Week 25 Snapshot: Friday Portfolio Developments (13-Jun-2025 to 19-Jun-2025)

Portfolio Update

Week 25 saw no position changes, and a focus on income generation to offset market weakness.

SOFI currently leads the pack with a 63% total return from put-selling. MSTY is up 3.83% due to dividend reinvestment, and ULTY gained 2.55%. 

YMAX (-7.38%) and CONY (-14.04%) remained the primary laggards despite significant dividend income, as both saw declines amid broader market weakness and crypto-linked selling pressure.

Market Update

Global markets turned cautious mid-week as renewed Israel - Iran hostilities on Jun 14 sent oil prices surging nearly 6% and equities futures sliding about 1%, a risk-off reaction that persisted through Jun 18 when the Federal Reserve held rates steady and reiterated two rate-cut forecasts later this year, keeping the S&P 500 flat. On Jun 19, President Trump's upcoming decision on US involvement in the Israel - Iran conflict further increased geopolitical uncertainty.

Key Dates:

• 14 Jun 2025   Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other
• 18 Jun 2025   The Fed held rates steady and maintained two rate cut forecasts later this year.
• 19 Jun 2025   Trump to decide on US involvement in Israel - Iran war in 2 weeks.

Transactions Made:

• Closed 2 CONY $8.00 covered calls to realize over 70% of the premium earned

Realized P&L:

Upcoming Dividends:

Strategy for Week 26:

• Maintain buffer to provide liquidity for volatility spikes. 
• Add to high-yield option income funds like MSTY
• Roll SOFI puts once ~70% premium is captured.
• Reinvest dividends from ULTY / YMAX payouts back into income vehicles.
• Monitor middle east developments and Fed commentary.

Which Strikes and Expiries are you targeting for your option rolls next week? Share below.

May 2025 YieldMax Recap

Big Dividends, Low Volatility and a Game of Precision

📍Introduction: When Volatility Sits Still, Dividends Step Up.

May 2025 reminded us of a fundamental truth in income investing: When the market stops swinging, don't chase. Collect. With implied volatility (IV30) decreasing across the board, options premium dried up. But YieldMax sustained.

Despite a quiet VIX and underwhelming movement from key underlying like MSTR and COIN, we recorded a solid $1,387.26 in net passive income. This proves once again that even when the market slows down, your strategy doesn't have to.

🧭 The Market: Volatility Faded, but the Bulls Returned.

The S&P closed May at 5,911.69, climbing an impressive 6.15% month over month, a sharp contrast to April's drawdown. After bottoming near 5,600 on May 6, markets roared back following the CPI report release showing a softer than expected inflation. The rally peaked near 5,970 mid month, and held firm into June, even as volatility continued to fade.

 🌬️ IV Trends – The Real Yield Story.

• CONY IV collapsed as COIN stagnated, slashing covered call yields.
• MSTY briefly spiked as BTC approached $110K, but gains retraced by month end.
• YMAX IV30 continued to decay, pushing its option payouts to near zero.

With volatility compressed, dividends became the true alpha. YieldMax ETFs didn’t need big moves. They just needed time and payout cycles.

💼 Portfolio Snapshot (End of May 2025 )

📊 Performance Metrics – Real Yield, Real Results 

• Despite a -16.9% unrealized loss, the portfolio is nearly breakeven on adjusted value thanks to strong dividend flow and selective premium capture.
• MSTY is the powerhouse, delivering over $2,400 in total income to date.
• CONY and YMAX, while contributing to the capital drag, have paid for themselves through distributions, reinforcing the portfolio’s income-buffered resilience.

📥 MSTY Accumulation Log – Tactical Scaling in May

During May, I added 300 MSTY shares across four entries, tactically spread over price dips and IV setups. These purchases supported my build toward a 1,000-share foundation while maintaining cost discipline.

💼 Options Tactical Deployment in May

Despite a low-IV environment, opportunistic option selling added meaningful income during May. Timing was critical, and all trades were deployed during short volatility upticks.

Total May Premium Collected: $354.68

Options weren’t frequent, but they were efficient, boosting monthly income by 25% on top of dividends, while maintaining capital flexibility.

💰 May 2025 Income Breakdown 

A new monthly high driven by layering of dividends and option trades.

🧠 Lessons from May 

• IV drives yield, but not price along. Stocks rallied, but IV didn't follow until IV popped.
• Dividends remain the bedrock. Dividends made up 80% of of income.
• Precision beats overtrading. Fewer trades with better entries resulted in stronger yield efficiencies.

