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...]
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...]
Portfolio Trade: Adding Bullet ETF, Buffer ETF and Increasing CLO Exposure
485: Should You Invest in Defined Outcome (Buffer) ETFs?
Buffer ETFs protect against the downside while capping the upside. We examine them closely to see if they are worth it. Topics covered include: How buffer ETFs are structured and some current examples How buffer ETFs have performed over the past five years What are the risks of buffer ETFs How loss aversion and narrow framing contribute to the popularity of buffer ETFs Are buffer ETFs worth it and what are some alternative strategies that could be used instead Show … [Read more...]
472 Plus: When to Use Option Writing Strategies, Premium Income Barrier ETFs, and Performance Tracking Apps
In Plus episode 472, we compare covered call and put writing strategies to Innovator's Premium Income Barrier ETFs. We consider how option writing strategies fit into a portfolio. Finally, we briefly discuss three options for tracking net worth and portfolio performance. … [Read more...]
430 Plus: Merriman Two Fund For Life Portfolio and Premium Income Barrier ETFs
In Plus episode 430, we analyze the risk and reward of combining a target date retirement fund with a small cap value allocation. We also analyze Innovator ETFs' new Premium Income Barrier outcome-based ETFs. … [Read more...]
321 Plus: More On Hedged Equity and When to Sell Company Stock
In Plus Episode 321, we take a deeper look at hedged equity and outcome based ETFs like the JP Morgan Hedged Equity Fund and the Innovator ETF series. We also answer a member's question about selling his employer's stock that now comprises 75% of his portfolio. Finally, David discusses his recent trade to increase his allocation to the WisdomTree CBOE S&P 500 PutWrite Strategy ETF (PUTW). … [Read more...]
321: How to Analyze Complex Investments
How to determine whether you should invest in a complex investment such as an actively managed ETF that uses option strategies. Topics covered include: A recent investment David made that he shouldn't have What is the volatility risk premium and how to invest in it Why there have been over 200 new ETFs and ETNs launched in the U.S. in 2020 Why some ETF sponsors launch lower cost versions of ETFs that compete with their existing offerings. What questions to answer as part … [Read more...]
277: How ETFs are Changing
How regulatory changes could lead to a boom in new ETFs, including actively managed ETFs. Why ETFs continue to be one of the most innovative, cost-effective and tax-efficient investment vehicles. “Exchange-traded products are among the most significant financial innovations in recent decades and have shaped financial markets as we know them today,” said Michael S. Piwowar, former Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The growth in exchange-traded products … [Read more...]
246 Plus: Preferred Stock, Private REITs, and Put Writing ETFs
In Plus episode 246 for the week of March 29, 2019, we review why David added to his preferred stock allocation given the current interest rate environment. We compare the differences between private REITs and public REITs. Finally, we analyze an ETF that tracks the CBOE S&P 500 PutWrite Index. NOTE: If you are looking for the episode on the Innovator S&P Buffer ETFs mentioned in podcast Episode 277, part one of the discussion is Plus Episode 240, which you can listen to for free. … [Read more...]