Search found 140 matches

by Starchild
Thu Sep 24, 2020 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More
Replies: 218
Views: 27802

Re: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More

I use VWIGX (Vanguard Int'l Growth) for International exposure and have been happy with its performance. I don't like the total int'l index because I don't want to buy every piece of junk out there, but that's just my strategy, just like others here who's strategy is to own all of it. At the end of the day, it's good that you made your own decision you're happy with. My 401k has VXUS and outside of that I hold VEA and VWIGX in my Roth. My international is currently sitting at 15% and I hold all 3 equally or at least hope to. But further inspection into VWIGX is that its growth is because of its 14% US holdings. the Largest Namely Amazon. if you took VXUS at 100% vs VXUS 95%/AMZN 5% over the past 10 years, your CAGR is almost 2% a year bett...
by Starchild
Thu Sep 24, 2020 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More
Replies: 218
Views: 27802

Re: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More

I use VWIGX (Vanguard Int'l Growth) for International exposure and have been happy with its performance. I don't like the total int'l index because I don't want to buy every piece of junk out there, but that's just my strategy, just like others here who's strategy is to own all of it. At the end of the day, it's good that you made your own decision you're happy with. Does it bother you that all the performance in the International Growth fund can be attributed to companies like Amazon, Tesla etc. No. The fund managers were smart enough to add them to the portfolio, understanding theirs, and other global company's growth potential. They're also not the only companies in the fund that have had fantastic returns. Imo, it's a well managed fund...
by Starchild
Thu Sep 24, 2020 5:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More
Replies: 218
Views: 27802

Re: Long Suffering VXUS Holder No More

I use VWIGX (Vanguard Int'l Growth) for International exposure and have been happy with its performance. I don't like the total int'l index because I don't want to buy every piece of junk out there, but that's just my strategy, just like others here who's strategy is to own all of it. At the end of the day, it's good that you made your own decision you're happy with.
by Starchild
Sun Mar 15, 2020 9:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

TheTimeLord wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:16 pm
Starchild wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:08 pm
dukeblue219 wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:41 pm At some point it's going to stop being fun to think about the sales we're getting and it's going to be scary thinking about real people losing real money and real jobs. I know it doesn't feel real yet, but those unemployment, gdp, and earnings numbers will be showing up before we know it.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer tonight. Just not feeling the enthusiasm right now.
Yes. These "on sale!" people are obnoxious and obviously have little in the markets. Let's see you lose beach house money and rejoice about sales.
As of today the market is down 19.94% from it s peak, sounds like you have an AA issue.
No, my man, just lots of equities. Bonds aren't helping anyone at this point either.
by Starchild
Sun Mar 15, 2020 8:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

dukeblue219 wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:41 pm At some point it's going to stop being fun to think about the sales we're getting and it's going to be scary thinking about real people losing real money and real jobs. I know it doesn't feel real yet, but those unemployment, gdp, and earnings numbers will be showing up before we know it.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer tonight. Just not feeling the enthusiasm right now.
Yes. These "on sale!" people are obnoxious and obviously have little in the markets. Let's see you lose beach house money and rejoice about sales.
by Starchild
Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International is in meltdown
Replies: 413
Views: 42430

Re: International is in meltdown

There are some funds, imo , that sift out the crap and have delivered better int'l performance over time. Let them do the int'l legwork. Curious what funds you feel that way about? Nearly all of my ex-US (86% at moment, rest is in my 401k in Total US) is in FNDC for the record so I am also taking an active bet that I can outperform the Total International market (albeit not necessarily on a risk-adjusted basis, I know I am taking more risk). For one is MGGPX. So far, it’s very well managed.its understandable to me. Worth researching. I like to buy funds with companies I can understand, not just weird Russian or whatever holdings. Don’t want it, and it comes with the index. Maybe all of this is irrelevant because everything is getting kille...
by Starchild
Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International is in meltdown
Replies: 413
Views: 42430

Re: International is in meltdown

About 20% of my stock investments are in the Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund. I've never much liked international stocks, my heart is never in it, but I've gone ahead and done it in the spirit of "eat your broccoli, everyone says it's good for you." The prime directive is "stay the course," not "avoid international." I picked the allocation I did, and I'm sticking with it. It's all a big "meh" to me. I never expected it to be a big deal either way ; stocks are stocks and the world is pretty interconnected. I'm not unhappy with it. I think people which other international stock allocations should stick with them, whatever they happen to be . Very roughly, I began investing about 20% of m...
by Starchild
Thu Mar 12, 2020 9:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International is in meltdown
Replies: 413
Views: 42430

