@Sven, the quality of Vanguard's customer service, support, and IT folks (at least at their headquarters), appears to be lower than Schwab or Fidelity. With many colleges and universities within a 25 mile drive of Malvern (Penn, Drexel, Temple, Villanova, St. Joseph's, Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr to name a few), certainly a large talent pool is at their fingertips. I can only conclude that pay is the issue.

It's my perception that people who move in and out of funds are "fund" investers, maybe even collectors, not over-all "portfolio" investors. My hope is having a portfolio that trends upward with the least amount pf volatility I can obtain. The portfolio is, hopefully, made up of managers and a mix of fund type with a winning long-term history. Not the best fund that month or year. If ICMUX has a so-so year, I don't jump out to get into the hot fund at the time. ICMUX, and I'm just using this fund as an example, has history of good management and returns and a risk level that fits the portfolio.... Is there better funds at this precise time? Probably. Just another 2-cents.

Good management is not guaranteed to be good every year or even several years and in every situation and/or market.
I never believed in diversification either because it led to lower performance for years.
BTW, in very high risk markets, you learn pretty quickly that most funds sink together. You even learn that bonds don't always save you, think 2022.
The SP500+QQQ has been great since 2010. From 2000 to 2010, the SP500 lost about 10% and QQQ lost almost half.
FAIRX was a great fund during 2000-10 but has been far behind since 2010.
ICMUX made more than PIMIX for 3 years (chart)
But PIMIX made more from 2015 to 2020 (chart) and PIMIX management is pretty good.
Based on my history of following many funds, I hardly ever found a fund that stays at the top every 2-3 years. Maybe PRWCX is the exception.
In bondland the exceptions are so much better and can last for months, sometimes years.
An extra of 3% in bondland annually for many retirees is so good that you can own a small % in stocks (or none) with a much lower volatility portfolio.
The investors who believed in B&H; in the last 10 years, the most recommended bond fund, BND (US Total index) made just 1.7% average annually, far behind inflation.
In the last year, I owned 2 bond funds for most months and hardly traded. Not every trader changes funds every week/month. I always admitted I'm a trader but I see many who trade so much more than me and claim they don't.

Flagship investors at Vanguard get few perks such as 25 free trades on transaction fee OEFs per account. All our transactions are online, thus there is no fees. There is no dedicated rep for Flagship customers.
A year ago, we set up Personal Advisor Select service to manage our retirement funds. Initially the asset allocation plan was set up on phone calls and I revised them several times using their messaging system. The dedicated rep cannot be reached by phone, and it takes days to get return calls. The account set up took several months to complete.
What broke the camel’s back was that when my wife talked with the agent in case I passed on before her, she found the rep to be inexperienced to rely on. My wife is well informed of our proposed plan. We tried the discussion several times but we were not successful. Our goal is to have a human touch in managing the retirement funds. In the end, we exited our PAS relationship with Vanguard.

Observations:
1) fred495 is a good trader. Every investment board have different traders. The ones who buy and hold years, the ones who switch every 2-3 years, and others who change when they see better funds than what they have.
So, when someone posts about a fund I own now and says, Well, in 2022, it lost more than another fund or in the last 10 years, this fund was better than another, I don't care, what matters is what the fund is doing now.
2) We discussed PVCMX several months ago and I said why own it now. YTD is made only 4.2%. Does anyone own this fund and feel great?
3) ICMUX made YTD 8.5%(there are better bond options). Retirees who have enough and want low SD performance should be very happy to make it in bonds. I know fred is in this camp.
Where can I sign for 3-5% annually over inflation and I keep the money?
4) What about QQMNX? I have tested so many ALT funds, especially AQR funds, and was never impressed about their LT. It is also very difficult to hold them when the market is running away. ALT funds can do a better job in more volatile markets, but remember, if the managers make 1 mistake every year, it can be costly.
In 2022 QQMNX did well, but in 2023 it made 5% while SPY made 26%. Would you hold that long?
5) Retirees who have enough can avoid the big losses easier than accumulators who must stay invested all the time.
6) Someone who can't time markets and wants to own 10%, maybe 20% in ALT funds and hold LT? why not.
BTW, I don't love or hate any fund/manager, I dislike laggers, especially the ones that lag for 1-2 and more years while many hang on.

