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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.
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    “Since the early 2000s, pension funds have increasingly added private assets to their investments.”
    “Private assets didn’t measurably improve pensions’ returns, says JP Aubry, associate director
    of research at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, who conducted a study on them.
    Before the financial crisis of 2008-09, they outperformed broad market, passive strategies slightly,
    while they underperformed after.”

    “Private assets might have a certain cachet, but public markets work just fine,
    says Jason Kephart, senior principal, multi-asset manager research at Morningstar.
    'People who have invested in public markets over the last 15 years have done well.'”

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/bitcoin-private-equity-and-other-alt-investments-are-coming-for-your-401-k-what-could-go-wrong/ar-AA1K77IJ
  • Anchor Risk Managed Global Strategies Fund will be liquidated
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1644419/000158064225004978/anchorglobalstrat497.htm
    497 1 anchorglobalstrat497.htm 497
    Anchor Risk Managed Global Strategies Fund
    Advisor Class Shares – ATAGX
    Institutional Class Shares – ATGSX
    (a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV)
    Supplement dated August 8, 2025
    to the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information dated December 30, 2024
    ______________________________________________________________________________
    The Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the “Board”) has determined based on the recommendation of the investment adviser of the Anchor Risk Managed Global Strategies Fund (the “Fund”), that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders that the Fund cease operations. The Board has determined to close the Fund and redeem all outstanding shares on August 28, 2025.
    Effective at the close of business August 8, 2025, the Fund will not accept any purchases and will no longer pursue its stated investment objectives. The Fund may begin liquidating its portfolio and may invest in cash equivalents such as money market funds until all shares have been redeemed. Any capital gains will be distributed as soon as practicable to shareholders.
    Prior to August 28, 2025, you may redeem your shares, including reinvested distributions, in accordance with the “How to Redeem Shares” section in the Prospectus. Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-deferred retirement account, a redemption is subject to tax on any taxable gains. Please refer to the “Tax Status, Dividends and Distributions” section in the Prospectus for general information. You may wish to consult your tax advisor about your particular situation.
    ANY SHAREHOLDERS WHO HAVE NOT REDEEMED THEIR SHARES OF THE FUND PRIOR TO AUGUST 28, 2025 WILL HAVE THEIR SHARES AUTOMATICALLY REDEEMED AS OF THAT DATE, AND PROCEEDS WILL BE SENT TO THE ADDRESS OF RECORD. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR DIRECTLY OR THE FUND AT 1-844-594-1226 (toll-free).
    This Supplement and the existing Prospectuses dated December 30, 2024, provide relevant information for all shareholders and should be retained for future reference. Both the Prospectuses and the Statements of Additional Information dated December 30, 2024, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference and can be obtained without charge by calling the Fund at 1-844-594-1226
  • Dollar Concerns
    This has nothing to do with the fact that he's in-bed with the crypto lobby and the PE folks are in bed with his Treasury and Commerce secretaries, right?
    Keep that junk away from my retirement assets!
  • WPG Partners Select Hedged Fund will be liquidated
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/831114/000139834425014745/fp0094854-1_497.htm
    497 1 fp0094854-1_497.htm
    THE RBB FUND, INC.
    WPG Partners Select Hedged Fund
    Supplement dated August 7, 2025
    to the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated December 31, 2024
    The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), upon the recommendation of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (the “Adviser”), the investment adviser to the WPG Partners Select Hedged Fund (the “Fund”) approved a Plan of Liquidation and Termination for the Fund (collectively, the “Plan”). The Board determined that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders that the Fund be closed and liquidated as a series of the Company effective as of the close of business on or about August 28, 2025 (the “Liquidation Date”). The Liquidation Date may be changed without notice at the discretion of the Company’s officers.
    Effective as of August 15, 2025, in anticipation of the liquidation, the Fund will no longer accept purchases into that Fund. In addition, the Adviser is in the process of transitioning the Fund’s portfolio securities to cash and/or cash equivalents and the Fund will no longer be pursuing its stated investment objective.
    Shareholders of the Fund may redeem their investments as described in the Fund’s Prospectus. The redemption of shares will generally be considered a taxable event.
    Pursuant to the Plan, if the Fund has not received your redemption request or other instruction prior to the Liquidation Date, your shares will be automatically redeemed on or about the Liquidation Date at the closing net asset value per share, and you will receive your proceeds (the “Proceeds”) from the Fund, subject to any required withholding. These Proceeds will generally be subject to federal and possibly state and local income taxes if the redeemed Fund shares are held in a taxable account, and the Proceeds exceed your adjusted basis in the Fund shares redeemed.
