Search found 154 matches

by MFInvestor
Wed Jan 15, 2020 8:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Cybercrooks are targeting retirement accounts — and unlike credit cardsthere's no guarantee you'll get your money back"
Replies: 51
Views: 6625

"Cybercrooks are targeting retirement accounts — and unlike credit cardsthere's no guarantee you'll get your money back"

"Cybercrooks are targeting retirement accounts — and unlike credit cards, there's no guarantee you'll get your money back" USA Today https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/2020/01/07/401-k-retirement-accounts-targeted-online-and-your-money-not-guaranteed/2799053001/ What steps should we be taking at Vanguard to monitor this. Is Vanguard's policy as good as that of Schwab and Fidelity in protecting the user in this type of situation. Beth Bennett didn’t check on the balance in her employer-sponsored retirement account very often. “Maybe every couple of months I’d go online and take a look at it,” said Bennett, of Madison. When she logged in to view her account in November, she expected to see a balance of more than $80,000. Instead, ...
by MFInvestor
Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Continues to Lower the Cost of Investing with Expansion of Commission-Free Platform Beyond ETF
Replies: 71
Views: 6669

Re: Vanguard Continues to Lower the Cost of Investing with Expansion of Commission-Free Platform Beyond ETF

LadyGeek- Can you please explain in non-technical terms what is occurring when you click on the links in the e-mail received from Vanguard that you outlined in your post below. I'm not familiar with the terms used in your post- Thank you. I am a Flagship client and received the same e-mail. I was wondering why Vanguard would send it to me as I was already receiving "free trades" when purchasing stocks and my account is linked to the Federal Money Market. This was setup several years ago when I transitioned to the new format Brokerage style account. Seems like they could have done a better job in who they sent this e-mail to-instead of apparently blasting it to everyone. If anything- I never let money sit in my Federal Money Market...
by MFInvestor
Thu Jan 02, 2020 8:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Re: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

Barron's 1/2/2020 Vanguard Joins the Crowd, Cutting Trading Commissions to Zero https://www.barrons.com/articles/vanguard-cuts-trading-commissions-to-zero-51577975460?mod=hp_LEAD_1 As Barron’s reported on Friday, Vanguard has joined other brokers in eliminating trading commissions. The fund giant said Thursday morning that it is taking commissions to zero for all online stock and option trades, though options transactions will still cost $1 per contract. Exchange-traded funds were already available commission-free at Vanguard. Nonetheless, Vanguard’s price leadership—critical to its brand and asset growth—is under fire. Its index mutual funds, while still among the lowest-priced in the industry, aren’t rock-bottom anymore. (Fidelity sponsor...
by MFInvestor
Thu Jan 02, 2020 8:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Continues to Lower the Cost of Investing with Expansion of Commission-Free Platform Beyond ETF
Replies: 71
Views: 6669

Vanguard Continues to Lower the Cost of Investing with Expansion of Commission-Free Platform Beyond ETF

Press Release 1/1/2020 Vanguard Continues to Lower the Cost of Investing with Expansion of Commission-Free Platform Beyond ETF https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-Vanguard-Expands-Commission-Free-Platform-Beyond-ETFs.html VALLEY FORGE, PA (January 2, 2020)—Vanguard, a leader in low-cost investing, today extended commission-free online trading for stocks and options to all Vanguard Brokerage clients, effective immediately.1 This expands Vanguard Brokerage’s commission-free platform that has included all Vanguard mutual funds since 1977, all Vanguard ETFs since 2010, and nearly every ETF in the industry since 2018. Additionally, more than 3,000 non-Vanguard mutual funds have no transaction fee when traded online. “Lowering the c...
by MFInvestor
Tue Dec 31, 2019 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Re: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

How many investors does Vanguard have? MnD,wrote Now, Vanguard with its 30 million clients, is making a difference in the lives of the investors who choose Vanguard. Other mutual fund houses weren't a low-cost provider until Vanguard's offerings forced them into becoming a low-cost provider. willthrill81 wrote by willthrill81 » Fri Dec 27, 2019 5:11 pm sonosoldi3112 wrote: ↑ Fri Dec 27, 2019 5:09 pm I respect what you say but in this day and age .... companies need to provide superb customer service and 24/7 around the clock ... it is the norm and what is expected. Vanguard's 30 million investors might disagree with you. They also manage more assets than Fidelity and Schwab combined. This is from the Vanguard website also linked to by willt...
by MFInvestor
Mon Dec 30, 2019 11:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs
Replies: 50
Views: 4782

Re: Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs

Excellent article on Fidelity website regarding SECURE Act https://www.fidelity.com/go/secure-act-faqs SECURE Act becomes law The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, passed in December 2019, includes many bi-partisan reforms that increase access to workplace plans and expand retirement savings. The retirement legislation includes policy changes that will impact defined contribution (DC) plans, defined benefit (DB) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 529 plans. These FAQs provide an initial overview of some of the key changes outlined in the Act. A number of these provisions will be subject to interpretations from the Internal Revenue Service or other authorities. As always, you should consult wit...
by MFInvestor
Mon Dec 30, 2019 10:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Re: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

