In Plus episode 549, we discuss historical cumulative losses for catastrophe bonds, the premium/discount experience of the Brookmont Catastrophic Bond ETF (ILS) and questions on why its dividend yield is so low. We also revisit the gold and silver rally and answer a member's question about rebalancing out of gold. Finally, we consider the background and views of newly nominated Federal Reserve Board Chair Kevin Warsh. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of … [Read more...]
542 Plus: Why Always ChatGPT, Selling Gold, Model Portfolio Answers, and Funding a Short-term Liability
In Plus episode 542, David shares why he often uses ChatGPT for his AI examples. He discusses his recent trade to sell some gold. He explains the rationale for the small-cap stock ETFs used in the model portfolios, why equity REITs were moved to the Income portfolio, and how similar the new bond ETFs are to the mutual funds they replaced. Finally, we discuss managing FOMO and funding short-term liabilities. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest … [Read more...]
Portfolio Trade: Took Profits in Gold
Become a Member If you would like to read about this portfolio trade, consider joining Money For the Rest of Us Plus. Learn More About Membership » Today, David sold 2% of his gold coin holdings. Gold hit a record high on Monday and began to sell off on Tuesday, at which point David decided to take some profits. Most of his position is stored at a safe deposit box in Idaho, but David had a small amount of Canadian Maple gold coins with him that he sold on Wednesday morning, October … [Read more...]
541: Debasement Fears or Meme Fever? What’s Driving the Gold and Silver Rally
Are gold and silver up more than 50% in 2025 because investors fear currency debasement, or is this rally just the latest meme trade? In this episode, we explore the supply and demand forces behind gold and silver, discuss investing strategies, and outline what to watch to see if investors truly are worried about debasement. Show Notes The Great Debasement Debate Is Rippling Across World Markets by Ruth Carson, Naomi Tajitsu, and Masaki Kondo—Bloomberg How long will gold mania … [Read more...]
532: Should Private Assets, Gold, and Crypto Be Investment Options in 401k and other Defined Contribution Plans?
A new executive order could radically reshape retirement investing by allowing private equity, crypto, and gold in 401(k) plans. This episode examines the factors driving the demand for alternative assets in defined-contribution plans, the potential risks to everyday investors, and why fiduciary rules and financial literacy gaps still matter. Show Notes Trump Executive Order to Help Open Up 401(k)s to Private Markets by Miriam Gottfried, Dylan Tokar, and Matt Wirz—The Wall … [Read more...]
524 Plus: Buying Pre IPO Stock Shares, Online Versus Offline Ownership, and a Closed End Fund Follow Up
In Plus episode 524, we review the risks of purchasing pre-ipo stock on platforms like EquityZen. We also compare owning gold and cryptocurrency offline versus owning an ETF or holding them through a custodian. Finally, David provides an update on a conversation he had with Steve Selengut about closed-end fund investing. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest of Us Plus … [Read more...]
518: Is It Too Late to Invest in Gold? With Max Belmont – FEG Insight Bridge
Greg Dowling of FEG interviews Max Belmont, a gold specialist and portfolio manager at First Eagle Investments. Greg and Max discuss the historical, philosophical, and practical reasons for owning gold. Topics covered include: Show Notes The Golden Age with Max Belmont—FEG Insight Bridge Episode Sponsors Asset Camp Related Episodes 431: The Long-term Bullish Case for Gold 316: Paper, Rocks, or Digits—What Makes the Best Money 263: Should You Invest In … [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: Show Notes Statement on the Approval of Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products by Chair Gary Gensler—SEC Coinbase at the Center of Bitcoin ETF Draws Envy and Risks by Yueqi Yang and Olga Kharif—Bloomberg Federal Reserve Balance Sheet: Factors Affecting Reserve Balances - H.4.1—US Federal Reserve Episode Sponsors Long Angle is a private … [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: Show Notes Central banks load up on gold in response to rising geopolitical tensions by Daria Mosolova—The Financial Times Above-ground stocks—Gold Hub Central bank holdings—Gold Hub Does the Federal Reserve own or hold gold?—The Federal Reserve Trey Reik—LinkedIn M2 and Components—FRED Gold Charts R Us Episode Sponsors Hello Fresh – Use code 16david for 16 free … [Read more...]
Portfolio Trade: Further Reducing Gold Exposure
Become a Member If you would like read about this portfolio trade, consider becoming a member of Money For the Rest of Us Plus. Learn More About Membership » Yesterday, David sold his position in the iShares Gold Trust (IAU). David added this position in December 2016 at a time when gold was selling for $1,150 per ounce. Gold performs best when U.S. real interest rates are low or negative. With the Federal Reserve raising its policy rate, real rates are likely to increase as … [Read more...]
