What's that smell?
What's that smell?
Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Global stocks, US bonds, and time.
- Sandtrap
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Re: What's that smell?
Sometimes I do get a twinge (scent) of apprehension.
But it passes, unlike the overpowering lingering waft of someone needing a shower, or doused with "man perfume spray" in the aisle at Walmart.
The incredible value of the forum is mutual encouragement to "stay the course".
Actionably, when the "scent" of apprehension arises, read the forum for whatever is on one's mind to get back on track.
j
But it passes, unlike the overpowering lingering waft of someone needing a shower, or doused with "man perfume spray" in the aisle at Walmart.
The incredible value of the forum is mutual encouragement to "stay the course".
Actionably, when the "scent" of apprehension arises, read the forum for whatever is on one's mind to get back on track.
j

- Taylor Larimore
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Re: What's that smell?
3funder:3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
A diversified portfolio should always have underperforming elements.
Stay the course.
Best wishes.
Taylor
Last edited by Taylor Larimore on Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Simplicity is the master key to financial success." -- Jack Bogle
Re: What's that smell?
After every "whiff" or "sniff" or "feeling" or "quiver", revert back to:
Nobody knows nothing.
Stay the course.
Nobody knows nothing.
Stay the course.
"We are here to provoke thoughtfulness, not agree with you." Unknown Boglehead
Re: What's that smell?
Yeah.. but I don't and probably won't go 100% international.
I keep my portfolio well diversified. It already includes international equity and emerging markets, etc. I've been buying and rebalancing international stock at a discount for the past 8 years... We'll see how it will fall out in the next decade.
I keep my portfolio well diversified. It already includes international equity and emerging markets, etc. I've been buying and rebalancing international stock at a discount for the past 8 years... We'll see how it will fall out in the next decade.
- gmaynardkrebs
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Re: What's that smell?
The mammalian olfactory system, though primitive, is a highly underrated guide to survival in an often confusing and hostile world. It should not be totally relied upon, but it should never be ignored.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Re: What's that smell?
Smells better than not having money to invest. Commit to an allocation and forge ahead as planned.
Re: What's that smell?
Nope, I don't get that feeling at all. I'm just glad to have money to save and invest. Could be worse. 