🎯 Strategic Adjustments – June 2025  

MSTY (Foundation)

• Accumulate below $22 if IV ≥ 40
• Continue selling CSPs around $21.50–$23 if premiums hold
• Track MSTR strength above $400 for conviction scaling

YMAX (Yield Layer)

• Maintain 100 Share block
• Weekly distributions fuel for reinvestment or short CSP ladder

CONY (Tactical Play) 

• Roll or let $15 CC expire (Jun 20)
• Don’t add unless IV > 50
• Monitor COIN headlines for reactive option setups

🔮 June Outlook 

 📈 What’s Next?

I am still in progress of fleshing out the analytics and I need your input.

• Want dividend heatmaps or income bar charts?
• Interested in tracking rolling 3/6/12-month yield on MSTY/CONY/YMAX?

What would you like to see?

Drop a comment, DM, or email — and let’s compound smarter together. 

Summary - April 2025 (CONY, MSTY, YMAX)

 Introduction

April 2025 extended the multi-month decline in market volatility across all YieldMax ETFs, with implied volatility (IV30) reducing across the board. This trend reflects broader market sentiment, where risk appetite has returned amid improving US inflation data, a stabilizing labor market, and growing expectations of a Federal Reserve cut as early as June 2025.

That being said, a surprisingly strong April jobs report, showing an addition of 177,000 jobs and an unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2% has tempered expectations for an imminent rate cut. The robust labor market suggests that the Fed may delay easing monetary policy, which could influence option premiums and dividend yields in the coming months.

Despite this, the portfolio has generated $583.78 in net dividends for April. While this represents a slight decline from March, it underscores the resilience of the YieldMax strategy in a cooling volatility environment. As we move into May, careful balancing and strategic positioning will be key to navigating the evolving market landscape.

What Happened?

US Equity Market

The S&P 500 closed April at 5,515.72, down 10.2% from it's all time high of 6,144.15 set in Feb 2025. The market face broad-based pressure throughout the month, driven by 2 primary developments:

• The announcement of sweeping new US Tariffs in early April 2025, which reignited trade war concerns and triggered a swift market repricing.
• A VIX spike early April, it's highest level since the pandemic, reflecting heightened fear and demand for downside protection.
• A stabilizing end to the month, as investors digested a strong April jobs report, released late in the month, which reinforced the Fed's case to delay interest rate cuts, further cooling investor sentiment.

By April 30, the VIX had cooled, while still elevated, was well below it's early month panic high, signaling, fading volatility even as equity indices remained under pressure.

Cryptocurrency Market

Bitcoin's April trajectory was volatile but ultimately bullish. After dropping to $76,000 in early April, it then rebounded to end the month around $95,600. The recovery was supported by:

• The announcement of a US strategic Bitcoin reserve
• Renewed institutional interest
• Continued positioning of Bitcoin as a digital safe haven amid fiat uncertainty.

However, despite the bounce, BTC's post halving performance lagged behind historical cycles and crypto equities like MSTR and COIN remained under pressure. 

Market Outlook

As we head into May 2025, markets face a delicate balancing act between cooling inflation, robust employment and geopolitical uncertainty. In spite of legitimate concerns about trade disruptions and delayed Fed action, the rapid VIX retracement also suggests that investors are not pricing in prolonged fear.

Portfolio Overview

Transactions and Options Overview

Total deployed in April 2025 : USD 3,245.79

Averaging into MSTY, anticipating IV recovery and capital appreciation potential as Bitcoin and MSTR sentiment rebuild. Average cost remains favorable relative to long term bullish expectations for MicroStrategy and Crypto in general.

Portfolio Breakdown

The portfolio closed April with a total market value of USD 18,194, down from the total invested capital of  $20,771.37, reflecting a net unrealized loss of - USD 2,577.37 (-12.41%). This decline was primarily driven by price depreciation in CONY and YMAX, while MSTY remained the portfolio's relative outperformer.

The portfolio remains heavily weighted in MSTY (76%) as we build towards a 1,000 share position. While unrealized losses in CONY and YMAX weigh in on the total return, dividend income has softened the drawdown. May's strategy will focus on defensive dividend compounding and volatility  re-entry timing.

