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.
My two international equity funds have been my best performers, by far, in 2025.
The YTD returns for my small blend and large blend funds are 16.44% and 15.04% respectively.
I don't know if international equity funds will continue to outperform U.S.…
I've failed miserably in my numerous attempts to educate you about this matter.
You created a thread named "The Fed Is Getting It Wrong AGAIN As They Hold Rates Steady"
on the BIG BANG! Investors forum several days ago.
Multiple participants added i…
"I recently was in a fender bender (my fault, first time in over two decades and I wasn't at fault for that earlier one). 2MPH. Front fender dented, minor scratch to side mirror and some scratches along side of car
(more dust than scratches). Cost t…
I recently changed auto insurance because the previous insurer kept raising premiums
and was no longer competitive in my state.
So, I shopped around and found a major insurer with much lower premium.
I thought I was pretty smart!
Now, on 6-mo renewa…
It's interesting when someone presents an extremely weak argument and then tries to substantiate it
with a cherry-picked article featuring an individual who, in all likelihood, is biased due to prior association.
What should you do?
Refer to inform…
Schwab's Liz Ann Sonders' recent article asks the question:
"Complation"…Is there too much complacency regarding inflation?
"The rub is that much of the economic data outside of direct inflation readings suggest higher inflation ahead. Both key pu…
Don't feel bad.
The following commentary is from Jeff DeMaso's IVA Weekly Brief published June 25.
"I’m repeating myself here—but it bears repeating: you can’t profitably trade the headlines."
"If you were trying to profit from trading energy stoc…
"Why wait for Sep?"
Because it will take time for the impact of tariffs to be reflected in the inflation data.
I don't know exactly how long this will take but we should have evidence by year-end.
The current numbers don't accurately represent the effect of tariffs.
Get back to me after the September, October, or November numbers are released.
Thank you for your attention to this matter!
I'm not a T. Rowe investor although they do offer some very good funds.
T. Rowe's recent reorganization combined with the subsequent launch of several new funds gives pause.
Giroux is now wearing many hats as was previously mentioned.
Oh ye of little faith.
There are 13 entire days before the pause on tariffs expires!
The administration is waiting until Trump's megabill passes before announcing trade deals
according to White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett.…
"Classic personal-crises response."
I've never resorted to dropping bunker-buster bombs on foes during my personal crises!
In the spirit of truthfulness, the thought did cross my mind.
"The Fund’s positive return streak and investment approach has been sustained over the years
by several managers. Prior to Messrs. Arricale and Giroux, who became co-managers in July 2006,
the Fund was managed by Stephen Boesel from August 2001 to J…
I usually avoid funds with a "star manager."
Team-managed funds are preferred since they mitigate "key person" risk.
It's important to note that T. Rowe Price does has a deep analyst bench.
It appears Vanguard can cut a QCD check for you.
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/faqs/how-do-i-take-a-qualified-charitable-distribution-qcd
Yes, Vanguard and D&C mutual fund TFs have been $74.95 for a while.
TFs for other firms' mutual funds were listed as being $49.95.
This no longer seems to be the case.
I checked the Fund Facts & Fees section for several "other" funds and it…
It's almost a chess game- if anyone takes out Iran's oil production that would cut off their main income source, and also really irritate the Chinese who use most of the Iranian production.
+1
The Iranian regime needs to attack the U.S. to "save face."
These attacks may very well be symbolic.
Iran is currently very weak and knows the U.S. could annihilate their country if they overreach.
Iran is a global menace that has long been involved in war/terrorism via its proxies.
Their government refers to the U.S. as the "Great Satan" while Israel is known as the "Little Satan."
Israel initiated Irananian attacks to thwart nuclear weapon p…
"How will the Iran conflict affect the global balance of power?
Answering this question may seem a fool’s errand given how fast events are moving now that U.S. President Donald Trump has joined the war on Israel’s side.
A lot depends on whether Tehr…
"How will the Iran conflict affect the global balance of power?
Answering this question may seem a fool’s errand given how fast events are moving now that U.S. President Donald Trump has joined the war on Israel’s side.
A lot depends on whether Tehr…
David Sanger, a long-time NY Times correspondent who focuses on foreign policy and national security,
analyzes the situation after Trump's military strikes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/21/us/politics/trump-iran-risks.html?unlocked_article_code=…
Cool! I've always wanted my own personal jet. Do they cost very much?
You could purchase a light jet for a mere $3 million!
Be sure to allocate at least $500,000 for annual maintenance, inspections, and operations.
Annual costs of at least $200,000 …
From NY Times:
"A U.S. official said that six B-2 bombers dropped a dozen 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on the Fordo nuclear site, which lies deep underground, and Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at the Natanz and Isfahan sites. On…
From NY Times:
"A U.S. official said that six B-2 bombers dropped a dozen 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on the Fordo nuclear site, which lies deep underground, and Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at the Natanz and Isfahan sites. On…
The U.S. has bombed the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan sites.
Trump's corresponding Truth Social posts are below.
@realDonaldTrump . 1h
We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfa…
The U.S. has bombed the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan sites.
Trump's corresponding Truth Social posts are below.
@realDonaldTrump . 1h
We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esf…
The Week in Charts (06/20/25)
The State of the Markets, including...
00:00 Intro
00:25 Stocks
16:37 Bonds/Fed
29:30 Real Estate/Housing
35:07 Commodities
39:06 Currencies
42:33 Crypto
44:36 Intermarket
49:04 Economy
Video
Blog
Iran has repeatedly claimed that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.
Yet, no other non-nuclear state has enriched uranium to 60% as Iran has done.
Before the recent Israeli attacks, it could take days to several weeks for Iran to prod…
I've found Morningstar's AI-generated "Analyst Reports" to be of little value.
These reports are usually incoherent and often include copious amounts of gobbledegook.
M* Analyst Reports created by humans vary in quality—some are very good while othe…
Definitely not advocating anything here but just thinking aloud...
It seems to be coming down to the question of the underground centrifuge enrichment installation at Fordow. That might be disabled by the US with the 30,000 lb "bunker buster" bombs…
Israel apparently does not have the capability to destroy the underground Fordo nuclear facility.
I wouldn't be surprised if the U.S. strikes this site with bunker-busting bombs.
An Iran without nuclear weapon capabilities would be a positive develo…
Trump post on Truth Social at 9:19 AM.
"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding.
He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!),
at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civ…
Good NY Times article.
I don't know if the U.S. stock market is in a long-term bubble but believe it maybe currently overly optimistic.
The tariff situation is unresolved, ramifications of the Israel-Iran war are unclear,
and Congress wants to pass …
Trump post on Truth Social at 9:19 AM.
"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding.
He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!),
at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civ…
