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Articles on VB

  • Improving on the No-Brainer Portfolio: Add More Asset Classes

    04/24/2011

    By Lowell Herr at ITA Wealth Management

    Yesterday, I picked up this article on Seeking Alpha titled, "Lack of REITs & Commodities Now Shows in Bernstein's No-Brainer Portfolio's Performance." I first needed to look up the Bernstein No-Brainer Portfolio and found it included four ETFs. The asset allocation is quite simple.

    IVW = 25%

    VB = 25%

    EFA or VFA = 25% I prefer to use VEU as my international investment.

    BND = 25%

    When I ran a Quantext Portfolio Planner analysis, I found the projected return to be 6.6%, projected uncertainty equals 13.8% for a ratio of 0.48. The Diversification Metric (DM) is a meager 16%. While this may be a No-Brainer Portfolio, it is projected to return less than the S&P 500 without much diversity.

    When I substituted TLT for the BND bond fund, projections improved slightly. With only this change, projected return increased to 7.65% or better than expected from the S&P 500. Risk or projected uncertainty actually decreased slightly to 13.7%%. DM rose to 24%.

    In the Seeking Alpha article, adding REITs and Commodities implied better results. While this was true in the past, is it likely to be true in the future? One would think so. However, when I ran the QPP analysis, including VWO, DBC, and VNQ lifted the return to 7.8% or only slightly better than the No-Brainer projections. Uncertainty jumped to 16.3% and DM actually fell to 23%. The Return/Uncertainty ratio was about the same at 0.54.

    Given that QPP analysis is coming up with projections, and they are not significantly different from the No-Brainer Portfolio, I would go with the portfolio that adds more asset classes.

    Exchange Tickers: (NYSE:BND), (NYSE:DBC), (NYSE:EFA), (NYSE:IVW), (NYSE:TLT), (NYSE:VB), (NYSE:VEU), (NYSE:VNQ), (NYSE:VWO)

    Symbols: BND, DBC, EFA, IVW, TLT, VB, VEU, VNQ, VWO

     

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  • Bernstein No Brainer and Smart Money Lazy Portfolios Under The Microscope

    04/15/2011

    Retirement investing is now a "hair on fire" problem for Boomers who have no time to waste in getting their portfolios in order. The challenge is how to avoid being overwhelmed with conflicting data and shutting down.

    We present simple approaches to understand the path to higher returns with lower risk.

    Dr. William Bernstein is the author of the "Intelligent Asset Allocator" and "The Four Pillars of Investing." He's also a physician, neurologist and financial adviser to high-net-worth individuals. He has proposed a number of lazy portfolios. There are two that we now examine in the light of a more active benchmark which has monthly instead of annual rebalancing.

    1. The smart money portfolio

    2. The no-brainer portfolio

    The no-brainer portfolio comprises the following fund allocation:

    • 25% in Vanguard 500 Index VFINX (IVW)

    • 25% in Vanguard Small Cap NAESX or VTMSX (VB)

    • 25% in Vanguard Total International VGTSX or VTMGX (EFA, VEA)

    • 25% in Vanguard Total Bond VBMFX or VBISX (BND)

    Things to note about the portfolio:

    • Heavily weighted towards domestic equities

    • Similar to a three asset SIB [simpler-is-better] with domestic, international and fixed income

    • It would be better to have some REIT or emerging markets exposure


    The smart money portfolio comprises the following fund allocation:

    • 40% Vanguard Short Term Investment Grade VFSTX (SCJ, SHY)

    • 15% Vanguard Total Stock Market VTSMX (VTI)

    • 10% Vanguard Small Cap Value VISVX (VBR)

    • 10% Vanguard Value Index VIVAX (VTV)

    • 5% Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock VEIEX (VWO)

    • 5% Vanguard European Stock VEURX (VEU)

    • 5% Vanguard Pacific Stock VPACX (VPL)

    • 5% Vanguard REIT Index VGSIX (RWX, VNQ)

    • 5% Vanguard Small Cap Value NAESX or VTMSX (VB)

    To summarize:

    • 40% in U.S. equities

    • 10% in international equities

    • 5% in emerging market equities

    • 5% in REITs

    • 40% in fixed income


    The smart money portfolio is more conservative and has two more asset classes but they only represent five percent of the portfolio each. With 80% of the portfolio in US and fixed income, it isn't very different from the no brainer portfolio.