Lessons from April

• A high VIX doesn't guarantee high YieldMax premiums -  IV30 is the primary income driver
• Bitcoin's price recovery did not lift MSTY premiums - Direction does not equate Volatility

Project Implications and Strategic Adjustments

• Total returns remain positive, despite a -USD 2,577.37 unrealized loss, thanks to $2,625 in dividends and USD 178 in option premiums resulting in a net gain of USD 226 (+1.09%) on invested capital.
• Dividend income has proven resilient, softening the impact of price depreciation in CONY and YMAX. This validates the income-buffer strategy in volatile conditions.
• Option income contribution remains minor (6.8% of income) due to falling IVs. This highlights the portfolio's dependence on dividends, particularly from MSTY to sustain returns

Strategic Adjustments for May 

• MSTY accumulation will continue cautiously

MSTY remains the portfolio's most stable performer and is supported by MSTR's recovery. Further additions are viable below US 25, provided IV remains above 40. To watch for consolidation in MSTR above US 400 before deploying larger tranches.

• No addition to CONY and YMAX for now

Both remain in capital decline with shrinking IV due to pressure from COIN and tech-linked softness respectively. 

• Deploy options strategically during IV spikes

Favor short duration cash secured puts or covered calls only when IV pops above 50 particularly around:

• April CPI (Release May 13) 
• Federal Reserve Events / Macroeconomic Data release.
• Crypto related market catalysts

Conclusion

The MSTR rebound in April justifies continued confidence in MSTY, but low IV across the board calls for more precision and less passive compounding. May strategy will lean into tactical accumulation, option spikes and watchful re-entry into underperformers only if volatility returns.

📬 Help Improve This Blog

To make this blog more comprehensive, I'm currently seeking:

• 💬 Reader feedback on option strategies or ETF income ideas

• 📈 Requests for visual charts (bar/line graphs of dividends or drawdowns)

• 📊 Suggestions for additional diversification ETFs or hedging tools

• 🧮 Any interest in backtesting or rolling yield projections for CONY/MSTY/YMAX

If there’s anything you’d like to see added, or have specific questions about income ETFs or option strategies, feel free to reach out or drop a comment!

 

Summary – March 2025 (YMAX, MSTY, CONY)

Introduction

March 2025 proved to be a brutal month for markets, and our portfolio wasn't spared. Between surging volatility, crumbling tech valuations, and a sharp crypto correction, the investing environment quickly turned defensive. 

What Happened?

US Equity Market

In the United States, equity markets experienced notable declines.

• The S&P 500 shed 4.6% in the first quarter, marking the worst quarterly performance since 2022.
• The Nasdaq Composite plunged 10.5% during the same period also reflecting investor concerns.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 1.3%

Technology were particularly affected, with Tesla and Nvidia experiencing substantial losses of 36% and nearly 20% respectively.

Cryptocurrency Market

The cryptocurrency sector has also mirrored the turbulence seen in equity markets.

• Bitcoin's price tumbled down nearly 25% from its January highs

Market Outlook

The recent market downturns underscore the importance of diversification and strategic asset allocation. Investors should remain vigilant, considering both global economic indicators and geopolitical developments. In the cryptocurrency space, the current volatility may present buying opportunities for long term investors, but caution is advised given the sector's inherent risk.

For YMAX, CONY and MSTY, with the drop in the market, Implied Volatility (IV) surged. This may indicate greater monthly distributions moving forward, which would help cushion the NAV (Price) drop with the stronger yield income.

CONY and MSTY were hit harder, as both COIN and MSTR declined sharply amidst the tech selloff and crypto pullback. In comparison, YMAX held up better as it was diversified across many tech counters.

The following is a breakdown of what transpired in our portfolio, key market insights and strategic adjustments for March 2025.

Portfolio Overview (March 2025)

Transaction & Options Overview

March's trading activity was focused on generating premium income and adjusting positions to align with market conditions. The key option transactions included:

Portfolio Breakdown 

Key Observations & Analysis

• CONY (-49%) Cryto Crash Collateral Damage

March was a nightmare for Coinbase and by extension CONY. As bitcoin's 25% drawdown accelerated by the Bybit hack, centralized exchanges such as COIN faced scrutiny and withdrawal spikes. Lower trading volumes and negative sentiments drove the stock lower, slicing through CONY's NAV despite high premiums and call writings.

• MSTY (-16%) Bitcoin's Whiplash Hits Home

MSTY was spared the worst, but still ended deep in negative territory. MicroStrategy's strategy of holding massive Bitcoin reserves with leverage backfired this month. As BTC slumped, MSTR followed and so did MSTY. The ETF did, however benefit from soaring implied volatility, cushioning the drawdown with substantial option income.

• YMAX (-28%) Tech Gets Tagged

Although YMAX outperformed the others, it wasn't immune. The tech heavy Nasdaq's 10.5% quarterly drop (it's worst since 2022) dragged down YMAX's underlying holdings. However, thanks to it's broader diversification and disciplined call writing strategy, The ETF delivered strong income, softening the blow on total returns.

