Indexor's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/92743/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/174706-new-currency-etcs-can-investors-assess-collateral-costs?source=feed#comment-773948 773948 BWX) and chart it vs. the US Dollar Index. On stockcharts.com go to PerfCharts and use the symbols BWX for the ETF and $USD for the US Dollar Index. You'll find excellent negative correlation that moves almost in lockstep with the dollar. In addition to better tax treatment, BWX also pays interest that is significantly higher than money markets, CD's and the like, while you are waiting for the appreciation from the falling dollar, that may also buffer your downside risk if the dollar rallies.

Just a thought. ]]> Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:22:44 -0500 BWX) and chart it vs. the US Dollar Index. On stockcharts.com go to PerfCharts and use the symbols BWX for the ETF and $USD for the US Dollar Index. You'll find excellent negative correlation that moves almost in lockstep with the dollar. In addition to better tax treatment, BWX also pays interest that is significantly higher than money markets, CD's and the like, while you are waiting for the appreciation from the falling dollar, that may also buffer your downside risk if the dollar rallies.

Just a thought. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/168834-ishares-files-for-new-type-of-muni-bond-etf?source=feed#comment-732429 732429
The positive in both scenarios is that buying either a 5-year muni or 5-year muni ETF and holding until maturity during a rising interest rate environment, will eliminate the losses of principal that should develop from ETFs like MUB and TFI. ]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:55:42 -0400
The positive in both scenarios is that buying either a 5-year muni or 5-year muni ETF and holding until maturity during a rising interest rate environment, will eliminate the losses of principal that should develop from ETFs like MUB and TFI. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/168422-a-quant-approach-to-private-equity?source=feed#comment-727254 727254
Just curious as to whether you have ever backtested your 10-Month SMA to a 6-Month EMA?]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:51:52 -0400
Just curious as to whether you have ever backtested your 10-Month SMA to a 6-Month EMA?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/163431-defending-the-most-dangerous-etfs-a-response-to-don-dion?source=feed#comment-692077 692077
Your socialist Obama/Pelosi agenda is showing. You may want to continue selling life insurance and refrain from dabbling in the securities business until you have a firmer grasp. ]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:37:35 -0400
Your socialist Obama/Pelosi agenda is showing. You may want to continue selling life insurance and refrain from dabbling in the securities business until you have a firmer grasp. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/162952-why-you-should-be-keeping-an-eye-on-the-powershares-db-dollar-bullish-etf?source=feed#comment-687816 687816
The advantage of owning UUP as a proxy instead of simply holding dollars is that UUP will appreciate in value, unlike the money market fund holding dollars. Second, it will act as a hedge against against your foreign bond positions and international stock positions.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:56:02 -0400
The advantage of owning UUP as a proxy instead of simply holding dollars is that UUP will appreciate in value, unlike the money market fund holding dollars. Second, it will act as a hedge against against your foreign bond positions and international stock positions.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/161191-international-bond-etfs-correlation-to-equities?source=feed#comment-674980 674980
Take each of the four foreign bond ETFs you mentioned - BWZ, BWX, JGT and WIP - and compare each one to UUP (PowerShares US Dollar Bullish) on a charting service, such as stockcharts.com. You will find each of the foreign bond ETFs have a strong negative correlation to UUP.

While we are always looking for issues that provide additional diversification through negative correlation, do you find that foreign bonds are simply a good diversifier because of their currency "effect?" In other words, as long as the dollar continues to weaken, foreign bonds should provide both diversification and alpha. But if the US dollar begins to strengthen, won't foreign bonds prove to be much less of a diversifier and produce negative alpha just when global stocks are also entering a downward trend? ]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:11:06 -0400
Take each of the four foreign bond ETFs you mentioned - BWZ, BWX, JGT and WIP - and compare each one to UUP (PowerShares US Dollar Bullish) on a charting service, such as stockcharts.com. You will find each of the foreign bond ETFs have a strong negative correlation to UUP.

While we are always looking for issues that provide additional diversification through negative correlation, do you find that foreign bonds are simply a good diversifier because of their currency "effect?" In other words, as long as the dollar continues to weaken, foreign bonds should provide both diversification and alpha. But if the US dollar begins to strengthen, won't foreign bonds prove to be much less of a diversifier and produce negative alpha just when global stocks are also entering a downward trend? ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/161251-u-s-natural-gas-fund-the-beginning-of-the-etf-unwinding?source=feed#comment-674960 674960
On a closing price basis, VIX hit a high last year of 80.86 on November 11, 2008 (which was also its intraday high). Prior to that, going back through the year 2000, the high had been 45.08 on August 5, 2002 (also its intraday high). The closing low was 9.97 reached on December 14, 2006, although intraday it hit 9.64 the same day.

