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549 Plus: More on Cat Bonds, Gold Rebalancing, and the New Fed Chair Nomination

In Plus episode 549, we discuss historical cumulative losses for catastrophe bonds, the premium/discount experience of the Brookmont Catastrophic Bond ETF (ILS) and questions on why its dividend yield is so low. We also revisit the gold and silver rally and answer a member's question about rebalancing out of gold. Finally, we consider the background and views of newly nominated Federal Reserve Board Chair Kevin Warsh. … [Read more...]

548 Plus: Updated Expected Return Assumptions, Impact of Mortgage Backed Bond Purchases, and Comparing Two Non-U.S. Equity ETFs

In Plus episode 548, we review the updated expected returns and probable ranges for a variety of asset classes over the next decade. We revisit the Plus member tools that utilize those assumptions. We consider the impact of President Trump's charge that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities in order to try to lower mortgage rates. Finally, we compare the Fidelity Enhanced International ETF (FENI) and the Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index … [Read more...]

546 Plus: CLO Equity and Bank Loan Update, Investing in Retirement, Roth IRA Asset Location

In Plus episode 546, David discusses why CLO equity closed-end funds are selling off in 2025. We also provide an update on SEIX. We answer a member's question about investing more conservatively as they approach retirement. Finally, we look at what assets are appropriate for Roth IRAs. … [Read more...]

544 Plus: Are Equity Buffer ETFs Adequate Substitutes for a Bond Allocation?

In Plus episode 544, we model various buffer ETF strategies over a 35 year period to see how they perform relative to the bond market. We consider which defined outcome ETF approach could substitute for bonds, and how they compare to deferred fixed annuities. … [Read more...]

November 2025 Investment Strategy Commentary

In this week's Plus episode, we discuss what happened, where are we now, and where are we heading when it comes to financial markets and economic trends. Our discussion includes the impact of the U.S. government shutdown on assessing investment conditions. We also examine the staggering growth in AI infrastructure investment and provide an update on earnings per share growth and valuations. … [Read more...]

543 Plus: Researching Non Listed Stocks, Off Exchange Trading, and Prediction Markets

In Plus episode 543, we examine the process and viability of researching and investing in private companies that seek capital from individual investors. We explore off-exchange trading venues, apart from traditional stock exchanges such as the NYSE and NASDAQ. We also consider what percentage of trading volume is generated by retail investors. Finally, we analyze the evolution of prediction markets, such as Polymarket and Kalshi. … [Read more...]

542 Plus: Why Always ChatGPT, Selling Gold, Model Portfolio Answers, and Funding a Short-term Liability

In Plus episode 542, David shares why he often uses ChatGPT for his AI examples. He discusses his recent trade to sell some gold. He explains the rationale for the small-cap stock ETFs used in the model portfolios, why equity REITs were moved to the Income portfolio, and how similar the new bond ETFs are to the mutual funds they replaced. Finally, we discuss managing FOMO and funding short-term liabilities. … [Read more...]

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