In Plus episode 462, we review why one might want to buy an immediate annuity to help fund retirement expenses. We consider the Cohen & Steers Closed End Opportunity Fund (FOF). Finally, we discuss using an ETF to speculate on currencies. … [Read more...]
459 Plus: TIPS Liquidity, a new MBS ETF, Closed-end Fund ETFs, and MLP Data
In Plus episode 459, we discuss who is on the other side of the TIPS trade. We analyze the Simplify MBS ETF (MTBA) and learn what mortgage-backed TBAs are. We review the performance and risk of ETFs that invest in closed-end funds. Finally, we explain why MLP data is no longer included in the monthly investment conditions and strategy report. … [Read more...]
437 Plus: Federal Home Loan Bank Bonds and an Advantage of Closed-End Fund Premiums
In Plus episode 437, we explore the history of the 90-year-old Federal Home Loan Bank, and why its bonds can be attractive to individual investors. We also explore how closed-end funds that sell at a consistent premium to net asset value can pay a higher dividend, partly funded by issuing new shares. … [Read more...]
417 Plus: Which Assets Now, How Much in Real Estate, Disinflation, Foreign Taxes, and CEFs
In Plus Episode 417, we consider whether there is an optimal price to renter the S&P 500 Index or other asset classes. We discuss what disinflation means. We consider what is a reasonable allocation to public and private real estate. We consider the impact of foreign withholding taxes on dividends. Finally, we look at the current closed-end fund landscape. … [Read more...]
386 Plus: Outperforming the Market, Financial Condition Indices, and Reducing Gold Exposure
In Plus episode 386, we explore what the phrase "outperform the market" means. We review several financial condition indices produced by Federal Reserve branches to understand what they mean and what they are currently showing. Finally, we review David's recent trade to reduce gold and provide an update on his other recent trades, including why DSU fell more than a Fidelity Floating rate mutual fund. … [Read more...]
386: When Should You Pay a Premium?
What are examples of when it makes sense to pay more than the usual price or fair value for an item or asset? Topics covered include: Why we are willing to pay a premium for convenience, scarcity, status, and to avoid wasteWhat is the difference between net asset value and book valueWhy business development companies can sell at a premiumWhy farmland REITs sell at a premiumWhy closed-end funds sell at a premiumHow to decide whether to pay a premium or not Show Notes The Fall … [Read more...]
373 Plus: February 2022 Investment Conditions, Morningstar Ratings, and a Closed-End Fund Case Study
In Plus Episode 373, we review investment conditions as of early February 2022. We consider the three ways Morningstar ranks mutual funds and ETFs to see if higher-ranked funds perform better. Finally, we analyze The India Fund Inc. (IFN), a closed-end fund that invests in Indian stocks. … [Read more...]
361 Plus: Closed-End Fund Tender Offers and Asset Class Returns During High Inflation Environments
In Plus Episode 361, we review the proxy battle that has led to a tender offer by Templeton Global Income Fund (GIM) to purchase up to 70% of its outstanding shares. We consider whether now is the time to sell the fund. We also review two studies on how different asset classes and investment strategies performed during periods of high inflation. … [Read more...]
342 Plus: Small Cap Value, Lumber Prices, and GBTC Discount
In Plus Episode 342, we review the performance of value and growth equity indices, consider whether the value style will continue to outperform and analyze the Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). We review what is driving the five-fold spike in U.S. lumber prices and the outlook for prices going forward. Finally, we consider how the Greyscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) acts like a typical closed-end fund in which the discount to net … [Read more...]
331 Plus: Member Profile, Tail Risk Protection, Rental Real Estate as Bond Substitute, and YYY ETF
In Plus Episode 331, we profile a member in Bosnia who is deciding on a new asset allocation after selling a business. We consider whether investors in their thirties should seek tail risk protection against declining stock markets. We evaluate how rental real estate can be used as a bond substitute. Finally, we analyze the Amplify High Income Fund ETF (YYY) that invests in closed-end funds. We also discuss CEFL and CEFD that follow a similar strategy. … [Read more...]
