10 Key Asset ETFs: 2008 Review

A high altitude view of global markets can be gleaned from monitoring a relatively small group of broad index funds. We think these ten asset categories and related proxy ETFs provide a quick summary overview of world markets.

Certainly, more granularity could be more helpful, but these ten major asset categories are a good place to start.

Categories and Proxy Funds:

* US Stocks (VTI)

* Non-US Developed Market Stocks (EFA)

* Emerging Market Stocks (EEM)

* US Real Assets (VNQ)

* Global Commodities (DJP)

* US Aggregate Bonds (AGG)

* US Treasuries 7-10 Years (IEF)

* US Dollar Index (UUP)

* Crude Oil (USO)

* Gold Bullion (GLD)

Weekly Percentage Performance Charts (2008 as of December 19):

The oil (USO) ETF is plotted with the spot price of West Texas Intermediate Crude to show how close or far from the spot price oil performance the fund performed.

Comments

[NOWHEREMAN:]

A bunch of linear charts, Now what is it that I am supposed to glean from them?

Its a "good place to start". Start buying? Selling? Which ones are better than others?

Start what? IMHO

2008 Dec 23 09:20 AM

[Tampa DDS:]

It's ineresting how correlated all the markets are. It's hard to diversify.

2008 Dec 24 03:17 PM

[auto credit:]

Thing's I've learned for the Eco-Crisis of 2008

1) Fans Disperse Excrement Widely


On Dec 24 03:17 PM Tampa DDS wrote:

> It's ineresting how correlated all the markets are. It's hard to
> diversify.

2008 Dec 26 04:38 PM

[bear_mkt:]

Thanks, very useful. Presents a clear and uncluttered summary of asset class performance for 2008.

2008 Dec 29 03:18 AM