commingling customer funds, leading to a significant risk of loss for clients. In response, Kraken disagreed with the SEC’s complaint and plans to defend itself in court. This lawsuit is part of the SEC’s efforts to assert regulatory authority over the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Crypto exchange Bullish has acquired the crypto media platform CoinDesk in an all-cash deal for an undisclosed sum. Bullish, led by former NYSE president Tom Farley, plans to keep the CoinDesk editorial team intact. CoinDesk was previously purchased by Barry Silbert’s Digital Currency Group for $500,000 in 2016. The acquisition comes amid financial challenges for DCG following a tough period for the crypto industry. Other firms, including a group led by Matthew Roszak, had expressed interest in acquiring CoinDesk in the past.
  • On 22/11/2023, The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao will plead guilty to one felony charge as part of a settlement over criminal and civil cases. A $4.3 billion settlement will cover civil regulatory enforcement actions by various government departments, including the U.S. Treasury and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The settlement alleges that Binance allowed criminals involved in illicit activities to move stolen funds through the exchange, and it requires Binance to implement monitoring and reporting measures. Binance will pay over $3.4 billion in penalties to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and around $1 billion to the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Additionally, Binance will pay $2.7 billion in civil monetary penalties and disgorgement to the CFTC, while CZ will pay $150 million.
  • Executives from Grayscale, the crypto asset manager, met with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to discuss the details of converting its flagship Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The SEC memo revealed that discussions focused on the proposed rule change by NYSE Arca to list and trade GBTC shares. Grayscale also entered a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with BNY Mellon, which will act as the agent for GBTC, facilitating share issuance and redemption. The meeting with the SEC is part of Grayscale’s efforts to convert its trust into an ETF.
  • On 23/11/2023, Representatives from BlackRock and Nasdaq reportedly met with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to discuss the proposed rule for listing a spot Bitcoin ETF. The SEC memo revealed that BlackRock provided a presentation detailing how the firm could use an in-kind or in-cash redemption model for its iShares Bitcoin Trust. The SEC has been reviewing various proposals for Bitcoin ETFs, and if approved, it could mark a significant step toward mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. SEC officials also met with representatives from Grayscale on the same day regarding their bid for listing a Bitcoin ETF.
  •  On 24/11/2023, The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued guidance suggesting that capital gains tax (CGT) is applicable to various decentralized finance (DeFi) transactions. However, the guidance has left many aspects unclear, such as whether staking Ether (ETH) on platforms like Lido or transferring funds through layer-2 bridges trigger CGT events. The ATO’s criteria include instances like transferring tokens to another address without “beneficial ownership” or exchanging one crypto asset for the right to receive an equivalent number of the same asset in the future. The lack of clarity raises challenges for DeFi users in Australia on how to comply with tax obligations.
  • Singapore’s financial authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has announced that it will introduce stricter rules for cryptocurrency service providers. The move follows feedback on proposed regulations and aims to limit potential consumer harm. The measures include preventing crypto service providers from accepting locally issued credit card payments, offering incentives for cryptocurrency trading, and providing financing, margin, or leverage transactions for retail customers. The MAS will also issue rules on business conduct, requiring providers to publish policies, procedures, and criteria governing the listing of digital payment tokens and establishing effective procedures for handling customer complaints and disputes. The measures will be implemented in phases starting in mid-2024.
  • On 25/11/2023, South Korea is set to launch a pilot program for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the fourth quarter of the next year. The program, jointly operated by the Bank of Korea (BOK), the Financial Services Commission (FSC), and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), will involve 100,000 citizens. Participants, approximately 0.2% of the country’s population, will use tokens issued by commercial banks in the form of a CBDC to purchase goods. The pilot aims to address challenges in existing government-issued grant systems, such as high transaction fees, slow settlement, and fraud concerns. The likely locations for the pilot include Jeju, Busan, or Incheon.
  • A court in Podgorica, Montenegro, has approved the extradition of Terra founder Do Kwon to either South Korea or the United States. Do Kwon was arrested in Montenegro in March after being found at the airport with falsified documents. The final decision on the extradition will be made by the Montenegrin Justice Minister after Kwon serves a four-month prison sentence in Montenegro for document forgery. Following his arrest, Kwon faces multiple counts of fraud charged by U.S. federal prosecutors, along with civil charges in the U.S. and an ongoing investigation in South Korea related to the collapse of the stablecoin terraUSD.
  • UK investment funds have received approval for tokenization from a government working group, as announced by trade body The Investment Association. The collaboration involving the UK Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and investment managers aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and international competitiveness in the investment management sector. The initial stage includes a baseline model for tokenization outlined in the “UK Fund Tokenisation — A Blueprint for Implementation” report. FCA-authorized funds can adopt tokenization for sales and redemption transactions if they meet specific criteria within the existing legal and regulatory framework.
  • On 28/11/2023, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to his cryptocurrency exchange, has been temporarily barred from returning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he resides. A U.S. District Court Judge in Seattle ruled that Zhao cannot go back to the UAE until the court resolves the government’s motion for review. Zhao was released on a $175 million bond last week and is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on February 23. Prosecutors argued that he presents a flight risk, given his billionaire status, guilty plea, and residence in a country without an extradition treaty with the U.S. The judge’s decision restricts Zhao’s travel until further court proceedings.
  • Circle, the company behind USD Coin (USDC), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SBI Holdings to promote the adoption of USDC and Web3 services in Japan. The collaboration aims to expand the circulation of USDC in Japan, especially following the revision of the Payment Services Act by the Japanese government. SBI Holdings is seeking registration as an electronic payment instruments service to facilitate the circulation of USDC, subject to approval by Japanese authorities. The move is expected to contribute to the advancement of Japan’s transition towards a Web3 economy.
  • On 30/11/2023, The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reportedly met with executives from BlackRock and Invesco on November 28 to discuss their Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) proposals. BlackRock presented a revised redemption model aimed at addressing SEC concerns regarding balance sheet impacts and risks associated with U.S. broker-dealers handling offshore crypto entities. The proposed revision involves the offshore entity acquiring Bitcoin from Coinbase and pre-paying the U.S. registered broker-dealer in cash, as U.S. broker-dealers cannot directly handle Bitcoin. The SEC has been seeking redemption models that place the responsibility on ETF issuers to transact in Bitcoin without involving unregistered subsidiaries or third-party firms for BTC dealings.
 