    We are going to use the SIB (Simpler Is Better) Portfolio as a benchmark. The SIB comprise – market index funds (ETFs or Mutual Funds) from key asset classes that can be used to measure historical returns to show the impact of asset class selection rather than fund or stock selection. We are going to use a six asset ETF SIBs. This will enable us to see the type of returns we can expect and contrast Mutual Funds and ETFs

    The following funds are used:

    Asset Class Ticker Name
    LARGE BLEND VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
    Foreign Large Blend VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF
    DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS VWO Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock ETF
    REAL ESTATE VNQ Vanguard REIT Index ETF
    COMMODITIES BROAD BASKET DBC PowerShares DB Commodity Idx Trking Fund
    Intermediate-Term Bond BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF

     

    The strategic asset allocation strategy has 40% in fixed income and 12% in the other five funds.


    The tactical asset allocation strategy has 40% in fixed income and 30% in the top two asset class funds determined by the price momentum -- unless that performance is below fixed income when the money will be diverted to fixed income. If fixed income is performing below cash, the fixed income portion will be cash.

    Portfolio Analysis

    full chart

    Portfolio Performance Comparison

    Portfolio/Fund Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe
    P William Bernstein No Brainer Nine Fund Portfolio Annual Rebalance 8% 79% 4% 20% 4% 21%
    P William Bernstein No Brainer Four Fund Portfolio 11% 87% 4% 18% 5% 19%
    Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 10% 71% 9% 73% 13% 91%
    Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 13% 103% 4% 20% 7% 35%

    Takeaways

    • Both Bernstein portfolios perform satisfactorily for a lazy portfolio – it is surprising that the no-brainer performs so well against its more diversified smart-money cousin
    • The Six Asset SIB buy and hold outperforms both Bernstein portfolios based on broader diversification.
    • Tactical Asset Allocation reduces downside risk and that wins in the current uncertain environment

    Symbols: BND, DBC, EFA, IVW, NAESX, RWX, SCJ, SHY, VB, VBR, VEA, VEIEX, VEU, VEURX, VFINX, VFSTX, VGSIX, VISVX, VIVAX, VNQ, VPACX, VPL, VTI, VTMGX, VTMSX, VTSMX, VTV, VWO

    Disclosure:

    MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned

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  • Schwab Mutual Funds Beat out ETFs

    04/06/2011

    l

    Retirement investing is a "hair on fire" problem -- especially for baby boomers for whom retirement is a near and present danger. There is a real lack of consistent, unbiased information that a retiree can use to help improve risk adjusted returns. Blogger Jenny Hollingworth has been teaching herself about investing and has come to the point where she is going to choose a plan and make her first investments.

    In her recent post New Steps she sorted through a list of alternatives and chose the Schwab OneSource Select List Funds.

    The reason for her choice was:

    • The highest possible rating for each plan is 5 stars.  So I bypassed anything that didn’t have 5 (because really, why go for less?)
    • Picked out a name I knew: Schwab.  Specifically: Schwab OneSource Select List Funds. I selected it.  
    • This is an application to Charles Schwab's OneSource Select List mutual funds. These funds are  No Load and No Transaction Fee (NTF) mutual funds. Based on Schwab's policy, the no load NTF funds have 90 days redemption fee period. As of 1/1/2010, there are total  140 OneSource Select List funds available from Schwab.

    We are going to review the Schwab OneSource Select List Funds  to see whether she chose a good plan. The plan consists of 137 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 6 major assets: US Equity, Commodity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income.

     

