In Plus episode 280 for the week of December 14, 2019, we review the performance of the global stock market over the past decade and consider the factors that led the U.S. to significantly outperform the rest of the world. Then we consider what has to happen for that outperformance to continue. We also review the recent announcement by UBS to exchange a number of its exchange-traded notes for a new series. This includes the ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN (AMU). We consider the ramifications of … [Read more...]
273: What is an ETN? Understanding Exchange-Traded Notes
What are the benefits and risks of investing in exchange-traded notes (ETNs) compared with ETFs. In this podcast episode you’ll learn: What is an ETN.How big is the market for ETNs compared with ETFs.How ETNs can do a better job tracking their target index than ETFs.Why ETNs can be more tax-efficient than ETFs.How ETNs have counterparty risk, pricing risk, and liquidity risk.Under what circumstances would an ETN be preferred over an ETF. Show Notes What Drives … [Read more...]
186 Plus: Fallen Angel Bonds, Yield Cos and MLP Distributions
This week January 5, 2018 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we analyze the risk and return characteristics of fallen angel bonds, which are bonds that were issued as investment grade but have been downgraded to non-investment grade. We revisit Yield Cos and look at their recent performance and valuation characteristics. Finally, we look at why MLPs and investment vehicles that invest in them have been cutting distributions. … [Read more...]