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491 Plus: Buffer ETFs, TIPS, Brokerage Bankruptcies and HSA Accounts

In Plus episode 491, we explore why buffer ETFs use European-style options with a set exercise date rather than American-style options that can be exercised at any time. We look at the maximum loss for purchasing a Treasury Inflation Protection Security in the secondary market. We consider what happens to individual bond holdings in the case a brokerage firm goes bankrupt. Finally, we consider the estate tax implications of Health Savings Accounts. … [Read more...]

490 Plus: Accredited Investors, David’s Private Capital Allocation, Closed-End Funds and BLW

In Plus episode 490, we continue the discussion on accredited investors. David breaks down his private capital allocation and discusses potential substitutes. We answer several questions about closed-end funds. Finally, we analyze the Blackrock Limited Duration Investment Trust (BLW). … [Read more...]

488 Plus: Portfolio Trades, Pershing Square USA Follow Up, and CEF Premiums

In Plus episode 488, David reviews changes in his portfolio, including adding a fixed-income bullet ETF, an equity buffer ETF, and increasing his allocation to CLOs. We discuss why Pershing Square didn't move forward with its closed-end fund IPO. Finally, we revisit why it is advantageous for closed-end funds to sell at a premium even though most do not. … [Read more...]

486 Plus: Callable Bonds, U.S. AI Stock Bubble, Robinhood, and Crypto Taxes

In Plus episode 486, we review how to estimate expected returns when a fund or ETF holds callable bonds. We consider two questions from members worried about high valuations for the U.S. stock market. We discuss the long-term viability of Robinhood. Finally, we discuss ways to reduce the tax headache of owning cryptocurrency. … [Read more...]

484 Plus: ETF Family Size and a Review of QE’s Impact on Inflation and Asset Prices

In Plus episode 484, we answer a member's question on whether it is better to invest in larger ETFs and with larger ETF families. We also review quantitative easing and quantitative tightening. We look at how the per capita increase in the money supply due to QE led to a big jump in inflation and asset prices, including for houses and stocks. We also look at the per capita increase in the national debt. … [Read more...]

483 Plus: Private Credit, BDCs, CLOs, Cash Balances and Is This Portfolio Too Aggressive

In Plus episode 483, we analyze the Virtus Private Credit ETF (VPC), which invests in business development companies (BDCs), leveraged loans, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). We review the characteristics of all those asset categories. We also discuss the appropriate cash balance for retirees and consider whether a retired member's portfolio has too much in stocks. … [Read more...]

482 Plus: Investing in Municipal Bonds, Interpreting Bond Spread Data, and YieldStreet Update

In Plus episode 482, we review the types, structures, default risks, and different tax treatments of municipal bonds. We also explain how to interpret the Income Strategies and Bond table in the monthly investment conditions report and discuss our plans to improve the table later this year. Finally, we provide an update on the YieldStreet crowdfunding platform, which encountered problems with its ship deconstruction deals. … [Read more...]

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