    Asset Class Ticker Name
    LARGE VALUE AAGPX American Beacon Lg Cap Value Inv
    Foreign Large Value AAIPX American Beacon Intl Equity Inv
    Retirement Income AANPX American Beacon Retire Inc & Apprec Inv
    High Yield Muni ABHYX American Century High-Yield Muni Inv
    Inflation-Protected Bond ACITX American Century Infl-Adj Bond Inv
    Muni National Long ACLVX American Century Long-Term Tax-Free Inv
    MID-CAP VALUE ACMVX American Century Mid Cap Value Inv
    Conservative Allocation AONIX American Century One Choice: Vry Cnsrv I
    MID-CAP VALUE ARDEX Aston/River Road Dividend All Cap Val N
    Target Date 2011-2015 ARFIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2015 Inv
    Retirement Income ARTOX American Century LIVESTRONG Inc Inv
    Target Date 2021-2025 ARWIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2025 Inv
    Target Date 2031-2035 ARYIX American Century LIVESTRONG 2035 Inv
    SMALL VALUE AVPAX American Beacon Small Cp Val Inv
    EUROPE STOCK AXEAX Threadneedle European Equity A
    Muni National Interm BMBSX Baird Intermediate Muni Bd Inv
    Technology BOGSX Black Oak Emerging Technology
    Small Growth BSCFX Baron Small Cap
    Moderate Allocation BUFBX Buffalo Balanced
    Technology BUFTX Buffalo Science & Technology
    DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS CEMVX Causeway Emerging Markets Investor
    MID-CAP BLEND CHTTX Aston/Optimum Mid Cap N
    Intermediate Government CPTNX American Century Government Bond Inv
    Small Growth CSMVX Century Small Cap Select Inv
    REAL ESTATE CSRSX Cohen & Steers Realty Shares
    Long-Short CVSIX Calamos Market Neutral Income A
    SMALL BLEND DISSX Dreyfus Small Cap Stock Index
    Bank Loan EABLX Eaton Vance Floating Rate Adv
    Conservative Allocation EXDAX Manning & Napier Pro-Blend Cnsrv Term S
    Foreign Large Blend EXWAX Manning & Napier World Opportunities A
    Moderate Allocation FAGSX First American Strat Growth Allc A
    Financial FBRSX FBR Small Cap Financial
    ULTRASHORT BOND FEUGX Federated Adjustable Rate Secs Instl
    Intermediate Government FICMX Federated Income Instl
    Muni National Interm FIMTX Federated Intermediate Municipal Instl
    LARGE BLEND FMIHX FMI Large Cap
    Long-Short FMLSX Wasatch-1st Source Long/Short
    SHORT GOVERNMENT FSGVX Federated US Govt 1-3 Yr Instl
    Muni Short FSHIX Federated Shrt-Interm Dur Muni Instl
    Short-Term Bond FSTIX Federated Short-Term Income Instl
    Intermediate-Term Bond FTRFX Federated Total Return Bond Instl Svc
    SMALL BLEND GABSX Gabelli Small Cap Growth AAA
    Communications GABTX GAMCO Global Telecommunications AAA
    LARGE GROWTH HCAIX Harbor Capital Appreciation Inv
    Foreign Large Blend HIINX Harbor International Inv
    WORLD STOCK HLMGX Harding Loevner Global Equity Advisor
    Foreign Large Growth HLMNX Harding Loevner International Equity Inv
    Equity Energy ICENX ICON Energy S
    China Region ICHKX Guinness Atkinson China & Hong Kong
    LARGE VALUE INDZX RiverSource Diversified Equity Inc A
    Moderate Allocation JABAX Janus Balanced T
    Health JAGLX Janus Global Life Sciences T
    LARGE GROWTH JAMRX Janus Research T
    Small Growth JATTX Janus Triton T
    Foreign Large Blend JETAX Artio International Equity II A
    Target Date 2021-2025 JNSAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2025 A
    LARGE BLEND JRMSX INTECH Risk-Managed Core T
    Target Date 2011-2015 JSFAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2015 A
    Target Date 2026-2030 JSMAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2030 A
    Target Date 2016-2020 JTTAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2020 A
    LARGE BLEND JUEAX JPMorgan US Equity A
    LARGE VALUE JVLAX JHancock3 Disciplined Value A
    Small Growth KGSCX Kalmar Growth-with-Value Small Cap
    LARGE GROWTH LGILX Laudus Growth Investors US Large Cap Gr
    WORLD BOND LIFNX Laudus Mondrian Intl Fixed Income
    Foreign Large Blend LISOX Lazard Intl Strategic Equity Open
