The radio host and financial commentator DJ O analyses how he has made poor investments by blindly following the advice of other commentators and discusses what real estate, alternative investments, and whiskey have in common. Read more to learn about his investment journey.

 

 

(Remark: The video sharing is in Cantonese with English subtitles.)

 

Please tell us about yourself.

 

Hi! My name is DJ O. I’m a radio host on a HK local programme called “Morning Suite” (晨光第一線). I also write finance-related books. I have published 8 books that guide youngsters on saving money, moving up the ladder, and eventually purchasing a home.

 

(Photo Courtesy of DJ O)

 

When did you first realise the need to save or invest?

 

I landed my first job at a commercial radio. During my time there, financial commentators would often discuss which stock to buy for the day and list out a series of numbers deemed profitable. I would follow their advice, but it has always resulted in a loss. Eventually, I decided that it’s best to learn [investments] on my own.

 

Did your family provide financial support when you started investing?

 

My family didn’t offer any financial support for my investments. I witnessed my dad’s bankruptcy at a young age. By working diligently and learning to invest, I was able to earn and save money at the same time. I can now offer help to my dad while being self-reliant. I was also able to make several property investments through my own hard work.  

 

What are your thoughts on money management?  When did you realise the importance of investing?

 

If you don’t invest, you won’t get anything in return; even small investments count. These small steps are crucial if you want to grow your money tree.

 

I’ve realised the importance of money at a young age, following my dad’s bankruptcy. I also majored in Journalism at university; it was there I learnt that the journalism industry didn’t provide a financially prosperous outlook. These experiences have taught me that money is accumulated slowly over time. 

 

In addition, the poor advice I received from various financial commentators made me realise what works and what doesn’t. These countless failures I’ve encountered during my investing journey are valuable lessons for me.

 

What is your current investment strategy?
 

In terms of my investments, real estate and stocks make up 70% and 30% of my portfolio respectively. I’ve also started investing in US stocks in recent years. For instance, Tesla’s price difference can fluctuate and increase over $30 to $40 within one day; given Tesla’s high market capitalisation rate.

 

(Shared by DJ O (@ooooodj) on Instagram)

 

What goals do you want to achieve in life with the investments you have made?

 

I’m not a self-taught investor; I’ve actually developed my investment ideologies by analysing the investment failures I’ve experienced from following the poor financial advice. I wish to become an outstanding financial commentator myself and also publish finance-related advice in hopes of helping others avoid failures or be wary of high risk investments I have gone through.

 

What advice do you have for younger audiences?

 

If the younger generation wishes to understand and create asset allocation, they should divide risk into 3 categories: Low, mid and high risk. Picture this: The 3 different risk preferences represent 3 different wallets.

 

You would allocate a specific amount of money to your “wallet” depending on your risk preference. For instance, I’d allocate a relatively small amount of money and would still potentially receive high returns for my high risk preferences. For my mid risk preferences, I could place relatively more money there, given that it’s safer. For my low risk preferences, I’d use it for interest collection purposes, given that its stock price hasn’t seen huge fluctuations.

 

However, I think all investment strategies should be tailor-made. It’d be ideal if there were a person who understands you and provides customised advice on what works best for you.

 

What are your thoughts on alternative investments?

 

Besides my investments in stocks, I also hold alternative investments including whiskey, watches, and car parking spaces. These investments are less common compared to traditional investments.

 

I used to drink red wine only. But then I realised it wasn’t worth it - you could go through a bottle of red wine really quickly. When it comes to whiskey, I often don’t drink it by the bottle; and would place a greater emphasis on its quality. 

 

There’s a whiskey world ranking published every year on the Whiskey Bible; the book would decide what ranks as the world’s top whiskey. More established whiskeys, such as whiskeys from Scotland or Ireland, were the earlier winners of the ranking. However, whiskeys from Japan or Canada have become increasingly recognised and awarded in recent years. I think the next winner would be a whiskey from India.

 

(Shared by DJ O (@ooooodj) on Instagram)

 

What does whiskey have to do with investment?

 

There are numerous whiskey investment portfolios or funds you can invest in. For instance, the whiskey fund is quite aggressive and comes with greater fluctuations. If you wish to foresee or make alternative investments, you have to understand the Whiskey Bible’s trend. A bottle of whiskey would take time to transform from an underdog to a highly sought-after winner. You must understand different aspects and risks involved when making alternative investments.

 

How long have you been making alternative investments?

 

It’s been a while; I’ve begun making alternative investments when my stocks were becoming profitable. Honestly, investing in whiskeys as an alternative investment isn’t the best option. However, the ability to drink and talk about it with others is what makes it stand out as an investment.  

 

What’s the investment threshold for these alternative investments? Supposedly it’s quite high?

 

Not really. Speaking of whiskeys as an alternative investment, the investment threshold can get to as low as 3000 to 4000 HKD. Following your purchase, you can hold and wait for the whiskey itself to appreciate in value. However, the potential for whiskeys to appreciate in value today is much smaller given that the prices of popular whiskeys originating from Japan have been inflated by investors. The prices of whiskeys have already reflected market demand. I’m currently searching for undiscovered whiskeys from different regions and countries.

 

 

 

 

 

About us

AQUMON is a Hong Kong based award-winning financial technology company. Our mission is to leverage smart technology to make next-generation investment services affordable, transparent and accessible to both institutional clients and the general public. Through its proprietary algorithms and scalable, technical infrastructure, AQUMON’s automated platform empowers anyone to invest and maximise their returns. AQUMON has partnered with more than 100 financial institutions in Hong Kong and beyond, including AIA, CMB Wing Lung Bank, ChinaAMC, and Guangzhou Rural Commercial Bank. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, affiliate of BOC International Holdings Limited, Zheng He Capital Management and Cyberport are among AQUMON's investors. 

 

The brand is held under Magnum Research Limited and is licensed with Type 1, 4 and 9 under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong. AQUMON is also licensed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC).

 

Disclaimer

Viewers should note that the views and opinions expressed in this material do not necessarily represent those of Magnum Research Group and its founders and employees. Magnum Research Group does not provide any representation or warranty, whether express or implied in the material, in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the financial markets or developments referred to in this material. This material is presented solely for informational and educational purposes and has not been prepared with regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific recipient. Viewers should not construe the contents of this material as legal, tax, accounting, regulatory or other specialist of technical advice or services or investment advice or a personal recommendation. It should not be regarded by viewers as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgement. Viewers should always seek expert advice to aid decision on whether or not to use the product presented in the marketing material. This material does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or invitation to any person to invest in the intellectual property products of Magnum Research Group, nor does it constitute a solicitation, offer, or invitation to any person who resides in the jurisdiction where the local securities law prohibits such offer. Investment involves risk. The value of investments and its returns may go up and down and cannot be guaranteed. Investors may not be able to recover the original investment amount. Changes in exchange rates may also result in an increase or decrease in the value of investments. Any investment performance information presented is for demonstration purposes only and is no indication of future returns. Any opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by other business areas or groups of Magnum Research Limited and has not been updated. Neither Magnum Research Limited nor any of its founders, directors, officers, employees or agents accepts any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this material or reliance upon any information contained herein.