• Overall portfolio (-28%) loss reflects a month where macro headwinds and sector specific risks collided. 

Lessons from March

• Covered calls work better in a flat or modestly volatile market, but not during sharp drawdowns.
• Crypto-tied ETFs like CONY  and MSTY offer juicy yields, but come with amplified risks. 
• YMAX's diversified structure can offer some shelter, but not immunity. 

Portfolio Implications and Strategic Adjustments

Strategic Adjustments

These changes signal a tactical re-engagement with risk and  potentially a better income trajectory.

Portfolio Implications

March Strategy Paid Off

• The decision to increase allocation captured part of the rebound from oversold levels.
• YMAX and MSTY showed stabilization.

Looking ahead to April 2025

• Bitcoin support at $80k remains key. If breached, expect more downside for MSTY and CONY
• Implied Volatility is still elevated. Excellent for premium income
• Broader markets remain jittery. Look into diversification into CSPX
• Expect modest income recovery in April if tech and crypto stabilize.

📬 Help Improve This Blog

To make this blog more comprehensive, I'm currently seeking:

• 💬 Reader feedback on option strategies or ETF income ideas

• 📈 Requests for visual charts (bar/line graphs of dividends or drawdowns)

• 📊 Suggestions for additional diversification ETFs or hedging tools

• 🧮 Any interest in backtesting or rolling yield projections for CONY/MSTY/YMAX

If there’s anything you’d like to see added, or have specific questions about income ETFs or option strategies, feel free to reach out or drop a comment!

Summary – February 2025 (YMAX, MSTY, CONY)

Introduction

February has been a turbulent month for financial markets, particularly with the crypto currency linked high yield ETF sector. A sharp decline in Bitcoin, stagnation in Ethereum prices and a looming USD $5 billion options expiry were key drivers of  market volatility, leading to heightened uncertainty.

Adding to the complexity, broader economic and regulatory shifts played a significant role. The ongoing US-EU trade conflict, the SEC's decision to dismiss its lawsuit against Coinbase and the USD $1.5 billion Bybit hack further reshaped investor sentiment, intensifying concerns about exchange security and centralized platforms. These events highlight the need for strategic diversification, hedging tactics and a keen awareness of macroeconomic factors.

For CONY, MSTY and YMAX, these factors translated into a challenging month, with notable price declines. However, strong income distribution rates continued to reinforce their long-term appeal, highlighting the resilience of income generating strategies despite short term volatility.

The following is a breakdown of what transpired in our portfolio, key market insights and strategic adjustments for February 2025.

DBS Drops Big Dividends and a New Capital Return Plan - Here’s Why I’m Excited

 DBS Announces Record Profits and Capital Return Plan

As someone who keeps a close eye on DBS groups movements, I was pretty hyped when they dropped their latest financial update. On the February 10, 2025, DBS announced a final dividend on $0.60 per share for Q4 2024 (Ex Date - April 7, 2025). This brings the full year payout to $2.22 per share (a 16% jump) as compared to $1.92 the previous year. Not bad at all!

Now let's talk numbers. I first bought DBS back in September 2020 when it was trading at $19.73. Fast forward to today, with the stock sitting at $45, that's a 228% capital gain on my original investment! The $2.22 annual dividend? That's an 11% yield on my initial cost. Definitely not chump change.

Of course, I didn't just stop there. I've been adding to my position over the years, which bumped up my average cost. So my real dividend yield on cost sits at about 7%, and my capital gain stands at 50.13%. Still, those are some solid numbers for a bank stock, and it just shows that patience pays off in long term investing.

But here's the cherry on top. DBS isn't just stopping at dividends. They also announced plans to introduce a new "Capital Return" dividend of $0.15 per share, paid out quarterly. That's like getting an extra bonus on top of an already sweet deal. Not only does it make DBS more attractive to dividend investors, it also signals confidence in their financial strength, which in all honesty, is exactly what we want to see as shareholders.

So what's next? If DBS keep up a full-year dividend of $2.40 ($0.60 quarterly) and a we factor in a reasonable expected 5% return on investment, that would put my target price for DBS at around $48, meaning there is still a 6.6% upside from the today's price.