    Multisector Bond LSBRX Loomis Sayles Bond Retail
    DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA MAPIX Matthews Asia Pacific Equity Income
    PACIFIC/ASIA EX-JAPAN STK MAPTX Matthews Pacific Tiger Investor
    China Region MCHFX Matthews China Investor
    Muni National Interm MITFX Marshall Intermediate Tax-Free Inv
    JAPAN STOCK MJFOX Matthews Japan Investor
    Foreign Large Blend MKIEX McKee International Equity Instl
    DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA MPACX Matthews Asia Pacific Investor
    High Yield Bond MWHYX Metropolitan West High Yield Bond M
    Short-Term Bond MWLDX Metropolitan West Low Duration Bond M
    Intermediate-Term Bond MWTRX Metropolitan West Total Return Bond M
    MID-CAP BLEND NMMCX Northern Multi-Manager Mid Cap
    SMALL VALUE NOSGX Northern Small Cap Value
    Muni National Long NOTEX Northern Tax-Exempt
    Small Growth NSPAX ING Small Cap Opportunities A
    Foreign Small/Mid Value OAKEX Oakmark International Small Cap I
    WORLD STOCK OAKGX Oakmark Global I
    COMMODITIES BROAD BASKET PCRDX PIMCO Commodity Real Ret Strat D
    Emerging Markets Bond PEMDX PIMCO Emerging Markets Bond D
    LARGE BLEND PEOPX Dreyfus S&P 500 Index
    WORLD BOND PFODX PIMCO Foreign Bond (USD-Hedged) D
    Intermediate-Term Bond PGBOX JPMorgan Core Bond A
    Multisector Bond PONDX PIMCO Income D
    LARGE BLEND PRBLX Parnassus Equity Income - Inv
    Inflation-Protected Bond PRRDX PIMCO Real Return D
    SMALL VALUE PSOAX JPMorgan Small Cap Value A
    Intermediate-Term Bond PTTDX PIMCO Total Return D
    SMALL BLEND RYTFX Royce Total Return Svc
    Intermediate-Term Bond SAMIX RidgeWorth Intermediate Bond I
    Foreign Large Blend SICNX Schwab International Core Equity Inst
    Foreign Large Blend SIEIX RidgeWorth Intl Equity Index I
    ULTRASHORT BOND SIGVX RidgeWorth US Gov Sec Ultra-Short Bd I
    Target Date 2031-2035 SRJAX JPMorgan SmartRetirement 2035 A
    DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS SSEMX SSgA Emerging Markets Instl
    High Yield Bond STHTX RidgeWorth High Income I
    Muni National Interm STTBX RidgeWorth Investment Grade T/E Bond I
    LARGE BLEND SWANX Schwab Core Equity Inv
    Global Real Estate SWASX Schwab Global Real Estate Select
    Target Date 2026-2030 SWDRX Schwab Target 2030
    LARGE VALUE SWDSX Schwab Dividend Equity
    Financial SWFFX Schwab Financial Services
    Target Date 2011-2015 SWGRX Schwab Target 2015
    Intermediate Government SWGSX Schwab GNMA
    Long-Short SWHEX Schwab Hedged Equity
    Health SWHFX Schwab Health Care
    Target Date 2021-2025 SWHRX Schwab Target 2025
    Intermediate-Term Bond SWIIX Schwab Premier Income Instl
    Foreign Large Blend SWISX Schwab International Index
    Retirement Income SWKRX Schwab Monthly Income Enh Payout
    Retirement Income SWLRX Schwab Monthly Income Max Payout
    LARGE GROWTH SWLSX Schwab Large-Cap Growth
    Foreign Large Growth SWMIX Laudus International MarketMasters Sel
    Small Growth SWMSX Laudus Small-Cap MarketMasters Select
    Muni National Interm SWNTX Schwab Tax-Free Bond
    Moderate Allocation SWOBX Schwab Balanced Inv
    LARGE BLEND SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index
    SMALL BLEND SWSSX Schwab Small Cap Index
    LARGE GROWTH TGCNX TCW Select Equities N
    Mid-Cap Growth TGDNX TCW Growth Equities N
    EQUITY PRECIOUS METALS TGLDX Tocqueville Gold
    LARGE BLEND TICRX TIAA-CREF Social Choice Eq Retail
    LARGE GROWTH TIRTX TIAA-CREF Large-Cap Growth Retail
    LARGE GROWTH TWCGX American Century Growth Inv
    Muni National Interm TWTIX American Century Interm-T Tx-Fr Bd Inv
    SHORT GOVERNMENT TWUSX American Century Short-Term Govt Inv
    LARGE VALUE TWVLX American Century Value Inv
    Foreign Large Value TWWDX Thomas White International
    Foreign Large Growth UMBWX Scout International
    SMALL VALUE VSFAX Federated Clover Small Value A
    Mid-Cap Growth WTMGX Westcore MIDCO Growth
    LARGE VALUE YAFFX Yacktman Focused