Several posters have questioned whether private companies report their revenues or profits. Vanguard and Fidelity have been mentioned. Fidelity does on an annual basis. Below are links to two articles that covered the release of their earnings from mid February 2019. by abuss368 » Mon Dec 30, 2019 12:26 am ARoseByAnyOtherName wrote: ↑ Mon Dec 30, 2019 12:05 am abuss368 wrote: ↑ Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:54 pm ARoseByAnyOtherName wrote: ↑ Sun Dec 29, 2019 10:33 pm Why doesn't Vanguard release any information about it's financials? Because they are private and there is no mandated reporting requirement. Fidelity is a private company and still releases financial information on a yearly basis. Why doesn't Vanguard? What does Fidelity release? "F...
by MFInvestor
Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Re: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

afan wrote by afan » Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:06 am Fascinating quote regarding Flagship service implies that about half of Flagship customers are Flagship Select. Or does that just mean that they are phasing in the transition away from an individual rep and have not yet gotten to all the investors who will be impacted? afan I am a Flagship client and still have a dedicated representative. I am not Flagship selecy. My guess is that they are phasing in the transition. Are there other Flagship clients that are not Flagship select that still have an assigned representative? Is this move to a team approach a way to lower costs or is it to make the service more effective. How often do you try and contact your individual representative to only find t...
by MFInvestor
Sat Dec 28, 2019 8:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Re: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

whodidntante Wrote:Fri Dec 27, 2019 3:24 pm Does this mean they will add fee-free HSAs and cash management accounts? If not that, will Vanguard match the lower fees from Fidelity for mutual fund expense ratios? Can I send a fee-free wire transfer now without owning a cruise ship? What about ATM fee rebates? Will they have that now? Can I call Vanguard at 9:30 pm on a Saturday now? If yes to all above, congrats to Vanguard for becoming competitive! This is from the article and explains why some services have changed: "Vanguard, meanwhile, has scaled back in some areas. The firm eliminated bill payment last summer; Vanguard says less than 2% of eligible clients used it. “We’re not a bank and online bill pay isn’t core to what we offer,”...
by MFInvestor
Fri Dec 27, 2019 2:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.
Replies: 142
Views: 15792

Barron's Cover article--Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up.

"Vanguard Led the Way for Decades. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up." Barron's--By Daren Fonda Dec. 27, 2019 2:43 pm ET https://www.barrons.com/articles/vanguard-led-the-way-for-decades-how-long-can-it-stay-on-top-51577475828?mod=hp_LEAD_1 Vanguard’s brokerage customers may be getting a New Year’s gift. The company is expected to announce soon that it is eliminating commissions to trade equities and options. Free trades would be an abrupt shift by Vanguard Group. Only a few weeks ago, CEO Tim Buckley had waved off the idea of cutting commissions, a move every other discount broker made in October. “We go for a different investor,” he told Barron’s in mid-November. “We’ve made the choice not to provide all the services for people who want...
by MFInvestor
Thu Dec 26, 2019 10:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs
Replies: 50
Views: 4782

Re: Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs

I found this interesting calculator that illustrates how RMDs from an inherited IRA will be impacted by the change: "How Does the SECURE Act Impact Your RMDs?" https://www.securermd.com/ Calculator If you could inherit a 401(k), IRA or other retirement account from anyone other than your spouse, you are likely going to be affected by the SECURE Act. Starting January 1, 2020, the required minimum distribution on these accounts will be 10 years – meaning you’ll likely need to adjust how much you withdraw annually as compared to the previous rules. This is expected to increase the number of taxable distributions and result in higher tax revenue for the government. On the other side, if you are doing your estate and retirement plannin...
by MFInvestor
Wed Dec 25, 2019 2:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs
Replies: 50
Views: 4782

Question about SECURE and no more stretch IRAs

The new SECURE Act which is effective January 1, 2020 states the following: No more stretch IRAs "Required minimum distributions have also changed for non-spousal account inheritors. Under the current law, beneficiaries who did not inherit their accounts from a husband and wife are in some cases allowed to withdraw required minimum distributions for the span of their lives, which could be a few years, or a few decades. The amount of the distribution is calculated based on a few factors, including life expectancy and beneficiary age. The SECURE Act requires beneficiaries withdraw all assets of an inherited account within 10 years. There are no required minimum distributions within those 10 years, but the entire balance must be distribut...
by MFInvestor
Wed Dec 25, 2019 9:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Philadelphia Inquirer--Vanguard Charitable forecasts donations of over $1,000,000,000 by the end of 2019
Replies: 2
Views: 655

Philadelphia Inquirer--Vanguard Charitable forecasts donations of over $1,000,000,000 by the end of 2019

"Vanguard Charitable forecasts donations of over $1,000,000,000 by the end of 2019" https://www.inquirer.com/business/vanguard-charitable-jane-greenfield-daf-charity-20191224.html Any Bogleheads use Vanguard Charitable What has been your experience It looks like there is $10 billion invested at Vanguard Charitable- Donations of $1 billion would be 10% of total invested. At the same time new money is being added on an annual basis and the overall portfolio fluctuates based on annual gains and losses. This year there should be sizable gains in overall investments based on performance in stock and bond markets. Vanguard Charitable accepts the assets into a donor-advised fund. Donors don’t pay capital gains taxes on the gift, and that...
by MFInvestor
Thu Dec 19, 2019 9:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Money--There's a Super-Secret Conference Dedicated to Investing Legend Jack Bogle. Here's What It's Like on the Inside
Replies: 31
Views: 4811