Bottom line? DBS has been a winner for me. Strong dividends, solid growth and now an extra capital return. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Current Holdings:

Bitcoin Plunges to $91K Today: A Closer Look at the Events Behind the Drop

Bitcoin falls 10% intraday

Bitcoin's price took a dive today (03-Feb-2025) to US $91,057, a drop that left the market scrambling. Here's a breakdown of the events that might have contributed to this dramatic plunge.

• New trade tariffs announced by Trump have created uncertainty in global markets prompting investors to shift towards safe-haven assets.

Bloomberg reported a surge in US Dollar and a forecast for falling stock markets amid these trade tensions, DXY data also confirms that the dollar's strength has increased after the confirmation of the tariffs on Friday.

• Canada, China and Mexico's retaliatory tariffs to further escalate trade tensions

In response to the US Tariffs, China and Mexico have indicated that they would retaliate, and Canada announced counter tariffs, targeting approximately C$ 155 billion US goods which is expected to further strain the long standing trade relations between the 2 nations.

This combined effect has led to a significant strengthening of the US dollar relative to other currencies and as a result, impacted Bitcoin in several ways.

• Risk-off sentiment

When geopolitical or trade tensions rise, investors tend to shift their funds into safer assets. This can lead to the selling of what is considered "riskier" investments including the likes of Bitcoin. Although Bitcoin has sometimes been viewed as a hedge, its volatility also means that in times of uncertainty, investor might choose more traditional safe havens such as gold, putting downward pressure on Bitcoin's price.

• Stronger US Dollar

A stronger US dollar makes assets priced in dollars more attractive, As Bitcoin is currently pegged to US stable coins (namely USDC and USDT) which is priced in US dollars, when the dollar surges, the appeal of Bitcoin to global investors fall, as they see more value in holding cash or dollar-denominated assets rather than a volatile crypto asset. This can contribute to lower demand and a further drop in Bitcoin prices.

• Increased Market Volatility 

The trade tensions and subsequent policy reactions contributed to a broader market uncertainty which can further lead to increase volatility across various asset classes. With many investors and algorithms set to trigger sell orders in turbulent markets, Bitcoin could face rapid sell-offs or liquidations as part of this wider market correction.

All these have created a perfect storm for Bitcoin's 10% plunge today. That being said, at the point of writing, crypto has been known to be subject to knee jerk reactions and as such, this decline may represent a temporary adjustment amid broader economic uncertainty. We will need to watch closely to see if Bitcoin can stabilize or will be subject to larger volatility as the situation develops.

Omakase - Kamii Sushi

The Journey Begins

As the prime spark driving our quest, it feels wrong to keep this place hidden. Great food, like great stories belong to everyone and  as such, we would like to share this experience with our dear readers.

Kamii Sushi stands in the beating heart of Johor Bahru near busy malls and key roads. Just a skip away from the causeway, Travelling there is a breeze for locals and visiting Singaporeans alike. 

It is the kind of place you stumble upon on a whim, yet draws you in with it's unpretentious charm. In a city bursting with life, this spot cuts through all the noise, offering a quiet respite where unforgettable sushi and warm service captivates your taste buds and steals your heart.

Omakase Grace

A chef's gentle nod,

We place trust in deft hands.

Courses drift like dreams,

Flavors flow in whispers.

Secrets linger on each tongue,

Moments bloom as we taste.

Omakase Grace

Review

Ambience        🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑        Minimalist and calming interior

Food                🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖        Freshness in every bite

Price                🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑        A bit pricier than the average JB sushi spot, but well worth the price.

The price of the FUYU set is RM 538++ (Approx SGD $190)

We kick start this festival of tastes with a simple appetizer of Kurage (Jellyfish) in lemon sauce, Shirako (Milt) and Shio (Salted) Tomato. This trio offers a bright and refreshing entry into the Omakase experience. The Kurage brings a subtle chew packed with a citrusy zing. The Shirako lends a creamy, oceanic richness, and the Shio Tomato provides a crisp pop of flavor. Together, they cleanse the palate, and awaken the senses, perfect for the more complex dishes to come.

The Hirame (Sashimi) with Vinegar Jelly delivers a clean, delicate follow up. The translucent halibut pairs seamlessly with the subtle tang of the jelly, bringing out the sashimi's natural sweetness. It's gentle flavors serve as a refreshing bridge before diving into the richer dishes ahead.

This diverse sashimi platter showcases a spectrum of textures and flavors. To fully appreciate each bite, we started with the Hotate (Scallop) for its gentle sweetness, moving on to the Akami (Lean Tuna) for a deeper cleaner taste, then explored the Kamasu (Barracuda) which adds a subtle smoky note. Next, we indulge in the Chutoro (Tuna Belly) to experience its melt-in-your-mouth richness, and finally finish with the Tako (Octopus) serving as a satisfying close to this course with a firm bite.

