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.
FWIW - Opening paragraphs from the WSJ’s coverage Saturday.
It was one of the fastest descents of a commercial aviation jetliner in history. China Eastern Airlines Flight MU5735 had been flying normally for just over an hour on Monday when it sud…
Can’t help noting. Bloomberg this evening is showing the U.S. 10 year treasury at 2.47% and the 30 year just slightly higher at 2.58%. Makes no sense at all!
EDIT - Worse than I thought. At 10 PM Sunday: U.S. 30 year 2.61% / U.S. 5 year 2.59%
…
@Old_Joe -
9 crew members is a lot for the passenger load. I heard there was a second co-pilot along to “observe.” Possible foul play? I don’t know.
However, I wanted to ask you whether a sudden decompression might have led to the disaster? Mig…
We don't have any large screen or high definition video equipment, so we contract for the cheapest service tier provided by AT&T Uverse. All we really wanted when we signed up was reasonably fast internet browsing and email.
Than you might enjoy…
If you want laddering, DRSK maintains 90-95% in an investment grade corporate bond ladder and invests the remainder in equity call options. Up 7% annual since inception in August 2018. Held up extremely well during the 1st quarter 2020. I own …
Sounds like it’s getting easy to make money in this racket. Anybody flippin?
“Tommy Hilfiger Gets $50 Million for Aspen Ski Home”
“In Aspen’s booming luxury market, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger has sold a slopeside mansion for $50 million, roug…
Naw - Can’t recall encountering that before. But, merchants typically do everything within their power to apply the “debit” function rather than the credit card function to a purchase, provided your particular card functions in both respects. In fac…
Bonds or not, I finished slightly ahead of my tri-fund benchmark today. That’s all I really care about at day’s end. Things go up. Things go down.
Good discussion everyone.
Yes - Dom De Marco, who passed away recently, sounds like a remarkable human being. The story’s not really about pizza at all, but about devotion, perfectionism and love of one’s trade.
Thanks @Old_Joe
Sully was at 10,000 - 11,000 feet if I remember correctly. Don’t know - but guess the air density a lot less at 29,000. There’s a report this morning that a wing part was found 6 miles away. from impact sight. Not surprising, as I’…
It’s a delicious item that my diet usually forbids. But it makes a great “emergency” meal at 1 or 2 in the morning while stranded in some distant place due to an airline snafu. I agree the best are found in NYC having indulged in one a few years …
Thanks for the analysis @MikeM. Sounds good. My rambling was mostly defensiveness since I’ve held on to my modest bond fund holdings (mainly DODLX) and even added a bit this week (PRIHX). I’d have been better to quote young Mark Twain who as an ap…
@Old_Joe, You read my mind. I had considered sending you a personal query. I agree with your summation. But I’m puzzled by something I just read of the incident:
“It is very likely that the aircraft lost power at cruising altitude, resulting in t…
My … take on bond funds is, they will continue to go down in total return as long as the FED is raising rates.
As of today the “Fed” has raised interest rates exactly once since 2018, and that one increase was in the amount of 0.25%. The Federal …
Crash said: “Very recently, i read a post, here or elsewhere, expressing that it makes sense to buy-back some beaten-down bond funds that you are convinced are otherwise solid, good investments. Then, in effect, the dividends are worth more than "fa…
The reason I hold a very small exposure to Canadian miner Wheaton (WPM) is because they’re heavier than most on silver mining. However, it’s lagged gold for years and so WPM has actually been trying to increase gold production and become less engage…
I referenced this a couple weeks ago and was told by someone I “hadn’t been to enough rodeos.”
:)
Bond funds are hurting big time this year. I’d expect such from longer dated ones. But some shorter term and intermediate term funds are getting b…
@MikeM. -
ISTM what you stated is essentially correct. One might nitpick and try to factor in the effect of new money flowing into that fund, as the higher returns and renewed stability would likely affect new investment. Since it’s unlikely rate…
It’s a fascinating game going on. Yeah - The Fed most always likes to jawbone first. The various statements are also a way of testing the markets to try and figure out how they would react to decisions being contemplated.
