• The State of The Economy, Market Trends, Valuation, And Internals

    The State of The Economy, Market Trends, Valuation, And Internals

    We review the state of the economy, market trends, valuation and internals.

  • Rules of Thumb For The New Year

    Rules of Thumb For The New Year

    Start the new year with 9 sensible and useful rules of thumbs in personal finance, savings & retirement investing.

  • Best Active Bond ETFs

    Best Active Bond ETFs

    Presenting the best 7 actively managed bond ETFs. We further discuss how to utilize these excellent funds to build an outperforming bond ETF portfolio.

  • Morningstar Manager Awards

    This page tracks the historical record of the annual Morningstar Awards. Before 2019, Morningstar presented separate fund and portfolio manager awards in four categories: Domestic Stock, International Stock, Fixed Income, and Allocation/Alternative.  However, since 2019, there has been a change in award categories to include Outstanding Portfolio Manager, Exemplary Stewardship, and Rising Talent. The purpose is to keep track of outstanding managers and their funds, especially in fixed income category that will serve as candidate funds for MyPlanIQ total return bond fund portfolios listed on the Income Investor page. History of Morningstar Manager Awards 2022 Outstanding Portfolio Manager: Mary Ellen Stanek, Baird (Baird Core Bond fund manager) Exemplary Stewardship: PRIMECAP 2021 Outstanding Portfolio Manager: Joel Tillinghast, Fidelity Exemplary Stewardship: Dodge & Cox. Rising Talent: Sonali Pier, Pimco (PIMICO Diversified Income manager) 2020 Outstanding Portfolio Manager: Jerome Clark, T. Rowe Price Exemplary Stewardship: T. Rowe Price (T. Rowe Price Corporate Bond Fund has Morningstar Gold rating) Rising Talent: Mohit Mittal, Pimco 2019 Outstanding Portfolio Manager: Dan Fuss, Loomis Sayles Bond (Loomis Sayles total return bond fund) Exemplary Stewardship: The Vanguard Group Rising Talent: James Marchetti, PRIMECAP Odyssey Aggressive Growth 2017 Domestic Stock: Steven Wymer; Fidelity Growth Company International Stock: Sarah Ketterer, Harry Hartford, and team; Causeway International Value Fixed Income: Michael Collins, Robert Tipp, Richard Piccirillo, and Gregory Peters; Prudential Total Return Bond Allocation/Alternatives: David Giroux; T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation 2016 Domestic Stock: David Wallack, T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Value International Stock: David Herro, Oakmark International Fixed Income: Ford O’Neil and team, Fidelity Total Bond Allocation/Alternatives: Equity and Fixed-Income Investment Policy Committees, Dodge and Cox Balanced 2015 Domestic Stock: Keith Lee, Robert Hall, Kempton Ingersol, Damien Davis, and Andrew Fones, Brown Capital Management Small Company International Stock: Robert Lovelace and team, American Funds New Perspective Fixed Income: Jerome Schneider and team, PIMCO Short-Term Alternatives: James Troyer, Michael Roach, and James Stetler, Vanguard Market Neutral Allocation: John Keogh and Michael Reckmeyer, Vanguard Wellesley Income 2014 Domestic Stock: Theo Kolokotrones, Joel Fried, Al Mordecai, Mohsin Ansari, and James Marchetti, Primecap Odyssey Aggressive Growth, Primecap Odyssey Growth, Primecap Odyssey Stock, Vanguard Capital Opportunity, Vanguard Primecap Core, and Vanguard Primecap International Stock: Charles Pohl, Diana Strandberg, and team, Dodge and Cox International Stock Fixed Income: Ken Leech, Carl Eichstaedt, and Mark Lindbloom, Western Asset Core Bond and Western Asset Core Plus Bond Alternatives: Robert T. Jones and Ali Motamed, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Allocation: Anne Lester and team, JPMorgan SmartRetirement target-date series 2013 Domestic Stock: Dennis Lynch and team, Morgan Stanley Focus Growth, Morgan Stanley Institutional Growth, Morgan Stanley Institutional Mid Cap Growth, and Morgan Stanley Institutional Small Company Growth International Stock: David Samra and Daniel O’Keefe, Artisan International Value and Artisan Global Value Fixed Income: Daniel J. Ivascyn and Alfred T. Murata, PIMCO Income Alternatives: Brian Hurst, Yao Hua Ooi, and team, AQR Managed Futures Strategy I Allocation: Steven Romick, Mark Landecker, and Brian Selmo, FPA Crescent 2012 Domestic Stock: Bill Frels and Mark Henneman, Mairs and Power Growth International Stock: Rajiv Jain, Virtus Foreign Opportunities and Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fixed Income: Mark Kiesel, PIMCO Investment-Grade Corporate Bond Alternatives: The team of Eric Newman, Kevin Gates, Larry Eiben, Richard Gates, Chao Chen, and Yan Liu, TFS Market Neutral Allocation: David Giroux, T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation 2011 Domestic Stock: Scott Satterwhite, James Kieffer, and George Sertl, Artisan Mid Cap Value, Artisan Small Cap Value, and Artisan Value International Stock: William Browne, John Spears, Tom Shrager, and Bob Wyckoff, Tweedy, Browne Global Value Fixed Income: John Carlson, Fidelity New Markets Income 2010 Domestic Stock: Bob Goldfarb and David Poppe, Sequoia International Stock: Brent Lynn, Janus Overseas Fixed Income: Michael Hasenstab, Templeton Global Bond 2009 Domestic Stock: Bruce Berkowitz, Fairholme International Stock: The team, American Funds EuroPacific Growth A Fixed Income: The team, Loomis Sayles Bond 2008 Domestic Stock: Charlie Dreifus, Royce Special Equity International Stock: David Samra and Daniel O’Keefe, Artisan International Value Fixed Income: Bob Rodriguez and Tom Atteberry, FPA New Income 2007 Domestic Stock: Will Danoff, Fidelity Contrafund and Fidelity Advisor New Insights International Stock: Hakan Castegren and the Northern Cross Team, Harbor International Fixed Income: Bill Gross and Team, PIMCO Total Return and Harbor Bond 2006 Domestic Stock: O. Mason Hawkins and Staley Cates, Longleaf Partners Fund and Longleaf Partners Small Cap International Stock: David Herro, Oakmark International and Oakmark International Small Cap Fixed Income: Jeffrey Gundlach, TCW Total Return Bond 2005 Domestic Stock: Chris Davis and Ken Feinberg, Selected American S International Stock: Rob Lyon, Matt Pickering and Jerrold Senser, ICAP International Fixed Income: Tad Rivelle, David Lippman, Laird Landmann and Stephan Kane Metropolitan West Total Return Bond 2004 Domestic Stock: Brian Berghuis, T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth International Stock: Bryan C. Cameron, Mario C. DiPrisco, Jacob M. Gofman, John A. Gunn, Gregory R. Serrurier, Diana S. Strandberg, and Kouji Yamada, Dodge and Cox International Stock Fixed Income: Ken Leech and team, Western Asset Core Bond 2003 Domestic Stock: Howard Schow, Theo Kolokotrones, Joel Fried, Vanguard Primecap and Vanguard Capital Opportunity International Stock: Bill Fries, Thornburg International Value Fixed Income: Fidelity’s Municipal Bond Fund Team, Fidelity Spartan Municipal Income 2002 Domestic Stock: Joel Tillinghast, Fidelity Low-Priced Stock International Stock: Rudolph-Riad Younes and Richard Pell, Julius Baer International Equity Fixed Income: Management Team, Dodge and Cox Income 2001 Domestic Stock: William C. Nygren, Oakmark Select International Stock: Jean-Marie Eveillard and Charles de Vaulx, First Eagle SoGen Global Fixed Income: Robert L. Rodriguez, FPA New Income 2000 Domestic Stock: Jim Gipson, Doug Grey, Peter Quinn, Michael Sandler, and Bruce Veaco, Clipper Fund International Stock: Christopher Browne, William Browne and John Spears, Tweedy Browne Global Value Fund Fixed Income: Bill Gross, PIMCO Total Return 1999 Domestic Stock: Jim Callinan, RS Emerging Growth International Stock: Europacific Growth Team (Stephen Bepler, Martial Chaillet, Mark Denning, Alwyn Heong, Robert Lovelace, Janet McKinley and Thierry Vandeventer) Fixed Income: Jerry Paul, Invesco High-Yield 1998 Domestic Stock: Bill Miller, Legg Mason Value Trust and Legg Mason Special Investment Trust International Stock: Mark Yockey, Artisan International Fund Fixed Income: Bill Gross and team, PIMCO Total Return, PIMCO Low Duration 1997 Domestic Stock: Mario Gabelli, Gabelli Asset Fund International Stock: Helen Young Hayes, Janus Overseas and Janus Worldwide Fixed Income: David Beldt, Morgan Grenfell Fixed-Income and Morgan Grenfell Municipal Bond *1996 Domestic Stock: Shelby Davis, Davis New York Venture and Selected American Shares Closed-End: Nick Adams, First Financial International Stock: Hakan Castegren, Harbor International and Ivy International Fixed Income: Joe Deane, Smith Barney Managed Municipals and Smith Barney California Municipals *1995 Domestic Stock: Jack Laporte, T. Rowe Price New Horizons International Stock: Jack Mussey, Colonial Newport Tiger Fixed Income: Dan Fuss, Loomis Sales Bond 1994 Bob Rodriguez, FPA Capital and FPA New Income 1993 Jeff Vinik, Fidelity Magellan 1992 Bill Dutton, Skyline Special Equities 1991 Donald Yacktman, Selected American Shares 1990 Martin Whitman, Equity Strategies 1989 Tom Marsico, Janus Twenty 1988 Peter Lynch, Fidelity Magellan 1987 Jerry Palmieri, Franklin Growth See Morningstar Hall of Fame page.

