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Here's a statement of the obvious: The opinions expressed here are those of the participants, not those of the Mutual Fund Observer. We cannot vouch for the accuracy or appropriateness of any of it, though we do encourage civility and good humor.
  • Horizon Spin-off and Corporate Restructuring Fund to reorganize (updated 10/19)
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318342/000139834417011044/fp0027752_497.htm
    497 1 fp0027752_497.htm
    Horizon Spin-off and Corporate Restructuring Fund
    Supplement dated August 28, 2017, to the
    Prospectus, Summary Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)
    each dated September 1, 2016, as amended.
    IMPORTANT NOTICE ON PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
    Effective as of the close of business on August 31, 2017, the Horizon Spin-off and Corporate Restructuring Fund (the “Horizon Fund”) will be closed to all investment, and the Horizon Fund’s transfer agent will not accept orders for purchases of additional shares of the Horizon Fund, either from current Horizon Fund shareholders or from new investors. Existing shareholders may continue to redeem Horizon Fund shares. If all shares of the Horizon Fund held in an existing account are redeemed, the shareholder’s account will be closed. This temporary closure is expected to last until September 18, 2017, at which time the Horizon Fund intends, subject to shareholder approval at the special meeting described below, to re-open as the Kinetics Spin-Off and Corporate Restructuring Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly created series of Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc.
    As previously disclosed, the Board of Trustees of Investment Managers Series Trust (the “Trust”) approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) providing for the reorganization of the Horizon Fund into the Acquiring Fund. The reorganization of the Horizon Fund is subject to approval by its shareholders.
    The Trust has called a shareholder meeting at which shareholders of the Horizon Fund will be asked to consider and vote on the Plan. Shareholders of the Horizon Fund have been provided with a combined prospectus/proxy statement with additional information about the shareholder meeting and the proposed reorganization. The shareholder meeting has been adjourned to September 14, 2017. If shareholders of the Horizon Fund approve the reorganization, the reorganization is expected to take effect on September 18, 2017.
    Please file this Supplement with your records.
    Classes:
    LSHAX "A"
    LSHCX "C"
    LSHUX "I"
  • Despite Misleading Ads, Annuities Can Be Critical For Lifetime Income Planning
    @msf,
    Much of the complexity arises from insurance companies' efforts to give people high-priced features that they think they want but don't need. Such as return of principal.
    When I considered an annuity for myself a few years back (almost 8 years now) it was somewhat comforting to know that my lifetime income stream also had what I called a "cash value". This "cash value" has incrementally been drawn down with each annuity payment I have received (at a rate equal to 25% of all annuity payments). So, in a sense, each annuity payment consist of 75% return "on principal" and 25% return "of principle".
    I have calculated that somewhere in my mid 80's I will have "drawn down" the cash value. Prior to that my beneficiaries will receive a death benefit equal to the annuities starting value minus 25% of the total payout over the life of the annuity.
    What seemed missing in the article is the fact that we are in a very low interest rate environment and this could be a singular reason to not lock ones money up in an annuity product (whatever flavor) at such low rates.
  • M*: 5 More Under-The-Radar And Up-And-Coming Funds
    FYI: Two passive options, an alternatives fund, and a new offering from a proven team are among the highlights.
    Regards,
    Ted
    http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=823510
  • Despite Misleading Ads, Annuities Can Be Critical For Lifetime Income Planning
    FYI: (Click On Article Title At Top Of Google Search)
    If you're in the annuity industry, a client has probably walked into your office with preconceived notions about annuities for retirement planning, partly due to some critics' opinions on annuities that may not consider the needs of everyone. Critics believe variable annuities aren't right for anybody, and they convince people lifetime income retirement strategies are available elsewhere. For many people, that's not true
    Regards,
    Ted
    https://www.google.com/search?q=Despite+misleading+ads,+annuities+can+be+critical+for+lifetime+income+planning+investment+news&oq=Despite+misleading+ads,+annuities+can+be+critical+for+lifetime+income+planning+investment+news&gs_l=psy-ab.3...4410.8785.0.9089.16.16.0.0.0.0.97.1279.15.15.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..1.0.0.AZVNd1E4y_U
  • Webinar Video & Charts
    We've posted finally the video and charts from Wednesday Webinar:
    - Video of Webinar
    - Webinar Intro Charts
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    When: Aug 30, 2017 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (US and Canada)
    If you have not already done so, please register in advance for our MFO Premium Search Tools Webinar by clicking here.
