About the ETF Guy
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I'm not a professional money manager. That is, I'm not paid to manage other people's money. I do however invest my own money. This site reflects my thoughts and ideas about investing with ETFs.
I'm a fan of the passive nature of ETFs. I, like many others, believe that beating the market is nearly impossible even for the professionals. It's even harder if you're trying to hold down a "real" job, enjoy life, and raise a family. So if beating the market is not going to happen, then the next best thing is matching it. And that's where ETFs in general and index ETFs in particular come in.
With index ETFs I target different sectors, assets, and regions. Once purchased, my plan is always to hold on to the ETF. If my portfolio becomes unbalanced, then future purchases are directed to the funds that are below their nominal portfolio share. Here's the breakdown of my portfolio.
| US | 40% |
| Micro Cap (IWC) | 5% |
| Small Cap (IJR) | 10% |
| Mid Cap (IJH) | 10% |
| Large Cap (SPY and IVV) | 15% |
| International | 35% |
| Large Emerging Markets (EEM) | 15% |
| International Large Cap (EFA) | 15% |
| Canada Large Cap (XIU) | 5% |
| Bonds | 10% |
| Broad Investment Grade (AGG) | 5% |
| Corporate (LQD) | 5% |
| Specialty | 15% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 5% |
| REIT (ICF) | 10% |
Entries (RSS)
October 19th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Interesting stuff. I would like to follow on of the equity portfolios for both IRA and taxable account. Any thoughts on what is working best?
August 10th, 2007 at 7:02 am
C.R.,
The switch to Vanguard has been something I've thought about for a while. Their low management fees are compelling, but the switch would be quite costly both in terms of transaction fees (selling then buying) and capital gains taxes.
Glad you liked my site. Thanks for stopping by!
August 9th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Great website. Scott Burns is my favorite writer and I highly recommend everyone keep his link in their favorites…I'm still reading and learning from his older articles! I'm still trying to discipline myself and not stray too far from the core ETF's.
Mr. ETF guy….have you tweaked your holdings of late? I know Vanguard is offering some awfully low cost products that seem to basicly reflect the same stuff in I-shares. I use EWC for Canadian stocks. Anybody have some Morningstar ratings they might share for these ETF's? Maybe it's already here somewhere….I should explore before commenting!!!!
March 15th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Brian,
The portfolio seems to work for me. I don't know that it would achieve the goals that others have. In the short term I've recently taken a hit with my international holdings, but I'm confident enough that I haven't panicked and I've even continued with my rebalancing efforts by buying more shares. But I'm not able to retire just yet!
March 15th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
How has this portfolio worked for you?