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...]
488: Should You Invest in an Ethereum ETF?
What is the investment case for Ethereum, and what are the risks? A straightforward review of what ether and Ethereum are, how they work, and what it will take for the Ethereum blockchain to be successful. Topics covered include: Who launched Ethereum ETFs and what are the fees How Ethereum differs from Bitcoin Examples of applications built on the Ethereum blockchain including NFTs, stablecoins, DAOs, and tokenized real-world assets How Ethereum has evolved to lower fees, … [Read more...]
462: Now Should You Buy a Bitcoin ETF?
We explore reasons for buying Bitcoin using one of the new Bitcoin ETFs. We also consider the risks. Topics covered include: Why the SEC finally decided to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs What are the fees and structure of these new Bitcoin ETFs How Bitcoin is similar and different from the fiat money system Where Bitcoin fits in an investment portfolio Show Notes Statement on the Approval of Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products by Chair Gary Gensler—SEC Coinbase … [Read more...]
431: The Long-term Bullish Case for Gold
Why you should allocate a small percentage of your assets to gold. Topics covered include: What is money, and how does gold fit with that definition Why central banks bought more gold last year than at any time since 1967 Which central banks own the most gold and which are increasing their gold holdings How fast is the gold supply growing compared to the U.S. dollar money supply How financialization, greater leverage, and contagion risk should motivate us to consider … [Read more...]
393 Plus: Interest Rates, Convertible Bonds, and a Speculative Case for Bitcoin and Ethereum
In Plus Episode 393, we consider current U.S. interest rates and whether a member should lock in a mortgage now. We look at why now is a better environment for convertible bonds than a year ago. Finally, we review the speculative case for owning Bitcoin and Ethereum. … [Read more...]
372: When Should You Sell An Investment?
We explore four reasons to sell an asset with a focus on the Ark Innovation ETF, Bitcoin, and equity REITs. We also put the current stock market sell-off into historical perspective. Topics covered include: What are lousy reasons to sell an investmentWhat is a sell disciplineWhat are four good reasons to sell an investmentWhy and why not to invest in the Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK)Why growth stocks are getting crushed in the current market sell-offHow frequently does the stock market … [Read more...]
369: Listener Q&A 2
We answer listeners' questions on a variety of financial topics to close out the year. Topics covered include: Estimating financial market returns in the next thirty years Investing in art Whether stocks will no longer exist How to start investing Fidelity's new Bitcoin ETF How mutual funds are priced How to teach family members about investing Volatility versus drawdowns How to face the uncertainty of crashing stocks, rising interest rates, and numerous other … [Read more...]
362: Should You Invest in a Bitcoin ETF?
Why the new U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs are a bad idea and will underperform Bitcoin. Topics covered include: What fund and ETF options are available for investing in BitcoinWhy the U.S. has only authorized Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures even though there are closed-end funds that hold Bitcoin directlyWhat is there a regulatory battle surrounding cryptocurrencies?How closed-end funds differ from ETFsHow Bitcoin futures workWhy Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures will … [Read more...]
355 Plus: Base and Broad Money, Contracts for Difference, and UCITS ETFs
In Plus Episode 355, we contrast base money and broad money for the U.S. dollar and Bitcoin, and how debt tied to both currencies increases the money supply. We look at how contracts for difference are structured and what are the risks. Finally, we look at UCITS ETFs for European based investors and introduce substitute model portfolio holdings using UCITS ETFs. … [Read more...]
355: Which Money Is Crazier: The U.S. Dollar or Bitcoin?
We compare the U.S. Dollar with Bitcoin on their key attributes to determine which is better for transactions and preserving wealth, which is most absurd and which has serious flaws. Topics covered include: How are new U.S. Dollars and Bitcoin createdHow much has the supply of each currency grownHow both the dollar and Bitcoin have had rule changesWhy Bitcoin transactions are faster than non-cash U.S. dollar transactionsWhy both the dollar and Bitcoin require add-on layers to … [Read more...]
