Written reply to PQ on collecting capital gains income data in national surveys to more accurately measure household market income

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Government will consider collecting data on capital gains income in national surveys to more accurately measure household market income. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  We have no plans to do so. Based on international statistical standards and the practice of major national statistical agencies, capital gains are not considered a component of household market income. This is because they are typically irregular and reflect changes in asset values as opposed to being recurring income that is available for current consumption.