Re: What's that smell?
I thought this was going to be a rat poison thread.
But everything looks good to me mostly because everything is below their highs YTD. Yes, that doesn't mean that things won't plummet from here, but it also doesn't mean that things won't go up from here. What it does mean though is that buying today is not buying at an all-time market high.
Intra-day volatility, that is the percent differences between high and low prices of the day, is something else again.
But everything looks good to me mostly because everything is below their highs YTD. Yes, that doesn't mean that things won't plummet from here, but it also doesn't mean that things won't go up from here. What it does mean though is that buying today is not buying at an all-time market high.
Intra-day volatility, that is the percent differences between high and low prices of the day, is something else again.
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Re: What's that smell?
I love the smell of capital gains in the morning. Smells like... victory.
"If you change your strategy frequently you don't really have one." --Garry Kasparov
Re: What's that smell?
Actually, with a retirement window 5-7 years from now, I'm hoping for a recession sooner than later so we can get through it and I can retire on the way back up. My apologies to those who are closer to retirement.
Bogleheads Wiki: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Main_Page
Re: What's that smell?
But of course I smell the strong odor of B.S. Sometimes it smells like overconfidence, consistency, or confirmation bias. Or maybe it smells of fallacy of numbers or false narratives bias. Other times it's just plain old appeal to authority, likeability, social proof, or herd mentality bias. Or it could be recency/availability, sample, or scarcity bias (along with a host of others). I smell it every single time I read a post where someone claims to understand/predict/forecast a complex adaptive system, which is exactly what the stock market (and all of its elements) is. A 3 fund PF is a perfect candidate for more productive endeavors, such as minimizing fees and taxes.
Re: What's that smell?
Don't you have any international stocks in you AA at all? I am not sure if your 3 fund portfolio is strictly domestic, but from what I learned here, we definitely want to keep some in international. We've been seeing target funds raise the international assets year after year. That was surprising to me but it's been OK so far.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm
t offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
Motto, and right it is!
Re: What's that smell?
You should be more concerned when you wake up and everything looks wonderful.
Everyone else probably feels that way too and things will get ugly when the herd changes directions.
Everyone else probably feels that way too and things will get ugly when the herd changes directions.
Re: What's that smell?
I'm within a year or so of retirement and a little dip continuation would not bother me at all. I don't think a recession is good for anyone. My saving rate is sky high right now and it has to last 30 years. I'm also a believer in the "4% rule or maybe higher after a dip" such as the Kitces article that is often linked. Once SS kicks in fully for me I should be well below 4% anyway.
I've had trouble buying enough bonds to keep my AA in check so the recent dip just makes it look like I'm making better progress there. It is a little frustrating that I'm not buying the dip in stocks but I realize that is my old market timing instincts bubbling up so I try and ignore that frustration and stay the course towards more bonds with discretionary buys.
I've had trouble buying enough bonds to keep my AA in check so the recent dip just makes it look like I'm making better progress there. It is a little frustrating that I'm not buying the dip in stocks but I realize that is my old market timing instincts bubbling up so I try and ignore that frustration and stay the course towards more bonds with discretionary buys.
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Re: What's that smell?
Not bad a bad smell.
Have you ever lived on a farm?
YNoseMV
Have you ever lived on a farm?
YNoseMV
Rev012718; 4 Incm stream buckets: SS+pension; dfr'd GLWB VA & FI anntys, by time & $$ laddered; Discretionary; Rentals. LTCi. Own, not asset. Tax TBT%. Early SS. FundRatio (FR) >1.1 67/70yo
- gmaynardkrebs
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Re: What's that smell?
I wonder how much safer bonds are today than stocks? Maybe more cash or very short bonds would be safer?onthecusp wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:12 pm I'm within a year or so of retirement and a little dip continuation would not bother me at all. I don't think a recession is good for anyone. My saving rate is sky high right now and it has to last 30 years. I'm also a believer in the "4% rule or maybe higher after a dip" such as the Kitces article that is often linked. Once SS kicks in fully for me I should be well below 4% anyway.
I've had trouble buying enough bonds to keep my AA in check so the recent dip just makes it look like I'm making better progress there. It is a little frustrating that I'm not buying the dip in stocks but I realize that is my old market timing instincts bubbling up so I try and ignore that frustration and stay the course towards more bonds with discretionary buys.
- Sandtrap
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Re: What's that smell?
Grew up on a dairy farm next to a pig farm.itstoomuch wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:48 pm Not bad a bad smell.
Have you ever lived on a farm?
YNoseMV
City friends came once and complained about the smell.

I said.
"What smell">?
. . . to farmers.. . it's the smell of money.. . .
j
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Re: What's that smell?
^



Rev012718; 4 Incm stream buckets: SS+pension; dfr'd GLWB VA & FI anntys, by time & $$ laddered; Discretionary; Rentals. LTCi. Own, not asset. Tax TBT%. Early SS. FundRatio (FR) >1.1 67/70yo
Re: What's that smell?
LRonHalfelven wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:35 pm I love the smell of capital gains in the morning. Smells like... victory.