Hidden Challenges of the Bucket Strategy:

@WABAC, you may have sat in the station too long. The bond-train left the station when discussion and anticipation of lower rates started, around the start of 2023, right around the time many were heavily focused on short-term bond safety. I still believe intermediate duration bond funds are a good bet through 2025, but they may need to rest after getting ahead of themselves on rate cut expectations. Just my 2-cents.

Let say I buy a annuity, own rental property, apply for Social Security, and receive a pension along with any other income producing asset. I have often wondered how these income producing (in periodic payments) assets are calculated into my net worth and my overall portfolio asset allocation.
Annuity:
The annuity pays individuals differently, but for the sake of the discussion let's say you buy a 5% fix annuity. You won't actually know what you lifetime payout will be (until you die), but you would expect ($300K*5%) periodically ($15K/yr for example). Eventually, a annuity dies with you. Does annuity income add to your net worth while alive? Is it subtracted when you die (not that you care, but your heirs might).
Social Security:
Social Security seems to be set up in a similar manner (plus a COLA rider), but your payout is determined instead your work income history. SS goes away upon death and so does its net worth value. Does it have a net worth value while alive.
Rental Property:
If you bought a $300K home and rented it for income, you might hope to net 10% ROI or $30K/yr. The property has to be managed and maintained. Upon death, the property has value. While living, a rental asset provides rental income. Both seem to be additive to one's net worth in life and death.
Pension Income:
From the linked article:

For example, if your pension pays out $40,000 a year, you expect to live 30 years, and your discount rate is 4%, then your pension would be worth around $692,000 today. You can get this value by plugging all of these values into a financial calculator [Payment = $40,000, Future Value = $0, Interest/Year = 4%, Periods = 30, Periods/Year = 1] and then solving for the Present Value. In other words, if you had $692,000 today (Present Value) that was earning 4% per year, you would be able to withdraw $40,000 per year for 30 years before running out of money.

This article might lend itself to help determine how these income producing assets impact net worth.
how-much-is-my-pension-worth/

You might consider CPAI (Counterpoint Quant Equity ETF, a multi-cap growth fund. Age 0.8 years; 11.96 financials (not heavy); YTD return 33.4% through September beats SP 500 by 5.7%; ER .75.

I can buy and sell EMPIX at Fidelity, but that may be because I invested in it long ago. This may change. CBYYX is available at Fidelity at a low minimum but only for some retirement plans. SHRIX is available no load at InteractiveBrokers, see Mutual Fund Search Tool there. A small problem: it is offered with 500K minimum.

when CBYYX wasn't open to me at Fidelity, i transferred a single share over from Schwab and then was good to go ... except that F charges a fee for CBYYX trades and S does not.

As the old joke goes: The secret ofcomedyistiming.
Bought CBLDX on September 12 for 9.76$ per share. It closed Friday at 9.7549. So it could be around for a while. If M* can be believed, it's return of .05% last week was less than SPAXX's return of .07. M* also had VRIG and USFR ahead of SPAXX, CBLDX, RSIIX, RPHYX. CSOIX was a winner last week, but a loser by too much for me in 2022.
Things liable to go if we start poorly on Monday are TBUX, USTB, XONE, and WSHNX.

I'm just looking for some things to beat SPAXX

My goodness. No jumping needed. Any of the Riverpark or Crossbridge funds have been doing that since the start of 2023 with the smoothest ride you can ask for (RSIVX, CBLDX for example). Heck, even the ultra-conservative RPHYX has done as well or better than CDs and MMs. Take a look at CSOAX/CSOIX for another smooth ride with a bit more horsepower. 5-star and a great owl fund. I'm sure there are many other examples too.
MM's, treasuries and CD's have been great if you want zero risk, and that is understandable for many here. But more lucrative options may have opened up many many months ago.

I'm already underwater with CBLDX.
I have a limited appetite for junk.

@WABAC You seem to have as good a handle on bonds as anyone here. So surprised by your comment on CBLDX. On a total return basis it is at an all time high. Or am I missing something. I hold a position in CBLDX as a sub for cash - at least for now.
https://stockcharts.com/sc3/ui/?s=CBLDX

I'm just looking for some things to beat SPAXX

My goodness. No jumping needed. Any of the Riverpark or Crossbridge funds have been doing that since the start of 2023 with the smoothest ride you can ask for (RSIVX, CBLDX for example). Heck, even the ultra-conservative RPHYX has done as well or better than CDs and MMs. Take a look at CSOAX/CSOIX for another smooth ride with a bit more horsepower. 5-star and a great owl fund. I'm sure there are many other examples too.
MM's, treasuries and CD's have been great if you want zero risk, and that is understandable for many here. But more lucrative options may have opened up many many months ago.