Next comes a soulful twist on a classic Japanese comfort dish. This Nikujaga (Beef and Potato Stew) features the succulent A5 Miyazaki beef braised in  a sweet-savory broth with potatoes and onions. The way the premium beef just melts in your mouth harmonizes beautifully with the gentle sweetness of the vegetables, creating a comforting home style flavor elevated by the luxury of A5 wagyu.

As the fifth course of this meal, this dish naturally escalates the indulgence introduced by the previous plates. After the comforting richness of the Nikujaga, the Foie gras-wagyu combination raised the bar  on luxurious flavor, while the Uni (Sea Urchin) and Caviar added a briny, accent that kept the palate engaged. this layering of bold, creamy and subtly salty elements continued the omakase progression creating a harmonious transition towards the most decadent offering of the meal.

After the intense decadence of Foie gras and wagyu, the sixth course provides a gentle yet aromatic transition. The aburi kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) offered a more delicate, lightly smoky sweetness while the Truffle Oil bubbles introduced an earthy whisper of luxury that doesn't overpower. This balancing act refreshed the palate while maintaining the enriched tone of the meal.

A refreshing counterbalance to the truffle-infused richness of the sixth course. The lightly pickled Shime Saba (Cured Mackeral) and the White Konbu (Seaweed) provides both a tangy punch with a subtle salty layer. This combination cut through the lingering richness, resetting the palate and ensuring each bite remained lively and distinct. 

This course reintroduced the richness of the ocean after the palate cleansing from the previous course. The creamy Uni seated atop warm, vinegared rice and wrapped in crisp seaweed offered a burst of sweetness that enveloped our taste buds. It was a return to indulgence, gently guiding us back towards the richer territory without losing the lightness established by the previous course. 

The lightly seared Otoro (Tuna Belly) once again invited us to partake of the bounty of the ocean, enhanced by the gentle kiss of garlic. The fresh nama wasabi (horseradish) used set this dish apart from the standard wasabi paste found in other establishments. Ground directly from the wasabi root, it provided a nuanced heat that complements the fatty tuna without overpowering it.

This dish pairs the natural sweetness of Botan Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) with the velvety richness of foie gras. The finishing touch is a secret house sauce, infused with the accumulated umami of other ingredients that binds everything together in one luscious bite.

Following the decadence of the Botan Ebi and Foie gras, this gently simmered broth offers a soothing interlude. The double boilling technique concentrates the flavors without overpowering the delicate otoro, which softly enriches the soup with its subtle fattiness. Meanwhile, the mushrooms induse a light earthiness, rounding out a light yet deeply comforting course.

And finally, a refreshing finish to the omakase. the Japanese strawberry, apple and melon delivered a natural sweetness and crisp juiciness, while the custard mochi added a soft chew. This final bite offered a playful closure which left us with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

Overall, this omakase was a precisely orchestrated progression from light palate awakening bites to indulgent, richly layered flavors. It was then elevated in luxury with the inclusion ingredients such as Wagyu, Uni and Caviar, balanced by palate resetting courses and a soothing double boiled soup. Finally, ,all this culminated in a delicate dessert, a playful conclusion that cleanses and delights the palate.

I hope this flavorful journey has ignited your passion to pursue your own path towards Omakase Freedom just as it has for us. Each dish reminds us that with the right balance of indulgence and discipline, life's finest pleasures can become a recurring treat!

Summary Jan 2025 (YMAX, MSTY, CONY)

Introduction

Welcome to a new segment on my blog, where I will be shining a spotlight on YieldMax ETFs. These funds combine traditional equity exposure with options-based strategies, aiming to deliver income opportunities to investors in search of steady yields.

It is my hope that this section will provide deeper insight and performance updates which will help you to decide if YieldMax ETFs might be a valuable addition to your portfolio.

My first transaction involved a small purchase in CONY (Coin Option Income ETF) on 23rd Oct 2024 which was followed closely by a 2nd purchase a week later.

That month saw a dividend of $2.02 a share which after a 30% witholding tax was still a whooping 9.93% dividend yield on cost.

Seeing the potential of significantly increasing my monthly cashflow as well as considering the first mover advantage of coinbase / bitcoin, I decided to look further into 3 funds (CONY, MSTY and YMAX) to see if I could further increase my yield.

Portfolio Summary (As of 31 Jan 2025)

Since that day, I have been slowly purchasing shares in the counters below and have accrued the following amounts at the following costs.