    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
    Please plan on about one hour.
    Thank you!
  • Vanguard Jumps On ETF-Of-ETFs Bandwagon, The Vanguard Way
    @Kaspa, Many diversified iShare ETFs that David posted are widely used by institutional investors and thus have high if not the highest daily trading volume. Powershares and Vanguard follow closely. Really need to look at them on case by case basis. Even sector-focus ETFs are widely used these days. I personally like to invest in Vanguard's ETF versus the equivalent index funds where sometimes a small 0.25% purchase fee is being charged (that is to cover added expense on new funds and it gets eliminated as the asset base grows).
  • Hey, I directed some folks here for fund and related investment discussion. Is this still valid?
    Hi @Maurice
    Thank you for the reply.
    The overall comments were of this type:
    1. They didn't mind the mix of the political as relative to effect upon the markets. They think this is indeed valid. But, obviously as we know too; when the topic of a statement or question about politics moved away from the investment effect and the thread became a shout down about politics.
    2. Threads that started with a direct question about a fund or funds and others opinions; but that also wandered away from the original question or statement into some other subject matter, not really related.
    3. Personal attacks, the cat fights.....
    I will offer my own "thread start" example. I have not and will not post such a question here.
    As Mr. Trump and the Republican party has had and continues to have problems regarding any resolution related to a "changed" healthcare legislation; what impact will this have upon healthcare sector investments? I suspect not all healthcare sectors would have the same investment pluses or minuses from changes.
    This is a valid question for our house, as 35% of portfolio at this time, is invested in various healthcare sectors. I imagine this thread would blow up regarding argues ranging from libertarian to communist forms of "healthcare" for the regular folks.
    Getting close to an unwind of the more active involvement with our portfolios anyway. So, "Happy Trails to You, until we meet again....." will be the future song relationship for this house.
    ADD: I had a few email exchanges with Roy (FundAlarm) over the years about a few posts. :)
    Take care,
    Catch
  • What Device Do You Use To Buy Or Sell Funds, ETF's, Stocks, Bonds, etc.?
    Does it matter which device? I think using the most secure connection available is more important than particular device. I use the cellular (AT&T) function of my devices instead of public wifi. To do this, be sure you turn off your wifi function in settings, however, or the device will likely default to wifi even though cellular is enabled. I also do use a different browser only for accessing these sites. Don't know if that's necessary, but I feel it offers an extra layer of protection.
    While I have a wonderful MacBook Pro, I don't like to lean on it too much. It's a beautiful machine and they're easier to damage (Think coffee dribbled onto a keyboard). So either my 9" or 7" Ipads work fine. Haven't had any trouble logging into D&C, Price, or Oppenheimer where my infrequent trades occur. (Though the Macbook isn't cellular enabled, all our wifi emanates through cellular at home.)
    I love this TV Ad, My kind of gal (uninhibited). An interesting question might be: "What are some unusual settings in which you've executed trades?"
  • Indexing In America: Why It Took Root Here
    FYI: Tocqueville laid out why Americans, sooner than any other nation, would prove apt to embrace indexing 150 years later.
    Regards,
    Ted
    http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=823295
  • JP Morgan Global Allocation Fund (gaoax)
    It seems to be pretty much in line with the usual suspects, CAIBX, MDLOX, SGENX, TIBIX.
    Slightly better performance, but looking at its portfolio, that could be explained by its slightly more aggressive stance. It's a bit more growthy than the others; allocation funds typically lean toward value.
    It also piles on the junk bonds with 1/4 BB, 1/4 B, 1/10 below B. That's similar to TIBIX (the other funds hold much higher rated bonds). But unlike TIBIX it uses a barbell strategy with 1/4 AAA-rated. (TIBIX has 1/3 in BBB, and little above that.)
    Counterbalancing the higher credit risk is a much reduced interest rate risk with a very low duration of 1.88 years, unlike the other funds.
    The only downside I see is the potential end of the fee waiver (0.24%, currently set to expire 2/28/18, but these are often extended indefinitely). On the plus side, it's significantly smaller than the funds above.
    BenWP's RPGAX is not a fund that one (or at least I) normally think of. But it may be the one closest to GAOSX. Similar growth leaning, similar average market cap, virtually identical std dev and Sharpe ratio. The bond side has a little less junk though still a lot, and is a little more evenly spread out in credit ratings, but still has a barbell feel. Much longer duration though. RPGAX has the lowest AUM of all the funds mentioned.