    If you hold shares of the Fund in an IRA account, you have 60 days from the date you receive your Proceeds from the liquidation of the Fund to reinvest or “rollover” your Proceeds into another IRA and maintain their tax-deferred status. You must notify the Fund’s transfer agent by telephone at 1-888-261-4073 (toll free) prior to the Liquidation Date of your intent to rollover your IRA account to avoid withholding deductions from your Proceeds.
    If the redeemed Fund shares are held in a qualified retirement account, such as an IRA, the redemption Proceeds may not be subject to current income taxation. You should consult with your tax advisor on the consequences of this redemption to you.
    Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Fund at 1-888-261-4073 (toll free).
    * * * * *
    Please retain this supplement for your reference.
  • Keeping Up with the Joneses, Current monthly auto and lease payments....OUCH !
    Thanks for the data, @catch22. No wonder many people are living paycheck to paycheck. Enough said.
    Something can be said about the older generations where they manage to live within their means while save for retirement and send their kids to college.
  • Brown Advisory – WMC Strategic European Equity Fund closing to new investors
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1548609/000089418925005486/baf-497e.htm
    97 1 baf-497e.htm SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
    BROWN ADVISORY FUNDS
    Brown Advisory – WMC Strategic European Equity Fund
    (the “Fund”)
    Supplement dated August 6, 2025
    to the Statutory Prospectus, the Summary Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information dated October 31, 2024
    Capitalized terms and certain other terms used in this Supplement, unless otherwise defined in this Supplement, have the meanings assigned to them in the Statutory Prospectus, the Summary Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information.
    1.Restriction on the Sale of Shares of the Fund to Certain Investors
    Effective as of the close of business on August 8, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), the Fund will stop accepting new purchases other than those purchases as described below which will continue to be permitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may, in its sole discretion, accept new purchases after the Closing Date from certain financial intermediaries that have entered into agreements with the Fund’s Distributor or with the Fund’s Investment Adviser, Brown Advisory LLC (the “Adviser”). Following the Closing Date, the Fund will continue to permit the following types of investments in the Fund:
    •Additional share purchases made in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains by existing Fund shareholders;
    •Investments made by institutional and separately managed account investors that are clients of the Adviser; and
    •Investments made through the Adviser’s 401(k) retirement plan that is maintained for use by employees of the Adviser.
    The Fund reserves the right, at any time, in its sole discretion, to further modify or amend the investment limitations described above. You may be required to demonstrate your eligibility to purchase shares of the Fund before your investment is accepted.
    For additional information regarding the restrictions on new purchases of shares of the Fund, please contact the Fund at 1-800-540-6807 (toll free) or 414-203-9064.
    Investors should retain this supplement for future reference.
  • Keeping Up with the Joneses, Current monthly auto and lease payments....OUCH !
    You can still avoid the Joneses by leasing non-premium cars. For example, Subaru advertises ~$300/mo. leases with $0 down. Many folks who sport a luxury ride cannot afford their unnecessary status symbols.
    Then again, not everybody cares about things like savings and a cushy retirement.
    Spending over $800/mo. per vehicle is insane. Spending $1,000/mo. for health insurance is also insane, but more often than not, people are forced to pony up.
  • Any ideas for estimating capital gain distributions this early in the year?
    I don't think it can be done so early. As you have noted, there is no pattern seen from past history. Many funds with high % of retirement a/c don't manage the fund at all for CGs - Fido, etc. As the funds are allowed to close books for the year at October-end, November is the earliest this info is available or may be modelled.
    If a fund has high UNREALIZED gain and/or high turnover, it's a potential candidate for high REALIZED CGs. Market down years when there can be lot of redemptions can lead to high realized CGs.
    One thing is certain - ETFs have no/low realized CGs.
  • The 'Health' of our Healthcare funds are no longer Healthy for conservative equity holdings
    Hi @Observant1 NO. I didn't feel you were 'picking' on the health investments. I was more or less writing 'out loud' how we have attempted to justify investment sectors for our overall portfolio of 'everything', which includes all the other stuff, too......owned real estate, retirement benefits....the whole big pile. It's always an adventure, eh?
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    Jeffrey Ptak shares his views about stuffing private equity/private credit into target-date strategies.
    “I’m not necessarily worried about a doomsday scenario where there’s a failure in one target-date series—
    say, they get redemptions and can only partially fulfill the request—
    and that spooks participants in unrelated target-dates, in a kind of cascade.
    That’s not unthinkable, of course, but it’s not the main thing I get hung up on.”

