Next we will see cats lying with dogs.

In “ETF Expense Ratios Between Countries”, I looked at how the same fund can have widely different expense ratios depending on which exchange it was listed.

I read an interesting article that reinforces a key point I made. And adds a couple more worthy of note.  (more…)

ETF Expense Ratios Between Countries

“I am considering buying an iShares S&P 500 tracker exchange traded fund. In the United Kingdom where I live, the annual total expense ratio is significantly higher than the exact same fund if I buy it on an American exchange. Why does an identical exchange traded fund (ETF), from the same provider, have a different expense ratios in different countries?”

That is a question recently posed by a reader. A very good question.

A few thoughts in response.  (more…)

Tips to Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversification is crucial for long-term investment success.

Proper diversification, that is.

Today, how to better diversify your investment portfolio.  (more…)

5 Common ETF Misconceptions

I like exchange traded funds (ETFs) versus open-ended mutual funds for most individuals.

ETFs provide many advantages for investors, especially those with limited capital.

But there are also aspects of ETFs that require attention.  (more…)

The Failure Mode of Clever

In today’s virtual business world, you constantly communicate with those you do not know well. Individuals who may not understand your personality and quirks. Who may come from a different culture. Or live in another part of the world and not share your mother tongue.

It is a good idea to play it very safe when dealing with those you do not know extremely well.

Great business advice re email communication.  (more…)

If you are in a specific business, it might be a good idea to actually perform said business.

Most businesses have “mission statements”, “corporate visions”, formal “business models” and plans, or even written “value propositions”. These tightly crafted statements tell themselves and the world what it is they do. Or want to achieve.

I like business plans, but shudder seeing “mission statements”, “corporate visions”, and “value propositions”. Why?

If most companies put as much effort into customer service as developing airy-fairy, feel-good statements, business would be good. But typically they do not.

And usually world domination is involved. No, I am serious.

Case in point.  (more…)

3 Essential Investment Rules

StreetAuthority looks at three essential investment rules of master investor, Peter Lynch.

Excellent investment advice for those wishing to invest in individual equities.

Unfortunately, I do not know any non-professional investors who could actually follow two of the three keys. Ah, the joys of investment advice. (more…)

Investment Analyst Reports

I do not believe small investors should invest in individual stocks.

Limited capital makes it difficult to diversify portfolios and increases transaction costs.

Smaller investors typically lack the investment expertise, experience, and tools to successfully analyze stocks or time markets.

Stick with low-cost, well-diversified exchange traded and open-ended index mutual funds.

The reality though is that many smaller investors do invest in individual stocks. A high percentage rely on analyst reports to help them select which equities to buy.

This post is for you.  (more…)

Financial Advice for Younger Adults

The New York Times offers some “Financial Tips for Younger People”.

Not bad financial advice for young investors. Worth a read.

Key points offered:  (more…)

We looked at “How Investors Use ETFs”.

Today we consider how financial advisors use exchange traded funds (ETFs) in their business.  (more…)

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