This month shows a recovery sign in my stock portfolio. People are still discussing the recession, and how a soft landing will not happen. The RBA decided to raise the interest this month, by another 25 basis points to 4.35%. This also means my variable rate also goes up to 6.19%. My monthly minimum payment decreases due to the extra $5,000 that I have contributed before. However, I have changed the minimum monthly payment back to the original amount so I can pay it off faster.

Inflation has slowed down quite a lot, but we still see people spending like crazy, especially during Black Friday. The economy does not seem to slow down, despite the rate rise. Even the FED is thinking of reducing the rate next year. A high interest rate may be good to slow down the inflation but it also comes with a cost, higher debt payments for treasury bonds. We don’t really see any big events this month, except for the Open API CEO, Sam Altman who got fired and also back to be a CEO within a week.

The crypto market has ended a month with an increase of 8.81%, still a good sign, and Bitcoin is around $38k. The most surprising news is that the CEO of Binance CZ has pleaded guilty. It’s not the same effect as SBF but it was a shock to see such news in a short amount of time. Binance has to pay a fine of more than 4 billion dollars. I am surprised that the price of Bitcoin does not crash that much, considering Binance is the biggest exchange. However, bullish news about Bitcoin Spot ETF is everywhere. We might see a spot ETF soon, maybe early next year, judging from the fact that the SEC keeps delaying the ETFs.

The stock portfolio shows a great sign of recovery. VDHG has raised to $93,035.25 with a return of 4.5%, jumping from 1.46%. Raiz’s portfolio also sees an increase of 6.31%, from 0.03% to 6.34%. Compared to last month, ETFs show positive returns for all of them. Once again, the crypto portfolio shows another bullish movement, taking the total value of the portfolio to $64,603.76 from $58,980.94, a gain of $5,622.92. We are now only 7.75% away from my original investment and will break even soon, after DCA-ing to Bitcoin for the last couple of years. Bitcoin is still the greatest return in my portfolio.

With the additional payment toward the home loan, I can see a small decrease in the interest this month, on both the fixed and variable loans:

  • $2,400.42 to $2,319.98 – fixed rate loan
  • $241.59 to $217.50 – variable rate loan (with the current available redraw at $6,548.55).

