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Here's a statement of the obvious: The opinions expressed here are those of the participants, not those of the Mutual Fund Observer. We cannot vouch for the accuracy or appropriateness of any of it, though we do encourage civility and good humor.
  • MAPIX dividend update.
    There is a terse discussion over at the M* forums on this same topic. Some additional thoughts can be read over there.
    http://socialize.morningstar.com/NewSocialize/forums/p/343430/3593192.aspx#PageIndex=1
  • College Savers May Get More Flexibility In 529 Plans
    FYI: More flexibility on changing your 529-plan investments could be on the way.
    Congress is likely to pass a bill that would allow investors in 529 college savings plans to make changes to their investment holdings twice a year—rewriting a major restriction that parents have faced with these plans since they launched in the 1990s.
    Regards,
    Ted
    http://blogs.wsj.com/totalreturn/2014/12/10/college-savers-may-get-more-flexibility-in-529-plans/tab/print/?mg=blogs-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.wsj.com%2Ftotalreturn%2F2014%2F12%2F10%2Fcollege-savers-may-get-more-flexibility-in-529-plans%2Ftab%2Fprint&fpid=2,121
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    Hi BobC and All Contributors,
    Thank you all for your perceptive contributions. BobC, you helped focus my attention and I agree with many of your keen and penetrating insights. You are spot on-target.
    Jeffrey Gundlach has certainly prospered from a long and controversial career that included his heated and forced departure from TCW. His continued success story in the bond market is undeniable. He is definitely a serious forecaster who deserves respect.
    Here is a Link that provides viewgraphs from his 2014 forward looking expectations:
    http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user5/imageroot/2014/01/Gundlah Year of the Horse.pdf
    According to Advisor Perspectives, his 2013 projections were not all that solid. Nobody has a perfect record in the investment business. Even some of his 2014 predictions seem to be heading, perhaps momentarily, in the wrong direction. According to some folks in the industry, Gundlach is an arrogant, overly confident guru; that’s a necessary characteristic. It’s very acceptable given his superior track performance, but buyer beware.
    Here is a Link to Advisor Perspectives’ interpretation of Gundlach’s 2014 projections:
    http://www.advisorperspectives.com/newsletters14/Gundlachs_Forecast_for_2014.php
    Regardless of his many successes and a few failures, I remain hugely suspicious of any long-term economic forecasts, especially from the macroeconomic community. These have a sad historical accuracy record. The odds deteriorate with time.
    All of professor Phil Tetlock’s numerous forecaster accuracy studies consistently demonstrate the futility of these exercises. It is a daunting challenge to forecast even the next quarter’s outcome, and a near impossibility to look 10 years into the future. Accuracy degrades rapidly over time, especially among the economists cohort who seem to be very fragile in the forecasting arena. According to studies that date back into the 1930s, forecasters can’t forecast.
    Like Catch22, I too like MFO poster bflotomny’s original balanced mutual fund portfolio. Both the Vanguard Wellington and Wellesley funds have proven performance records. I have held both these Vanguard products in my portfolio for over 20 years. I also have held a third Balance fund, Dodge and Cox Balance mutual fund, for over 2 decades. This formidable triad gives me geographic management thinking diversification.
    Thanks again for an excellent set of submittals. This includes everyone. I concur that no immediate action is necessary.
    Best Regards.
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    So far as I can tell, there isn't any real difference between those two portfolios. Pretty much a 50/50 stock/bond split, dividend-paying stocks in both, mostly intermediate corporate bonds with both. I don't see any reason to bother with the change.
    On the other topic, it is interesting that Gundlach is thinking so much about demographics (and for what it's worth, which is nothing, I have to say that I pretty much agree with him), but until it becomes tactically relevant it doesn't have much to do with investing. Not in liquid markets, anyway. And if you can analyze exactly when it becomes tactically relevant, then you can become a Bond King, too!
  • Morgan Stanley On The Market: December
    "...All told, this is not the time to be bearish on Japan... we think it means that
    non-US equities are likely to perk up, and perhaps even outperform the S&P 500...I'm
    seeing 12%-to-15% earnings growth in Europe next year... In 92% of the time when interest rates rise, value beats growth.... I'm still concerned about China. I would focus on emerging countries that do a lot of business with the US. So, in Asia, I like Hong Kong and Taiwan, and I still like Mexico—but not much else..."
  • Liquid Alts. How much of your portfolio should be in them?

    0%
    "Wall Street's New Happy Hour" (from last July)
    http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/14/investing/liquid-alternatives/
    Is cash a liquid alternative? In that case, I'd guess 5-35% depending on age would be appropriate.
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    Currently --- USA, China, Japan, Europe are all worried about and trying to avoid deflation.
    If interest rates rise there will be external pressure for the USA to institute a VAT, slowing economic growth and lowering inflation - look at Europe and Japan.