    “Rather, it’s the risk we’ll see a gradual erosion of confidence in target-dates
    as the simple, low-cost, quintessentially utilitarian retirement solution they’ve become.
    Trust is a brittle thing and when you start playing around with illiquid securities—
    in the name of 'optimizing' an allocation—you can test the limits of bend-but-not-break.”

    https://jeffreyptak.substack.com/p/foia-gras
  • Stable-Value (SV) Rates, 8/1/25
    Stable-Value (SV) Rates, 8/1/25
    TIAA Traditional Annuity (Accumulation) Rates
    Restricted RC 5.25%, RA 5.00%
    Flexible RCP 4.50%, SRA 4.25%, IRA-101110+ 4.25%
    TSP G Fund 4.375% (previous 4.25%).
    Options outside of workplace retirement plans include m-mkt funds, bank m-mkt accounts (FDIC insured), T-Bills, short-term brokered CDs.
    #StableValue #401k #403b #TIAA #TSP
    https://ybbpersonalfinance.proboards.com/post/2122/thread
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    Wall Street’s Big, Bad Idea for Your 401(k)
    Excerpts from a current Wall Street Journal article by Jason Zweig
    The excerpts shown here are a very small section of Mr. Zweig's entire report. I stronly recommend that his report be read in it's entirety. The above link should be free to all.
    Wall Street is promoting a colossal lie.

    Money managers are in a desperate race to stuff illiquid, so-called private-market assets into funds anyone can buy, including your 401(k). They say we all can earn high return and low risk with nontraded “alternatives” like private equity, venture capital and private real estate.
    Because private assets don’t trade, it’s the fund managers—not the market—that determine what they’re worth. That enables the managers to report much fewer and lower fluctuations than public funds do. Then they get to declare that private funds are low risk.
    That’s ridiculous. In the real world, risk is the chance of losing money, which has nothing to do with how often prices are reported. Cliff Asness, co-founder of AQR Capital Management, calls the smooth returns reported by alternative funds “volatility laundering.”
    Owning an alternative fund is a lot simpler than selling it. When you own it, you might take the manager’s valuations for granted, even if that’s a bad idea. When you sell it, the valuation matters—a lot. That’s a risk.
    In short, an alternative fund can claim to be low risk and to be at least partly liquid—but, sooner or later, it won’t be able to sustain both claims at once. That’s true here, and for all the other funds hoping to rope in a much wider base of everyday investors.
    Remember that as politicians ease the way for alternative funds to land in your retirement plan.
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    @Old_Joe - I don't rightly know exactly what or which situation you are referring to but I found this article "Private Equity and Public Pensions: What’s the Return?" from CEPR Center for Economic and Policy Research. (Apr 15, 2025)
    Basically what it says is that private equity does not belong in the retirement savings accounts of workers. They add risk without increasing returns.
    Let me know if you were looking for something else.
  • Tariffs
    LOLs all around!
    I am in a holding pattern with 58% equities and more cash than ever. I perceive the recent surge of U.S. market gains as mainly based on retail investors buying into smoke and mirrors. If I am wrong, I am still sitting at what is a good safe allocation for a person very close to retirement. If I am right, I will add 2-7% to equities in a downturn, and add to bond oefs/cefs, as indicated.
  • Make Retirement Account Withdrawals Work Best For You
    Great Article from T. Rowe Price:
    Insights:

    — There are alternatives to the conventional strategy of drawing on a taxable
    account first, followed by tax-deferred accounts (e.g., Traditional individual retirement
    accounts) and then Roth accounts.
    — A variety of strategies can be employed at different phases of retirement, such as
    filling low tax brackets, taking tax-free capital gains, and executing Roth conversions.
    — Coordinating a withdrawal strategy and a Social Security claiming strategy can
    drive even more tax efficiency than either approach alone.
    — If planning to leave an estate to heirs, consider which assets will ultimately
    maximize their after-tax value.
    Link to Full Article:
    how-to-get-more-out-your-retirement-account-withdrawals.pdf
    Video on the subject from Rob Berger:

  • Morningstar Digest July 17 top story is about politics and the markets,,,, Is that OK to talk about
    First, where’s the link to the article? I don’t see it. Did I miss it?
    Second, most investors should ignore politics, headlines, and constant media noise. You don’t invest based on emotion or ideology—you invest based on your financial goals and what the markets are actually doing. That part is simple.
    I’ve shared my thoughts. Earlier in the year Value, International, and CEFs (like PDI). After the bear market bounce in mid-April, US Large Cap tilting Growth (VOO, QQQ).
    With my own portfolio and not recommended to anyone. I never diversify since 1990. I’ve always focused on top-performing wide-range categories with strong risk/reward profiles. I’m a trader and a timer—used to own a very high percentage in stock funds, but since retirement, I mostly own bond OEFs.
    Examples:
    I sold PIMIX in Jan 2018 and never looked back.
    I closely track Crossbridge funds.
    In 2024, I used HOSIX, CLOZ, and CBYYX for the first time ever.
    In 2025, I allocated a huge percentage to international bonds—also a first—and I lightened up lately. I don’t forecast—I just follow the data and what the market is showing.
    Constant complaining and trashing others doesn’t help anyone get better results.
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    For the curious. The information is presumed accurate.
    Investing in private equity through a 401(k) plan is a relatively new and evolving concept that has generated discussion among investors and industry professionals.
    Here's what to know:
    Potential Benefits:
    Higher Returns: Private equity has historically shown the potential for higher returns compared to public markets, according to SmartAsset. Private equity funds have delivered an average annual return of 13.1% over the previous 25 years, compared to the S&P 500's average return of 8.6% during the same period. This outperformance is often attributed to private equity's focus on undervalued companies, real estate, and infrastructure, which may be less exposed to market volatility.
    Diversification: Adding private equity to a 401(k) can provide diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds, potentially mitigating risk and offering exposure to assets less correlated with public markets.
    Access to previously inaccessible assets: For individual investors, private equity investments have traditionally been limited to institutional and high-net-worth investors due to high entry barriers and complexity. Expanding 401(k) options could provide access to these alternative investment vehicles.
    Potential Risks:
    Illiquidity: Private equity investments are illiquid, meaning they are difficult to sell quickly or easily, often requiring capital lock-ups for several years. This can be a concern for individuals needing quick access to their retirement savings.
    High Fees: Private equity funds typically charge higher fees compared to traditional mutual funds and ETFs. These fees can erode returns, especially over the long term. Private equity funds often charge a management fee (around 2%) plus a share of the profits (around 20%).
    Complexity and Lack of Transparency: Private equity involves complex investment strategies and less regulatory oversight and transparency compared to publicly traded assets, making it harder to assess and value these investments.
    Volatility: While long-term returns may be higher, short-term fluctuations in private equity valuations can be significant.
    Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook:
    The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidance regarding private equity investments in 401(k) plans, allowing their inclusion within professionally managed funds like target-date funds.
    However, the DOL also emphasizes the need for fiduciaries to carefully consider the risks and ensure appropriate safeguards, including disclosure, valuations, and addressing liquidity concerns.
    Recent reports suggest potential further loosening of regulations, potentially allowing more direct access to private equity within 401(k)s. This has generated debate about the appropriate balance between expanding access to potentially higher returns and protecting retirement savers from undue risks.
    Some major investment firms, including BlackRock and Empower, are already planning to offer private equity options within target-date funds or other professionally managed 401(k) options in the near future. BlackRock estimates that adding private assets could boost returns by approximately 50 basis points per year and increase the total value of a 401(k) by 15% over 40 years.
    Important Considerations for Investors:
    Consult a Financial Advisor: It is crucial to seek advice from a qualified financial advisor to understand the complexities and risks involved before considering private equity investments in your 401(k).
    Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon: Private equity is generally suited for younger investors with a longer time horizon and a higher risk tolerance, as it involves greater volatility and illiquidity.
    Fees and Liquidity: Carefully evaluate the fee structure and liquidity terms of any private equity fund before investing.
    Diversification and Allocation: Consider a limited, strategic allocation to private equity within a diversified retirement portfolio, as advised by financial professionals. Some experts suggest limiting private market exposure to 5-10% for most investors.
    AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional.
  • Do You Really Need 'Private' Investments? (Independent Vanguard Adviser, 05.27.2025)
    No. Next question?
    The speed at which Wall Street is rushing to jam private investments into retirement plans, etc. these days is more than a little concerning and reeks (to me) of a blatant money-grab ... er raid ... on the captive piles of money held by "the little people" who often are referred to as "dumb money" while the proverbial getting's (really) good.
    Glad my 403b is not under the influence of such people sitting on our state investment committee!
  • Roth Conversion Strategy- Age 65 to 73
    Also be careful with taxation of SS income. The percentage of SS that's taxable can go as high as 85% depending on "combined income", a form of MAGI.
    Then there's the IRMAA surcharge. Another MAGI effect in addition to phaseouts.
    Next, there are state taxes to consider. Some states exempt retirement income such as IRA withdrawals (such as Roth conversions), but only up to certain limits. If you convert more, you may exceed this cap.
    The $6K extra deduction is scheduled to expire after 2028. So unless you're planning on this being extended, you've got just four years to take advantage of it.
  • Roth Conversion Strategy- Age 65 to 73

    yes, most articles conclude that unless you anticipate a peak taxable income year and\or cannot pay taxes from a non-retirement source, any conversion to roth that does not bump up your conversion year marginal bracket is always a good idea.
    (one can waste a lot of time in complex estimates, as i have. but some common sense regarding age\inheritance need apply.)