Money--There's a Super-Secret Conference Dedicated to Investing Legend Jack Bogle. Here's What It's Like on the Inside

"There's a Super-Secret Conference Dedicated to Investing Legend Jack Bogle. Here's What It's Like on the Inside" Money Link to article: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/theres-super-secret-conference-dedicated-200332553.html For a few windy days in early October, I was one of 200 people who dropped off the map. I told my friends and family I was going to “Philadelphia” — the terms of my registration prohibited me from telling them where, exactly — and disabled my phone’s location services. It was here, at an ultra-exclusive three-day meeting organized by a Marine veteran, where we discussed an issue of obsessive importance to all assembled: low-cost index mutual funds. These conference-goers weren’t the high-rolling stock market fa...
by MFInvestor
Mon Dec 16, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar-2019 -"The biggest story has to be the death of Jack Bogle at the age of 89 in January."
Replies: 1
Views: 423

Morningstar-2019 -"The biggest story has to be the death of Jack Bogle at the age of 89 in January."

"The Biggest Mutual Fund Stories of 2019 These 8 events were attention-getters. " 12/16/2019 Morningstar https://www.morningstar.com/articles/959672/the-biggest-mutual-fund-stories-of-2019 Jack Bogle RIP The biggest story has to be the death of Jack Bogle at the age of 89 in January. The Vanguard founder clearly did more for fund investors than anyone else in history. Since I shared these reflections on Bogle's life in January, a couple of things really stood out to me. I was struck by the hundreds of people who shared stories of meeting Bogle. Virtually every person shared a story about meeting Bogle and being inspired by him to go out and do their best for investors. It's remarkable that he maintained the evangelical zeal throug...
by MFInvestor
Mon Dec 16, 2019 7:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard In China [offering advisory services]
Replies: 10
Views: 1041

Vanguard Press Release 12/13/2019--Ant Financial and Vanguard Announce Partnership to Bring Inclusive Wealth Management

[merged into existing topic - moderator prudent] Vanguard Press Release 12/13/2019 "Ant Financial and Vanguard Announce Partnership to Bring Inclusive Wealth Management Services to More Consumers in China" Link to release: https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-Ant-Financial-Vanguard-Announce-Partnership-Bringing-Wealth-Management-Svcs-China-121319.html SHANGHAI and VALLEY FORGE, PA, December 13, 2019—Vanguard, the $5.9 trillion U.S.-based asset manager, and Ant Financial Services Group, operator of the world’s leading payment and lifestyle platform, Alipay, today announced a partnership to bring a new streamlined and broadly-available investment advisory service to retail consumers in China. Combining Alipay’s technol...
by MFInvestor
Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: December 6, 2019--Vanguard Releases 2020 Economic and Market Outlook Report
Replies: 84
Views: 7186

December 6, 2019--Vanguard Releases 2020 Economic and Market Outlook Report

"Vanguard Releases 2020 Economic and Market Outlook Report" This is a link to the 48 page pdf of the report: https://pressroom.vanguard.com/nonindexed/Vanguard_Global_Economic_Market_Outlook_2020.pdf This is a portion of the Press Release and link to the full release: https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-Vanguard-Releases-2020-economic-market-outlook-report.html VALLEY FORGE (December 6, 2019)–Vanguard today released its comprehensive outlook and analysis on the global economy and financial markets. With ongoing trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and unpredictable policymaking becoming the new normal, Vanguard expects U.S. growth to decelerate below trend to around 1% in 2020, with the risk of recession still e...
by MFInvestor
Tue Nov 12, 2019 6:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar--Vanguard Won the Loser’s Game How an outsider conquered the fund industry.
Replies: 5
Views: 1438

Morningstar--Vanguard Won the Loser’s Game How an outsider conquered the fund industry.

"Vanguard Won the Loser’s Game
How an outsider conquered the fund industry."

John Rekenthaler Nov 12, 2019


https://www.morningstar.com/articles/95 ... osers-game

Reaching the Top

That Vanguard might eventually become the largest fund company is not startling. Thirty years ago, when Vanguard wasn't among the 10 largest mutual fund sponsors, it had nonetheless established the industry's strongest brand. Competitors advertised their mascots--lions here, bulls there. Vanguard didn't bother with such fluff. Instead, it painstakingly differentiated its contents.

Nobody has done that better than Vanguard.
by MFInvestor
Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Philadelphia Inquirer reports--Vanguard cut fees, this time on 15 S&P and Russell index-based ETFs
Replies: 15
Views: 2590

Philadelphia Inquirer reports--Vanguard cut fees, this time on 15 S&P and Russell index-based ETFs

"Vanguard cut fees, this time on 15 S&P and Russell index-based ETFs" Philadelphia Inquirer November 7, 2019 https://www.inquirer.com/business/vanguard-schwab-fidelity-etf-fee-war-20191107.html Interesting article as it states that although these new rates are reported in the updated Annual Reports they are not yet effective. The article link contains a table with all of the changes. Just when you thought ETF expenses couldn’t go any lower, Malvern-based investment giant Vanguard has slashed expense ratios on 15 S&P and Russell index-based ETFs, according to its latest annual reports. While assets in the 15 ETFs grew over the funds’ fiscal year, which ended Aug. 31, expenses fell. Some of the annual expenses dropped by hu...
by MFInvestor
Tue Oct 29, 2019 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard system problem: buy reversed
Replies: 20
Views: 2469