     

    Asset Class Number of funds
    Balanced Fund 21
    REITs 2
    Fixed Income 34
    Commodity 1
    Sector Fund 9
    Foreign Equity 18
    Emerging Market Equity 7
    US Equity 41
    Other 4
    Total 137


    As of Apr 5, 2011, this plan investment choice is rated as above average based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are . It has the following detailed ratings:

    Diversification -- Rated as great (98%)
    Fund Quality -- Rated as average (54%)
    Portfolio Building -- Rated as great (86%)
    Overall Rating: above average (80%)

    Portfolio Discussions

    The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 6 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:

    US Equity: SPY or VTI
    Commodity: DBC
    Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
    REITs: IYR or VNQ or ICF
    Emerging Market Equity: EEM or VWO
    Fixed Income: AGG or BND
    Performance chart (as of Apr 5, 2011)

    Performance table (as of Apr 5, 2011)

    With six asset classes and a wide number of funds, the returns beat the six asset class benchmark. With high scores in all categories, this plan delivers portfolios that have produced strong historical returns.

    Symbols: SPY, VTI, EFA, VEU, EEM, VWO, IYR, VNQ, ICF, AGG, BND, DBC, HYG, JNK, PHB, AOM, AOK, CIU, BIV, ITM, MUB, TFI, PZA, MLN, IYH, IXJ, VHT, XBI, PBE, DBR, RYH, EFG, IXP, PTE, DGG, LTL, MTK, PTF, DBT, RYT, ROM, GWL, PFA, IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV, SCZ, EFV, PID, DWM, IYF, VFH, IPF, PFI, DRF, RYF, IFGL, RWX, TZE, TZG, TZI, TZO, TZL, IGOV, BWX, WIP, IVV, IYY, IWV, VV, DLN, RSP, SCHX, IOO, VT, SHY, SHV, VGSH, PLK, USY, IEV, VGK, PEF, DEB, IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG, IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU, IJH, IWR, JKG, VO, MDY, EMM, PJG, DON, EZM, MVV, IJS, IWN, JKL, VBR, DSV, PWY, RZV, UVT, IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA, GMM, PXH, DEM, SCHE, GBF, LAG, PCY, CSJ, BSV, VCSH, ITE, IXC, IPW, DBE, RYE, DKA, IEI, VGIT, IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW, IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK, TIP, DBP, EPP, VPL, GMF, PAF, AAXJ, DND, EWJ, JPP, PJO, DXJ, GSG, BIL

    Disclosure:

    MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.

    Originally from the UK, Jenny Hollingworth lives with her husband and two sons in Northern California. She is a wife, mother, writer, theatre director, coffee drinker, avid reader, keen walker, movie watcher, Jane Austen lover and observer of life, in no particular order. MyPlanIQ has no formal relationship with Jenny Hollingworth.

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  • Schwab Select ETF Plan Has Bright Prospects

    04/06/2011

    Schwab ETF Plan Has Good Pedigree and Bright Prospects Retirement is now a "hair on fire" problem. There is much talk of working longer, downsizing, living on less. However, there is something you can do to help improve your risk adjusted returns. Look at your portfolios and plans to build a diversified portfolio with a systematic investment strategy.

    This is not as hard as you might think -- to highlight this point, we feature a plan created by a non professional that matches up well with any of the other plans. Kevin Carr. is an individual investor who employs a long term strategy. He manages an individual common stock portfolio as well as many plans on MyPlan IQ.  If you have any questions regarding this plan please contact him.

    This plan provides you with Schwab's experts’ top picks of low-cost ETFs representing approximately 50 ETFs, based on rigorous criteria including expenses, tracking error, trading volume, and more.  Schwab ETFs trade commission free.  There are no redemption periods so you can start today and not worry about holding periods.

    We report on this Schwab ETF Select List which consists of 49 funds. These funds give exposure to 6 major assets: US Equity, Commodity, Foreign Equity, REITs, Emerging Market Equity, Fixed Income.

