Inflation is down 0.8%

These are the Singapore inflation rates for 2015:
January: -0.4%
February: -0.3%
March: -0.3%
April: -0.5%
May: -0.4%
June: -0.3%
July: -0.4%
August: -0.8%
September: -0.6%
October: -0.8%


For the month of October, both Education & Food rose by 3.7% and 1.8% respectively year on year. Inflation went up for communication but it was offset by a larger than expected drop in Housing & Utilities. As a result, even compared to last month, Inflation was down.


Looking at the current trend now, it would seem that the average inflation for this year would be negative. However, in terms of the inflation of everyday expenditure, it would have risen. The average cost of food for myself have increased in the early second half of this year. Oil prices however will keep inflation down, most probably.

4% pay rise shows the big disconnect with reality

You have news that

- growth is slowing down all over the world, including China

- retail giants are losing money quarter on quarter

- property giants are losing money

- oil and gas giants are losing money

- technical recession is happening all across Asia and the world

And yet, there is news that there are salary rises next year by 4%. If that doesn't show the obvious disconnect with reality, I am not sure what will. Drawing an analogy, it's like saying that you are giving your children a 4% raise in allowance when your salary is being reduced and your job might not be around next year. 

Ridiculous right?