Feb 16, 2026

I recently heard that the latest auction for six-month Treasury Bills in Singapore yielded just 1.36%, which is the lowest level seen in recent years. This decline in yield makes T-Bills less appealing, especially since the money is locked in for six months without the option to exit early. At the same time, fixed deposits are offering slightly higher returns, around 1.5%, which presents a dilemma for investors trying to decide where to park their cash to get the best yield. Other alternatives like REITs and bonds are on the table, but they come with their own risks and liquidity considerations.

In corporate news, DBS Bank reported a 10% drop in profits, leading to discussions about whether this signals a peak in their earnings. Investors are now debating if it’s time to sell or continue holding their shares. Despite the profit decline, DBS still offers a dividend yield of about 5.6%, which remains attractive in the current low-yield environment. However, the profit slip might suggest some headwinds ahead for the bank, so investors need to carefully balance the appeal of dividends against potential challenges.

On a personal finance note, I came across a simple yet effective strategy called the “5-minute rule.” The concept is to immediately handle any financial task that takes less than five minutes, instead of postponing it. For bigger tasks, committing just five minutes often leads to getting a lot more done than expected. This method helps turn small, manageable actions into consistent habits that can build wealth over time and make financial management feel less daunting.

Overall, the financial environment seems to be shifting, with yields on traditional safe assets softening and some major companies facing profit pressures. This situation calls for investors to rethink their strategies, carefully weighing the balance between risk and return. Incorporating simple behavioral habits like the 5-minute rule can also help individuals stay engaged and proactive in managing their finances amid these changes.

In sum, with lower Treasury yields, modest fixed deposit returns, and mixed corporate results, the landscape is challenging but not without opportunities. Investors should remain vigilant, diversify thoughtfully, and use practical strategies to maintain financial discipline in this evolving market.

Stay Well!