    Longer term --- the world population is going from 7B in 2000 to 10B in 2050 - that is a 42.8% increase. The world went from 1B in 1800 to 10B in 250 years. USA, China, Japan, Europe populations are ageing during this time while the growth in population is in 3rd world countries. The effects are wide ranging - research it.
    I know I'm going against the trend but I would be more concerned about deflation.
  • Q&A With Burt Malkiel
    FYI: The author of "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" has walked all the way to Silicon Valley.
    Burton Malkiel has been giving much the same investing advice for four decades: Keep fees low and don’t believe advisers and fund managers who promise to beat the market. Lately, he's championed global diversification, and especially emerging market stocks. Lots of people have listened to the Princeton University professor -- “A Random Walk" is on its 11th edition and has sold more than 1.5 million copies
    Regards,
    Ted
    http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2014-12-09/burt-malkiel-walk-away-from-2015-know-it-alls.html
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    Howdy @bflotomny
    The below two links are nice compostion views of the two funds you currently hold; and you may click on other header tabs for more information.
    Both fund's equity holdings are towards the large cap area and the bond sectors are investment grade with varying percentage mixes between gov't and corp. Both funds are U.S. centric focused; with a touch of foreign equity and bonds.
    --- VWIAX / VWINX is about 35/65 split of equity/bond with a 2.9% yield
    --- VWELX is about 65/35 split of equity/bond with a 2.3% yield
    I don't find added value/performance/risk protection from the other 3 funds you noted; versus your two current holdings. The yields of these 3 range from 2.4-2.8%, the equity portions are large cap and the bond sectors are also investment grade.
    IMO, you would only be swapping around equity and bond holdings that are very similar in type among other funds, versus what you now have.
    The combination of your funds, VWIAX and VWELX ,is basically a 50/50 U.S. centered equity/bond holding with low expenses, proven management and decent total returns over a long period of time.
    I agree with @kevindow to maintain the current funds; which give you a moderate allocation and IMO is fine for your age bracket, of which I am a part, too.
    And yes, anything could affect these funds; including rising interest rates. I would be confident that management will "adjust" holdings as needed.
    I'm sure you are aware of the above; so I am mostly writing outloud from my quick look regarding your question. There is always something to learn. I/we don't hold either of these funds.
    VWELX composition
    VWIAX/VWINX composition
    Take care,
    Catch
  • A New Twist on an Easy All-in-One Fund (GAA)
    Here's link to the fact sheet for GAA...
    Cambria Global Asset Allocation (GAA)
    The Cambria Global Asset Allocation EtF targets investing in approximately 29 EtFs that
    reflect the global universe of assets consisting of domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, real
    estate, commodities and currencies.
  • The 5 Best Fidelity Funds for 2015
    FYI: But fear not. My list of the best Fidelity funds for 2015 is designed to help you complement your existing portfolio or deliver a standalone portfolio that both runs the gamut and still delivers reasonable returns.
    Before I get to my picks, let me state unabashedly and categorically that I invest in actively managed funds for three reasons: (1) My chosen active managers tend to beat their benchmarks in both bull and bear markets. (2) Fidelity’s low-cost, no-load, shareholder-focused lineup is second to none. (3) The best way to own any ETF (including Fidelity’s own commission free offerings) is only in tandem with a superior actively managed fund. In the topsy-turvy marketplace of 2015, having the following Fidelity experts help you pursue growth and income investments at home and globally isn’t just recommended. I think it’s required.
    Regards,
    Ted
    http://investorplace.com/2014/12/5-best-fidelity-funds-2015/print
  • Liquid Alts. How much of your portfolio should be in them?
    @JohnChisum
    Thanks for the link to dailyalts.com. Looks interesting, and I have bookmarked this site.
    Right here, right now, with domestic equities fully valued, developed foreign equities in a definite funk, and interest rates destined to increase over the next 12 months, I would have no problem owning a 10-20% position in Alts -- as long as they continue to perform. At this time, we own a 10% position in PQTIX (investor ER 1.15%), and I am considering the purchase of a 10% position in QLEIX (investor ER 1.39%).
    @Junkster
    Conditions like 2008 will inevitably occur in the future, and just like in 2008, common investors like us -- who likely overestimate our abilities -- and the "professionals" will be caught by surprise.
    I continue to think that investors can obtain adequate downside protection with a wise mix of relatively low-cost equity, balanced and bond OEFs/ETFs, such as: MOAT, RPV, SCHD, VDIGX, VASVX, VSTCX, VMNVX, SPLV, EFAV, TOLSX, GLFOX, DODGX, DODFX, DODWX, DODBX, PRWCX, VWENX, HBLIX, WHGIX, VWIAX, PIMIX, PIGIX, MWTIX, DBLFX, DBLTX, DBLEX and RSIVX . But I remain open to relatively low-cost alternative funds, such as PQTIX, QLEIX, AQRIX, LMAPX, CRUMX, and even BG's JUCIX. As for the Alts, I am willing to be very, very patient, and track and track, and resist the temptation to be an early investor, but if the Alt fund continues to impress, I am willing to pull the trigger and buy.
