Is Berkshire now too big to beat the market? I have been thinking about this question after reading the most recent annual report and some related commentary. Berkshire has underperformed the S&P 500 over the most recent decade. So is the run over? It is an obvious question and one very ably examined by Jason Zweig of the WSJ Money Beat Blog (subscription required). I enjoyed reading Mr. Zweig’s work, as always, and
Category: Investing
Resource Roundup: Portfolio Visualizer
So this post is about Portfolio Visualizer. This site is going to be of more interest to the efficient markets adherent/quantitative types among us. I think, however, it has a lot of interest and valuable tools even if you’re a Warren Buffett wannabe stock picker. Continue reading “Resource Roundup: Portfolio Visualizer”
I’m Just Saying…Berkshire Annual Report Edition.
So the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report came out yesterday. Here’s a link to the PDF. This will, no doubt, be dissected elsewhere more capably. I do, however, have a few thoughts to share on cash levels, Buffett’s comments about indexing/destruction of high fee options, and his comments on acquisitions/management. Continue reading “I’m Just Saying…Berkshire Annual Report Edition.”
Investing Diary: CAG Update
This will just a quick investment diary update to track my thoughts (or lack thereof) on an investment for future evaluation. So, I’m long Conagra Brands (“CAG”) with about a $33 cost basis. Continue reading “Investing Diary: CAG Update”
I’m just saying…COTY
So, posting lately has been challenging as I have a new little one. I keep reading how writing regularly is essential to improving. I write frequently for my profession, however, drafting documents and memoranda aren’t really the same as putting together interesting blog posts. In order to try and write more regularly and hopefully churn out some decent content on this site (and create a diary of my own thoughts), I am going to start writing “I’m just saying” posts on like a weekly basis. For this one, I thought I would quickly run down an investment and briefly state why I am long. Continue reading “I’m just saying…COTY”
Resource Roundup: Multpl.com and some thoughts inspired by Buffett
Warren Buffett recently appeared on CNBC to announced the elevation of Ajit Jain and Greg Abel, both to vice chairmen of Berkshire Hathaway, setting them up as potential successors in the event of his eventual retirement. His appearance was interesting as always (with the exception of the awkward responses to the ideologically laced banter from Kernen). But the most interesting point to me, was his discussion of bonds. Continue reading “Resource Roundup: Multpl.com and some thoughts inspired by Buffett”
Greenlight RE
This is just a quick sort of diary/placeholder post that I will plan to go back and update a bit at some point in the future.
I am considering purchasing some Greenlight Reinsurance (GLRE). GLRE is David Einhorn’s Cayman/Irish domiciled reinsurance operation, which has an investment management agreement with his hedge fund. So basically it is a reinsurance operation with investments handled by Greenlight. Continue reading “Greenlight RE”
Resource Roundup: Research Affiliates Asset Allocation Tool
I am going to try and regularly do a quick post on some nice online resources available for investors. The first of these is the asset allocation tool on the Research Affiliates website. Continue reading “Resource Roundup: Research Affiliates Asset Allocation Tool”
Series I Treasury Bonds
This will be a quick post. I wanted to suggest a few “year end” sort of personal finance moves for the more retail investor types among us.
First, you should max out your tax advantaged accounts. If you are unable to max them out for 2017, you should increase your contribution in the new year to move in that direction. In the future, I plan a post about why we should automate our savings. For now, pay yourself first by automatically saving. If you are not able to max out available tax advantaged accounts, consider increasing your contributions by 100% of any raises you receive (50% if you are particularly strapped for cash). I will leave the Roth versus Traditional analysis for your consideration. Go to the MadFientist blog for more information to be used in making your decision.
Second, you should consider buying $10,000 (or whatever you desire your bond allocation for this year to be) in U.S. Treasury Series I savings bonds (“I Bonds”). There are compelling reasons why investors should purchase zero additional bonds until they have purchased all of the I Bonds the U.S. allows each year. Continue reading “Series I Treasury Bonds”
WETF Update: Winter (Vanguard) is Coming!
Just a quick post to record my thoughts for future evaluation. I purchased WisdomTree (WETF) earlier this year for ~$9 per share. I am going to sell 2/3 of the position @ ~$12 and just let the 33% profit run (in a tax deferred account, or I would not bother). The basic evaluation when I bought was that I liked the business, insiders/founders are in control (reducing principal-agent conflicts), and it was trading with an enterprise value of around 2% of AUM. Continue reading “WETF Update: Winter (Vanguard) is Coming!”