I'm already underwater with CBLDX.
I have a limited appetite for junk.

I'm just looking for some things to beat SPAXX

My goodness. No jumping needed. Any of the Riverpark or Crossbridge funds have been doing that since the start of 2023 with the smoothest ride you can ask for (RSIVX, CBLDX for example). Heck, even the ultra-conservative RPHYX has done as well or better than CDs and MMs. Take a look at CSOAX/CSOIX for another smooth ride with a bit more horsepower. 5-star and a great owl fund. I'm sure there are many other examples too.
MM's, treasuries and CD's have been great if you want zero risk, and that is understandable for many here. But more lucrative options may have opened up many many months ago.

I can buy and sell EMPIX at Fidelity, but that may be because I invested in it long ago. This may change. CBYYX is available at Fidelity at a low minimum but only for some retirement plans. SHRIX is available no load at InteractiveBrokers, see Mutual Fund Search Tool there. A small problem: it is offered with 500K minimum.
And tropical storm Milton is forecast to become a hurricane Sunday night, and be at or near major hurricane strength when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula by mid week. Life is never dull.

According to the Q2 2024 commentary, CBLDX contained 27.3% international holdings. I am assuming that consists mainly of Nordic companies.
My question then becomes, "Does CBLDX already function as a global high income fund that incorporates the best US and Int'l ideas from the CrossingBridge investment team?" If so, is NRDCX therefore redundant and unnecessary for me to add to my portfolio?

If my math is correct, CBLDX held only 0.5% Norway (NOK) plus 3.7% Sweden (SEK) securities based on 2Q 2024 holdings. I cannot say if there are any EUR or USD based Nordic investments buried in there, too.

NOTE:

My intention, at this time; is to present the data for the selected bond sectors, as listed; through the end of the year (2024). This 'end date' will take us through the U.S. elections period, pending actions/legislation dependent upon the election results, pending Federal Reserve actions and market movers trying to 'guess' future directions of the U.S. economy. As important during this period, are any number of global circumstances that may take a path that is not expected; and/or 'new' circumstances. In the 'cooking pot' we currently have the big ingredients of the middle east and also, how much damage Ukraine may inflict upon Russia and the response.