On March 9, 2008 "when DJIA was 6600" the VIX closed at 49.86, substantially less than "VIX around 90." Somehow I do not believe anyone would care to "die for" any additional information on the VIX as it does not appear to be a statistically important leading indicator of DJIA bottoms or tops. ]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:36:42 -0400
On a closing price basis, VIX hit a high last year of 80.86 on November 11, 2008 (which was also its intraday high). Prior to that, going back through the year 2000, the high had been 45.08 on August 5, 2002 (also its intraday high). The closing low was 9.97 reached on December 14, 2006, although intraday it hit 9.64 the same day.

On March 9, 2008 "when DJIA was 6600" the VIX closed at 49.86, substantially less than "VIX around 90." Somehow I do not believe anyone would care to "die for" any additional information on the VIX as it does not appear to be a statistically important leading indicator of DJIA bottoms or tops. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160232-3-reasons-why-gold-etfs-are-on-a-rush?source=feed#comment-665021 665021
TPTB (not TPBT) = The Powers That Be]]> Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:59:19 -0400
TPTB (not TPBT) = The Powers That Be]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/159269-etf-trends-new-reality-weighs-on-investors-and-stocks?source=feed#comment-656932 656932 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:47:36 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/147224-etf-investing-buy-and-hold-vs-moving-averages?source=feed#comment-577342 577342
In my humble opinion, there is no "Holy Grail" in investing. As good as I believe moving averages can be for protecting capital, MAC is not a foolproof method and contains several "worts" such as the aforementioned whipsaw problems, optimal time frames in changing markets and single vs. multiple moving averages, among others. Those who believe they have finally found the investment "solution" will likely be disappointed. But those who recognize its limitations yet still use it as another tool in a broader arsenal, could be well rewarded.

Investing will always be more art than science. If the Moving Average Crossover were the "Holy Grail" it would be easy to buy ETFs, put our portfolios on MAC autopilot and collect our profits when we were ready to retire. It's not quite that simple.

I have found Mr. Wong's articles very interesting and look forward to reading his future articles as well. I wonder if he would consider a new title? ]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:17:53 -0400
In my humble opinion, there is no "Holy Grail" in investing. As good as I believe moving averages can be for protecting capital, MAC is not a foolproof method and contains several "worts" such as the aforementioned whipsaw problems, optimal time frames in changing markets and single vs. multiple moving averages, among others. Those who believe they have finally found the investment "solution" will likely be disappointed. But those who recognize its limitations yet still use it as another tool in a broader arsenal, could be well rewarded.

Investing will always be more art than science. If the Moving Average Crossover were the "Holy Grail" it would be easy to buy ETFs, put our portfolios on MAC autopilot and collect our profits when we were ready to retire. It's not quite that simple.

I have found Mr. Wong's articles very interesting and look forward to reading his future articles as well. I wonder if he would consider a new title? ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/146442-what-regulatory-overhaul-means-for-some-commodity-etfs?source=feed#comment-571603 571603 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:42:27 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/146348-pimco-treasury-etf-on-solid-ground-is-ishares-ready?source=feed#comment-570239 570239
Additionally, they could add true validity to the commodity offerings currently available (especially those of iPath that are not part of the BlackRock deal). PIMCO is a big believer in "alternative asset classes." They have a wealth of knowledge about this asset class, including the tax issues that have tripped up many unsuspecting investors. They will likely win back many prior investors and advisors who stopped using PIMCO because of their mutual fund-only access.

Many view PIMCO as Bill Gross. While Mr. Gross built PIMCO into the success it is today, he would be the first to tell you that there are plenty of other bright investment minds helping to run his shop. Access to these individuals through the ETF structure should prove to be a huge edge in the future. And Mr. Gross is not getting any younger. Mohamed El-Erian is well positioned to continue the PIMCO traditions.