"You smell that? What is that?"
"Opportunity?"
"No... money! I smell money"
Re: What's that smell?
Bonds have not felt very safe over the past year. That said I have not lost much on them. Since I started buying them (about 60/40 intermediate /short term treasury bond funds) I've lost an amount similar to the daily swings in my overall portfolio. I'm new to bonds, very late in my investing life. I first bought at about the worst possible time - about 18 months ago. I'm a believer in the stability they produce. And yet with my latest new money my market timing tendencies are still strong and I'm holding a bit of cash as I wait for bonds to drop more.gmaynardkrebs wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:52 pmI wonder how much safer bonds are today than stocks? Maybe more cash or very short bonds would be safer?onthecusp wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:12 pm I'm within a year or so of retirement and a little dip continuation would not bother me at all. I don't think a recession is good for anyone. My saving rate is sky high right now and it has to last 30 years. I'm also a believer in the "4% rule or maybe higher after a dip" such as the Kitces article that is often linked. Once SS kicks in fully for me I should be well below 4% anyway.
I've had trouble buying enough bonds to keep my AA in check so the recent dip just makes it look like I'm making better progress there. It is a little frustrating that I'm not buying the dip in stocks but I realize that is my old market timing instincts bubbling up so I try and ignore that frustration and stay the course towards more bonds with discretionary buys.
Re: What's that smell?
A few months ago I began moving from a 3 or 4 fund portfolio to a Vanguard LifeStrategy fund-of-funds in a couple of accounts. Sure the expense ratio is higher and it's got those international bonds I'm not really into but otherwise it's a good fit for us, it's automatic rebalancing, painless, and easy for my survivors to manage as well. There might be other fund-of-funds that have a asset allocation that works for you. Yeah, it's not a great plan but it's a good plan, and, as Taylor Larimore has told us, sometimes the search for a perfect plan causes us to ignore a good plan.
The closest helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
Re: What's that smell?
Why do you think US stocks are overpriced? Worldwide economies are getting stronger and US corporate earnings are rising rapidly.
I am not a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor. Any advice or suggestions that I may provide shall be considered for entertainment purposes only.
- Milo Bloom
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Re: What's that smell?
Taylor,Taylor Larimore wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:49 pm
3funder:
A diversified portfolio should always have underperforming elements.
Stay the course.
Best wishes.
Taylor
Thanks for pointing this out. I had never considered that this should be the case.
Hope all is well.
A goal without a plan is just a wish - Herm Edwards
Re: What's that smell?
My international stock allocation is 40% of equities. I just hate the fact that US stocks are so expensive, even though I hold plenty of international. I have no plans to change my portfolio; I'm just venting.Gamma Ray wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:10 pmDon't you have any international stocks in you AA at all? I am not sure if your 3 fund portfolio is strictly domestic, but from what I learned here, we definitely want to keep some in international. We've been seeing target funds raise the international assets year after year. That was surprising to me but it's been OK so far.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm
t offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
Motto, and right it is!
Global stocks, US bonds, and time.
Re: What's that smell?
Sometimes staying the course requires holding your nose. 

Re: What's that smell?
VG doesn't give details on Int'l vs Domestic anywhere in portfolio information, right? I only see stocks vs bonds, nothing on int'l vs domestic.
I remember someone linked to a website we could put our funds and analyze them all in one picture (you could put cash etc.. as well), does anyone remember what that site was?
Hmm, found it in my bookmarks:
https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-portfolio
I remember someone linked to a website we could put our funds and analyze them all in one picture (you could put cash etc.. as well), does anyone remember what that site was?
Hmm, found it in my bookmarks:
https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-portfolio
Re: What's that smell?
Even if we accept the premise that US equities are likely to underperform their historical average for a time, why must it automatically follow that international equities are going to perform significantly better? Because they are priced more attractively? Perhaps, but they still have to deliver. I hold non-US equities like many of you, but I do so for pragmatic reasons and don't have the same confidence in them that is seemingly held by many here.
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Re: What's that smell?
Hopefully it is bull doodoo. All of the current pessimism makes me believe there could still be a lot of upside for stocks in the sort term.
Stay the course.
Stay the course.
Re: What's that smell?
There's a post around here somewhere (or maybe on Reddit) where someone compiled examples of people claiming stocks were overpriced at almost every $1000 increment as the Dow rose from $7k to today.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Rest assured, you'll almost always be wrong when you have this feeling. You'll occasionally be right, but acting on the assumption that you're right is just about the most costly thing you could do.