It’s mystifying why equi…
Part of the curve is inverted. The 5 year Treasury is yielding more than the 10 year. Just noticed this evening. Probably been evident for a while.
I don’t know of any sure fire remedies for investors. I’m pretty much staying the course. But did …
Thanks @Sven - You are more up to date on this than I. I know that Y (per the Barron’s article) had been investing its profits from insurance into many smaller companies including specialized freight hauling boxes for trucks, toys and funeral access…
“there’s what 25 days to see if Allegheny receives a better offer? You could always throw that 5% in a high flier like BRK.B ?”
Ummm … Good point. I’m not familiar with the legalities here. Is Berkshire locked in to the offer for 25 days? I’d hav…
Too many commercials. I view on a big screen (projector TV) and the remote is damn handy for temporarily switching over to a black screen and muting volume as well. Works like a charm. The only thing is they’ve taken to showing short ads when guys a…
@BaseballFan - I consider you a great asset to the board based on your investment related contributions over the years. As long as everyone is civil no harm in voicing dissenting views. I actually pay $$ to subscribe to Bill Fleckenstein’s “Daily Ra…
Thanks guys. I’d researched and had GATEX “waiting in the wings” in case Y proved to be too volatile for the alternative sleeve. So plugged most of the $$ Into GATEX - and added a small amount to cash position.
This morning it was a case of “Shoot…
+1 @Junkster
You are correct re my status. Pension and SS cover basic needs. I had a better than average retirement package I guess. So the IRAs allow for travel, etc. and serve as reserves in case a large unexpected outlay comes along.
Still,…
Sold all of my Y (Allegheny) at market open today after it popped 25% this morning on news Warren Buffett is buying it. Had held it about 6 weeks. Leaves a 5% hole in my portfolio. Wracking my brain trying to decide how to reposition that $$. Being…
Some dumb questions / considerations
- In converting your pent-up investments (which are currently earning a return) into a stream of steady cash payouts in excess of what you have an immediate need for you are than faced with either (1) having to…
“Lets try it this way: If an investor believed WTI would rally 30% over the next year, what vehicle would you use? No individual options. No K-1's. No leverage ETF's”
I wouldn’t believe that at these levels! However, if one did think that he migh…
It’s all good. :) Lots of MSU fans up here.
Mine’s an unorthodox view. And watching the Nuggets get buried by the Celtics (+ - 25 points) tonight wasn’t too thrilling - except I’d bet my last $ on Celtics and live for another day!
Let’s look at it this way: If you invested in a real estate fund a year ago you’re up roughly 25% over that time. If you invested in a commodities fund year ago you’re also up about 25% over that time. If in a gold (mining) fund, you’ve gained abo…
“just as economists such as Summers predicted."
I follow Summers weekly on Bloomberg’s “Wall Street Week.” ISTM his main gripe has been with the Federal Reserve. They’re way behind the curve. (Wonder who nominated the current Chair?) As far as t…
Well, rhetorical or not … I’d like to opine.
The caliber of play is markedly better in the pros. NBA players are bigger and stronger. They pass better, guard around the boards & rebound better. They can consistently hit from farther out - thoug…
Trump University Never Died
Apparently, the transformation of Hillsdale is relatively recent (2000 & beyond).
Big money has been buying portions of the media and repurposing them for their own propaganda for decades. Sinclair Broadcasting bein…
“It's the age of the "transfer portal". Name a reason & transfer is on the way. First came the "one & done" . Players getting paid while in college, more than a free ride, is the coming story as it is already in place.”
Is there anything in…
The kit is ridiculously simple to set up There’s a 2’ high tripod stand designed to be placed on the ground, or on picnic table or whatever. Attach the small dish to it and run the provided cable from dish to a small (4x6”) receiver inside the dwe…