Re: International is in meltdown

visualguy wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 9:23 pm
Starchild wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:52 pm Bogle advised against Int'l assets, as you all know, but someone here pushed for it, for the 3-fund portfolio, and you followed. This is what you're left with: a big, big hole to climb from. And as you all proclaim: no one knows nothing, if you will ever get out.
I was wondering about this - who was originally pushing for ex-US indexing to become part of the Bogleheads strategy? It didn't come from Bogle, obviously, since he had been consistently against it.
The OP of the "three-fund portfolio" thread in the theory index. I also question "all-bond" as the third investment. Times change, and again, "no one knows nothing".
by Starchild
Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International is in meltdown
Replies: 413
Views: 42430

Re: International is in meltdown

Bogle advised against Int'l assets, as you all know, but someone here pushed for it, for the 3-fund portfolio, and you followed. This is what you're left with: a big, big hole to climb from. And as you all proclaim: no one knows nothing, if you will ever get out.
by Starchild
Thu Mar 12, 2020 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For those that buy single stocks, what to watch?
Replies: 37
Views: 3973

Re: For those that buy single stocks, what to watch?

Buying single stocks? Really, in this day and age? Been there, done that, and am looking to escape. I have a bunch of highly-appreciated single stocks from the mid 1990s. Some amazing performers, like AAPL and MSFT, some OK like BA and INTC. I won't mention the many that were euthanized along the way. My plan is to wait until the market is down ≈30% and to do some tax loss harvesting. Taking capital losses on a bunch of ETFs I purchased in the last year and am selling my highly appreciated stock to match the losses. Will buy similar ETFs with all of the proceeds. Net result: fewer assets in legacy stocks, more in my core asset allocation of ETFs One of the problems with buying single stocks is that after they accrued substantial capital ga...
by Starchild
Wed Mar 11, 2020 11:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Utilities - worth another look?
Replies: 193
Views: 27141

Re: Utilities - worth another look?

HEDGEFUNDIE wrote: Wed Mar 11, 2020 9:29 pm A quick check in on how utilities have performed for me over the past month of volatility.

My company stock is down 30% over the past month, cutting my compensation by 10%.

S&P 500 is down by 19%

Utilities are down by only 13% over the same time period.

My strategy appears to be working...
I'm loaded in utilities. Been working for me, esp now. Being where bonds are and their yields, utilities could be a good alternative for income seekers.
by Starchild
Sat Oct 26, 2019 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 11 Reasons to Carry a Big, Long Mortgage by Ric Edelman.
Replies: 93
Views: 13838

Re: 11 Reasons to Carry a Big, Long Mortgage by Ric Edelman.

The #1 good reason not to carry a mortgage - if the thought of having a mortgage keeps you awake at night. In which case maybe you shouldn't have gotten a mortgage in the first place. I think the #1 good reason not to carry a mortgage is that it's many thousands of dollars a year completely wasted on interest payments. I've never understood the tolerance for interest payments concurrent with a total intolerance for expense ratios. That's not defending expense ratios-- neither should be tolerated! +1. You ever see what's taken off the principal on the first several years of a mortgage? Almost nothing. The bank takes thousands and thousands. No thanks. The best feeling in the world was getting rid of the mortgage, more so than all these othe...
by Starchild
Thu Oct 24, 2019 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 11 Reasons to Carry a Big, Long Mortgage by Ric Edelman.
Replies: 93
Views: 13838

Re: 11 Reasons to Carry a Big, Long Mortgage by Ric Edelman.

The #1 good reason not to carry a mortgage - if the thought of having a mortgage keeps you awake at night. In which case maybe you shouldn't have gotten a mortgage in the first place. I think the #1 good reason not to carry a mortgage is that it's many thousands of dollars a year completely wasted on interest payments. I've never understood the tolerance for interest payments concurrent with a total intolerance for expense ratios. That's not defending expense ratios-- neither should be tolerated! +1. You ever see what's taken off the principal on the first several years of a mortgage? Almost nothing. The bank takes thousands and thousands. No thanks. The best feeling in the world was getting rid of the mortgage, more so than all these othe...
by Starchild
Wed Oct 23, 2019 7:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?
Replies: 223
Views: 52971

Re: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?