Re: Vanguard system problem: buy reversed

A radio station in Philadelphia reported on this problem last week: https://kywnewsradio.radio.com/articles/news/exclusive-some-vanguard-accounts-debited-without-permission PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) Exclusive: Vanguard apologizes to customers whose accounts were debited without permission A story you heard first from KYW Newsradio Mike Dougherty October 23, 2019 - 7:31 am Some customers of investment company The Vanguard Group were caught off guard when money was taken from their accounts without permission. When Joseph Mercede took a look at his checking account Tuesday morning, he noticed Vanguard had initiated a withdrawal, which by itself was not out of the ordinary. "The problem is, I didn't authorize this transaction. And no o...
by MFInvestor
Fri Oct 11, 2019 1:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs- Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund featured in article
Replies: 0
Views: 724

NYTs- Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund featured in article

Dividend Growth May Steady Stock Portfolios in Shaky Markets [/b] October 11, 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/11/business/fund-dividend-growth-stock.html?searchResultPosition=1 With corporate profit growth dwindling, stocks of mature companies that have track records of increasing dividends may provide a way to protect a portfolio against a possible downturn. Just ask Donald Kilbride, the manager of the $38.6 billion Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund, which recently reopened to new investors after restricting access only to existing clients three years ago. Steadily rising income from dividends has countered the risk of declining value in past markets. And over the long term — Mr. Kilbride took over the management of the fund in 2006 — th...
by MFInvestor
Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges
Replies: 107
Views: 14158

Re: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges

Post by MFInvestor » Mon Oct 07, 2019 9:04 am Firms like Vanguard and Blackrock will be the main beneficiaries of the move to zero $ commissions by Schwab, TD and ETrade. ETFs will also benefit compared to Mutual Funds. The value of commission free ETFs offered by firms on a select basis will no longer have any value. A client can now purchase any Vanguard or BlackRock ETF at any of the major firms and not pay a commission. This should be a huge plus for BlackRock in particular as they partnered in the past with Fidelity and offered commission free ETFs as they had no platform like Vanguard to sell directly to clients. Now I can purchase those ETFs at any of the three firms mentioned (I can also purchase at Vanguard commission free). Why p...
by MFInvestor
Thu Oct 10, 2019 5:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity to $0 Commissions
Replies: 87
Views: 12875

November 10--Fidelity cuts fees to $0 as it jumps on zero-commission bandwagon

[merged into existing topic - moderator prudent] Fidelity cuts fees to $0 as it jumps on zero-commission bandwagon Fidelity Investments said that it is eliminating trading commissions, becoming the latest company to reduce brokerage fees as rival investing platforms chase greater market share. Read now: StockTwits to launch commission-free stock trading platform to rival Robinhood, others Fidelity said it would cut fees to $0 on online trades of U.S. stocks, eliminating a $4.95 charge for such trades. The Boston-based company’s fee changes also include exchange-traded funds and options transactions. For investment advisers, commissions will be cut to zero on Nov. 4. Fidelity’s online brokerage has 21.8 million accounts, the Wall Street Jou...
by MFInvestor
Mon Oct 07, 2019 8:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges
Replies: 107
Views: 14158

Re: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges

Firms like Vanguard and Blackrock will be the main beneficiaries of the move to zero $ commissions by Schwab, TD and ETrade. ETFs will also benefit compared to Mutual Funds. The value of commission free ETFs offered by firms on a select basis will no longer have any value. A client can now purchase any Vanguard or BlackRock ETF at any of the major firms and not pay a commission. This should be a huge plus for BlackRock in particular as they partnered in the past with Fidelity and offered commission free ETFs as they had no platform like Vanguard to sell directly to clients. Now I can purchase those ETFs at any of the three firms mentioned (I can also purchase at Vanguard commission free). Why pay Mutual Fund purchase fees at various brokers...
by MFInvestor
Wed Oct 02, 2019 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges
Replies: 107
Views: 14158

Re: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges

E-Trade drops commissions on trades, joining Schwab, TD Ameritrade in brokerage fee war

Reported by CNBC
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/02/e-trad ... e-war.html

E-Trade is getting rid of commission fees on U.S. stock, ETF and options trades.

The move comes within a week of Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade all dropping their commission fees.

E-Trade estimates a quarterly revenue impact of $75 million from dropping fees.
E-Trade’s new fee structure will start on October 7. Options will still have a 65 cents charge per contract.
by MFInvestor
Tue Oct 01, 2019 8:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Press Release 10/1/19--Vanguard Adds To Its Active Lineup With Launch Of International Core Stock Fund
Replies: 68
Views: 9190

Press Release 10/1/19--Vanguard Adds To Its Active Lineup With Launch Of International Core Stock Fund

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek] Vanguard Adds To Its Active Lineup With Launch Of International Core Stock Fund VALLEY FORGE, PA (October 1, 2019)—Vanguard today introduced Vanguard International Core Stock Fund (VWICX), expanding its actively managed roster of more than 70 mutual funds and ETFs. The new fund, which will be managed by Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management), represents Vanguard’s continued effort to complement its index products with industry-leading active products, including three additional active offerings introduced over the past year: Vanguard Global ESG Select Stock Fund, Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund, and Vanguard Global Credit Bond Fund. Vanguard International Core Stock...
by MFInvestor
Tue Oct 01, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges
Replies: 107
Views: 14158

Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges

Charles Schwab (SCHW) Eliminating Commissions for Stocks, ETFs and Options Listed on U.S. or Canadian Exchanges Beginning October 7, 2019, the company will reduce U.S. stock, ETF and options online trade commissions from $4.95 to zero. And with no minimum account size to open a full featured Schwab brokerage account, every investor, no matter how large or small, can benefit from the expertise and support of a firm that has been entrusted with more than $3.7 trillion in client assets. Every Schwab client using our web and mobile channels automatically qualifies for the new pricing, without opening a new account, making a new deposit or maintaining a minimum balance of any type. https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Charles+Schwab+%28...
by MFInvestor
Fri Aug 30, 2019 7:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard today released its global 2019 Investment Stewardship Annual Report, (8/30/2019)
Replies: 2
Views: 539

Vanguard today released its global 2019 Investment Stewardship Annual Report, (8/30/2019)

https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-vanguard-Releases-Annual-Investment-Stewardship-Report-083019.html You can access a pdf of the report by using the link above. VALLEY FORGE, PA (August 30, 2019)—Vanguard today released its global 2019 Investment Stewardship Annual Report, which details company engagements and voting records of its mutual funds for the 12 months ended June 30, 2019. In the report, Vanguard calls for greater diversity among boards of directors at public companies. Vanguard believes that diverse boards make better decisions, which can lead to better results over the long term. Vanguard is asking boards of directors to publish their views on board diversity, disclose their board diversity measures, broaden the...
by MFInvestor
Wed Aug 07, 2019 10:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity highlights its better sweep account yields
Replies: 28
Views: 4357

Fidelity is automatically sweeping new clients’ cash into a money fund with a higher yield than what is paid by many oth

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek] Brokers Bank on Your Cash, but Some Are Breaking From the Pack Fidelity is automatically sweeping new clients’ cash into a money fund with a higher yield than what is paid by many other brokerages WSJ https://www.wsj.com/articles/brokers-bank-on-your-cash-but-some-are-breaking-from-the-pack-11565210891?mod=lead_feature_below_a_pos1 What this article fails to mention is Vanguard. The Vanguard sweep account is Federal Money Market with a current 7 day yield of 2.18% Fidelity Investments said it has sweetened the deal for customers holding cash there, the latest salvo in the price war playing out among brokerages competing for clients’ assets. The Boston-based firm, which manages about $2...
by MFInvestor
Fri Jul 19, 2019 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87
Replies: 9
Views: 2118

Re: Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87

A follow up article on John Neff by Mark Hulbert "Opinion: This legendary Vanguard fund manager had the right stuff to beat the market " Published: July 16, 2019 10:28 p.m. ET https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-legendary-vanguard-fund-manager-had-the-right-stuff-to-beat-the-market-2019-07-16 Enough time has elapsed since investment legend John Neff passed away to step back and take a sober look at the performance of the mutual fund he ran for more than three decades. That’s not because Neff’s record was anything short of impressive. But a dispassionate analysis of how much money an investor could have made from his considerable investing skills would have looked unseemly in the immediate aftermath of his passing. Neff died Jun...
by MFInvestor
Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Press Release 10/1/19--Vanguard Adds To Its Active Lineup With Launch Of International Core Stock Fund
Replies: 68
Views: 9190

Press Release 10/1/19--Vanguard Adds To Its Active Lineup With Launch Of International Core Stock Fund

[Title was "Vanguard Expands Active Roster With Proposed International Core Stock Fund" The fund has been launched, see below. --admin LadyGeek] Press Release by Vanguard 7/18/2019 I didn't see anything on the forum regarding this https://pressroom.vanguard.com/news/Press-Release-Vanguard-Files-for-International-Core-Stock-Fund-071819.html VALLEY FORGE, PA (July 18, 2019)—Vanguard today filed a preliminary registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for Vanguard International Core Stock Fund. The new actively managed fund will be managed by Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management) and is expected to be available to investors in the fourth quarter of 2019. Vanguard, one of the largest providers o...
by MFInvestor
Tue Jul 16, 2019 7:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Expands Their Index Fund Lineup
Replies: 70
Views: 13378

July 16--[Fidelity launches new index funds]

Fidelity Press Release: "FIDELITY® CONTINUES TO DELIVER INDUSTRY-LEADING VALUE WITH LAUNCH OF NEW INDEX FUNDS Five New Core Index Funds are Competitively-Priced with No Investment Minimums" https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/press-release/fidelity-extends-index-lineup-071619.pdf Fidelity Mid Cap Growth Index Fund FMDGX .05% Fidelity Mid Cap Value Index Fund FIMVX .05% Fidelity Small Cap Growth Index Fund FECGX .05% Fidelity Small Cap Value Index Fund FISVX .05% Fidelity Municipal Bond Index Fund FMBIX .07% As is the case with Fidelity’s 53 existing stock and bond index funds and 11 sector ETFs, the new funds have lower expense ratios than their comparable funds at Vanguard. The five new funds are av...
by MFInvestor
Tue Jul 09, 2019 12:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Vanguard hits back at Fidelity's loss-leader strategy by courting higher-margin businesses, like China and private equi
Replies: 19
Views: 2389