W/E October 4, 2024..... Overall face slap for bond NAV's
--- This week found the w/e NAV price results for the vast majority of bond sectors to have followed the overall trend for each day of the week; down, down, down. If there was any flight to safety from the ongoing conflict in the middle east, it was not very apparent in government issues; as pricing was quite negative for this area. Very positive employment data reduced the hopes for FED actions to reduce interest rates at a larger and for a longer period of time. Yields were higher for the week. The MINT etf, to the best of my recall, has maintained a positive price for the year, each and every week.
A few numbers for your viewing pleasure.
FIRST:
*** UST yields chart, 6 month - 30 year. This chart is active and will display a 6 month time frame going forward to a future date. Place/hover the mouse pointer anywhere on a line to display the date and yield for that date. The percent to the right side is the percentage change in the yield from the chart beginning date for a particular item. You may also 'right click' on the 126 days at the chart bottom to change a 'time frame' from a drop down menu. Hopefully, the line graph also lets you view the 'yield curve' in a different fashion, for the longer duration issues, at this time. Save the page to your own device for future reference. NOTE: take a peek at the right side of this graph to find the yield swings of the past week, and for the current yields for the last business day.
For the WEEK/YTD, NAV price changes, September 30 - October 4, 2024
***** This week (Friday), FZDXX, MM yield continues to move with Fed funds/repo/SOFR rates; and ended the week at 4.7% yield (no change). Fidelity's MM's continue to maintain decent yields, as is presumed with other vendors similar MM's. Theoretically, a new yield bottom is in place, until the next FED action. SO, one is still obtaining a decent MM yield.
--- AGG = -1.22% / +3.51% (I-Shares Core bond), a benchmark, (AAA-BBB holdings)
--- MINT = +.08% / +4.61% (PIMCO Enhanced short maturity, AAA-BBB rated)
--- SHY = -.57% / +3.55% (UST 1-3 yr bills)
--- IEI = -1.25% / +3.21% (UST 3-7 yr notes/bonds)
--- IEF = -1.67% / +2.71% (UST 7-10 yr bonds)
--- TIP = -.93% / +3.94% (UST Tips, 3-10 yrs duration, some 20+ yr duration)
--- VTIP = -.39% / +4.54% (Vanguard Short-Term Infl-Prot Secs ETF)
--- STPZ = -.53% / +4.40% (UST, short duration TIPs bonds, PIMCO)
--- LTPZ = -1.67% / +2.89 % (UST, long duration TIPs bonds, PIMCO)
--- TLT = -2.75% / -.48% (I Shares 20+ Yr UST Bond
--- EDV = -3.55% / -2.67% (UST Vanguard extended duration bonds)
--- ZROZ = -3.67% / -4.74% (UST., AAA, long duration zero coupon bonds, PIMCO
--- TBT = +5.93% / +7.57% (ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury (about 23 holdings)
--- TMF = -8.34% / -15.1% (Direxion Daily 20+ Yr Trsy Bull 3X ETF (about a 2x version of EDV etf)
*** Additional important bond sectors, for reference:
--- BAGIX = -1.29% / +3.87% Baird Aggregate Bond Fund (active managed, plain vanilla, high quality bond fund)
--- LQD = -1.18% / +4.16% (I Shares IG, corp. bonds)
--- BKLN = +.48% / +6.04% (Invesco Senior Loan, Corp. rated BB & lower)
--- HYG = -.46% / +7.67% (High Yield bonds, proxy ETF)
--- HYD = -.19%/+5.60% (VanEck HY Muni)
--- MUB = -.37% /+1.89% (I Shares, National Muni Bond)
--- EMB = -.57%/+7.85% (I Shares, USD, Emerging Markets Bond)
--- CWB = -.18% / +7.61% (SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities)
--- PFF = -.34% / +11.38% (I Shares, Preferred & Income Securities)
--- FZDXX = 4.70% yield (7 day), Fidelity Premium MM fund
*** FZDXX yield was .11%, April,2022. (For reference to current date)
Comments and corrections, please.
Remain curious,
Catch

Experts are warning that a recent contract to supply Oklahoma’s Department of Education with an estimated 55,000 bibles might actually represent a breach of state law. That’s after the contract’s exacting specifications came to light—and they only really seem to favor one version: Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, often referred to as the Trump Bible for its endorsement from the former president himself.
At $60 a pop, the contract would net its publisher something in the region of $3.3 million, with some of that going back to Donald Trump in fees. “It appears to me that this bid is anything but competitive,” former state Attorney General Drew Edmondson told The Oklahoman on Friday.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-bible-is-one-of-the-only-versions-approved-for-oklahoma-schools

Tell me you're [ VERB ] without telling me you're [VERB]ing.
VERB: Sucking-up, laundering money, making illegal campaign contributions, grifting etc, etc.

Per John Conner, when I asked about projected yield, he answered it will be based on the securities purchased. Of course it is, but he also said it is generally 1.5-2% over US companies. So I am guessing around 9%+ yield, if using CBLDX and RSIIX as the basis. If using OSTIX then maybe 8%+.

NRDCX is now available at FIDO.
$5K min, plus a $49.95 trading fee.

For the past two months, I have been following two "Market Neutral" funds, QQMNX and VMNFX, which held up very well and provided some protection during recent market downturns. New managers have been at the helm of both funds since 2021.
As MikeM said: "I have to admit, QQMNX is a tempting alternative in this alternative field for a less bumpy ride and, so far, excellent returns."
..............QQMNX....VMNFX
YTD.........15.6%.......8.9%
3 YRS.......14.4........14.8
5 YRS.......10.3..........8.2
2022..........9.5.........13.5
Std. Dev....8.6%.......7.3%
As a retired investor who doesn't need a lot more money, preserving capital is more important to me than seeking sizeable returns on capital. While both funds have excellent risk/reward profiles, I have decided to add QQMNX to my portfolio at this time of fairly high equity valuations.

A couple other market neutral funds you can consider: BDMAX and JMNAX. BDMAX has outperformed QQMNX over the last 1 and 2 year trailing periods, and has a higher Sharpe ratio and lower standard deviation over the last 3 years according to Morningstar data. JMNAX has had lower returns, but has a smooth ride. I use a combination of BDMAX and JMNAX, but I might consider adding QQMNX. Thanks for bringing it up.