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.
@rforno,
When I compare VMVFX to PRGSX's performance I have no long term complaints...just that these most recent losses seem worth noting. VMVFX did behaved more in line with its mandate during the last two downturns (2016 & 2018).
For additi…
@rforno from the VMVFX annual report you refernced:
Although our research leads us to expect that, on average, a minimum volatility fund may outperform the overall global market in sharp downturns (while still experiencing losses), the fund should b…
Seems to me a minimum volatility fund should be positioned to deal with both upside (optimize positive volatility) and downside (minimize negative volatility). In a sense, I am referring to successfully positioning a fund to maximize "upside/downsid…
Like VLAAX, I don't think you can go wrong with BRUFX...in both up and down markets. It is my sole investment for my HSA and I like the simplicity of their website. Not for everyone, but over the long term its one of my keepers.
Whoever you do finally select, see if they will match the best transfer offer available at the time.
Free money to transfer:
https://google.com/amp/s/www.bankrate.com/investing/best-brokerage-account-bonuses/amp/
Interesting Article on Volatility and what's in store over the next year (between now and March 2021):
The rise in T-Bill yields which was taking place leading up to the March 2019 top is now getting echoed in an up trending set of values for the VI…
@Old-Skeet
I cam across these two tables and thought of your barometer reading.
Wondering if it might be of some service until you can crunch your personnel data:
https://screencast.com/t/aEu5meDi
and,
https://screencast.com/t/9YXdTRKMj7G7
Worked well for me. I used TT over the last few years. FTUSA did not have the export / import feature TT had with many of my financial institutions. My forms were simple to hand fill. There also a income limit on "free"...I believe AGI of $36K for s…
A would suggest pick a target date fund for the year when you will need it and fund it to meet that need. If you are saving for college...what year will your kid enter and how much will you need? If you are saving for an income source when you retir…
From a total portfolio stand point my largest holding is my pension/immediate annuity that I annuityized at retirement ten years ago.
It presently makes up a little less than 50% my total portfolio...it keeps bread on the table and allows the remai…
@mcmarasco,
I just wanted to add two other considerations, inflation and the change in interest rates over time (the time frame of your loan more specifically), to this conversation regarding paying off a mortgage with savings.
Both real estate a…
@msf...Muni income (though tax exempt) does increase AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) . Your links may have already mentioned this. I recall this fact when calculating AGI (for ACA Health insurance) a few years back.
Noticing a capital loss in a muni bond fund I owned ( in a taxable account) I sold my position and recorded a tax loss (harvest) in December.
Interesting to note that gains (on muni bonds) are tax free and losses (on muni bonds) can be claimed aga…
Thanks @msf.
I also came across this possible bait and switch scenario with turbo tax:
https://propublica.org/article/irs-reforms-free-file-program-drops-agreement-not-to-compete-with-turbotax
I-phone assembler (Foxconn) plan joint Internet-Connected Electric Car project with Fiat:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-fiat-chrysler-hon-hai-china/fiat-chrysler-and-foxconn-plan-chinese-electric-vehicle-joint-venture-idUKKBN1ZF2LL
The trend here will continue...Bad News travels 10X faster than good news.
This articles points to gradual improvements (that are not necessarily news worthy) as the main reason for optimism in the markets today:
https://theirrelevantinvestor.com/…
from @JohnN link...
The 25 Best Low-Fee Mutual Funds to Buy in 2020
25-best-low-fee-mutual-funds-to-buy-2020
Fidelity International Growth = FIGFX
Oakmark International = OAKIX
Baron Emerging Markets = BEXFX
AMG TimesSquare International Small Cap…
@Rbrt...Converting wind, sun, ocean waves energy into hydrogen energy has entropy (energy loss) , but is zero carbon. The green in us loves this. The other green (money) often drives or stalls this evolution. Old technology companies don't want to j…
Note to self:
1. Deep Learning — From Vision to Language
2. Streaming Media — The Primary Technology Behind Content Distribution
3. Electric Vehicles — Faster Adoption Than Most Think
4. Automation — Increased Productivity and More Jobs
5. 3D Printi…
@hank I also remember doing a 15-year catch-up provision with my 403 b provider based on the following information and Link
To qualify for the 15-years of service catch-up (if the employer’s plan includes this provision) the employee must have 1…
Hey Mark I struggle with this at times myself. One of the things that I use is a the app called Jing. Jing is a screen capture tool and there are some how to videos that would help. Pretty simple. I'm having a little trouble embedding it into the th…
Another consideration is to check to see if your funds are going to be transferred "in kind" because if the fund that you own at TD presently isn't transferred in kind it may be closed on Schwab's side and therefore you won't have access to it going…
The strange world of carbon credits:
Fiat will effectively fund Tesla’s German factory, Baird says
While Fiat Chrysler would otherwise struggle to meet new carbon-dioxide emissions standards in Europe, the so-called open-pool option available in the…
I spent a lot of time on Page 63.
Paints an interesting picture.
-The negative volatility of stocks is very similar to bonds over a 5 year rolling average...negative 2% vs negative 1%...interesting.
- An all bond portfolio performs equally well co…
8. Having secured a workable Brexit deal, the United Kingdom turns out to be the winner in its divorce from the European Union. The equity market rises and the pound rallies. The UK benefits from a long transition period, and growth exceeds 2% as f…
@rforno @johnN
Never understood why the "catch-up" provision (for those over 50) was never indexed for inflation:
The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and …
