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...]
460: Should You Be Invested 100% in Stocks Before and During Retirement? A Recent Study Says Yes.
The pros and cons of investing your retirement assets 100% in equity, including half in international stocks. Why the 4% spending rule is too aggressive. Topics covered include: Why historical asset class return studies that use only U.S. data are biased How researchers build a broader database to study retirement outcomes and spending rates How a 100% stock portfolio performed compared to balanced portfolios and target date funds Why investors should have half their assets … [Read more...]
458: Dissecting Stock Returns: Financial Engineering or Genuine Growth?
Do the impressive returns in public and private markets stem from strategic financial engineering or reflect actual economic growth? Topics covered include: How corporate profit growth is linked to economic growth, even though corporate profits are more volatile How interest rates, tax rates, and stock buybacks influence corporate profits and stock returns Why there are fewer publicly traded stocks How the increase in leveraged buyouts has impacted the economy How private … [Read more...]
374: Lifecycle Investing, Risk Parity Portfolios, and Why Stocks Are Riskier in the Long Run
How lifecycle investing and risk parity portfolios can assist you in having sufficient assets to retire. What are the two types of time diversification and why is one flawed? Topics covered include: What is settled work and what are some examplesHow does lifecycle investing work and should you consider itWhy investing in stocks and other volatile asset classes is riskier over longer holding periodsWhat are risk-parity portfolios and how to evaluate them Show Notes The moral … [Read more...]
315: Are We Being Forced to Buy Stocks?
How ultra-low interest rates support higher stock market valuations but also make the investment environment more challenging. Is there a stock market bubble? Topics covered include: How expensive are stocks on an absolute basis and relative to bondsWhat are examples of individual investor enthusiasm for stocksWhy stock valuations and prices increase when interest rates fallWhy lower interest rates making it more difficult for central banks to support stocks during a downturnWhy TIPs … [Read more...]
309 Plus: Investment Newsletters and Preferred Stock
In this Plus episode, we look at the investment newsletter business and whether investors should invest in their individual stock recommendations. We also discuss how to evaluate and invest in preferred stocks. … [Read more...]
254: Should You Be 100% Invested In Stocks?
What are the pros and cons of having your entire investment portfolio invested in stocks versus a multi-asset class portfolio? In this episode you’ll learn: What are some investment options if you want to be 100% invested in stocks.What attributes do you need as an investor to have an all stock portfolio.Why it is difficult for active managers to outperform.Why an all Japanese stock portfolio has severely underperformed for 25 years and how it is possible that a U.S. stock … [Read more...]
209 Plus: How Much International? and 3 Simple Rules of Investing
This week June 16, 2018, we review an article by Vanguard on how much to allocate to international investing. We also review a book on the Three Simple Rules of Investing, including discussing asset allocation, single premium immediate annuities, spending rates, rebalancing and dollar cost averaging. … [Read more...]
MNY127 Plus: TIPs, Individual Stocks and Investment Conditions
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we start off by discussing a leading investment concern; what to do about rising asset class valuations driven by low interest rates. We also look at when inflation indexed bonds are attractive investments. Finally, we explore how to incorporate a portfolio of individual stocks into an asset allocation to determine an appropriate return. … [Read more...]
105: How Corporate Profits Drive Stock Returns
What drives corporate profits over time and how do they contribute to long-term stock returns. In this episode you'll learn: What drove U.S. stock returns over the past thirty years. How long-term corporate profit growth has tracked per capita GDP growth.What contributes to long-term corporate profit growthWhat are the things corporates can do with their cash. Show Notes Research Affiliates - The Profits Bubble by Chris Brightman FactSet Earnings … [Read more...]