- nisiprius
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Re: What's that smell?
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
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Re: What's that smell?
When the market is at new highs and rising, I feel good about how my existing investments have grown and my safe withdrawal amount has increased.
When the market is down I feel good that I'm getting future income at a discount and that I don't have to sell at reduced prices.
I like my "glass half full" glasses better than the alternative. =)
When the market is down I feel good that I'm getting future income at a discount and that I don't have to sell at reduced prices.
I like my "glass half full" glasses better than the alternative. =)
Re: What's that smell?
Taylor,Taylor Larimore wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:49 pm3funder:3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
A diversified portfolio should always have underperforming elements.
Stay the course.
Best wishes.
Taylor
That is such a perfect response. I will quote you when talking to friends and colleagues on this subject.
Thanks,
Ei
A time to EVALUATE your jitters: |
https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=79939&start=400#p5275418
- peterinjapan
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Re: What's that smell?
I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on more bonds (I only have like 7%), since they're guaranteed to go nowhere, if not fall. I know the reason to hold bonds, I just can't keep looking or alternatives, like super solid REITs (O/STOR). Am I crazy?gmaynardkrebs wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:52 pm I wonder how much safer bonds are today than stocks? Maybe more cash or very short bonds would be safer?
Re: What's that smell?
We can be a nervous bunch on this forum.
Stocks are doing well, the bottom must be getting ready to fall out.
Stocks are tanking, the world is coming to an end as we know it.
We are the Goldilocks of investors! Market is up? Too hot!
Market is down? Too cold!
Stay the course? Just right!
Stocks are doing well, the bottom must be getting ready to fall out.
Stocks are tanking, the world is coming to an end as we know it.
We are the Goldilocks of investors! Market is up? Too hot!
Market is down? Too cold!
Stay the course? Just right!
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Re: What's that smell?
No worries -- not taking any action. Just annoyed.groovy9 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 07, 2018 5:24 pmThere's a post around here somewhere (or maybe on Reddit) where someone compiled examples of people claiming stocks were overpriced at almost every $1000 increment as the Dow rose from $7k to today.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Rest assured, you'll almost always be wrong when you have this feeling. You'll occasionally be right, but acting on the assumption that you're right is just about the most costly thing you could do.![]()
Global stocks, US bonds, and time.
Re: What's that smell?
I just feel it is what it is and try not to make any value judgements. I'm 70, retired, conservative and my AA reflects that. 44/53/3, equities/FI/cash. Which ever way the market goes I'll be just fine so why even bother to think about it.3funder wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 12:43 pm Bogleheads,
Let me first say that I have no plans to change my asset allocation (three-fund portfolio, in case it wasn't obvious); however, I wake up every morning to the terrible odor of overpriced US stocks and low bond yields. It offends my olfactory senses and makes me want to invest all my money in international stocks (again -- I'd never do that). Anyone else starting to feel like doodoo every time they find themselves investing in US stocks and bonds as part of their perfectly reasonable overall AA?
3funder
Re: What's that smell?
Aaaaaaand it's official, we have topped. /s
Ed Seykota always joked about reading the news. He brought in headlines from right before big rallies or crashes. The audience would read the title (which was always the opposite of the move) and he'd say that's all the news you need to read. Just the title. Max stupid = trouble.
Ed Seykota always joked about reading the news. He brought in headlines from right before big rallies or crashes. The audience would read the title (which was always the opposite of the move) and he'd say that's all the news you need to read. Just the title. Max stupid = trouble.
Re: What's that smell?
The nose knows nothing.
Time is your friend, impulse is your enemy. - John C. Bogle
Re: What's that smell?
Hey OP, maybe you are actually just smelling the same thing as this forum member:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=243788
....or maybe that person is smelling overpriced US equities and low bond yields as well. Either way, it could be mystery solved for one of you.
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=243788
....or maybe that person is smelling overpriced US equities and low bond yields as well. Either way, it could be mystery solved for one of you.
Re: What's that smell?
Three years out. I sympathize, but make it snappy, would ya?


~~~~~~~~~~~
To the OP: Isn't "invest all my money in international stocks" kind of a false choice? Why not invest 30, 40 or 50 percent of your equties in internationals?
I'm 40 percent international and also 40 percent value; I also catch bad odors but much less of the overvalued US market one.
"I know nothing."
Re: What's that smell?
Branch manger and I were taking a new sales rep right out school out to a paper mill in Maine. we were just about there when he started complaining about the smell. Branch manger rolled down his window and said smell the money, oh and he liked pickled eggs too.Sandtrap wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:56 pmGrew up on a dairy farm next to a pig farm.itstoomuch wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:48 pm Not bad a bad smell.
Have you ever lived on a farm?
YNoseMV
City friends came once and complained about the smell.![]()
I said.
"What smell">?
. . . to farmers.. . it's the smell of money.. . .
j