"Vanguard hits back at Fidelity's loss-leader strategy by courting higher-margin businesses, like China and private equi

I came across this article and found it very interesting as it reviews some of the topics that have been recently discussed on this forum. "Vanguard hits back at Fidelity's loss-leader strategy by courting higher-margin businesses, like China and private equity, and axing low-margin ones like annuities--Wealth management franchises are next" https://riabiz.com/a/2019/7/8/vanguard-hits-back-at-fidelitys-loss-leader-strategy-by-courting-higher-margin-businesses-like-china-and-private-equity-and-axing-low-margin-ones-like-annuities-wealth-management-franchises-are-next Tim Buckley may have hit a wall in the race to be the low-cost fund king, after Fidelity pushed the game to the brink with no-fee funds. In a significant strategic shi...
by MFInvestor
Thu Jun 13, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87
Replies: 9
Views: 2118

Re: Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87

The Wall Street Journal has an obituary on John Neff this afternoon 6/13/2019 "John Neff Outperformed the Stock Market for Three Decades Manager of Windsor Fund shunned fads and prized companies that were misunderstood or overlooked" Windsor was the first Vanguard fund I owned some 40 years ago. Along with Peter Lynch of Fidelity he was a giant of active management. After graduating from the University of Toledo, John Neff hitchhiked to New York City in January 1955 for job interviews with Wall Street firms. He had $20 in his pocket and stayed overnight at a YMCA. Wall Street showed scant interest in him, so he accepted a less glamorous job at National City Bank in Cleveland. Yet eight years later, Mr. Neff was installed in Philad...
by MFInvestor
Wed Jun 05, 2019 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87
Replies: 9
Views: 2118

Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87

"Brilliant stock picker John Neff, who ran Vanguard’s Windsor Fund and built Penn’s endowment, dies at 87" More sad news from Vanguard this afternoon. https://www.inquirer.com/business/john-neff-obituary-vanguard-windsor-funds-university-pennsylvania-endowment-fidelity-20190605.html John B. Neff, 87, a plain-spoken Ohio native who moved to the Philadelphia suburbs and beat the stock market for a generation, built Vanguard Group’s largest fund, and gave the University of Pennsylvania an Ivy League-size endowment without pay in his spare time, died Tuesday, June 4, after an illness, his daughter Lisa Neff-Ryave said. Mr. Neff worked at the Philadelphia office of Wellington Management Co. from 1964 until his retirement in 1995. His c...
by MFInvestor
Thu May 16, 2019 3:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Long Term Bond Index to charge 0.50% fee on purchases
Replies: 65
Views: 7993

Re: Vanguard Long Term Bond Index to charge 0.50% fee on purchases

Article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer on this topic: Why would anyone buy the Mutual Fund shares versus the ETF shares going forward. It appears that by buying the ETF shares you are avoiding a few of 0.50% starting July 10, 2019. This fee appears very steep when you consider that the expense ratio is only 0.07%. "Vanguard slaps new 0.50% fee on bond mutual fund shares, nudging customers into ETFs" by Erin Arvedlund, Updated: May 16, 2019- 7:53 AM https://www.philly.com/business/vanguard-bond-index-mutual-fund-etf-fees-20190516.html If you want to invest in one of Vanguard’s popular bond index mutual funds, the cost is about to go up. Vanguard said it will levy a 0.50 percent purchase fee for Investor and Admiral share classes ...
by MFInvestor
Tue May 14, 2019 4:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Long Term Bond Index to charge 0.50% fee on purchases
Replies: 65
Views: 7993

Vanguard Long Term Bond Index to charge 0.50% fee on purchases

The following is from the Prospectus supplement dated 5/10/2019 for Vanguard Long Term Bond Index Fund "Effective July 10, 2019, the Fund will charge a 0.50% fee on all purchases of its Investor Shares and Admiral Shares, …" Doesn't apply to ETF shares This is a hefty fee when you consider that the expense ratio of the Admiral and ETF shares is currently on 0.07%. New purchase fee would be 7x annual expense ratio. (The Investor shares for this fund are going away and merged into Admiral shares) Why would anyone be encouraged to by Admiral shares versus ETF when the fee applies to Admiral shares but not ETF. This seems to be a strong statement that Vanguard is encouraging the purchase of ETF's versus Mutual Fund shares Currently th...
by MFInvestor
Sun May 12, 2019 8:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs-"A Quirk of the Calendar Is Messing With Stocks"
Replies: 6
Views: 1901

Re: NYTs-"A Quirk of the Calendar Is Messing With Stocks"

Thank you for clarifying articpineapplecorp articpineapplecorp wrote: Or does the OP mean, not "starting" dates but "ending" dates of 6/30/18 and 3/31/19? If so, you'd be looking at 10 year returns from 6/30/08-6/30/18 which would be : https://quotes.morningstar.com/chart/fu ... A%5B%5D%7D and 3/31/09-3/31/19 which would be : https://quotes.morningstar.com/chart/fu ... A%5B%5D%7D OP, does that help? I was referring to ending dates. Looking at the ten year period ending 6/30/18 and 3/31/19. The NY Times illustrates that your annual return over a ten year period changes dramatically when just a few months get eliminated from the period and we are starting to see this reflected when funds provide their most current 10 year ...
by MFInvestor
Sun May 12, 2019 10:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs-"A Quirk of the Calendar Is Messing With Stocks"
Replies: 6
Views: 1901