Am I getting this right? Are the capital gains higher really because Wellington made money last year and VTSAX didn't? No. The higher capital gain difference is due to 1) Wellington turnover rate is 34% versus 3.4% for VTSAX (i.e. Wellington does a lot more trading) and 2) Vanguard's patented process of washing any VTSAX capital gains through its associated ETF VTI, such that it has not distributed any cap gains in years (see https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=292801). Right, and every time they trade they have to pay a broker to do it, and that cost is not included in the expense ratio. One should never think that because a fund has large distributions of dividends or capital gains that this means the fund has performed well...
by Starchild
Thu Oct 17, 2019 7:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?
Replies: 223
Views: 52971

Re: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?

I have a large position in Wellington in taxable (no choice, money from house sale). Hopefully you use the distributions that Wellington forces on you for expenses and not for reinvestment, because it is very tax-inefficient otherwise. Even so, only 60% of dividends are qualified, so it would be better to be in Total Stock Market and pay LTCG rates on 95% of the dividends, as well as on withdrawals. Appreciate the input, but I'm not changing my asset allocation, investment strategy, or risk, on account of taxes. I'm not going 100% stock with these figures. Taxes are inevitable. I'll let my accountant handle it. I'm sure that you're locked in with embedded capital gains at this point, but for other that might be reading, let's run some back...
by Starchild
Thu Oct 17, 2019 4:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?
Replies: 223
Views: 52971

Re: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?

rkhusky wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2019 8:00 am
Starchild wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 10:27 pm I have a large position in Wellington in taxable (no choice, money from house sale).
Hopefully you use the distributions that Wellington forces on you for expenses and not for reinvestment, because it is very tax-inefficient otherwise. Even so, only 60% of dividends are qualified, so it would be better to be in Total Stock Market and pay LTCG rates on 95% of the dividends, as well as on withdrawals.
Appreciate the input, but I'm not changing my asset allocation, investment strategy, or risk, on account of taxes. I'm not going 100% stock with these figures. Taxes are inevitable. I'll let my accountant handle it.
by Starchild
Wed Oct 09, 2019 10:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?
Replies: 223
Views: 52971

Re: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?

I have a large position in Wellington in taxable (no choice, money from house sale). Say what you want about past performance, but this fund has been through all of the Great Depression, the financial crisis, and every other meltdown for the past 90 years and has still given an average return of over 8%, with doable volatility. It's also easy for me to understand: app 60/40 mix, with companies I know and a sprinkle of int'l for diversity along with a good yield. I'll take it, and I'm not concerned so much with beating an index or anything else.
by Starchild
Tue Oct 08, 2019 6:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I looked at the market this morning and then went to Boggleheads specifically for this thread. Not finding it on the first page is what really unnerved me. :shock: Speaking for myself, the S&P 500 at least has just been 'bunny hopping' for a while now, up a bit and then down a bit but not really going anywhere. It's pretty ho-hum actually. The bunny hopping has been happening since January 2018. When i see the media or posters on this forum calling this a 10 year bull market, I shake my head. That’s exactly how I feel. These 2 flat years certainly doesn’t feel like a bull run. I feel we’ve already begun the slowdown. It doesn’t always have to equate as the catastrophic “50%” loss as you read in the media.but this doesn’t make for click...
by Starchild
Wed Aug 21, 2019 8:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?

Wellesley obviously isn’t a bond substitute. Having said, in a hypothetical negative interest rates era: I’d probably be more inclined to swap it in for a bond fund than to crank up exposure to equity funds. That would be mental accounting, of course, but it wouldn’t be irrational. I hear ya. If we are thinking of bonds as "fixed income" you are getting more income with Wellesley, something to consider for a retiree looking to live off their investments, yes, with some more risk, but not substantial. And as you pointed out, total bond runs the risk of negative yield. Bond yields have been dropping for 40 years. What's also concerning as someone pointed out, the risk continuum has inverted--where the lower risk MM or CD generates ...
by Starchild
Wed Aug 21, 2019 6:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?