Portfolio Value

We can see from above that the current portfolio is still heavily skewed towards CONY. Based on the current expectations that Bitcoin will continue to climb in the year of 2025, I have decided to slowly balance my portfolio towards a 50% MSTY, 30% CONY and 20% YMAX ratio.

Transactions made in the month of Jan 2025

We can see here that several purchases of MSTY were made in the month of January towards that end, which brings my total MSTY holdings to 110 shares.

  

Portfolio Performance

As shown above, for the month of January, the total portfolio cost has since increased to approximately USD $11,000 and has yielded a dividend of  approximately USD $683 (or 6.16% of the portfolio cost). However, due to a depreciation in prices, only CONY is shown to still be positive.

The reasoning for such a depreciation in prices could be as follows:

• Federal Reserves Monetary Policy

Interest Rate Decisions in late 2024, the federal Reserve implemented a series of interest rate cuts (a total of one percentage point) to stimulate economic activity. However, in January 2025, the Fed opted to pause further rate reductions, citing persistent inflation concerns and economic uncertainties. This pause signaled a cautious approach, which might have affected investor sentiment and led to market volatility.

• Inflationary Pressure
  

Despite previous rate cuts, inflation still remained elevated at the end of 2024. This combination of strong economic growth and a tight labor market contributed to sustained price increases, which resulted in eroding purchasing power and heightened concerns about future economic stability.

• Policy Uncertainty

The re-election of Donald Trump as POTUS introduced significant policy shifts, including rapid deregulation and proposed changes to federal spending. These actions created further uncertainty into an already shaken market, as investors grappled with the potential impacts on various sectors and the broader economy.

• Tech Sector Turbulence

In January 2025, the emergence of DeepSeek, a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT, led to a sharp decline in tech stocks. Notably Nvidia experienced a significant loss in market value. This event contributed to the broader market volatility, impacting ETFs with tech sector exposure as questions on the efficiency of current AI models as well as the future demand for AI software.

Dividend Performance 

The above shows the dividends collected as 2025 and how it was distributed on a monthly basis. In spite of only starting last October, we are already approaching our first target of US $500 a month for the year of 2025 (US $405.68 in the month of January alone). 

We notice that CONY has been trending downwards over the past 3 months due to reasons highlighted above. However, we do foresee it going back up with the current recovery trend of the underlying stock COIN (Coinbase Global Inc).

As this was the first month receiving dividends from MSTY, we are unable to confidently predict a trend. That being said, we noted that the underlying stock MSTR (Microstrategy Inc) has been stuck in consolidation parallel to Bitcoin and this is unlikely to change.

Finally for YMAX, as this counter pays out dividends on a weekly basis, we saw a peak of US $0.245 per share on 30 Dec 2024, likely due to the additional days due to the Christmas period. If we look on a monthly basis, we also notice that there has been a slight increase in the monthly accrued dividends from US $0.744 to US $0.751. As YMAX covers a range of Option Income Strategy Funds such as BABA, NFLIX, AAPL, META and PLTR. It still remains to be seen how the impact of DeepSeek as mentioned earlier will have an impact on the dividend payouts.

Moving forward, I will continue to add to this portfolio of ETFs while also monitoring the rate of returns on this portfolio as we move towards the end goal of being able to comfortably afford an Omakase meal on a monthly basis.

If you have any queries, feel free to reach me and I will try to respond as soon as possible.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I still believe there is significant upside to cryptocurrencies as such, I am looking forward to holding on to these shares until at least end 2025 to 1Q 2026.

Option Income Strategy ETFs: A Quick Guide for You

What is an Option Income Strategy ETF?

An Option Income Strategy ETF is a special type of exchange-traded fund that generates income by using options. Instead of just holding stocks and hoping they go up, these ETFs sell options contracts to bring in extra cash, which they then pay out to investors as dividends (often monthly).

Bitcoin 2025: How Global Turmoil sparked a new wave of crypto resilence.

Introduction

Bitcoin's rollercoaster ride has always been riveting to watch, but the events of 2024 and early 2025 has brought new drama to the crypto table. From political showdowns and economic earthquakes to heated debates over energy usage, Bitcoin has found itself in the center of global attention that has tested its mettle. And guess what? It's still standing.

Buckle up as we explore the sparks that flew and the flames that reshaped the world's most notorious cryptocurrency.

