Clean energy stock returns led the market by a wide margin in 2020. Given their political support, that momentum seems poised to continue for the long-term. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) is the largest and most liquid among the clean energy ETFs, it has nearly the lowest expense ratio, and it is widely diversified to include solar, wind, and other clean energy-related companies. If you are going to have representation in this niche, ICLN is a logical choice.
Now is an excellent time to invest in a homebuilding ETF. Mortgage rates are at all-time lows. The economy is recovering. And demand for housing has surged in the wake of Covid-19. I recommend either iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) or SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) or both.
U.S. investors should have some international exposure for diversification. Here is a fund that has boosted return and lowered risk by hedging foreign currency exposure and tilting toward such winning characteristics as profitability, growth, and value.
Long-term bonds have a lot of interest rate risk and little yield. Here are some short-term corporate and muni bond ETFs with relatively attractive yields that are cheap to own (low expense ratios) and cheap to trade (low bid/ask spreads).
Long-term bond yields are low by historical standards. For bonds, current yield = future expected return. Interest rates have much more room to go up than go down, with the risk of losing money on long-term bonds looming large compared to a very modest increment of yield. Stay away from long-term bonds until their incremental yields over short-term bonds justify their much higher level of risk.
Buy what hedge funds are buying without paying the high fees. Goldman Sachs Hedge Industry VIP ETF (GVIP) holds the 50 stocks most often owned by hedge funds for only .45%, not “2 and 20.” It is updated quarterly based on the 13f filings of U.S. hedge fund managers. It has shown a strong ability to provide risk-adjusted excess return compared to the S&P 500.
Do you know how much you can safely spend each year in retirement? What is the “4 percent rule?” Is it realistic in today’s market? Could an “income annuity” help control your longevity risk and enhance your retirement income? Where does Social Security fit into all this? This article provides vital information, links to studies and databases, and guidance to help you decide on your own spending and investment path in retirement.
Mortgage rates are at all-time lows. Refinance now before the recovery sends rates back up. That’s what I’m doing.
Silver has been on a tear, but is still below its long-term highs and is cheap relative to gold. Like gold, silver hedges market, dollar, and inflation risks. Its return momentum appears likely to continue.
Gold has been on a tear, and its momentum is likely to continue. Long-term, gold is an excellent diversifying of stock market risk. It may also prove a good inflation hedge in the years ahead.