Last, PIMCO has always provided excellent support for their products in terms of excellent web sites, telephone contact, fund information and timely performance data for both their funds as well as the underlying indices being targeted. While they will certainly have the ability to keep BlackRock's iShares on their toes, they could eventually overtake iShares in terms of assets, especially when considering the cache that is attached to the PIMCO brand. ]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:38:06 -0400
Additionally, they could add true validity to the commodity offerings currently available (especially those of iPath that are not part of the BlackRock deal). PIMCO is a big believer in "alternative asset classes." They have a wealth of knowledge about this asset class, including the tax issues that have tripped up many unsuspecting investors. They will likely win back many prior investors and advisors who stopped using PIMCO because of their mutual fund-only access.

Many view PIMCO as Bill Gross. While Mr. Gross built PIMCO into the success it is today, he would be the first to tell you that there are plenty of other bright investment minds helping to run his shop. Access to these individuals through the ETF structure should prove to be a huge edge in the future. And Mr. Gross is not getting any younger. Mohamed El-Erian is well positioned to continue the PIMCO traditions.

Last, PIMCO has always provided excellent support for their products in terms of excellent web sites, telephone contact, fund information and timely performance data for both their funds as well as the underlying indices being targeted. While they will certainly have the ability to keep BlackRock's iShares on their toes, they could eventually overtake iShares in terms of assets, especially when considering the cache that is attached to the PIMCO brand. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/145990-why-i-m-exiting-canada-brazil-and-australia-etfs?source=feed#comment-568839 568839
If Sir John Templeton had not passed away one year ago, his portfolio would most likely be down substantially, similar to John Bogle, Warren Buffet and so many other fundamental analysis investors who are always trotted out as examples of "investors to emulate" who also profess fundamental buy-and-hold philosophies.

It is my belief that Sir John Templeton likely knew very few investors who even utilized technical analysis, either in Nassau, the U.S. or abroad. While foreign investing was his forte, and he was very successful in his endeavors, I believe he could have become even more successful had he also combined technical analysis with his fundamental approach.

Many who use technical analysis are very happy they were able to sidestep the brutal downdrafts in most assets classes, not only in 2008, but also in 2000, and 1987, and 1973, etc. Rather than dismissing the technical approach entirely, based upon Sir John Templeton's statement, it might prove beneficial to explore the benefits of incorporating some simple technical methodologies along with your current strategies, if only to reduce your risk exposure. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:58:13 -0400
If Sir John Templeton had not passed away one year ago, his portfolio would most likely be down substantially, similar to John Bogle, Warren Buffet and so many other fundamental analysis investors who are always trotted out as examples of "investors to emulate" who also profess fundamental buy-and-hold philosophies.

It is my belief that Sir John Templeton likely knew very few investors who even utilized technical analysis, either in Nassau, the U.S. or abroad. While foreign investing was his forte, and he was very successful in his endeavors, I believe he could have become even more successful had he also combined technical analysis with his fundamental approach.

Many who use technical analysis are very happy they were able to sidestep the brutal downdrafts in most assets classes, not only in 2008, but also in 2000, and 1987, and 1973, etc. Rather than dismissing the technical approach entirely, based upon Sir John Templeton's statement, it might prove beneficial to explore the benefits of incorporating some simple technical methodologies along with your current strategies, if only to reduce your risk exposure. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/142810-tuesday-outlook-commodities-global-markets?source=feed#comment-568665 568665
I always appreciate your work. In your chart of WIP you noted: "Are WIPs better than TIPs? Some must think so." There is a big tax difference between the two. Phantom income.

The drawback to holding TIPs in a taxable account is that they generate "phanton income." The principal value is adjusted annually to reflect inflation, and you're forced to pay taxes on the increase - even though you don't actually receive the money until you sell the bond or it matures. iShares will send you a 1099 that calculates your phantom income each year but TIP remains best for QUALIFIED ACCOUNTS only.

WIPs are somewhat different. The monthly distributions made by WIP include the coupon interest accrual and the CPI adjustment on the principal. The fund is able to pay this out by selling a very small
portion of the portfolio every month that there is a positive CPI
adjustment. Since the CPI adjustment is paid out every month, from a tax standpoint, there is no "phantom income" realized by the shareholder.

Hope this helps.
]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:14:22 -0400
I always appreciate your work. In your chart of WIP you noted: "Are WIPs better than TIPs? Some must think so." There is a big tax difference between the two. Phantom income.

The drawback to holding TIPs in a taxable account is that they generate "phanton income." The principal value is adjusted annually to reflect inflation, and you're forced to pay taxes on the increase - even though you don't actually receive the money until you sell the bond or it matures. iShares will send you a 1099 that calculates your phantom income each year but TIP remains best for QUALIFIED ACCOUNTS only.