In total, I am paying $104.43 less in interest rate this month. Even though it’s a small amount, it reduces my overall payment of the loan and hopefully speeds up the time I can fully pay off the house. I am surprised to see how much of an impact when contributing more toward the home loan. My plan is to pay half the loan in 5 years, a bit too much but I think it is achievable. I will wait for 3 or 4 months more, to see the pattern in my payment and maybe I am able to calculate how long I will be able to achieve the goal.

With the information above, we see an impressive return this month at 6.48%, making the total value of the portfolio $181,003.97. I can’t believe that the $200,000 goal is only $20,000 away, all thanks to Bitcoin, and I am glad I made the right decision to buy Bitcoin when everyone was selling it in 2022. And with the additional payment of $2,000 toward my home loan, and assuming the house price is still at $715,000, my total network increases to $339,053.92. It’s great to see the network increase monthly. It has been a wild year for me, and I should take care of myself better now, besides chasing money.

Some of the articles I use for the information above:

Passive Income

This month has produced about 15.698 ADA. The staking reward for AXS for this month is 0.96 AXS. Staking for IMPACT is 1719.423 PACT. BAT Reward is 3.59 BAT.

To sum up:

  • ADA Reward – 15.698 ADA.
  • AXS Staking –  0.96 AXS.
  • Impact Staking – 1719.423 PACT
  • BAT reward – 3.59 BAT
  • Dividend – Not available for this month

What I have learnt

Keyword for this month – Balance

I achieved quite a lot this month, both at work and in the house. Only one goal I have set last month is met:

  • Finish the freelance work – I managed to have both the new system for the freelance and the new app on the App Store. Quite an achievement since they were my priorities this month to complete it. It’s time for me to enjoy the work progress and collect the payment.
  • Weight – this is a bit tough. It’s been one hell of a month with late-night work, stress eating, and the fact that I broke the scale and have not bought a new one yet. I should get a new one soon, but from the look of it, I think I have gained weight this month. SMH.
  •  Working on the locks – well, for this, I have a perfect reason why I was not able to work on this, and it’s actually better.
  • Food prep – this is tough. The fact that I do have not much time during weekdays, and also work more on weekends. I was not able to do anything prepping. Well, at least the housemates are nice enough to give me some food.
Though only one goal was met, I have accomplished other things:
  • Help a friend to settle their house sale – this is a surprise for me as I became an interpreter for one of my friends since he does not speak English fluently. The most challenging part is the communication part. I am also surprised that the solicitor did not do the Mortgage Discharge Form on behalf of the client, and I had to do help my friend somehow. I also learned that there are lots of things to prepare when selling a property.
  • Move a new sofa – with the property that my friend has sold, I was able to get the sofa set to my place. Extremely heavy, and I needed help from a guy and bring it home. Now I got a second-hand sofa, and it looks good. No need to spend more money on the sofa.
  • Black Friday sale – I got spare money this month (payment from freelance) and it’s Black Friday. I bought the gardening tools + a Heat Pump Dryer + Google Nest Cameras. Worth the money, and I am able to work on the garden a bit more now. However, they missed the two batteries needed for the lawn mower so I have requested them to send them to me ASAP.

With all that being said, it was quite a busy month. I am also experiencing stress more because of my current job. Honestly, I think part of it was my foul for being a bit too nice, and not reacting quickly to the situation by raising questions earlier. However, at least things are getting pushed now, but there’s a chance that we will not be able to make it for the release in March 2024. I forgot to mention that I will be on leave on 8/12/2023, for 5 weeks, which makes me more nervous next year when I come back to work. Well, I have already anticipated that we would not make it in March, but let’s see. I should take more rest now and prepare myself by then. Time to relax after a horrendous year.

I still want to achieve some goals so let’s make some goals for next month:

  • Weight control – I hope I can reach 72 kgs next month. I have promised that I would get to 70 kg by the end of this year, but a lot of things happen, and I am likely to be in the range of 73 – 74 kg by the end of this year. However, let’s do another push to reach 72 kgs, and let’s make it a milestone for this year.
  • Call the plumber to check on the plumbing – I notice that the current water pipes seem to have a thing called “water hammer”, especially with the new washing machine, and noises when flushing the toilets. I have already called a service to get someone to check. Let’s see how that goes.
  • Planning on more freelance work during the break – a lot more work to be done, especially with the new system and the new app I got. Enhancement will be needed.
  • Buy more tools – I still need to buy a drill, a ladder, and a chainsaw to cut down trees.
Let’s go and see how much work I can do before next year.

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