If you think you can substitute Wellesley for Total Bond without increasing risk, you are fooling yourself. There’s a continuum of risk, and associated expected return. On one end is Money Market and CD’s. On the other end is stocks. In between are short term bonds, long term bonds, corporate bonds, junk bonds, and balanced funds, with varying percentages of stocks and bonds. You can dial in your expected return by choosing a given risk level. Fair enough and agreed, but you're kinda missing the point. Obviously there's more risk since a W fund has stock exposure. Total bond has risk, but it's giving you a reward that doesn't seem to justify the risk you're taking.There's no yield. That's especially concerning for someone who's retired. In...
by Starchild
Tue Aug 20, 2019 10:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s over a bond fund?

Right. People here use Total Bond for "safety" but it barely covers inflation. I can't see this as good advice to suggest this fund. Perhaps this article will be illuminating for you? https://jlcollinsnh.com/2017/12/20/the-bond-experiment-return-to-vbtlx/ This is not so much a "why hold bonds" inquiry, but finding a more attractive haven for yield. If it was a safety bet, as Collins claims, why not put cash in cds, which have higher yields and more safety than total bond? My thoughts are as an investment, you currently get higher yields with moderate risk with a W fund (I'm quoting Vanguard, as it lists these investments as moderate). From what I've read, Wellesley's worst year in 45 so years was around --9% and gives y...
by Starchild
Mon Aug 19, 2019 4:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s over a bond fund?

the Wellesly and Wellington funds hold bonds that have more credit risk that the bond index. I guess the point is, why take the bond fund risk when the yields are not much different than a money market? At least with the W’s you have good dividend stocks to give you better yields and gains. But this just masks the equity risk you are taking. If you want to take equity risk, then so be it. But don't think it makes sense to compare it to a straight bond fund like TBM. But why take bond risks on TBM if it yields almost the same as a money market? That makes no sense to me. You're getting nothing. I'm not saying I would, but the idea is if rates fall, the appreciation in TBM will compensate for some gradual loss of yield. With a MM all you'll ...
by Starchild
Sun Aug 18, 2019 10:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s over a bond fund?

I would not. I think these funds have riskier bonds (longer term at least) than US Bond Index, but they effectively hide that from emotional investors who might worry about such things. I suppose I could be wrong about the average duration and maturity of the bonds in these funds, but it could easily be investigated at Vanguard.com. Thanks! the Wellesly and Wellington funds hold bonds that have more credit risk that the bond index. I guess the point is, why take the bond fund risk when the yields are not much different than a money market? At least with the W’s you have good dividend stocks to give you better yields and gains. But this just masks the equity risk you are taking. If you want to take equity risk, then so be it. But don't thin...
by Starchild
Sun Aug 18, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s over a bond fund?

grok87 wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 5:25 pm
Starchild wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 5:14 pm
livesoft wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:44 pm I would not. I think these funds have riskier bonds (longer term at least) than US Bond Index, but they effectively hide that from emotional investors who might worry about such things.

I suppose I could be wrong about the average duration and maturity of the bonds in these funds, but it could easily be investigated at Vanguard.com.
Thanks!
the Wellesly and Wellington funds hold bonds that have more credit risk that the bond index.
I guess the point is, why take the bond fund risk when the yields are not much different than a money market? At least with the W’s you have good dividend stocks to give you better yields and gains.
by Starchild
Sun Aug 18, 2019 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

Re: The W’s over a bond fund?

livesoft wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:44 pm I would not. I think these funds have riskier bonds (longer term at least) than US Bond Index, but they effectively hide that from emotional investors who might worry about such things.

I suppose I could be wrong about the average duration and maturity of the bonds in these funds, but it could easily be investigated at Vanguard.com.
Thanks!
by Starchild
Sun Aug 18, 2019 4:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?
Replies: 27
Views: 3919

The W’s [Wellesley or Wellington] over a bond fund?

It looks like both the W’s have higher yields than vanguards total bond fund. Would anyone consider using one or both of these in place of total bond? Sorry if this has been discussed already. Thanks! Starchild
by Starchild
Mon Aug 05, 2019 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Deleted]
Replies: 30
Views: 2992

Re: International Active Funds (at a reasonable price)

Vanguard's Int'l Growth has done well for me, and has done well since 1981--a good track record. Also take a look at Morgan Stanley's Global Opportunity (MGGPX). No one here would suggest it based on it's fee, but it's pummeled almost everything since it's inception 10 years ago. Good luck!
by Starchild
Thu Jul 18, 2019 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I continue to hold REITs?
Replies: 61
Views: 13558

Re: Should I continue to hold REITs?