WIPs are somewhat different. The monthly distributions made by WIP include the coupon interest accrual and the CPI adjustment on the principal. The fund is able to pay this out by selling a very small
portion of the portfolio every month that there is a positive CPI
adjustment. Since the CPI adjustment is paid out every month, from a tax standpoint, there is no "phantom income" realized by the shareholder.

Hope this helps.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/145794-five-obstacles-facing-active-etfs?source=feed#comment-566052 566052
If active managers hedge their positions, the costs will only serve to reduce their returns even further, with the exception of long and broad sell offs like we just witnessed. Historically, such sell offs have not occured very frequently over time.]]> Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:07:45 -0400
If active managers hedge their positions, the costs will only serve to reduce their returns even further, with the exception of long and broad sell offs like we just witnessed. Historically, such sell offs have not occured very frequently over time.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/144687-just-5-etfs-and-you-re-set-buy-n-hold-silliness-still-carries-on?source=feed#comment-559285 559285
Consider your sources: John Bogle? Motley Fool?? Money Magazine???

It might be time to broaden your information horizons. ]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:43:31 -0400
Consider your sources: John Bogle? Motley Fool?? Money Magazine???

It might be time to broaden your information horizons. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/144332-i-m-intellectually-in-love-with-john-bogle?source=feed#comment-556043 556043 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:19:14 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/143198-blackrock-ishares-could-shake-things-up-three-potential-changes?source=feed#comment-548904 548904
In my humble opinion, your second point could prove to be the catalyst for the biggest growth in BlackRock's future. iShares is THE brand that the retirement market has been waiting for, in order to feel comfortable about transferring massive sums of capital out of the failed "active mutual fund" and "John Bogle's Buy-and-Hold" models, to provide truly viable retirement plans. Active MANAGEMENT of such plans (by either an astute owner or (better) a professional investment advisory firm) is essential to their success.

Your third point, because of my biased opinion against actively managed mutual funds, is not an area that I would anticipate contributing much to the bottom line. In fact, a better outcome may be that investors in BlackRock's actively managed mutual funds discover the benefits of both indexing and the ETF structure and upgrade to iShares. ]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:16:29 -0400
In my humble opinion, your second point could prove to be the catalyst for the biggest growth in BlackRock's future. iShares is THE brand that the retirement market has been waiting for, in order to feel comfortable about transferring massive sums of capital out of the failed "active mutual fund" and "John Bogle's Buy-and-Hold" models, to provide truly viable retirement plans. Active MANAGEMENT of such plans (by either an astute owner or (better) a professional investment advisory firm) is essential to their success.

Your third point, because of my biased opinion against actively managed mutual funds, is not an area that I would anticipate contributing much to the bottom line. In fact, a better outcome may be that investors in BlackRock's actively managed mutual funds discover the benefits of both indexing and the ETF structure and upgrade to iShares. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/142847-buffett-rebuffs-etfs-index-mutual-funds-are-better-for-investors?source=feed#comment-544496 544496
Warren Buffett doesn't own a computer, drives a Cadilac around Omaha, and for excitement, plays bridge. John Bogle is still convinced his job is to angrily preach the "buy-and-hold" mantra, regardless of how many investors were substantially damaged during the last two downturns by not selling their mutual funds.

In my humble opinion, ETFs are less expensive, offer greater tax efficiency and more control by investors than either mutual funds or closed-end funds. ]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:02:38 -0400
Warren Buffett doesn't own a computer, drives a Cadilac around Omaha, and for excitement, plays bridge. John Bogle is still convinced his job is to angrily preach the "buy-and-hold" mantra, regardless of how many investors were substantially damaged during the last two downturns by not selling their mutual funds.

In my humble opinion, ETFs are less expensive, offer greater tax efficiency and more control by investors than either mutual funds or closed-end funds. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/142442-28-key-asset-categories-how-do-they-compare?source=feed#comment-542707 542707
I agree that investing is more art and less science. And as Richard Shaw has provided for us once again, his version of art has painted a colorful canvas that many of us non-CFA's find extremely beneficial. While it may be void of continuously diminishing intrinsic values, I find it full of useful ideas, among a broad array of asset classes, that mere mortals might actually use to make money.

Thank you Mr. Shaw.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:03:40 -0400
I agree that investing is more art and less science. And as Richard Shaw has provided for us once again, his version of art has painted a colorful canvas that many of us non-CFA's find extremely beneficial. While it may be void of continuously diminishing intrinsic values, I find it full of useful ideas, among a broad array of asset classes, that mere mortals might actually use to make money.

