MASTERING ETFs: BUILDING INCOME AND GROWTH PORTFOLIOS

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Trainer: Darren Chew
Duration: 5 Hours

Required Skills:

Basics in Microsoft Excel

IT Savvy

Proficient in Mathematics

Course Fee: $$163.50

Upcoming Course Dates : 23 & 24 Oct (7:30pm-10pm)

A Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have become one of the most versatile tools for modern investors, offering low costs, transparency, and instant diversification. In this comprehensive 5-hour course, you will learn how to harness ETFs listed in both Singapore and the US to build portfolios tailored for income generation and long-term growth.

Through case studies, practical worksheets, and real-world examples, we will explore how to evaluate ETFs, compare structures (SGX vs. US, UCITS vs. US-domiciled), and apply strategies such as core-satellite investing, dollar-cost averaging, and sector rotation.

By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to design a personalized ETF portfolio aligned with your financial goals — whether you’re seeking steady income, capital appreciation, or a balanced mix of both.

Part 1: ETF Foundations (Basics & Landscape)

  1. What Are ETFs?
  2. ETF Market Landscape: SGX vs US
  3. Global & Asia ETF growth trends


Part 2: Mechanics & Costs

  1. How ETFs Work
  2. Costs of ETFs:
    • Expense ratios
    • Bid-ask spreads 
    • Tracking differences


Part 3: Tax & Currency (Singapore Investor Focus)

  1. What Are ETFs?
    • US vs Irish-domiciled ETFs
  2. Currency risk: hedge vs unhedged ETFs
  3. Practical scenarios for SG-based investors


Part 4: Choosing the Right ETF (Hands-On)

  1. ETF Selection Checklist
  2. Key factors: index tracked, AUM, costs, domicile, liquidity
  3. Case Study Walkthroughs:
      • Growth-focused investor
      • Income-focused investor
      • Balanced portfolio design


Part 5: ETF Strategies for Investors

  1. Core strategies:
    • Core-Satellite portfolio building
    • Dollar-cost averaging (DCA)
    • Sector rotation & thematic investing
    • Defensive ETFs
  3. Advanced tools: Leveraged & Inverse ETFs


Part 6: Income & Growth Applications

  1. Income Strategies: Dividend ETFs), covered-call ETFs
  2. Growth Strategies: Tech & innovation ETFs, global growth ETFs
  3. Putting It Together: Comparing Income vs Growth vs Balanced ETF portfolios
Darren is currently a Financial Services Director with one of Singapore’s leading and award-winning Financial Institutions, leading a team of Financial Services Consultants and Remisiers. He is also a (CFP) Certified Financial Planner Professional and (ChFC) Chartered Financial Consultant. He is also an Associate Estate Planning Practitioner, Ordinary Member of Financial Planning Association of Singapore (FPAS).

Darren graduated from NTU with a Second Upper Honors degree in Mechanical Engineering. Besides that, he also acquired a degree in Chinese Language and Culture, and a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management to further pursue his interest. He then made a career switch from the engineering field to join the financial services industry in 2005 and he specializes in performing Comprehensive Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Investment Planning. In his maiden year of joining this industry, he achieved the Top 10 Advisers Award. Other awards that he had attained include the Million Dollar Round Table, Chairman’s Roundtable and Phillip Elite.

Darren is very active in conducting seminars educating the public on the financial literacy. He believes that through sound financial planning, he can help his clients accumulate wealth and attain their perfect lifestyle. He has been invited on radio stations 93.8Live and Capital 95.8FM, as well as several live interviews on Channel News Asia – Asia Business First where he shares his views on the market.
For Singaporeans
below the age of 40 & Singapore Permanent Residents of all age groups
Lifetime Income Mastery Course Fee

$1,500

Add 9% GST

+$135

Deduct Enhanced Funding Support (50%) – Not including GST

-$750

Total fee payable by self-funded individual

$885

For Singaporeans Aged 40 and above
Lifetime Income Mastery Course Fee

$1,500

Add 9% GST

+$135

Deduct Enhanced Funding Support (70%) – Not Including GST

-$1050

Total fee payable by self-funded individual

$585

This support is in addition to wage support provided under the Job Support Scheme, announced at the Resilience and Solidarity Budgets.

For more information, please refer to the links above in “this course eligible for”.

Terms and conditions apply.

Participants are eligible for IBF enhanced course fee subsidies up to 70%.
Eligible Individuals Include:

  • Company-sponsored individuals or self-sponsored participants
  • Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore
  • Successfully completed IBF-STS recognized programme (Achieve min. 75% attendance and pass all assessment components)

For company-sponsored individuals

Programme(s) Commencing from 1 July 2022 onwards

For Singaporeans
below the age of 40 & Singapore Permanent Residents of all age groups
Lifetime Income Mastery Course Fee

$1,500

Add 9% GST

$135

Deduct Enhanced Funding Support (50%) – Not including GST

$750

Total fee payable by company-funded individual

$885

For Singaporeans
Aged 40 and above
Lifetime Income Mastery Course Fee

$1,500

Add 9% GST

$135

Deduct Enhanced Funding Support (70%) – Not including GST

$1050

Total fee payable by company-funded individual

$585

This support is in addition to wage support provided under the Job Support Scheme, announced at the Resilience and Solidarity Budgets.

For more information, please refer to the links above in “this course eligible for”.

Terms and conditions apply.

  • IBF & SkillsFuture Programme Code

TGS-2022600165

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