What were you wanting me to post? A dry recitation of numbers? Pretty much, I showed people how to use the information presented at Morningstar. Most of it can be accessed for free, without a subscription. Where was I advocating active management? Active management is defined by the BHB and BSB studies in reference to: Market timing and security selection. Market timing is usually done by analyzing if something is over or undervalued and based on that analysis one should be over or underweighted or hold the security or not. The point is valuation and making adjustments based on such valuations IS active management. Your whole analysis is based on valuations of REITS in terms of their yield being more like small vs. mid cap in terms of yiel...
by Starchild
Tue Feb 19, 2019 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Girlfriend's Financial Advisor Recommendations...
Replies: 63
Views: 9218

Re: Girlfriend's Financial Advisor Recommendations...

Although the fees are high, I wouldn't say these are "terrible funds." SBLGX has consistently beaten the S&P for the last 10 years. Yes, but this is 20/20 hindsight. If index funds beat 80% of actively managed funds, then I can find funds that have outperformed index funds in the remaining 20%. But I could not have identified them in the past. The key point is if this adviser recommended SBLGX ten years ago. Probably not. OK, than it's currently outperforming the S&P as well. I'm not sure what index it tracks, but it's top holdings are all large-cap companies. No one's arguing its expense, nor do I own it, but to call a fund that's been outperforming the market for this long terrible doesn't make all that much sense.
by Starchild
Sun Feb 17, 2019 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Girlfriend's Financial Advisor Recommendations...
Replies: 63
Views: 9218

Re: Girlfriend's Financial Advisor Recommendations...

Da5id wrote: Thu Feb 14, 2019 4:07 pm
LeeMKE wrote: Thu Feb 14, 2019 3:42 pm Best to stay out of the discussion since she wants to stay with an advisor who guides her to funds that pay him well.
If she asks for your opinion give it. Has she asked? Because while the funds are terrible, it is her money.

There is no need for an advisor in general, and her case is particularly simple, so bleh. But some people for whatever reason want their hand held. I'd rather people use something like Vanguard PAS for hand-holding, but that is her call.
Although the fees are high, I wouldn't say these are "terrible funds." SBLGX has consistently beaten the S&P for the last 10 years.
by Starchild
Mon Feb 04, 2019 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thoughts on VWIGX/VWILX? (Int'l Growth)
Replies: 3
Views: 2981

Thoughts on VWIGX/VWILX? (Int'l Growth)

I was looking to add a foreign slice to my retirement accounts at Vanguard and came across Vanguard International Growth Fund. It looks like it has a strong track record and low fees for an active fund. Any investors or thoughts on this fund?

Thanks!
Starchild
by Starchild
Sat Jan 26, 2019 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: PIMIX, income, cash, interest rates?
Replies: 81
Views: 14532

Re: PIMIX, income, cash, interest rates?

I've been with PIMIX for some time. You can't argue the return. The fee to me is justifiable being that the fund completely steps on total bond. The return is very good! Can you make that kind of return from a fund that is roughly 75% government bonds or AAA/AA bonds? or is it 75% AAA/AA/ US Government bonds? Would it be more appropriate to compare this fund to high yield corporate funds like iShares HYG or Vanguard's VWEHX? Both of those funds have comparable returns to PIMIX. Only Morningstar shows a credit quality table on PIMIX...and it was done in 2010. I can't find one anywhere. I found HYG's credit breakdown on the first try: https://www.etf.com/HYG#fit I got VWEHX's credit quality with 2 clicks: https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual...
by Starchild
Sat Jan 26, 2019 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: PIMIX, income, cash, interest rates?
Replies: 81
Views: 14532

Re: PIMIX, income, cash, interest rates?

I've been with PIMIX for some time. You can't argue the return. The fee to me is justifiable being that the fund completely steps on total bond.
by Starchild
Thu Jan 24, 2019 4:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does minimum volatility give better returns?
Replies: 72
Views: 9477

Re: Does minimum volatility give better returns?