Thank you Mr. Shaw.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/141787-gain-broad-exposure-with-ishares-all-country-asia-etf?source=feed#comment-536182 536182 EEM) and you will find that since mid-October of 2008, these ETF have almost identical performance.]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:41:22 -0400 EEM) and you will find that since mid-October of 2008, these ETF have almost identical performance.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/140810-new-pimco-bond-etfs-what-took-them-so-long?source=feed#comment-529286 529286
Mr. Gross was likely concerned that PIMCO would have no control over these funds. They couldn't impose additional short term trading fees if buyers didn't hold their funds for 60 days. And Mr. Gross began seeing the same thing that others had noted: the iShares Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) was handily outperforming PIMCO's flagship - the Total Return Bond Fund (PTTRX). And money was quietly moving more frequently to the iShare upstarts instead of to PIMCO.

While Bill Gross and those from PIMCO made an absolute personal fortune from the golden age of mutual funds, the margins are substantially slimmer in the ETF world. Even with PIMCO's brand name and sterling reputation, iShares owns the bond ETF space. If Vanguard is successful in acquiring iShares from Barclays, PIMCO may find it difficult, both to compete performance-wise and to make the kind of profits they are likely anticipating.

Welcome to the ETF arena Mr. Gross. We're truly glad to have you enter this space. We'd also love to see your active management style outperform your index cousins. That could quickly transform PIMCO into the darling of the bond ETF space. We'll be waiting with a very watchful eye.]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:00:25 -0400
Mr. Gross was likely concerned that PIMCO would have no control over these funds. They couldn't impose additional short term trading fees if buyers didn't hold their funds for 60 days. And Mr. Gross began seeing the same thing that others had noted: the iShares Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) was handily outperforming PIMCO's flagship - the Total Return Bond Fund (PTTRX). And money was quietly moving more frequently to the iShare upstarts instead of to PIMCO.

While Bill Gross and those from PIMCO made an absolute personal fortune from the golden age of mutual funds, the margins are substantially slimmer in the ETF world. Even with PIMCO's brand name and sterling reputation, iShares owns the bond ETF space. If Vanguard is successful in acquiring iShares from Barclays, PIMCO may find it difficult, both to compete performance-wise and to make the kind of profits they are likely anticipating.

Welcome to the ETF arena Mr. Gross. We're truly glad to have you enter this space. We'd also love to see your active management style outperform your index cousins. That could quickly transform PIMCO into the darling of the bond ETF space. We'll be waiting with a very watchful eye.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/134970-how-ishares-sale-could-impact-etf-industry?source=feed#comment-489307 489307
It's not just expense ratios I'm concerned about in the sale of iShares. Barclays is a well-known entity. Who is CVS Capital Partners? Why are they buying iShares? Are they simply looking to flip iShares in 5 years if the markets improve? What kind of money will be be spent on broadening the brand, marketing support and improving communications with both RIA's and individual investors in order to provide credibility that iShares are a SAFE PLACE to invest assets?

The brand has been adroitly established by Barclays but may see deterioration if CVS doesn't quickly answer these and numerous other questions for iShares customers. Will institutional investors continue to favor this brand or move over to SPDR's, PIMCO or Vanguard, reducing iShares to a mere shadow of itself. I have already re-positioned away from iShares until the purchase is complete and these questions begin to be answered. The very LAST THING we need right now if for a brand name like iShares to blow up on us. The timing of this sale by Barclays could not possibly come at a more precarious time for the financial industry. ]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 17:03:40 -0400
It's not just expense ratios I'm concerned about in the sale of iShares. Barclays is a well-known entity. Who is CVS Capital Partners? Why are they buying iShares? Are they simply looking to flip iShares in 5 years if the markets improve? What kind of money will be be spent on broadening the brand, marketing support and improving communications with both RIA's and individual investors in order to provide credibility that iShares are a SAFE PLACE to invest assets?

