Investment Returns Calculator Singapore (2026)

For long-run, diversified portfolios held by SG-based investors, illustrative historical averages are: STI ETF (ES3) ~4–5% p.a. dividend-inclusive, balanced 60/40 robo portfolios (Endowus, Syfe Core) ~6–7% p.a., higher-risk equity-heavy portfolios (Syfe Core Growth, StashAway Growth) ~7–9% p.a., S&P 500 (CSPX) ~10% p.a. USD nominal historic. These are NOT guarantees — past performance does not guarantee future results, and SGD-based investors in USD assets bear FX risk.

No single robo wins on all metrics. Endowus offers low-cost institutional unit trusts (e.g. Dimensional, PIMCO) with cash-rebated trailer fees; suited for low-cost passive investors. Syfe offers Core (Risk-based ETF portfolios), REIT+, and Equity100 with tiered platform fees. StashAway uses ERAA economic regime targeting across 20+ ETFs. Pick based on (1) which underlying assets you want exposure to, (2) total expense ratio + platform fee, (3) account minimums, and (4) features you actually need (CPF/SRS integration, US tax efficiency, etc.).

CSPX (iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS, Ireland-domiciled) gives Singaporeans the most tax-efficient exposure to US large-cap equity because Ireland-Singapore tax treaty reduces US dividend withholding to 15% vs 30% for US-domiciled ETFs. STI ETF (ES3, Nikko AM) tracks Singapore's 30 largest stocks and is heavily concentrated in banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB make up ~40%). Most SG investors hold both for diversification: CSPX for global growth exposure, STI ETF for SGD income and home bias.

Capital gains on investments are NOT taxed in Singapore for individuals (no capital gains tax regime). Dividends from Singapore tax-resident companies are tax-exempt at the individual level (one-tier system). Foreign-sourced dividends received in Singapore by individuals are generally not taxed, but withholding tax often applies at the source country (e.g. 30% US withholding on dividends from US-domiciled ETFs, 15% on Ireland-domiciled ETFs holding US stocks). REIT distributions to individuals are also tax-exempt.

A common rule of thumb is to invest 20–30% of take-home pay after CPF deductions, AFTER you have built a 6-month emergency fund in cash or T-bills, and after paying down high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans). Singaporeans benefit from CPF as forced savings — your 20% CPF contribution is already a retirement-bucket inflow, so your discretionary investment allocation can be lower than peers in countries without mandatory pensions.

Robos (Endowus, Syfe, StashAway) charge 0.20–0.65% p.a. management fee and handle rebalancing, dividend reinvestment, and asset allocation. DIY ETF investing through brokers (IBKR, Tiger, Moomoo, Saxo) has lower ongoing fees (often free trades for US ETFs) but you handle allocation and rebalancing. Rule of thumb: under $50k portfolio with limited time → robo. Over $100k with willingness to manage → DIY ETF often cheaper long-term.

Statistically, lump-sum investing beats DCA about 67% of the time in rising markets (Vanguard study) because markets tend to rise over time. However, DCA reduces regret risk and emotional volatility, which matters more for most investors than maximising expected return. If you have a lump sum and can stomach a 30% drawdown, lump-sum is mathematically better. If volatility scares you out of the market, DCA is behaviourally better. For ongoing salary income, you are effectively DCA-ing anyway.

Popular options: (1) Interactive Brokers (IBKR) — lowest cost for US ETFs, FX at near-spot; (2) Tiger Brokers / Moomoo — SG-friendly with welcome bonuses; (3) Saxo / DBS Vickers — full-service but pricier; (4) Endowus / Syfe / StashAway — direct platforms, no brokerage account needed; (5) POEMS (Phillip Securities) — local broker with CDP-linked accounts for SGX. For US-listed stocks held directly (not via Ireland ETF), be aware of 30% US dividend withholding and US estate tax exposure above $60k.