My Investing Notebook
:: Learning from the pros; making decisions on my own. ::
My Investing Notebook
:: Learning from the pros; making decisions on my own. ::
While at the Barnes & Noble today, I got drawned in by a title in US World & Reports: The 100 Best Mutual Funds for the Long Run. Sure enough, I found a few funds that I think are top quality.
The Yacktman Fund (YACKX)
Comparing it to Fidelity Contrafund, which is considered one the top funds, I can see why Yacktman is on top: 3 year return of 8.9% is much better than -0.2% for the Fidelity fund.
Sextant International (SSIFX)
Very good returns. Better than Marsico Global, also a top rated fund.
Fidelity Canada (FICDX)
Very good returns.
In my retirement accounts, I only hold Mutual Funds. Why? More security. More diversity. I’m also open to holding ETFs, which are almost like Mutual Funds, but I try to stay away from stocks.
It’s good to rebalance every year or so. It’s been a while since I’ve done it. But because we had a decent dip recently, I think it might be a good time for me to do so. Plus, I have come across some excellent Mutual Funds in the Kiplinger’s magazine — I always try to buy their yearly issue focused on Mutual Funds.
Here are some funds which I like and which I picked mostly from that issue. I’m entering trades as I’m writing this post.
Loomis Sayles Bond (LSBRX)
Pimco Total Return (PTTAX)
A pair of the best and most famous bond funds, as per Kiplinger’s.
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX) (also available as an ETF, (BND))
Another of our favorites, same source.
Harbor Fund (HABDX)
The portfolio of Harbor more or less reflects the distilled wisdom of Bill Gross and his colleagues at Pimco. Kiplinger’s top 25 pick.
Vanguard Infaltion-Protected Securities (VIPSX) (also available as an ETF, (TIP))
For added security, it’s always have to have some TIPS.
Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX)
Recently reopened. Kiplinger’s Top 25.
Longleaf Partners (LLPFX)
Kiplinger’s Top 25. Impressive returns.
Marsico Global (MGLBX)
Very good returns. Kiplinger’s top 25 pick.
Vanguard Global Equity Fund (VHGEX)
Good returns as well. I like it.
There you have it!
Here are some funds that offer diversified exposure to the emerging markets in Europe, Asia, Africa/Middle East, and Latin America. These are taken from the latest BusinessWeek, Dec 28th edition.
Sorted by 2009 Total Return
Easter European Equity (VEEEX)
98% Europe, 1% Asia, 1% Latin America
Fidelity Emerging Europe, Middle East, Africa (FEMEX)
70% Africa/Middle East, 30% Europe
SPDR S&P Emerging Middle East & Africa (GAF)
100% Africa/Middle East
Claymore/BNY Mellon Frontier Markets (FRN)
51% Latin America, 26% Africa/Middle East, 17% Europe, 6% Asia
Templeton Frontier Markets (TFMAX)
50% Africa/Middle East, 25% Asia, 22% Europe, 3% Latin America
Sorry. No data so far.