     

    Asset Class Ticker Name
    LARGE BLEND SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF
    LARGE GROWTH SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF
    LARGE VALUE SCHV Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF
    MID-CAP BLEND VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
    Mid-Cap Growth VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
    MID-CAP VALUE VOE Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF
    SMALL BLEND SCHA Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF
    Small Growth VBK Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF
    SMALL VALUE VBR Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF
    LARGE BLEND SCHB Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF
    LARGE VALUE VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF
    Foreign Large Blend SCHF Schwab International Equity ETF
    Foreign Large Growth EFG iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index
    Foreign Large Value EFV iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index
    FOREIGN SMALL/MID GROWTH SCHC Schwab International Small-Cap Eq ETF
    DIVERSIFIED EMERGING MKTS SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF
    Foreign Large Blend VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF
    WORLD STOCK VT Vanguard Total World Stock Index ETF
    EUROPE STOCK VGK Vanguard European ETF
    DIVERSIFIED PACIFIC/ASIA VPL Vanguard Pacific Stock ETF
    JAPAN STOCK EWJ iShares MSCI Japan Index
    China Region GXC SPDR S&P China
    Intermediate-Term Bond BND Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
    SHORT GOVERNMENT SCHO Schwab Short-Term U.S. Treasury ETF
    Intermediate Government SCHR Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Trsy ETF
    LONG GOVERNMENT TLH iShares Barclays 10-20 Year Treasury Bd
    Inflation-Protected Bond SCHP Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF
    Intermediate-Term Bond CIU iShares Barclays Intermediate Credit Bd
    High Yield Bond JNK SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond
    WORLD BOND BWX SPDR Barclays Capital Intl Treasury Bond
    Muni National Long MUB iShares S&P National AMT-Free Muni Bd
    Consumer Discretionary XLY Consumer Discret Select Sector SPDR
    Consumer Staples XLP Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR
    Equity Energy XLE Energy Select Sector SPDR
    Financial XLF Financial Select Sector SPDR
    Health XLV Health Care Select Sector SPDR
    Industrials XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR
    Natural Resources XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR
    Technology XLK Technology Select Sector SPDR
    Communications IYZ iShares Dow Jones US Telecom
    Utilities XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR
    COMMODITIES BROAD BASKET DBC PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking
    Commodities Agriculture DBA PowerShares DB Agriculture
    Commodities Precious Metals IAU iShares Gold Trust
    Commodities Industrial Metals DBB PowerShares DB Base Metals
    Commodities Energy USL United States 12 Month Oil
    MISCELLANEOUS SECTOR PFF iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index
    REAL ESTATE VNQ Vanguard REIT Index ETF


     

    Asset Class Number of funds
    Balanced Fund 0
    REITs 1
    Fixed Income 9
    Commodity 5
    Sector Fund 11
    Foreign Equity 8
    Emerging Market Equity 3
    US Equity 11
    Other 1
    Total 49

    Many are looking for access to a well rounded ETF plan through Schwab. This fills this hole and as Schwab makes more of their own funds available, it will be possible to move them into the plan. On this review, the only comment would be to add another REIT choice. The other asset classes have a good number of selections without being overwhelming.

    As of Apr 4, 2011, this plan investment choice is rated as above average based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are . It has the following detailed ratings:

    Diversification -- Rated as great (99%)
    Fund Quality -- Rated as average (47%)
    Portfolio Building -- Rated as average (56%)
    Overall Rating: above average (66%)

    Thehigh diversification score means that all the major and minor asset classes have been ticked. Fund quality is lower because some of the ETF's don't have a long history but that shouldn't impede the ability for the future.

    Portfolio Discussions

    The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies. For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 6 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:

    US Equity: SPY or VTI
    Commodity: DBC
    Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
    REITs: IYR or VNQ or ICF
    Emerging Market Equity: EEM or VWO
    Fixed Income: AGG or BND
    Performance chart (as of Apr 4, 2011)

    Performance table (as of Apr 4, 2011)

    Portfolio Name 1Yr AR 1Yr Sharpe 3Yr AR 3Yr Sharpe 5Yr AR 5Yr Sharpe
    Schwab ETF Select List Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 9% 82% 8% 72% 12% 89%
    Schwab ETF Select List Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 118% 3% 15% 4% 20%
    Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Tactical Asset Allocation Moderate 9% 81% 10% 82% 13% 89%
    Six Core Asset ETF Benchmark Strategic Asset Allocation Moderate 14% 121% 4% 20% 7% 34%


    This portfolio performs well against the six asset ETF benchmark

    • SAA provides lower volatility while albeit delivering lower historical returns but as more of the newer funds are applied to the portfolio, there will be more opportunity for closing the gap
    • The TAA portfolios run neck and neck over the five year period

    In a future article, we will review performance over the last three months to see how the plan has performed in the light of recent events.

