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512 Plus: Exiting MCI and Comparing Conservative Fixed Income Options

In Plus episode 512, David discusses why he sold his position in the Barings Corporate Investors Fund (MCI). We also compare the yields and tax rules of U.S savings bonds, nominal Treasuries, zero coupon bonds, TIPS, CDs, fixed annuities, and municipal bonds. 512 Plus Investments Mentioned Barings Corporate Investors Fund (MCI) Invesco BulletShares 2030 Municipal Bond ETF (BSMU) Invesco BulletShares 2032 Municipal Bond ETF (BSMW) IShares AAA CLO Active ETF … [Read more...]

509 Plus: MCI Premium, BCD Fees, and the Missing Small Cap and Value Premium

In this week's Plus episode, we clarify some points from our private credit discussion in episode 509. We look at the risks with Barings Corporate Investors (MCI) selling at a 30% premium to its net asset value. We discuss why fees for ETFs that invest in BDCs are so high. Finally, we discuss Ashwath Damodaran's post on why U.S. small-cap and value stocks have underperformed. … [Read more...]

507 Plus: Performance Attribution Revisited, Efficient Market Hypothesis, Private Credit

In Plus episode 507, we provide an update on the stock market performance attribution shared last week. We consider whether asset class pricing follows the efficient market hypothesis so asset classes can't be over or undervalued. We analyze the energy company Phoenix Capital and compare investing in its unsecured bonds to a more diversified private credit fund such as those offered by Cliffwater. … [Read more...]

505 Plus: Japanese Stocks, Investing at All-Time Highs, and Exchange Funds

In Plus episode 505, we review the investment thesis and performance of the WisdomTree Japan Small Cap Dividend ETF (DFJ). We look at U.S. stock market performance when investing at all-time highs. Finally, we explore how exchange funds work for diversifying out of low cost basis individual stock positions. … [Read more...]

504 Plus: Portfolio Trade, Indexing Bubble, and Money Market Capital Gains

In Plus episode 504, David explains his recent portfolio trade to exit his AI-related ETFs and increase his allocation to non-U.S. small-cap stocks. We review Simplify ETF strategist Michael Greene's work on why he believes an indexing bubble exists. Finally, we look at how investments in short-term Treasury ETFs can lead to a capital gain depending on when they are sold. … [Read more...]

502 Plus: TFLO Flash Crash, Active Asset Allocation, Coinbase, and Investing in Bitcoin

In Plus episode 502, we discuss the one-day flash crash for the iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in 2014. We discuss the reasons for the initial allocation to TFLO in the adaptive model portfolios back in 2018. We discuss the importance of making incremental portfolio changes compared to large moves. Finally, we discuss the improving financial situation at cryptocurrency custodian Coinbase and the ways to invest in Bitcoin. … [Read more...]

501 Plus: Why Interest Rates Are Rising, Maximum Drawdowns, and Buffer ETF Underperformance

In Plus episode 501, we review why Federal Reserve Chair Powell said the Fed isn't in a hurry to lower its policy rate. We revisit why interest rates are increasing. David shares the expected return, ranges, and maximum drawdown of his portfolio. We analyze why buffer ETFs can lag the underlying reference assets when the stock market is appreciating. … [Read more...]

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