Vanguard Investment Funds

I like Vanguard investment funds for long term individual investors.

Especially investors who follow a passive management style.

As I am not directly or indirectly compensated in any way by Vanguard I recommend them based solely on their merits.

That is not to say that other funds are poorer choices. I recommend a wide variety depending on a client’s investment objectives, desires, and available offering in their home jurisdiction. I believe in a “best of breed” approach for clients, not what is best for my revenue. And within the “best of breed” options, Vanguard funds pop up with regularity.

Why is this so?   (more…)

Photo for Sale

I took a great photo the other day and am looking to sell it.

What would you pay?

It is a pretty picture. Lovely river, green grass.  (more…)

Is a crash in the markets coming?

I am not sure.

If one does occur, experts will look back and see many clear warning signs. And there are a multitude of red flags.

However, governments, banks, investment companies, and the like, are doing their best to avoid a calamity.  (more…)

I consider John Bogle to be the father of index investing. And for those who follow this blog, you know that I am a fan of passive investing utilizing index funds.

As founder of the Vanguard Group, Mr. Bogle has built a mammoth investment company over the years.

So when Mr. Bogle speaks, his comments are worth listening to.  (more…)

Should investors be buying gold?

A good question for today.

An equally good question is should you rely on expert advice? (more…)

Diamond Buying Tips

We have not really discussed alternative asset classes yet.

I did mention that investors with specialized knowledge may be able to excel in market segments relating to their expertise. Conversely, investors with little to no knowledge, will have difficulty investing in these segments.

Some examples are fine art, stamps, coins, and gems. (more…)

An Ever Changing Investment World

I saw a (now) humorous video from The Today Show dated January 1994.

Quite funny now, but back then a serious topic.

It is a great lesson on how the investment world is constantly changing.

What was a relatively unknown concept 17 years ago is now commonplace.

First the video, then a few examples: (more…)

Previously I have written about potential problems in diversifying one’s portfolio with funds.

The Wall Street Journal nicely illustrates three common concerns in an article today. (more…)

Fund of Funds

We will end our look at exchange traded funds (ETFs) with a few words on fund of funds.

Fund of funds are also available with mutual funds, so my comments equally apply to them.

I am not keen on fund of funds, so I shall keep this brief.   (more…)

Life Cycle ETFs

Today we will look at life cycle or target date funds.

In this post we will focus on exchange traded funds (ETFs). But be aware that there are also life cycle mutual funds.

Some technical differences between the two, but the fundamental principles are the same. (more…)

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