The brand has been adroitly established by Barclays but may see deterioration if CVS doesn't quickly answer these and numerous other questions for iShares customers. Will institutional investors continue to favor this brand or move over to SPDR's, PIMCO or Vanguard, reducing iShares to a mere shadow of itself. I have already re-positioned away from iShares until the purchase is complete and these questions begin to be answered. The very LAST THING we need right now if for a brand name like iShares to blow up on us. The timing of this sale by Barclays could not possibly come at a more precarious time for the financial industry. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/133080-muni-bond-etf-makes-a-comeback?source=feed#comment-477117 477117
As I remember so vividly from the late 70's and early 80's, when inflation begins rearing its ugly head after Obama's out-of-control spending catches up with us, MUB will let a lot of investors down, once again. Caveat Emptor! ]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:11:28 -0400
As I remember so vividly from the late 70's and early 80's, when inflation begins rearing its ugly head after Obama's out-of-control spending catches up with us, MUB will let a lot of investors down, once again. Caveat Emptor! ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/132287-six-month-correlation-among-ishares-etfs?source=feed#comment-474953 474953
Thanks for the data, as the last 6-month time frame has changed many of these correlations considerably. Apparently, several readers are either new to investing and not familiar with correlation tables, or simply feel it is their job to complain. In any event, I appreciate your efforts in this post and the many others you have provided here. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:04:31 -0400
Thanks for the data, as the last 6-month time frame has changed many of these correlations considerably. Apparently, several readers are either new to investing and not familiar with correlation tables, or simply feel it is their job to complain. In any event, I appreciate your efforts in this post and the many others you have provided here. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/131199-how-to-use-bond-etfs?source=feed#comment-465128 465128 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:08:15 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/130597-the-imminent-equity-implosion?source=feed#comment-462806 462806 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:00:48 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/130669-pimco-s-kiesel-three-reasons-to-buy-high-grade-corporate-bonds-now?source=feed#comment-462634 462634
Here are a few credit ETFs with shorter maturities to look over

CSJ - iShares Barclays 1-3 Year Credit Bond ETF

CIU - iShares Barclays Intermediate Credit Bond ETF

CFT - iShares Barclays Credit Bond ETF]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:32:02 -0400
Here are a few credit ETFs with shorter maturities to look over

CSJ - iShares Barclays 1-3 Year Credit Bond ETF

CIU - iShares Barclays Intermediate Credit Bond ETF

CFT - iShares Barclays Credit Bond ETF]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/127269-how-etfs-and-etns-are-taxed?source=feed#comment-437080 437080
Muni Bond Holding Period: You must hold Muni ETFs for 6 months before harvesting losses. Any losses realized under the 6-month time frame will first have all the tax-exempt income that is received,
deducted from that loss. Additional losses will qualify as a short-term capital loss.
]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:18:59 -0400
Muni Bond Holding Period: You must hold Muni ETFs for 6 months before harvesting losses. Any losses realized under the 6-month time frame will first have all the tax-exempt income that is received,
deducted from that loss. Additional losses will qualify as a short-term capital loss.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/125245-was-it-all-the-fault-of-the-quants?source=feed#comment-426803 426803
If they are successful in their mission, we will all lose everything the U.S. has stood for over the past 200+ years, including our freedom. The unbridled immigration that increases daily along with the progressive rhetoric of "diversity" is a clarion call that should be heeded. The country is quickly reverting back toward the ancient town of Babel.

Our government is giving away a country they don't own. The new face of this nation will certainly be "Change." But most likely, not the "change" many of the voters were expecting. While we became a socially and morally bankrupt nation over the past two decades, we will most likely become a financially bankrupt nation early in the coming decade.

There is nothing the quants have done in the past or can do in the near future to change this course. Nor can any of the current executives who are under siege. Nassim Taleb may have sung his final swan song and Jamie Dimon's recent pleas were paid no interest. We are no longer smiling at the market's volatility and appear to be experiencing Gaussian interruptus. ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:39:31 -0400
If they are successful in their mission, we will all lose everything the U.S. has stood for over the past 200+ years, including our freedom. The unbridled immigration that increases daily along with the progressive rhetoric of "diversity" is a clarion call that should be heeded. The country is quickly reverting back toward the ancient town of Babel.

Our government is giving away a country they don't own. The new face of this nation will certainly be "Change." But most likely, not the "change" many of the voters were expecting. While we became a socially and morally bankrupt nation over the past two decades, we will most likely become a financially bankrupt nation early in the coming decade.

There is nothing the quants have done in the past or can do in the near future to change this course. Nor can any of the current executives who are under siege. Nassim Taleb may have sung his final swan song and Jamie Dimon's recent pleas were paid no interest. We are no longer smiling at the market's volatility and appear to be experiencing Gaussian interruptus. ]]>