In Plus episode 552, David discusses the change in his portfolio to eliminate the iShares Large Cap Max Buffer September ETF (SMAX) from his portfolio and reallocate the assets to the Brookmont Catastrophe Bond ETF (ILS), and the IMGP DBI Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF). We discuss a member's question about asset location and an inquiry into how to receive alerts for ETFs that meet a certain price threshold. Finally, David shares his thoughts on the current environment for private … [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...]
509: How to Invest in Private Credit / Direct Lending?
We explore what private credit, or direct lending, is and how to invest in it. We also show how it is similar to and different from investing in leverage loans and CLOs. Topics covered include: Show Notes The Credit Markets Go Dark by Jared A. Ellias and Elisabeth de Fontenay—SSRN The Lost Promise of Private Ordering by Cathy Hwang, Yaron Nili, and Jeremy McClane—SSRN Investments Mentioned VanEck BDC Income ETF (BIZD)Barings Corporate Investors Fund (MCI)Long … [Read more...]
507 Plus: Performance Attribution Revisited, Efficient Market Hypothesis, Private Credit
In Plus episode 507, we provide an update on the stock market performance attribution shared last week. We consider whether asset class pricing follows the efficient market hypothesis so asset classes can't be over or undervalued. We analyze the energy company Phoenix Capital and compare investing in its unsecured bonds to a more diversified private credit fund such as those offered by Cliffwater. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of … [Read more...]
483 Plus: Private Credit, BDCs, CLOs, Cash Balances and Is This Portfolio Too Aggressive
In Plus episode 483, we analyze the Virtus Private Credit ETF (VPC), which invests in business development companies (BDCs), leveraged loans, and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). We review the characteristics of all those asset categories. We also discuss the appropriate cash balance for retirees and consider whether a retired member's portfolio has too much in stocks. 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 … [Read more...]
245 Plus: March 2019 Mid Month Update, Inverted Yield Curve, Puts on ETFs, and a Private Lending Limited Partnership
In Plus episode 245 for the week of March 23, 2019, we look at investment conditions as of mid-March including flash PMI reports. We revisit the accuracy of inverted yield curves in predicting recessions, and what is different this time now that the yield curve has inverted. We look at why long term interest rates could increase during the next recession. David discusses his recent trade to buy puts on two non-investment grade fixed income ETFs. Finally, we look at a limited partnership … [Read more...]