Last year, I started a new account and purchased both VEA (Vanguard Developed) and EFAV (iShares min vol) to get an idea on what int'l best suits me. Basically, EFAV performed twice as strong as VEA (meaning it lost half less--down year). Now, on days when the market perked, it underperformed VEA for what it's worth. Based on my experiment, my guess for the long run would prob mean that it doesn't matter so much and might be better with a more volatile index in the long run if you feel int'l /EM will again have it's day.
by Starchild
Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82112

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

Never met the man, but incredibly thankful for his knowledge he passed on to us.
by Starchild
Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I inherited individual stock. Should I sell it now or wait?
Replies: 28
Views: 3534

Re: I inherited individual stock. Should I sell it now or wait?

Think of it this way. If you decide to sell it for an index fund, you will still own that one company and many more. :-)
by Starchild
Tue Jan 01, 2019 8:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Stay the Course! But...?
Replies: 11
Views: 2178

Re: Stay the Course! But...?

Stay the course with one fund or two fund or three fund or four fund. If you understand slice and dice as well with a an upper limit of say 8 funds. You do need to follow in a sequence 1. Broadly diversify 2. Buy the hay stack 3 keep costs low 4 then stay the course One Fund Target Date Fund Balanced Index Fund Life Strategy funds https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual-funds/lifestrategy/#/ Two Fund Total Stock Market Fund Total Bond Market Fund Three Fund Total Stock Market Fund Total Bond Market Fund Total Internstional Fund Four Fund Total Stock Market Fund Total Bond Market Fund Total Internstional Fund Real Estate Index Fund Don't forget 4 fund that's in the target fund: total stock total int'l total bond total int'l bond :-)
by Starchild
Mon Dec 31, 2018 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much do SPY (SP500) and VO (mid-cap) overlap?
Replies: 10
Views: 1272

Re: How much do SPY (SP500) and VO (mid-cap) overlap?

Does seem that the two overlap a bit, except in weight. I like the simplicity idea if having a minimum funds. This is a lot of help...many thanks everyone and happy new year!
by Starchild
Mon Dec 31, 2018 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much do SPY (SP500) and VO (mid-cap) overlap?
Replies: 10
Views: 1272

How much do SPY (SP500) and VO (mid-cap) overlap?

Sorry if this has been addressed, but does anyone know how much these two large/mid cap etfs overlap? I have both, but would consider consolidating the two to just SPY if SPY contains the majority of VO.
Thanks!
Starchild
by Starchild
Sat Dec 29, 2018 6:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dave Ramsey [“good growth mutual fund”]
Replies: 73
Views: 11510

Re: Dave Ramsey

deltaneutral83 wrote: Thu Dec 27, 2018 3:13 pm No, he does not, he cites AIVSX frequently (which has beaten the S&P I think since 1932 most of which wasn't any time in the last 20 years). His mix of AIVSX/AMCPX/AMRMX/AGTHX for actively managed funds to compare against the S&P has been beaten by the S&P over 10/15 year intervals and is beaten even more in a taxable. It's also growth tilted which makes it even more implausible that it can't even keep up. His investment advice isn't perfect or ideal, but is still fine for 90% of investors on their equity portions. AF's do well in the active arena and the portfolio his managers preach about is about 70/30 Dom/Intl.
Are you sure these are his funds? Just doing a quick look up, there's not much international here.
by Starchild
Tue Dec 25, 2018 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What have you learned this year
Replies: 90
Views: 9703

Re: What have your learned this year

Don’t get greedy
by Starchild
Fri Dec 21, 2018 7:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

The S&P500 is down about 10% in 15 days. Which is a lot, but in order to lose $85k, you either invested $850k, or you are not very well diversified. You have to take the long view. If you’re doing it right, this is not the last time your portfolio balance will drop by $85k. I invested $1.2M and yes, I am well diversified. Even though I fully realize that the markets fluctuate, it's hard to deny that this kind of losses is unusual (in fact, this is literally the worst week since the financial crisis of 2008). In a separate thread I confessed to, at an age approaching 70, discovering that I’m a market timer. I have an amount not dissimilar to your investment sitting in MM right now. I had debated lump summing it (my previous modus operan...
by Starchild
Fri Dec 21, 2018 5:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I suggest it is not a loss until you realize it by selling. That's a theoretical and unrealistically distant view of money I worked extremely hard to gain. I very much see that as a dreadful loss. The S&P500 is down about 10% in 15 days. Which is a lot, but in order to lose $85k, you either invested $850k, or you are not very well diversified. You have to take the long view. If you’re doing it right, this is not the last time your portfolio balance will drop by $85k. I invested $1.2M and yes, I am well diversified. Even though I fully realize that the markets fluctuate, it's hard to deny that this kind of losses is unusual (in fact, this is literally the worst week since the financial crisis of 2008). In a separate thread I confessed t...
by Starchild
Fri Dec 14, 2018 7:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684878

