The True Zero: More Than Just Savings June 29, 2026

What Would You Do With Zero?

The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Now, with our US$0 commission trading on POEMS, investors can focus more on opportunities and less on transaction costs.
For many first-time investors, the hesitation is not a lack of interest. Instead, it is the thought of paying a commission on every trade, especially when the investment amount is small. This creates a false impression that investing only makes sense when there is a larger pool of capital.
The absence of commission fees changes this dynamic. When commission fees are removed, getting started on investing becomes easier. Investors have one less reason to hesitate and can begin with the amount they are comfortable with, invest consistently over time, and respond to market opportunities without having to factor trading costs into every decision.
Freedom To Start Small

Many people think investing is something you do once you have accumulated enough capital. But waiting for “enough” is often what prevents people from investing in the first place.
Successful investing is not about starting with a large amount. It is more about starting early and staying consistent.
Consider investing just US$100 a month. Over 20 years, the amount accumulated may surprise you. Not because US$100 is a large sum, but because time, consistency, and compounding work together to build wealth over the long term.
To illustrate, the table below uses a 7% annual return, based on the S&P 500’s long-term historical average, alongside a typical savings account interest rate of 1.8% p.a. While past performance does not guarantee future results, it serves as a useful benchmark to demonstrate the potential impact of long-term investing.
| Year | Total Contribution (US$) | Invested (7% p.a.) (US$) | Saving Account (1.8% p.a.) (US$) |
| 1 | 1,200 | 1,239 | 1,210 |
| 5 | 6,000 | 7,159 | 6,273 |
| 10 | 12,000 | 17,308 | 13,137 |
| 15 | 18,000 | 31,696 | 20,647 |
| 20 | 24,000 | 52,093 | 28,863 |
Actual returns will vary and are not guaranteed. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
With US$0 commission on POEMS, investors can put smaller amounts to work without having to consider whether trading costs outweigh the value of their investment. Whether you are investing $50 or $500, the ability to start small makes it easier to build disciplined investing habits over time.
Time in the market can have a greater impact on long-term outcomes than the size of the initial investment. The key is not how much you start with, but having the confidence to take the first step.
Freedom To Turn Headlines Into Investments

Every day, investors are exposed to headlines on artificial intelligence breakthroughs, technology IPOs, cybersecurity advances, semiconductor developments, and the growing space technology. These stories are hard to ignore and naturally prompt investors to take action.
Thematic ETFs help by offering targeted exposure to sectors and industries shaped by long-term structural trends. Instead of researching and selecting individual companies, investors can gain diversified exposure through a single investment. Whether it is artificial intelligence, semiconductors, or space technology, thematic ETFs allow investors to translate ideas sparked by headlines into actionable opportunities.
In the past, acting on such ideas often came with a hidden cost. Commission fees made smaller, exploratory investments harder to justify, causing many investors to stay on the sidelines while trends unfolded. With US$0 commission, investors can now explore emerging themes without the barrier of transaction costs. This allows for smaller positions, gradual conviction-building, and more flexible portfolio construction over time.
After all, ideas are only as valuable as the ability to act on them.
Freedom To Stay Consistent

Successful investors often have one thing in common: consistency.
Instead of chasing market highs and lows, they invest regularly through monthly contributions, dollar-cost averaging, and long-term portfolio building. These habits compound over time, but they are most effective when investors maintain them consistently.
Historically, commission fees created friction by adding a cost to every transaction, discouraging frequent, smaller investments. With US$0 commission, that obstacle is removed, and makes it easier for investors to commit to regular contributions, stay the course through market volatility, and build their portfolios steadily without eroding returns at the point of entry.
Consistency beats complexity. When the cost to stay consistent is zero, it becomes easier to invest for the long term.
Freedom To Own The Future: Understanding Your Financial Needs

Everyone’s investment journey is different. Investing carries risk, and understanding your own financial situation is the first step to navigating it well. Factors such as risk tolerance, your investment horizon, and investment objective should shape the decisions you make along the way.
The US$0 commission removes one variable from that equation, meaning your decisions can be driven by opportunity and strategy, rather than transaction costs. Now, investors can start small, act on ideas and stay consistent with greater flexibility.
With US$0 commission on POEMS Cash Plus, accessing these opportunities becomes more convenient and cost-efficient. Whether you are just starting or building on an existing portfolio, now may be a good time to take the next step.
Invest in US stocks with zero commission through POEMS Cash Plus here.
All investments carry risk. Please ensure you understand your own financial situation and risk tolerance before investing.
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Disclaimer
These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products.
Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance.
Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries.
The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries.
Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned.
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About the author
Global Markets Desk US Dealing Team
The Global Markets Desk US Dealing team specialise in handling the US Markets in the Global Markets Desk.
Their responsibilities and capabilities extend from managing and taking orders from clients trading in the US market, to content generation, Technical Analysis and providing educational content to POEMS clients.


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