    Kevin
  • dsenx explainer
    @davidrmoran
    I would not overthink this fund, as it continues to be above its 20/50/100EMAs. This fund is working and I would have no problem owning it until the charts break down.
    Kevin
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    I think you might be interested in this. I think it is correct and you have time to adjust your portfolio.
    http://www.forbes.com/sites/schifrin...dlach-king-me/
    Here is the new bond king’s view of the world today:
    The Fed may raise the federal funds rate for the wrong reasons.
    “They don’t really need the rates to be higher, but they seem to want to reload the gun so they aren’t stuck at zero without any tools.”
    Deflationary forces will accelerate if the Fed raises rates.
    “With a tightening, the dollar is going to not just be strong, but it will run up like a scalded dog. If that happens, then commodity prices are going down, we will import deflation and you will see an episode of deflationary scare.”
    The long end of the Treasury curve will stay put and possibly go down further.
    “There’s a 30% chance that importing deflation creates a panic into Treasurys creating a ‘melt-up,’ moving rates to German Bund levels today of around 1%.
    It’s not okay to own risk assets when the Fed starts hiking rates.
    “What is fascinating is, if you sell junk bonds and buy Treasurys, the minute the Fed hikes the first time, going back to 1980, in every case you did well.”
    Don’t be surprised to see the yield curve flatten and possibly invert.
    “Long rates have done nothing but fall. That tells me the market is saying to the Fed, ‘Go ahead, make my day.’ The curve is going to invert when and if fed funds hit 2.5 to 3%.”
    Be long the dollar, especially in emerging market bonds.
    “We have been all dollar [denominated in our foreign bond holdings] since 2011. For a while it didn’t really matter, but now it matters a lot. If you are nondollar you are really in trouble.”
    Stay away from homebuilders, TIPs and mortgage REITs, and oil will fall further.
    “I am convinced the Saudis want the price of a barrel of oil to go to $70. They don’t care if they run a short-term deficit if it slows down U.S. fracking and turns the screws on countries in their region that mean them harm.”
    As we get closer to 2020 interest rates and inflation (and taxes) could really start rising.
    “We are in the calm right now before the hurricane. I’m talking about the aging of the great powers, which is undeniable and can’t be quickly reversed. The retiree-to-worker ratios, the size of labor forces globally. China will have no one in the labor force. Italy’s losing 39% of labor force in the next generation and a half. Japan has an implosion of working population and no immigration. Russia is facing one of the greatest demographic crisis in the history of the world, absent famine, war and disease. It’s pretty bad. Italy has no hope,” says Gundlach matter-of-factly.
    “The Federal Reserve bought the bonds from the deficits of 2011, 2012 and 2013, and those will roll off increasingly over time. Come 2020 you are not just financing massive entitlements like Social Security and Medicare but also old debt. No one talks about that. It’s a big deal. China doesn’t have the demographics to buy that debt. Who’s going to buy it?”
    The coming debt storm–which Gundlach says is too early to worry about tactically–will hit financial markets just as DoubleLine approaches its tenth anniversary in business.
    Giant pension funds and endowments are typically plodding in the redeployment of assets because it often requires coordinating board meetings, soliciting bids from new firms, listening to presentations and gathering votes. But with tens of billions likely to shift out of PIMCO over the next few months, DoubleLine is buzzing with activity. The task at hand is proving to existing clients and to new ones that the drama days are over and DoubleLine is all grown up.
  • MAPIX dividend update.
    The 3.14% was through 9/30/14. The 1.38% was through yesterday and assume OJ's reflects today's decline and hence 1.05%
  • MAPIX dividend update.
    Our good friends at M* have it up by 1.05% YTD. Any way you look at this, it ain't too hot. (Then again, M* didn't really say which year, either.)
  • dsenx explainer
    Hey David, I didn't mean all down days, just a few here and there, which surprised me because of how well it charts overall. But after hearing the presentation, it seemed to make sense that every once in a while, it must be that one of the invested sectors takes an outsized hit or the bond sleeve drops a little in price.
    It's still on the shortlist at this house for the U.S. stock piece in a rollover IRA that'll happen later in '15.
  • A Portfolio Review Question
    I'm recently retired and currently in Vanguard Wellesley and Wellington at 50stk/50bds. I’m concerned with the potential of increasing rates to negatively impact my portfolio. The PF is small, and is used mainly for the extras. My SS & pensions cover daily expenses except travel and yearly expenses like auto insurance ect. I’d like some feedback on this portfolio vs. W/W.
    Wellesley: vwiax 25%
    Wellington: vwelx 38%
    Intermediate Bond Index: vbiix OR Dodge Income dodix 15%
    Equity & Income: veipx 8%
    High Dividend Yield: vhdyx 8%
    Should I stick with W/W or make the shift to this new portfolio?