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Don't forget: Be fearful when greedy, greedy when fearful :-)
by Starchild
Wed Dec 12, 2018 6:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Happened to you during the Financial crisis of 2007–2008
Replies: 249
Views: 27265

Re: What Happened to you during the Financial crisis of 2007–2008

These are helpful posts. As for me, my story is not as intriguing, but helpful too. In Oct. 2008 I purchased my first house. Since I am self-employed and work a lot in cash, it was almost impossible to find a no-doc loan. There was only one bank left that did. Thankfully it worked out. Several years before, I started my own brokerage account. Because of saving for the house (and paying for it after), I wasn't able to contribute to it for years, so I never even looked at the account for years as well. Even though it was a very small account, I was shocked how well it performed (individual stocks--never heard of anything else). So I guess I learned that it's best to leave your account alone (except to add, of course) and don't look at it all ...
by Starchild
Tue Dec 11, 2018 10:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VMVFX (Global Minimum Volatility) as core equity holding. Your opinion?
Replies: 183
Views: 20955

Re: VMVFX (Global Minimum Volatility) as core equity holding. Your opinion?

I'm not sure of this fund specifically, but have a position in EFAV, iShares min vol ETF. Over the course of this year, it has fared better than total world, sustaining only half the losses of VEA (Van Dev. Markets). I did notice, however, when big jumps happen in VEA, you are not getting the same in EFAV. It seems more of a protective fund.
by Starchild
Fri Dec 07, 2018 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I replace PIMCO Income Fund with an intermediate-term Treasury fund?
Replies: 14
Views: 3047

Re: Should I replace PIMCO Income Fund with an intermediate-term Treasury fund?

I hear ya and best of luck either way. Everyone has their own comfort level with all of this. I honestly feel that all investing is somewhat of a gray area for me. Who really knows what all these companies do to produce growth? Look at all this volatility. A lot of this is good faith that managers of all kinds here are doing things for the best. I'm sure PIMCO doesn't want lose money like any other business and understand their risks.
by Starchild
Thu Dec 06, 2018 5:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who else is getting excited? [about the market]
Replies: 145
Views: 16196

Re: Who else is getting excited?

David Jay wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 2:26 pm
Starchild wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 5:35 am I lost a lot of money this year. That's not exciting.
Really? Are you in broad-based index funds?

YTD total return on the SP500 was positive as of yesterday. So was Total Stock.
Yes. International is not positive, nor is bonds. I also contribute monthly, so S&P funds, etc. were purchased at some pretty high prices along the way.
by Starchild
Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who else is getting excited? [about the market]
Replies: 145
Views: 16196

Re: Who else is getting excited?

blackburnian wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:53 am
Starchild wrote: ↑Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:35 am
I lost a lot of money this year. That's not exciting.
Same here. I lump summed a large amount in late September, when total stock (VTI) was 150. Today it's 135. I am not excited.
That must be the case of the 1/3 of lump summing, as people point out here, that doesn't work out. I don't care what people preach here. I don't have good enough karma for lump summing.
by Starchild
Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who else is getting excited? [about the market]
Replies: 145
Views: 16196

Re: Who else is getting excited?

Grt2bOutdoors wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 6:09 am
Starchild wrote: Thu Dec 06, 2018 5:35 am I lost a lot of money this year. That's not exciting.
As did I and a lot of other people (year is not over yet). Think of it this way, if you would have not lost the money, would you have spent it or did you need to spend it over the next 10 years? If the answer is no, then just stay the course. If the answer is yes, then equities was/is not the place it should have been allocated to, it should have been in cash, cash equivalents and low duration fixed income or CDs.
No, it has nothing to do with staying the course. The OP is excited about a lost year. I'm not.