Can you grow your wealth without picking stocks?

What happened?

Interest rates have been coming down recently.

The best fixed deposit rates have fallen to below 2% p.a., and the latest 6-month T-bill yield was at 1.38%.

At the same time, I have seen more questions about Singapore REITs, which tend to benefit from lower interest rates.

In this episode of the Beansprout Podcast from Moofest 2025, I sit down with Raphael Goh, Senior Vice President at CSOP Asset Management, to unpack how REIT exchange traded funds (ETFs) allow investors to gain exposure to a basket of REITs.

We discuss how a single ETF share can provide instant diversification at low cost, as well as strategies to long-term investing success. 

Catch the full conversation in the video below, and subscribe to our Youtube channel for more updates.

Interview with Raphael Goh, Senior Vice President at CSOP Asset Management: How to Start Investing Smarter?

00:01 – How To Build Long-Term Wealth With ETFs

Raphael explained how ETFs make investing more accessible for both new and retail investors.

• A single ETF share gives exposure to a broad basket of underlying assets, removing the need to buy individual stocks.
• CSOP Asset Management, one of Asia’s leading ETF issuers, has over 60 products listed in Hong Kong and Singapore.
• The S-REIT Leaders Index ETF tracks Singapore’s largest and most liquid REITs, giving investors sector exposure with ease.
• ETFs let investors start with smaller amounts, maintain diversification, and avoid the 100-share lot requirement for single-stock SGX purchases.

04:16 – What To Look Out For In REITs And Money Market Funds

Raphael outlined the role of money market funds in managing liquidity.

• The CSOP iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index ETF uses both market cap and liquidity screening to ensure holdings are large and actively traded.
• ETF managers handle rights issues and other corporate actions on behalf of investors.
• CSOP’s USD Money Market Fund offers strong credit ratings (A1/A2), ~4.1% indicative net yield, and T+0 settlement for quick access.
• Designed as an “excess cash facility,” it preserves capital and generates steady returns while investors await market opportunities.

Related Links:

• CSOP iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index ETF
• CSOP USD Money Market Fund

12:49 – Raphael’s Personal Investing Journey And Favourite Finance Books

Raphael shared how his own investment style developed over time and the resources that shaped it.

• Started with active stock trading at university, aiming to outperform the market, before moving to ETFs and index strategies.
• Key turning point: reading The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle.
• Also recommends Just Keep Buying by Nick Maggiulli and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel — available free via Singapore’s National Library Libby app.
• Believes the best investment approach is personal, matching each investor’s goals, temperament, and definition of financial happiness.

13:58 – Common Investing Mistakes To Avoid

Reflecting on his own early mistakes, Raphael pointed out the most frequent pitfalls for new investors.

• Constantly trading or timing the market often leads to inconsistent results and unnecessary stress.
• Even professional traders lose on most of their trades — discipline, asset allocation, and risk control make the difference.
• Index investing and systematic contributions — whether via dollar-cost averaging or value averaging — build steadier long-term results.
• Clarity on your objectives and sticking to an appropriate strategy is more important than chasing quick wins.

17:54 – The Importance Of Staying Invested vs Timing The Market

Raphael wrapped up with his core piece of advice: ride out volatility rather than trying to jump in and out of the market.

• Markets, like life, have ups and downs — both pass in time.
• Trying to “wait for the perfect moment” risks missing the most important growth periods.
• Staying invested allows compounding to work and keeps you aligned with your long-term plan.
• “Keep your feet planted, understand your strategies, and stay invested.”

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