Suppose you were presented with two prospective investments. On the surface, they look similar, except that one has outperformed the other in 12 of the past 15 years. Which one would you choose? This example is not hypothetical. The two investments in question are the S&P 500 and the EAFE [...]
When index funds go off the rails
With everything that’s been going on recently, one story that has received less attention is the ongoing spat between the White House and the board of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). As of a few days ago, there has been a ceasefire in this debate, but it isn’t over. And because the underlying issue [...]
Is it time?
A few days ago, someone challenged me with this question: “Following the market’s most recent banner year, should we just sell everything and get out?” The question is understandable. Since hitting bottom in 2009, the U.S. stock market has quadrupled in value, including a 30% gain in just the past [...]
What’s changed
This week, a unique event occurred: A group who call themselves the Bogleheads held an investment conference near the Philadelphia headquarters of Vanguard Group. Since its inception in 2000, this annual gathering has brought together dedicated fans of the late Jack Bogle, Vanguard’s [...]
