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You are here: Home / Archives for model portfolios

463 Plus: Model Portfolios, UK versus US Valuations, MCI Premium, and MFD Proxy Battle

January 27, 2024 by David Stein · Updated February 8, 2024

In Plus Episode 463, we answer member questions on model portfolio implementations. We discuss the valuations and return expectations for UK stocks versus the USA. We discuss why the Barings Corporate Investor Fund (MCI) sells at a premium to its net asset value. Finally, we analyze the proxy battle being led by Saba Capital regarding the potential merger involving the Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund (MFD) … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Money Plus Tagged With: MCI, MFD, model portfolios, proxy votes, stocks, United Kingdom, valuations

434 Plus: Model Portfolios Overview, Why DFJ, and Icahn Enterprises Follow Up

June 3, 2023 by David Stein · Updated July 10, 2023

In Plus episode 434, we review the Money For the Rest of Us Plus model portfolios, their history and how they are used. We discuss why the WisdomTree Japan Small Cap Dividend ETF (DFJ) is included in the models. Finally, we discuss what has transpired with Icahn Enterprises (IEP) since the release of episode 422 on Carl Ichan. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Money Plus Tagged With: DFJ, Icahn (Carl), IEP, model portfolios

391 Plus: Adaptive Model Portfolio Changes, Updated Return and Risk Assumptions, and the Peak Housing REIT

June 25, 2022 by David Stein · Updated July 12, 2022

In Plus episode 391, we review the recent adaptive model portfolio changes to reduce equity exposure and lower credit risk in the bond portfolio. We introduce the new expected return and risk assumptions and address some member questions. Finally, we answer a member's question about selling a single-family rental home and rolling the proceeds into the Peak Housing REIT. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Money Plus Tagged With: equity REITs, expected returns, model portfolio changes, model portfolios, private REITs

372 Plus: Model Portfolios History, Performance, and Modified Endowment Contracts

January 29, 2022 by David Stein · Updated February 9, 2022

In Plus Episode 372, we look at the purpose of the model portfolios, how they have evolved, and the historical performance. We also answer some member questions about the model portfolio changes in early January to reduce equity REIT exposures and eliminate preferred stocks. Finally, we explore life insurance policies that are classified as modified endowment contracts. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: fixed annuities, index universal life insurance, model portfolios, modified endowment contracts

343 Plus: Mid Month Update, Adaptive Model Portfolio Changes, and Preferred Stocks

May 22, 2021 by David Stein · Updated June 29, 2021

In Plus Episode 343, we review the latest data including Federal Reserve minutes and Japan's economic challenges. We discuss the recent adaptive model portfolio changes, the new holdings, and the rationale for the changes given the increased risk of higher inflation. Finally, we review why preferred stocks have tended to outperform bonds during periods of rising interest rates. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Money Plus Tagged With: DEM, DFLEX, model portfolio changes, model portfolios, preferred stocks

320 Plus: November Investment Conditions and Model Portfolio Changes

November 7, 2020 by David Stein · Updated April 29, 2021

In Plus episode 320, we review investment conditions as of early November 2020 including market valuations, economic trends and market internals. We discuss the recent change in the adaptive model portfolios to increase stock exposure. Finally, we discuss David's current portfolio and anticipated changes. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: model portfolio changes, model portfolios

308 Plus: August 2020 Investment Conditions and Model Portfolio Changes

August 8, 2020 by David Stein · Updated April 29, 2021

In this Plus episode, we review investment conditions as of early August 2020. We discuss the recent changes to the adaptive model portfolios to add core fixed income. Finally, we review recent and anticipated changes to David's portfolio. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bonds, fixed income, model portfolio changes, model portfolios, portfolio change

301 Plus: June 2020 Investment Conditions and Model Portfolio Changes

June 5, 2020 by David Stein · Updated April 29, 2021

In Plus episode 301, we review investment conditions as of early June and discuss the recent changes to the model portfolios to increase risk. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: DFJ, DGRS, model portfolio changes, model portfolios, PFF, preferred stocks

289 Plus: March 2020 Investment Conditions and Portfolio Review

March 7, 2020 by David Stein · Updated April 29, 2021

In Plus episode 289 for the week of March 7, 2020, we review current investment conditions as of early March 2020, including market valuations, economic trends and market internals in light of the coronavirus pandemic. We also review the recent changes to the model portfolios and to David's portfolio. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: model portfolio changes, model portfolios

271 Plus: October 2019 Portfolio Review, Preferred Stock, and Vanguard’s Expected Returns

October 5, 2019 by David Stein · Updated April 29, 2021

In Plus episode 271 for the week of October 4, 2019 we review the purpose of the model portfolios and recent changes in David's portfolios. We look at the performance of preferred stock in down markets. Finally, we review Vanguard's expected returns for the next decade. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: commissions, expected returns, Gundlach (Jeffrey), model portfolios, preferred stocks

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