NYTs-"A Quirk of the Calendar Is Messing With Stocks"

"A Quirk of the Calendar Is Messing With Stocks" https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/09/business/10-year-stock-window.html?searchResultPosition=1 Vanguard.com is currently showing the 10 year return for Index 500 Admiral as of 3/31/2019 at 15.90%. Looking at the semi-annual report that is on the website the 10 year annual return for Index 500 Admiral as of 6/30/2018 is 10.16%. A huge difference over a 10 year period for these two different periods that are only nine months apart. The author of the NY Times article does a good job of explaining this difference. I'd like to see how different the value of $100k invested on 6/30/2018 and 3/31/2019 would be. Recall that before stocks began rising with the start of the long bull market on M...
by MFInvestor
Wed May 01, 2019 6:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Vanguard Patented a Way to Avoid Taxes on Mutual Funds"
Replies: 140
Views: 13949

Bloomberg--Vanguard Patented a Way to Avoid Taxes on Mutual Funds

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek] Bloomberg article 5/1/2019 "Vanguard Patented a Way to Avoid Taxes on Mutual Funds" Interesting article. My favorite phrase "Although the dialysis machine has attracted little notice outside Vanguard, it has been controversial within the firm, according to two people with knowledge of the matter." https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-vanguard-mutual-fund-tax-dodge/ Like flipping a light switch, Vanguard Group Inc. has figured out a way to shut off taxes in its mutual funds. The first to benefit was the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund. Investors’ end-of-year tax forms abruptly stopped showing capital gains in 2001, even as the fund went on to generate billi...
by MFInvestor
Sun Apr 28, 2019 9:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WSJ--How Schwab Ate Wall Street
Replies: 82
Views: 11992

WSJ--How Schwab Ate Wall Street

"How Schwab Ate Wall Street The firm was a discount broker for amateurs. Then its CEO turned it into a personal-finance supermarket that’s dragging rivals in its wake." Interesting article on the evolution and success of Schwab from lower commissions, banking, advice and ETFs. Are “Schwabbies” like "Bogleheads" ? Wall Street Journal 4/28/19 https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-schwab-ate-wall-street-11556474103?mod=hp_lead_pos6 "Once barely noticed by the denizens of Wall Street, Schwab has amassed a stockpile of client assets that dwarfs those at Bank of America Corp.’s Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley ’s brokerage arm and UBS Group AG’s Americas unit. Its stock is up 76% since the end of 2007, versus 26% for the Dow Jone...
by MFInvestor
Sun Apr 28, 2019 1:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's writes--Vanguard Keeps Some of Its Cheapest Funds Out of Reach for Fidelity Customers
Replies: 10
Views: 2417

Barron's writes--Vanguard Keeps Some of Its Cheapest Funds Out of Reach for Fidelity Customers

"Vanguard Keeps Some of Its Cheapest Funds Out of Reach for Fidelity Customers" https://www.barrons.com/articles/vanguard-lowest-cost-funds-fidelity-retirement-schwab-51556315451 "As a longtime Fidelity customer (and former writer for its web site), I’ve long appreciated the company’s customer service and wide array of investment choices. But when I tried to buy the Admiral class shares of a Vanguard mutual fund recently, I was politely told that it wasn’t available—no matter how good a customer I was. Vanguard, it turns out, is keeping some of its lowest-cost products off the shelves of fund “supermarkets” like Fidelity and Schwab. While investors can purchase most Vanguard mutual funds at these firms, they will have to buy ...
by MFInvestor
Thu Apr 04, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces Plans to Launch Commodities Fund
Replies: 196
Views: 32850

Vanguard Announces Plans to Launch Commodities Fund

Vanguard Announces Plans to Launch Commodities Fund https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vanguard-announces-plans-to-launch-commodities-fund-300824779.html Where have you gone, Jack Bogle A nation turns its lonely eyes to you VALLEY FORGE, Pa., April 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard today filed a preliminary registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund. The new actively-managed fund, which is expected to launch in June 2019, will offer investors added portfolio diversification, along with a potential hedge against inflation risk by investing primarily in commodities and treasury inflation protected securities (TIPS). "The Commodity Strategy Fund will be a low-cost, broad-ba...
by MFInvestor
Wed Apr 03, 2019 8:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Bipartisan retirement bill [to upgrade 401k plans]
Replies: 17
Views: 3245

New law would raises the age for required mandatory distributions from 70 1/2 to 72.

