Home Anthony Tran

An ordinary person of humble background. In my salad days, I ventured into the sports journalism field, later navigating the fund industry, wielding the pen for investment, and eventually took on a research analyst role at a securities firm. Though being a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), studied cognitive science and journalism at university, and trained independently in triathlon and program trading, all these are but fleeting pursuits.

Economics

The US Dollar’s Cycle

The United States’ global influence does not rest solely on its military might or technological innovation. At its core lies a delicate financial system—a cycle where US dollars flow outward through trade deficits, debt issuance, and overseas military commitments, only to return via exports, foreign

Anthony Tran

1 month ago

The US Dollar’s Cycle

A Stronger Yuan Won’t Fix America’s Trade Deficits

In politics, scapegoating is the go-to move to avoid voter backlash. The US, drowning in a record US$140.5 billion trade deficit in March 2025, per Trading Economics, needs a villain. Forget blaming America’s sluggish productivity or sky-high wages—point the finger at China’s currency controls, and

Anthony Tran

2 months ago

A Stronger Yuan Won’t Fix America’s Trade Deficits

China’s Economy: A Tale of Two Realities

Beneath the dazzling neon lights of Beijing and the bustling commerce of Guangzhou, China’s economy shows a perplexing duality. Despite the reported significant economic headwinds, anecdotal accounts suggest a level of prosperity among citizens. Significant economic challenges are present, but rece “Blondie in China,” an Australian content creator, is This begs the question: Why do on-the-ground foreigne China is grappling with deflation, with consumer pric This modes deflation, however, translates to a more a To understand the cost of living in Chinese Mainland, Elsewhere in Guizhou, a second-tier city in China, Am Thanks to lower costs for essentials like food and ho Government interventions have also been crucial. In 2 Moreover, the fabric of Chinese society is woven with Amidst economic challenges, a culture of sacrifice ha The apparent discrepancy between the narratives of ec Young professionals in these cities, frequently benef China’s economic challenges are always there. Back th China’s economic narrative, once defined by relentles

Anthony Tran

2 months ago

China’s Economy: A Tale of Two Realities
Finance

Why my MPF portfolio outperforms again in June

June 2025 was another strong month for my Manulife MPF portfolio, marking its second outperformance against the overall MPF system since January 2025. A steady rally in U.S., China, and Japan equities drove a 3.40% gain in my portfolio during June, surpassing the MPFR All Fund Performance Index, whi

Anthony Tran

4 days ago

Why my MPF portfolio outperforms again in June

My MPF Portfolio Outperforms in May

May 2025 proved to be a robust month for my Manulife MPF portfolio, achieving its first outperformance against the overall MPF system since January 2025. A steady rally in US, China, and Japan equities drove my MPF portfolio to a 6.25% gain in May, surpassing the MPFR All Fund Performance Index, whi

Anthony Tran

4 weeks ago

My MPF Portfolio Outperforms in May

Why I Still Bought Gold Mining Stocks

Gold prices have surged in 2025, driven by market volatility, tariff threats from the Trump administration, and fears of rising U.S. inflation amid slowing global growth. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), which tracks spot gold prices, has risen 25.39% year-to-date as of 30 May 2025. The VanEck Gold Miners

Anthony Tran

1 month ago

Why I Still Bought Gold Mining Stocks

BYD vs Tesla: A Valuation Approach

Investing in the stock market, very often, doesn’t require an advanced degree in finance or mastery of complex financial models. By applying straightforward logic, anyone can spot opportunities obscured by market storytelling. A direct comparison of the world’s top two electric vehicle (EV) manufact

Anthony Tran

1 month ago

BYD vs Tesla: A Valuation Approach

MPF Portfolio: April Update and Strategy

Global equities faced selling pressure in April amid US-China trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. My Manulife MPF portfolio declined by 0.72%, reaching HK$860,350, slightly underperforming the MPFR All Fund Performance Index, which fell 0.61%. However, the portfolio h

Anthony Tran

2 months ago

MPF Portfolio: April Update and Strategy

Is Berkshire Hathaway a Buy Now?

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), the financial conglomerate powered by its insurance business and a diversified portfolio of value stocks, grabbed headlines after major news. On 3 May 2025, legendary Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett stepped down at 94, sparking a sharp share price drop. Berkshire’s stock

Anthony Tran

2 months ago

Is Berkshire Hathaway a Buy Now?

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