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Actually, I should say his former group of analyst were provided an offer they couldn't refuse. There was a well publicized parting of the ways involving Mr Akre and FBR. As I understand it, FBRVX was the primary driver of fees for the firm. FBR …
His former group of analyst took over his former fund (FBRVX). FBR was purchased and the former fund is now HFCSX. I've been keeping tabs on the former group. The performance hasn't been too bad, but the portfolio remains primarily as Mr Akre lef…
Marty Whitman was managing well into his 80's. With this in mind, I could have yet another decade to enjoy Mr Akre's expertise. I hope his new charges are learning well, but just like his old trio, the students are seldom as good as the teacher.
I have some of the same concerns for Mr Akre but I've been with him since the FBR days and won't sell until he's gone (provided his returns stay consistent).
And, what if I don't believe a Treasury Bond is an appropriate investment for me? And, for the person that keeps providing suggested reading links, I could find just as many links to support my position. And, your assumption that I must be misinfo…
So, you're saying just throw more money at the problem? How much and for how long? I also find it interesting that you concede that taking money from an employer may cost jobs, but taking money from you doesn't cost you anything? Disagree with me…
A common sense issue will always be economic/financial rather than political. If a Politician introduced a program tomorrow and said, hey, we're going to take a percentage of your pay and the same percentage from your employer. You don't own it an…
The only thing that will 'save' Social Security is to have it privatized and market based. I don't say this to ruffle any feathers. Structurally, it is unsound because it is unable to grow at a pace necessary to cover its obligations.
@Crash: Interesting point of view. Unfortunately, I have family members that resemble the situation you mentioned. When I make an attempt to speak to them about investing, I receive the 'not interested' look and some accuse me of belonging to ano…
@JohnChisum: I've had to move to three cups of coffee, bran, with a dose of MiraLAX myself. But on topic, Social Security in my opinion has always been ill-conceived and doomed to failure. However, it has been a big piggy bank for the Politicians…
@JohnChisum. And that's why I'd like to set up a Legacy trust. I've always tried to teach my kids well, but experience has taught me, they don't have a clue.
@VintageFreak. Why are you surprised with the AKREX note. I've owned FBRVX and now AKREX and it has always been a steady performer in up and down markets.
I understand Berkowitz' position related to the value of Sears' properties (land and other), but I've always thought the public would never look at Sears that way.
I wouldn't wish a GM product on my worst enemy. I have far more respect for Ford and if it wasn't for my obsession with Hondas (with a Mazada thrown in here and there), I would consider one.
You've mentioned 'my old trusty Accord'. To me, nothing feels like my Honda. Just keep it simple and get another Accord. You'll have something you already trust in an updated package.
I gave up on Mr Winters after the Financial Crisis. He states the amount he charges is for the benefit of having a Hedge fund in the form of a Mutual fund. As he states '2 without the 20'. During the downturn of 2007-2008 this so call hedge fund …
Regarding the Financial crisis. The crisis was caused by the Governments' failed policies and it doesn't appear they learned their lesson. Just ask Brooksley Born.
I believe the Government does have its place. However, as it becomes larger the corruption becomes more and more obvious. And to respond to the so called 'privileged' class. I grew up in the ghettos of Washington DC. I've learned to invest and as…
Hm, the criticism of Ayn Rand is quite surprising. Was her philosophy entirely correct, definitely not. But viewed within the proper context of her life, it was understandable. Take our current situation where, leftwingnuts could justify any prog…
And, in my opinion dumping this fund at this time would be the worst thing you can do. The valuations of the market, if you have a trusted Manager such as Steven Rommick, Don Yacktman or the FMI guys, are extremely high. To me, this means the next…
I own it and will continue to hold it. It isn't always easy to watch other funds out perform in the short term. If you'd like to review a longer timeframe, bring up a chart of ICMAX. This is a fund that Eric Cinnamond was primarily responsible fo…
Here's another satisfied shareholder and holdover from the FBRVX days. His last fund still has companies he (Chuck) picked. I guess you can say its great that his previous 'students' didn't screw it up, but, it's clear the students aren't nearly a…
Regarding the 300 companies, I believe what he's saying is, it is impossible to get to know the Management and culture of over 2000 companies. However, if done over time, it is possible to become familiar with 300. After this vetting process, all …
It is truly amazing how corrupt some people are. Insurance and the companies who provide the products are obviously necessary. But, you can be sure that everything they do is for their benefit and not yours. I don't know why they're allowed to of…
From the time I read 'government's most popular and effective program', I knew this was going to be an idiotic article. Not criticizing you Ted but the author. There's another article out there by Chuck Jaffe where he notes that only 1 in 4 people…