    Kay Takeaways

    • Building a plan of funds is not the preserve of the few -- anybody who has the interest and application to research can provide well constructed plans
    • It is possible to benefit from those individuals while still having transparency and not being captive to any particular broker

    Symbols: SPY, VTI, EFA, VEU, EEM, VWO, IYR, VNQ, ICF, AGG, BND, DBC, HYG, JNK, PHB, CIU, BIV, MUB, TFI, PZA, MLN, GII, PUI, DBU, RYU, UPW, IYH, IXJ, VHT, XBI, PBE, DBR, RYH, EFG, IXP, PTE, DGG, LTL, IYM, IGE, VAW, XLB, XME, PYZ, DBN, RTM, UYM, MTK, PTF, DBT, RYT, ROM, GWL, PFA, IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV, EFV, PID, DWM, IYF, VFH, IPF, PFI, DRF, RYF, KXI, VDC, PSL, DPN, RHS, RXI, VCR, IYJ, EXI, VIS, IGOV, BWX, WIP, IVV, IYY, IWV, VV, DLN, RSP, SCHX, IOO, VT, SHY, SHV, VGSH, PLK, USY, TLT, TLH, IEF, EDV, VGLT, TLO, PLW, IEV, VGK, PEF, DEB, IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG, IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU, IJH, IWR, JKG, VO, MDY, EMM, PJG, DON, EZM, MVV, IFSM, VSS, SCHC, IJS, IWN, JKL, VBR, DSV, PWY, RZV, UVT, IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA, GMM, PXH, DEM, SCHE, ITE, IXC, IPW, DBE, RYE, DKA, IEI, VGIT, IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW, IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK, TIP, EPP, VPL, GMF, PAF, EWJ, JPP, PJO, DXJ, GSG

    Disclosure:

    MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.

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  • National Semiconductor Provides Good Funds in Their Retirement Plan

    04/04/2011

    This article is part of a series of case studies we are conducting for various 401K plans. In this article, we will discuss how participants in NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM can achieve reasonable investment results using asset allocation strategies. We will also discuss how those portfolios are positioned in today’s market environment.

    National Semiconductor Corporation, a semiconductor company, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits and sub-systems. It is one of the oldest semiconductor companies in Silicon Valley.

    NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM's 401K plan consists of 30 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 3 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, Fixed Income. Three Core Asset ETF Benchmark's 401K plan consists of 3 funds. These funds enable participants to gain exposure to 3 major assets: US Equity, Foreign Equity, Fixed Income.

     

    The list of minor asset classes covered by NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM The list of minor asset classes covered by Three Core Asset ETF Benchmark
    Foreign Large Blend: FSIIX, RERFX
    Foreign Large Value: DODFX
    Inflation-protected Bond: VAIPX
    Intermediate-term Bond: FTHRX, WACPX, VBTIX
    Large Blend: FUSEX, NYVRX
    Large Growth: FCNTX
    Large Value: DODGX
    Mid-cap Blend: FLPSX
    Mid-cap Growth: JMGRX
    Mid-cap Value: LAVLX
    Moderate Allocation: FPUKX
    Retirement Income: VTINX
    Small Blend: HSVRX
    Small Growth: SMPDX, RSEGX
    Target Date 2000-2010: VTENX, VTOVX, VTOVX, VTOVX, VTOVX
    Target Date 2016-2020: VTWNX
    Target Date 2026-2030: VTHRX
    Target Date 2036-2040: VFORX
    Target Date 2050+: VFIFX
    Other: CASH, CASH
    Foreign Large Blend: VEU
    Intermediate-term Bond: BND
    Large Blend: VTI

     

    Asset Class   NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM   Three Core Asset ETF Benchmark
    Balanced Fund   11   0
    Fixed Income   4   1
    Sector Fund   0   0
    Foreign Equity   3   1
    US Equity   10   1
    Other   2   0
    Total   30   3

     

    As of Apr 1, 2011, NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM investment choice is rated as above average and Three Core Asset ETF Benchmark investment choice is rated as poor based on MyPlanIQ Plan Rating methodology that was designed to measure how effective a plan's available investment funds are . It has the following detailed ratings:

    Attribute   NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM   Three Core Asset ETF Benchmark
    Diversification   average (53%)   poor (2%)
    Fund Quality   average (64%)   below average (22%)
    Portfolio Building   great (86%)   poor (5%)
    Overall Rating   above average (69%)   poor (10%)

     

    The chart and table below show the historical performance of moderate model portfolios employing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies (SAA and TAA , both provided by MyPlanIQ). For comparison purpose, we also include the moderate model portfolios of a typical 3 asset SIB (Simpler Is Better) plan . This SIB plan has the following candidate index funds and their ETFs equivalent:

    US Equity: SPY or VTI
    Foreign Equity: EFA or VEU
    Fixed Income: AGG or BND

    Performance chart (as of Apr 1, 2011)

    Performance table (as of Apr 1, 2011)

    Currently Commodities, US Equity and Real Estate are doing well. Only US Equity is available to NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM participants.

    Even though National Semiconductor plan falls into what we call 'U.S. centric' catogories because of the only three asset classes it covers (U.S. equity, Foreign equity and fixed income), it compensates its lack of diversification by its excellent fund choices. In the large cap U.S. stock categoriy, it provides

    Davis New York Venture A (NYVRX) -- Large-cap blend

    Dodge & Cox Stocks (DODGX) -- Large-cap value

    Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) -- Large-cap growth

    All of them are excellent funds. In the mid cap category, it again has its three styles covered by high quality funds. These include

    Fidelity Low Priced Stocks (FLPSX) -- Mid-cap blend

    Lord Abbett Mid-Cap Value (LAVLX) -- Mid-cap value

    Janus Funds Enterprise (JMGRX) -- Mid-cap growth

    Three small cap funds are provided for small cap stocks. In foreign stock category are American Funds Euro-Pacific (RERFX) and Dodge & Cox Foreign Stocks (DODFX), both are well known and solid performers.

    To summarize, NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PROGRAM participants can achieve reasonable investment returns by adopting asset allocation strategies that are tailored to their risk profiles. The company could further expand its fund coverage to other major asset classes such as emerging market stocks to allow better diversification.


    Disclosure:

    MyPlanIQ does not have any business relationship with the company or companies mentioned in this article. It does not set up their retirement plans. The performance data of portfolios mentioned above are obtained through historical simulation and are hypothetical.

    Symbols:nnsm, SPY, VTI, EFA, VEU, AGG, BND, AOM, CIU, BIV, GWL, PFA, IVE, IWW, JKF, VTV, ELV, PWV, RPV, SCHV, EFV, PID, DWM, TZD, TZG, TZL, TZV, IVV, IYY, IWV, VV, DLN, RSP, SCHX, IVW, IWZ, JKE, VUG, ELG, QQQQ, RPG, SCHG, IJJ, IWS, JKI, VOE, EMV, PWP, RFV, UVU, IJH, IWR, JKG, VO, MDY, EMM, PJG, DON, EZM, MVV, IJR, IWM, JKJ, VB, DSC, PJM, DES, SAA, UWM, SCHA, IJK, IWP, VOT, EMG, PWJ, RFG, UKW, IJT, IWO, JKK, VBK, DSG, PWT, RZG, UKK, TIP

    Exchange Tickers: (nsm), (SPY), (VTI), (EFA), (VEU), (AGG), (BND), (AOM), (CIU), (BIV), (GWL), (PFA), (IVE), (IWW), (JKF), (VTV), (ELV), (PWV), (RPV), (SCHV), (EFV), (PID), (DWM), (TZD), (TZG), (TZL), (TZV), (IVV), (IYY), (IWV), (VV), (DLN), (RSP), (SCHX), (IVW), (IWZ), (JKE), (VUG), (ELG), (QQQQ), (RPG), (SCHG), (IJJ), (IWS), (JKI), (VOE), (EMV), (PWP), (RFV), (UVU), (IJH), (IWR), (JKG), (VO), (MDY), (EMM), (PJG), (DON), (EZM), (MVV), (IJR), (IWM), (JKJ), (VB), (DSC), (PJM), (DES), (SAA), (UWM), (SCHA), (IJK), (IWP), (VOT), (EMG), (PWJ), (RFG), (UKW), (IJT), (IWO), (JKK), (VBK), (DSG), (PWT), (RZG), (UKK), (TIP)

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  • MidAmerican Energy Company's 401K Plan: More Diversification Needed

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