  • RBC liquidates several funds
    They purchased and owned what was at one time the Babson Funds which later became the Tamarack Funds. I had both the Babson Enterprise (TETSX) and the Babson Shadow Stock Fund (later known as the Microcap Value Fund (TMVSX)). Lance James was the manager of the Enterprise Fund.
    Here is an old Tamarack filing from 2006:
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1272950/000089710106002457/tam064554_485apos.txt
  • Vanguard Jumps On ETF-Of-ETFs Bandwagon, The Vanguard Way
    It's the largest ETF of ETFs; go with the herd.
    Seriously, this has got to be one of the most stupid ideas I've seen in awhile. It equal weights five of its own family's ETFs. I have problems with simplistic equal weighting, but in some domains (e.g. S&P 500) an argument can be made for it. Not here.
    What's being equal weighted are ETFs that represent apples and oranges. Some may be sector funds, others industry groups. Thus a concentrated sector gets as much weighting as a broad industry group. Used this way, the equal weighting is a lazy substitute for a methodology with any thought given to weights.
    Worse, this apples and oranges fruit salad is prone to redundancy. Currently it has about 1/5 in FDN (Internet index) and about 1/5 in QTEC (Nasdaq 100 Tech). You can imagine the overlap. Facebook (8.78% and 3.34% respectively of the ETFs), Alphabet A&C shares combined (9.13% and 2.94%), Citrix Systems (2.44% and 2.84%), Akamai (2.12% and 2.75%). This isn't equal weighting, it's double counting.
    You get the idea. Not to mention the 0.30% management fee on top of rather expensive underlying ETFs.
  • RBC liquidates several funds
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1272950/000089710117001041/rbc172312_497.htm
    RBC FUNDS TRUST
    RBC BlueBay Absolute Return Fund
    RBC BlueBay Emerging Market Corporate Bond Fund
    RBC BlueBay Global Convertible Bond Fund
    RBC BlueBay Emerging Market Unconstrained Fixed Income Fund
    (All Share Classes)
    Supplement dated August 25, 2017 to the RBC BlueBay Funds’ Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information dated January 27, 2017 (as may be supplemented from time to time)
    Notice of Liquidation of the RBC BlueBay Absolute Return Fund, RBC BlueBay Emerging Market Corporate Bond Fund, RBC BlueBay Global Convertible Bond Fund and RBC BlueBay Emerging Market Unconstrained Fixed Income Fund (the “Funds”). The Board of Trustees of the Funds has approved the liquidation and dissolution of the Funds on or about September 28, 2017 (the “Liquidation Date”). Effective immediately, the Funds may depart from their stated investment objectives and strategies as they increase their cash holdings in preparation for their liquidations. Each Fund shall distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record all of the assets of the Fund in complete cancellation and redemption of all of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest, except for cash, bank deposits or cash equivalents in an estimated amount necessary to (i) discharge any unpaid liabilities and obligations of the Fund on the Fund’s books on the Liquidation Date, including, but not limited to, income dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, payable through the Liquidation Date, and (ii) pay such contingent liabilities as the officers of the Fund deem appropriate, subject to ratification by the Board. Capital gain distributions, if any, may be paid on or prior to the Liquidation Date.
    Effective on or about August 28, 2017, the Funds will suspend all purchases and exchanges into the Funds other than purchases through dividend reinvestment, in order to facilitate an orderly liquidation. You may redeem your Fund shares at any time before the liquidation, as the Fund will continue to process redemptions in the ordinary course until the Liquidation Date. No sales charge, contingent deferred sales load or redemption fee will be imposed in connection with a redemption. If you do not redeem your Fund shares prior to the Liquidation Date, the Fund will automatically redeem your shares and forward the proceeds to you based on the instructions listed on your account.
    If you are invested in the Fund through a tax-deferred account (e.g., an IRA) and you do not arrange to liquidate the shares held in such account prior to the Fund liquidation date, the liquidation proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the shares of which will continue to be held in the tax-deferred account until you provide instructions. You should consult your personal tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation.
    The sale, exchange or liquidation of your shares will generally be a taxable event. You should consult your personal tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation.
