SeekingTruth

Very Long-Term Asset Allocation Results

Of all the issues that intrigue and bedevil investors, asset allocation must vy strongly for the top of the list.
When checking the list for the sweet spot allocation, it looks like 50-50 and 60 (stocks)-40 (bonds) are good choices for many investors.
Other asset classes and sub classes are also necessary to consider, as cash , currencies, real estate, precious and strategic metals , energy, international and country weightings , etc.
Also asset classes with hedging and timing strategies, esp. when considering the dollar,energy, current threats, sector rotation, etc. would be helpful.
Any time you would like to expand this subject to include more asset classes and considerations, Richard, it would be fine with me, and I would enjoy the process..
Thanks for the good and useful data.

Opportunities in Options Markets, Summer 2009

Selling calls without some selling of well selected puts has seldom worked for me very well. Even so , toppy markets puts some what of a damper on this strategy, so the ratio of puts to calls also has to be considered carefully. Prefer to do this during bottoming markets or low to middlin markets for obvious reasons.
If I can't find satisfactory puts to sell , then I usually avoid selling any calls, but I am extremely aware that any options trading is ever as simple and straight forward as it seems. Buying calls in this market requires more courage and confidence than I currently possess in spite of the many positive recovery indicators currently emerging. Short term correction and off to the races again? --seems to be the prevailing concensus.
Still too early for a cautious investor like me, and bear market rallies often lead to ultimate grief unless one is brilliant , clairvoyant , lucky, and quick on the trigger at the right time.
A lot of requirements there , and most small investors can't meet them.

It's a Winter Warming Spell - But More Snow Ahead for Markets

A good and relevant list of restraining issues hampering any would be strong and lasting rally.

Added to your list is the dire straits of many investors who now need cash money moreso than anytime in the recent past.
This means that many will be forced to sell at the perceived top of the rallies, puting a lid of resistance on them for some time to come.

One effect of this is bringing a form of cannibalization to Walll Street where the institutional traders are now obliged to feed on themselves.
Bon Appetite!

2008 Bonds Wrap-Up

Nice overall. Your linked "Tip on Tips " article was SUPERB. The best explanation and advice I have read, and there have been more than a few.
Thanks again for a fine contribution.

Credit Crisis Watch: Signs of Progress?

Not only great information , expertly presented, but a great tutorial as well. As fine a barometer of credit fluidity, interactions, and tensions that I have yet uncovered. You do us all an extraordinary and fine service. Bravo!

Credit Crisis Watch: Are the Markets Still Frozen?

Would be hard to improve on this excellent presentation and analysis of credit spreads.

Relative Performance of Asset Categories

A most refreshing chart presentation, a lot of information succinctly presented and always valuable to me.