In Plus episode 449, we answer a member's question about retaining an investment advisor. We compare bank-offered money market accounts and money market mutual funds. We review what repurchase agreements are and discuss at what point the Federal Reserve will need to stop allowing its bond holdings to mature as part of quantitative easing. … [Read more...]
354 Plus: Advisory Fees, A Mortgage Note Fund and Safe Haven Investing
In Plus Episode 354, we explore how to evaluate an advisor's business model to estimate their firm revenue to see if their fees seem fair. We consider the impact of valuation changes on stock performance. We review a fund that invests in private mortgage notes and promises an 8% preferred return. Finally, we review Mark Spitznagel's new book on safe haven investing. … [Read more...]
354: Now Is the Best Time Ever to Be an Individual Investor
What are the advantages and disadvantages individual investors have relative to professional investors. How individual investors can capitalize on their advantages without being overwhelmed by too many choices. Topics covered include: How much have fees and commissions dropped for individual investors in the past two decadesHow the overall objective of individual investors differs from professional investorsWhy the smaller scale at which individual investors operate provides an … [Read more...]
234: Index But Don’t Herd
How and when to use passive indexing strategies without following the crowd. Photo by Davide Ragusa In this episode you’ll learn: How big is indexing and why has it taken so long to catch on.What areas has active management done well.What are ways we can index without following the crowd. Show Notes Jeffrey Gundlach says passive investing has reached a 'mania' – investors should avoid index funds - CNBC Passive investing continues to captivate global audience - … [Read more...]
MNY142 Plus: ETF Screening, Money Creation, Trading Costs, and a Bond Fund
This week January 28, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we look at reasonable bid-ask spreads for newer ETFs. We also look at criteria for screening ETFs in an database. We explore why depositing funds in a bank account doesn't create money but borrowing money does. Finally, we look at the merits of the Eaton Vance Limited Duration Closed End Fund (EVV). … [Read more...]
MNY109 Plus: Portfolio Construction and Advisory Fees
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we discuss how advisory fees can be a significant drag on performance returns. We also look at which asset classes do better during episodes of inflation and deflation. Finally, we review a new academic article by Cullen Roche on portfolio construction. The episode length is 24 minutes. … [Read more...]