    INVESTORS SHOULD RETAIN THIS SUPPLEMENT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1272950/000089710117001040/rbc172308_497.htm
    497 1 rbc172308_497.htm 497
    RBC FUNDS TRUST
    RBC Mid Cap Value Fund
    (All Share Classes)
    Supplement dated August 25, 2017 to the RBC Equity Funds’ Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information dated January 27, 2017 (as may be supplemented from time to time)
    Notice of Liquidation of the RBC Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”). The Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the liquidation and dissolution of the Fund on or about September 28, 2017 (the “Liquidation Date”). Effective immediately, the Fund may depart from its stated investment objective and strategy as it increases its cash holdings in preparation for its liquidation. The Fund shall distribute pro rata to its shareholders of record all of the assets of the Fund in complete cancellation and redemption of all of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest, except for cash, bank deposits or cash equivalents in an estimated amount necessary to (i) discharge any unpaid liabilities and obligations of the Fund on the Fund’s books on the Liquidation Date, including, but not limited to, income dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, payable through the Liquidation Date, and (ii) pay such contingent liabilities as the officers of the Fund deem appropriate, subject to ratification by the Board. Capital gain distributions, if any, may be paid on or prior to the Liquidation Date.
    Effective on or about August 28, 2017, the Fund will suspend all purchases and exchanges into the Fund other than purchases through dividend reinvestment, in order to facilitate an orderly liquidation. You may redeem your Fund shares at any time before the liquidation, as the Fund will continue to process redemptions in the ordinary course until the Liquidation Date. No sales charge, contingent deferred sales load or redemption fee will be imposed in connection with a redemption. If you do not redeem your Fund shares prior to the Liquidation Date, the Fund will automatically redeem your shares and forward the proceeds to you based on the instructions listed on your account.
    If you are invested in the Fund through a tax-deferred account (e.g., an IRA) and you do not arrange to liquidate the shares held in such account prior to the Fund liquidation date, the liquidation proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the shares of which will continue to be held in the tax-deferred account until you provide instructions. You should consult your personal tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation.
    The sale, exchange or liquidation of your shares will generally be a taxable event. You should consult your personal tax advisor concerning your particular tax situation.
    INVESTORS SHOULD RETAIN THIS SUPPLEMENT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
  • First Trust Launches The First Trust Institutional Preferred Securities And Income ETF: (FPEI)
    Preferred stocks are said to be targeted at institutions if they have a $1k par value? These just sound like vanilla bonds, most of which have a $1K face value.
    Admittedly most preferred stocks, unlike most bonds, are for smaller denominations. But the vitality of the bond market, especially munis where individual investors tend to dominate, illustrates that a $1K denomination isn't really much of a deterrent to individual investors seeking income streams.
    Institutional preferreds tend to be sold OTC, just like bonds, not via private placements. From the summary prospectus: "Institutional preferred securities are targeted to institutional, rather than retail, investors, are generally traded over-the-counter and may also be known as “$1,000 par preferred securities.”
    FWIW, what came to my mind is that the tax treatment for corporate investors in preferreds is usually more favorable than the tax treatment to individual investors. In that sense, one can say that most preferreds are targeted to institutional investors (like insurance companies and banks).
    An insurance company in the 35% tax bracket would pay only 10.5% tax on the dividends, because 70% are excluded. In contrast, the typical individual investor would pay 15%, 25%, 28% or even more. Just as munis are "targeted" to high income investors (because they get a bigger tax advantage from the tax-free nature of munis), vanilla preferreds may be said to target institutional investors, since institutions get a bigger tax advantage than individuals.
    Piper Jaffray, Prfeferred Stock: Stocks That Act Like Bonds
    There's a relatively new type of preferred (about a quarter century old) that does puts individuals on a level playing field. It's sometimes called a hybrid preferred stock and more formally called a fixed rate capital security (FRCS). No 70 percent exclusion here. I'd guess that this fund stays away from these preferreds.
    Here's an old AAII article describing the structure of FRCSs noting that "Monthly income preferred securities (MIPS) are geared as a fixed-income alternative for retail investors."
    AAII Journal (July 1997), Hybrid Securities: A Basic Look at Monthly Income Preferred Stock
  • State of the Markets in Five Charts (SPY,IWM,HYG,AGG,GLD)
    This time of year these five guys (SPY, IWM, HYG, AGG, GLD) are best digested with a burger and fries from a different Five Guys washed down with a chocolate shake.

    From David Fabian and FMD Capital:
    The summer is rapidly closing and a new season will shortly be upon us. The seasonality of the markets this time of year has always been a tricky proposition as well. With that in mind, I’m going to outline my current thoughts on some of the big picture charts.
    state-market-5-charts-august-2017image