[merged into existing locked thread - moderator prudent] "House committee unanimously passes bill to upgrade 401(k) plans amid 'retirement income crisis'" https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/retirement/house-committee-unanimously-passes-bill-to-upgrade-401-k-plans-amid-retirement-income-crisis/ar-BBVxlrZ?ocid=spartanntp In addition, the bill includes several measures that would affect other types of savings. It repeals the maximum age for IRA contributions and raises the age for required mandatory distributions from 70 1/2 to 72. It also expands the use of 529s, from only college-related expenses to include private schools, home schools and student loans. The raising of the RMD age would be a favorable change. This is the reasoning b...
by MFInvestor
Fri Feb 22, 2019 9:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Posts Record Revenue, Profit Despite Market Swoon Firm’s operating income rose 19% to $6.3 billion in 2018,
Replies: 2
Views: 520

Fidelity Posts Record Revenue, Profit Despite Market Swoon Firm’s operating income rose 19% to $6.3 billion in 2018,

"Fidelity Posts Record Revenue, Profit Despite Market Swoon Firm’s operating income rose 19% to $6.3 billion in 2018, and revenue increased 12% to $20.4 billion" https://www.wsj.com/articles/fidelity-posts-record-revenue-profit-despite-market-swoon-11550773262 The WSJ and others are reporting this today. Fidelity Investments posted record operating profits and revenue for a third-straight year even as a stock-market selloff late last year shrunk the value of the assets it manages for clients. The Boston-based firm said Thursday that operating income rose 19% to $6.3 billion in 2018. Revenue jumped 12% to $20.4 billion. A market rout at the end of 2018 helped push assets under management down 1%, to $2.42 trillion. The results show...
by MFInvestor
Sat Feb 16, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity reports-The number of 401(k) and IRA millionaires declined. The number of people with $1 million or more in the
Replies: 47
Views: 6172

Re: Fidelity reports-The number of 401(k) and IRA millionaires declined. The number of people with $1 million or more in

by SavageAmusement » Fri Feb 15, 2019 7:27 am Does anyone know if Vanguard publishes similar information? If so, how does its statistics compare to Fidelity’s? SavageAmusenet an annual report is published by Vanguard. It is very detailed and consist of 112 pages. This is a link to the report: ( I have updated this link since my original posting as the initial link was incorrect) https://pressroom.vanguard.com/nonindexed/HAS18_062018.pdf Below is an interesting quote from the report: "Average versus median balances" "In 2017, the average account balance for Vanguard participants was $103,866; the median balance was $26,331." This illustrates how the median is a much more accurate indicator of account balances as mentione...
by MFInvestor
Thu Feb 14, 2019 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity reports-The number of 401(k) and IRA millionaires declined. The number of people with $1 million or more in the
Replies: 47
Views: 6172

Fidelity reports-The number of 401(k) and IRA millionaires declined. The number of people with $1 million or more in the

The following is from A Fidelity Press Release issued January 31, 2019 "FIDELITY Q4 2018 RETIREMENT ANALYSIS: MARKET SHAKE-UP IMPACTS ACCOUNT BALANCES, BUT INVESTORS “STAYED THE COURSE” DESPITE VOLATILITY" https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/press-release/fidelity-q4-2018-retirement-analysis-013119.pdf Interesting data in the report. Based on information from the release, there are a total of 272,600 401k/IRA millionaires. That's out of 25.4 million accounts. That works out to .0108% or 1 out of every 100 is a millionaire. The average retirement balance is a shade under $100,000 BOSTON, Jan. 31, 2019 -- Fidelity Investments®, a broadly diversified financial services company with more than $6.7 trilli...
by MFInvestor
Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar article-"Can Vanguard Remain Alone?"
Replies: 10
Views: 2252

Morningstar article-"Can Vanguard Remain Alone?"

"Can Vanguard Remain Alone?" Interesting Morningstar article today. https://www.morningstar.com/articles/912928/can-vanguard-remain-alone.html Solo Act Historically, Vanguard has competed in a league of its own. Its rivals have battled over one segment of the marketplace, while Vanguard has controlled the other all by its lonesome. Only Vanguard treated funds as commodities. If competently run, suggested the company, the performances of funds within a given category converge. What counts are costs. And nobody beat Vanguard for low expenses. Cementing Vanguard's position has been its unique corporate structure, by which its funds' shareholders own the firm. In practice, Vanguard employees and the funds' boards make the decisions, n...
by MFInvestor
Thu Jan 03, 2019 2:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard To Liquidate Convertible Securities Fund
Replies: 25
Views: 3126

Re: Vanguard To Liquidate Convertible Securities Fund

Some commentary from Investment News regarding the fund closing: https://www.investmentnews.com/article/20190103/FREE/190109988/vanguard-shutters-1-billion-mutual-fund "Vanguard shutters $1 billion mutual fund Convertible securities fund to be liquidated because it attracted the wrong kind of investors" The ongoing evaluation and cleanup of the fund lineup at The Vanguard Group is eliminating another large mutual fund from its big mutual fund complex. "The fund reached a high-water mark in terms of performance and fund size in 2011," said Vanguard spokeswoman Emily Farrell. The fund's assets peaked in 2011 at $2.2 billion, following a 19.24% gain in 2010 and a 40.81% surge in 2009. By the end of 2016, when the fund gaine...
by MFInvestor
Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard To Liquidate Convertible Securities Fund
Replies: 25
Views: 3126

Vanguard To Liquidate Convertible Securities Fund

"Vanguard To Liquidate Convertible Securities Fund" https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vanguard-to-liquidate-convertible-securities-fund-300772427.html VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Jan. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard today announced that the $962.5 million Vanguard Convertible Securities Fund has been closed to new investors in advance of a planned liquidation in late March. Shareholders of the fund are being notified and have the opportunity to exchange into another Vanguard fund or redeem shares prior to the liquidation date, at which time the fund's assets will be sold and the proceeds distributed. After careful review of the fund's investment rationale and client usage, Vanguard determined that investors could achieve similar ri...