Silvermist: The Dividend and Crypto Enthusiast

Meet Silvermist: The Dividend and Crypto Enthusiast

Remember that Omakase trip with Friends? For Silvermist that was a wake-up call. Having worked in MNCs for what seems like forever, life has begun to feel somewhat... stale. Now going through a mid-life crisis, he finds himself thinking, "Is there really all there is?"

Now, unlike what some of his peers recommend, rather than just coasting through life, Silvermist wants more. He craves novelty and experiences that break the routine and relishes shaking up his somewhat mundane life, all without completely losing sight of his financial goals. His solution? An interesting blend of vastly differing investment ideologies and strategies.

His two-pronged investment approach: dividend-paying stocks and cryptocurrencies is simple yet bold. Pair the stability of regular dividend income with the high gains potential of digital assets. Here’s a closer look at how he balances these two very different worlds:

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A Steady Stream of Dividends

Why Dividends?
Silvermist firmly believes in the reliability of dividend stocks for long-term wealth creation. The consistent payouts offer a sense of financial security. A steady cashflow that can be reinvested or simply enjoyed. These dividends form his Fortress of Solitude, his bedrock upon which he can build more ambitious investments and strong enough to shelter him from the dangerous winds of change.

Dividend Reinvestment:
Whenever a dividend is received, he often chooses to reinvest it back into the same stock, or diversify into other higher yielding options. This approach he hopes, will accelerate portfolio growth over time. 

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The Crypto Wildcard

Embracing Volatility
If dividends is his safety net, Cryptocurrency is where Silvermist takes on calculated risk (though sometimes math has proven not to be his strong suit). Despite the market's volatility, he sees blockchain technology as a game-changer and hopes that by focusing on the more reputable cryptocurrencies and staying abreast of market news, he can ride this next wave of innovation.

Staying Informed:
Of course, this doesn't mean that he just throws money at whatever Meme coin is trending at the moment. (Though he somehow prides himself on his collection of shitcoins). He does do his homework, following trends, examining white papers, monitors project roadmaps, and even considers staking when it aligns with his research. His philosophy? It’s his way of adding a spark to his portfolio without throwing caution to the wind..

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Striking a Balance

Silvermist's ultimate goal is to craft an finetune a portfolio that brings in a steady cashflow via dividends while capitalizing on the potential explosive growth of the crypto market. It's a balancing act where he must keep reins on his risk appetite, ensuring that they do not overshadow the underlying stability of his portfolio.

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Planning for the Next Omakase

Silvermist often says life’s too short not to enjoy it. His dream? To use his investment returns to cover day-to-day expenses—and still fund a monthly Omakase dinner with friends. Sound ambitious? Sure. But for someone who’s determined to balance long-term financial planning with living in the moment, it’s a goal worth chasing.

Stay tuned for more financial stories and tips from the Omakase Six, because everyone deserves a taste of the good life, even if it is one bite at a time.

Meet the Omakase Six

Meet the Omakase Six

They’re a tight-knit group of friends who, after savoring a sumptuous omakase dinner, vowed to make that indulgence a monthly event. Fueled by a shared appreciation for fine dining—and a determination to keep enjoying it—they’ve turned their attention to optimizing each member’s personal portfolio.

From comparing individual stock picks to exploring ETFs, REITs, and even alternative assets, they’re pooling ideas and know-how to expand their collective wealth. Their goal? To prove that with disciplined investing and a dash of creativity, anyone can transform a shared culinary passion into a sustainable, exciting financial journey. 

How it all began...

It all started one ordinary weekend when we found ourselves craving an unforgettable dining experience. 

With no solid plans in mind, we hopped on a bus and made the spontaneous decision to cross the Causeway to Johor Bahru. Our destination? Kamii Omakase, a restaurant whose rave reviews on social media which had piqued our curiosity.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were enthralled by the elegant interior and the promise of exquisitely crafted courses. Each dish brought surprise after surprise — fresh seafood flown in that morning, artful plating that told a story, and a chef who orchestrated every bite like a perfectly tuned symphony. When the final piece of sushi was served, we exchanged knowing glances: This was more than just a meal — it was an experience worth revisiting.

Despite the hefty price tag, no one walked away with regrets. In fact, by the time we settled the bill, a grand idea was already brewing. We realized we all shared the same desire: to make omakase dining a regular treat rather than a rare luxury. And that’s how it all began — a simple spur-of-the-moment dinner that sparked the commitment to supercharge our personal finance journeys, hone our investing skills, and build the kind of wealth that would allow us to say “yes” to extraordinary experiences every month.

Stay tuned as we trace the Omakase Six’s adventures—both culinary and financial—and reveal the strategies that just might help you afford your own taste of the good life.