In Plus episode 545, we discuss the implications of Japan's 10-year government bond reaching its highest yield since 2008. We also compare the crypto token Solana with Ether and explore how to earn yield by staking them. 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 member. Learn More About Membership Options » 545 Plus Show Notes The Creditor’s Revolt: How … [Read more...]
514: Why Japanese Stocks Could Outperform with Howard Smith – FEG Insight Bridge
This week on episode 514, we share a conversation between Howard Smith of Indus Capital and Greg Dowling of FEG Investment Advisors on why Japan could surprise investors over the next decade with strong investment returns. David introduces the episode by sharing his key takeaways from the discussion. FEG Investment Advisor is David's former institutional advisory firm, where he worked for 17 years, before founding Money for the Rest of Us. Greg Dowling is Chief Investment Officer of FEG, and … [Read more...]
505 Plus: Japanese Stocks, Investing at All-Time Highs, and Exchange Funds
In Plus episode 505, we review the investment thesis and performance of the WisdomTree Japan Small Cap Dividend ETF (DFJ). We look at U.S. stock market performance when investing at all-time highs. Finally, we explore how exchange funds work for diversifying out of low cost basis individual stock positions. 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 member. Learn More About … [Read more...]
489: Why Did Markets Sell Off? What Should You Do?
We examine three factors that contributed to this week's big stock market declines, analyze whether a recession is imminent, and examine David's recent portfolio changes. Topics covered include: Show Notes Transcript of Chair Powell’s FOMC Press Conference July 31, 2024—The Federal Reserve Goolsbee Says Fed Won’t Overreact to One Month’s Data by Catarina Saraiva and Ananya Chag—Bloomberg Congressional Budget Office Updates Baseline: Deficit Spending is 27 Percent Higher … [Read more...]
468: Lessons from Japan’s 34 Years of Stock Market Underperformance
Japan's stock market recently exceeded the all-time high first set in December 1989. That's 34 years of zero price appreciation for the stock market. What drove this lackluster performance, will it continue, and what can we learn from it? Topics covered include: Show Notes Japan’s Nikkei 225 index eclipses record high after 34 years by Leo Lewis—The Financial Times Investors eye further gains after Nikkei breaks through 1989 high by Leo Lewis and Kana Inagaki—The Financial … [Read more...]
441 Plus: Fixed Rate Debt, Japan and Yield Curve Control, Activist Short Sellers, Treasuries and Taxes
In Plus episode 441, we consider the economic impact of private-sector fixed-rate debt versus variable-rate debt. We discuss the Bank of Japan's apparent abandoning of yield curve control. When Treasury bondholders have to pay capital gains tax. Finally, we analyze activist short sellers. 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 member. Learn More About Membership Options » … [Read more...]
416: Your Nation’s National Debt: 5 Things You Need To Know
We analyze the worrisome national debt situation in the U.S., UK, and Japan and consider what will determine the likelihood of default Topics covered include: Show Notes Debt to the Penny—U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data Federal Debt and the Debt Limit in 2022—Congressional Research Service Can the Central Bank Alleviate Fiscal Burdens? by Ricardo Reis—London School of Economics and Political Science UK government debt and deficit: June 2022—Office for National … [Read more...]
380 Plus: Why the Japanese Yen Is Falling and a Follow Up on Simplify ETFs including PFIX
In Plus Episode 380, we explore what is causing the Japanese yen to decline relative to the dollar and how that has hurt unhedged investments in the Japanese stock market including Japanese ETFs in the model portfolio examples. We consider if and what investors could do. We also revisit the Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) and whether investors should take profits. Finally, we look at some of the challenges stock ETFs that offer downside protection through options … [Read more...]
235: What If Home Prices Always Declined
How to evaluate the purchase of a depreciating asset such as buying a house in Japan where prices have declined 23 out of the past 29 years. In this episode you’ll learn: There are no magical solutions to dealing with a housing bubble.Why Japanese home prices have declined for decades and why the houses are so cold in the winter.Why buy a house even if it will fall in price and how to go about doing so. Show Notes Designing Your Life: How To Build A Well-Lived, Joyful … [Read more...]
178: Japan and the Impact of A Shrinking Population
How a country's working age population growth impacts economic growth and stock returns. What Japan can do about its population decline. In this episode you’ll learn: Why traveling can turn us upside down.Why an increase in the working age population leads to faster economic growth and higher stock returns.How countries can mitigate the negative economic impact of shrinking population.Why a Japanese debt default wouldn't destroy the nation's wealth but redistribute it. Show … [Read more...]