In this week's Plus episode, we clarify some points from our private credit discussion in episode 509. We look at the risks with Barings Corporate Investors (MCI) selling at a 30% premium to its net asset value. We discuss why fees for ETFs that invest in BDCs are so high. Finally, we discuss Ashwath Damodaran's post on why U.S. small-cap and value stocks have underperformed. … [Read more...]
476: Is Small Cap Dead? Why You Shouldn’t Abandon Small Company Stocks
Why have global small-cap stocks underperformed large-cap stocks and will the trend continue? The investment case for allocating to global small caps. Topics covered include: How have small caps performed relative to large caps over the past two decades What factors contributed to the underperformance How quality is an important factor to consider when investing in small caps What are the earnings prospects for small-cap stocks Why small-cap stocks could deliver … [Read more...]
430 Plus: Merriman Two Fund For Life Portfolio and Premium Income Barrier ETFs
In Plus episode 430, we analyze the risk and reward of combining a target date retirement fund with a small cap value allocation. We also analyze Innovator ETFs' new Premium Income Barrier outcome-based ETFs. … [Read more...]
425 Plus: Bank Contagion Update, Mid Cap Value ETFs, SEC Yields, and Deciding When to Retire
In Plus episode 425, we provide an update on the U.S. banking situation and the potential impact on financial markets and the economy. We look at mid-cap value investing and profile three mid-cap value ETFs. We also review a small-cap value with momentum ETF. We review what unsubsidized SEC yields are. Finally, we consider whether a member has enough to retire. … [Read more...]
370: Should You Invest in Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Stocks?
Small and mid-cap stocks have underperformed large-cap stocks for over a decade. Is now the time to increase your allocation? Topics covered include: How big are small and mid-cap stocksHow have small and mid-cap stocks performed relative to large cap stocksHow have active small and mid-cap managers performed relative to indexing optionsAre bigger IPOs contributing to small and mid-cap stocks underperformanceHow expensive or cheap are small-cap stocks relative to large-capWhat is the … [Read more...]
342 Plus: Small Cap Value, Lumber Prices, and GBTC Discount
In Plus Episode 342, we review the performance of value and growth equity indices, consider whether the value style will continue to outperform and analyze the Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) and the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV). We review what is driving the five-fold spike in U.S. lumber prices and the outlook for prices going forward. Finally, we consider how the Greyscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) acts like a typical closed-end fund in which the discount to net … [Read more...]
337 Plus: April 2021 Investment Conditions, Small Cap Stock Valuations and Evaluating TIPS
In Plus Episode 337, we review investment conditions as of early April 2021. We analyze valuations for small cap equity, including for the WisdomTree Small Cap Quality Dividend Growth ETF (DGRS) and for the WisdomTree Small Cap Dividend ETF (DFJ). Finally, we consider why TIPS ETFs have had a negative return year-to-date and how to evaluate them. … [Read more...]
207 Plus: Fund Closures and Is It Time To Buy Small Cap Stocks?
This week June 2, 2018, we review why mutual funds close to new investors and why performance often lags after a fund closes. We also review current investment conditions for small cap equity and why David is not increasing his allocation to U.S. small company stocks. … [Read more...]
198 Plus: Market Efficiency, Tracking Error and Securities Lending
This week March 30, 2018, we look at whether it is possible to get an "information interpretation edge" in terms of taking advantage of market participants overreacting to information that is publicly available. We also look at how indices are reconstituted, how index funds and ETFs track their underlying benchmarks, tracking error and securities lending. … [Read more...]
187 Plus: More On Yield Cos, Small Cap Stocks, Real Estate and Closed End Funds
This week January 13, 2018 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we revisit our yield co discussion from Plus Episode 186 and look at how yield cos appears to be changing. We review the allocation to U.S. small company stocks in the model portfolios. We look at when return of capital distributions for closed end funds are okay and when they should be a concern. Finally, we analyze the relationship between real estate cap rates and interest rates and provide an update on the current … [Read more...]
