So, I'll guess on 4.25% for ASB3 and 4% (again) for ASM2 and ASM3 later in the year.

You may be correct but this is the first dividend declaration, post covid-19, that will have the market crash of March 2020 'washed out' of its figures so I was hoping that might be worth another quarter point.

We will find out soon enough. I do feel that the ASB3 dividend is important as it will be a barometer for what we can expect the trend to be from ASM2 ASM3. I know I keep repeating this message (apologies) but I do feel it is important.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jun 18 2021, 01:07 PM

Nobody knows for sure but we are hoping/expecting around 4 to 4.25%

ASB3 dividend to be officially announced on Wednesday but it usually leaks a day or so earlier. Has anyone heard anything please?

I take that as cautiously positive news.

If we compare like with like and reference the time frames to the market crash of March/Apr 2020 then what, I think, we have is as follows:

ASB - A substantial drop in return from Jan 2020 to Jan 2021 and the market crash was a big factor.

ASB2 - A substantial drop in return from Apr 2020 to Apr 2021 and the market crash was also a factor.

ASB3 - No drop (or increase) in return from Jul 2020 to Jul 2021 and the market crash was not a factor.

To my mind, and subject to current C-19 restrictions not holding the economy back too much, that means we have at least arrested the fall of returns. Now we need to get everyone vaccinated, get the C-19 restrictions lifted and start improving the returns.

As for ASM2, ASM3 later this year. I would hope for the recovery to have started, albeit modestly, so 4.25% to 4.5% would be great. In practice, I think 4% is more likely but with the possibility of GE, it could be higher.

Overall, of course I wish the return was better but we will keep our investments in ASNB for the present time.

What does everyone else think please?

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jun 29 2021, 09:05 PM

I think 4.25% for ASM2 ASM3 is possible if the markets keep recovering. Obviously the C-19 restrictions will not help but the markets do seem to be recovering after the crash of just over a year ago. But 4% is realistic.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jun 30 2021, 12:50 PM

Nothing is guaranteed but I too will be if less than 4%. I have a feeling it will be slightly more than 4% and that next year the ASB returns will start nudging owards 5%. I have nothing other than gut feeling to base that statement on though.

Five states just moved to phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan, infection rates are down and Parliament reconvenes at the end of this month. Hopefully, all that adds up to another small step in an upward trend for our dividends. I may review my hope/prediction for ASM2 ASM3 to 4.5%.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jul 5 2021, 04:42 PM

It could be very interesting. I am now exploring alternative investments, which, in fairness, I was probably going to look at anyway as I need to diversify. I have too many eggs in one basket at the moment.

What are your thoughts re ASM2 ASM3?

I agree. 4% is my minimum figure to accept. My investment in ASNB is my money in my Malaysian wife's name. I am from the UK. I am talking to some people to set up an investment portfolio, offshore, in GBP currency. The running costs are quite high but the net returns are around 7-8% pa. While ASNB was consistently delivering >6% I was happy to stay with ASNB. With the return falling, no effective measures in place against C-19, businesses still shut down and uncertain political outlook, I have, reluctantly, to consider extracting my money (and maybe even my family) from Malaysia.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jul 9 2021, 01:25 PM

It has. And that forces a decision. Wait and hope for a recovery in MYR or diversify now, accept the loss in currency exchange and recover it in around 2 years. Neither choice is particularly attractive.

We may be making a substantial withdrawal from ASM2 ASM3 in the coming months. I'll advise if we are going to do it so that you know units will/should become available.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jul 13 2021, 12:51 PM

Yes, after dividend at end of Aug and Sep. If we get a pleasant surprise with the dividend we may remain invested but I am not hopeful.

I would like to remain invested but I fear that may not be possible if returns fall below 4%. I am setting up an offshore investment account (in £) and will move the funds there if necessary.

ASM2 ASM3

Anything is really possible. We are in totally uncharted territory. The effects of the market crash of March 2020 should be washed out but the lockdown effects remain, along with possible political 'adjustment' of the dividend. I am inclined to go with 4.25% for ASM2, ASM3, for no other reason than the like for like trend is improving. Chronologically, ASB (base figure) Jan 2021 was much worse than ASB Jan 2020, ASB2 Apr 2021 was only a little bit worse than ASB2 Apr 2020, ASB3 Jul 2021 was the same as ASB3 Jul 2020 so, logically, ASM2 Sep 2021 may be just a little better than ASM2 Sep 2020. Hence, 4.25%.

4.5% would obviously be better and would continue the trend.

I am starting to take an interest in ASM2 likely dividend at the end of August. Anything less than 4% and we may be selling a lot of units.

I called in to Maybank recently who we use as our ASNB agent. I was told that we could empty the ASB and ASM accounts in the one visit if we wished. The only condition is that the funds have to be paid to a bank account which bears the same name as is on the ASM ASB accounts. A joint account is fine provided one of the joint account names is the same as is on the ASB ASM accounts.

This post has been edited by MattSally: Jul 26 2021, 11:17 AM

I am still hopeful of a little over 4% for ASM2 ASM3 for the simple reason that anything less will perpetuate the feelings of political instability at a time when stability is most definitely needed. I could be horribly wrong of course but I would gamble on 4 - 4.5%