  • Best Active Bond Mutual Funds

    Best Active Bond Mutual Funds

    Presenting the best 13 actively managed bond mutual funds. We further discuss how to utilize these excellent funds to build an outperforming bond portfolio.

  • Advanced Portfolios Review

    Advanced Portfolios Review

    We look at our advanced portfolios and show that in the long term, these portfolios have been able to outperform popular asset allocation portfolio, both in terms of returns and risk reduction.

  • Building a Well-Balanced Retirement Portfolio with the FOOT LOCKER 401(K) PLAN

    Building a Well-Balanced Retirement Portfolio with the FOOT LOCKER 401(K) PLAN

    Introduction Planning for retirement is a critical financial goal, and constructing a diversified asset allocation portfolio is a key component of achieving that goal. The FOOT LOCKER 401(K) PLAN offers a selection of investment options, and in this article, we’ll provide guidance on how to build a balanced portfolio covering major asset classes: U.S. stocks, International Stocks, Emerging Market Stocks, Real Estate, and Bonds. We’ll also emphasize the importance of low-cost index funds and the convenience of target date funds in your retirement planning. Furthermore, we’ll discuss the significance of regular portfolio rebalancing and annual reviews to ensure that your investments align with your financial goals. Asset Classes and Available Options

  • U.S. Stocks:
    • Fidelity Large Cap Stock (FLCSX): A large-cap growth fund that offers exposure to U.S. stocks.
    • Russell U.S. Core Equity I (REASX): This large-cap blend fund complements your U.S. stock allocation.
  • International Stocks:
    • Russell International Developed Mkts I (RINSX): This fund focuses on developed international markets, providing diversity outside the U.S.
  • Emerging Market Stocks:
    • Currently, there are no dedicated emerging market stock funds available. You can consider allocating a portion of your international stocks to emerging markets through a well-diversified international fund.
  • Real Estate:
    • While there is no specific Real Estate fund available, you can gain some exposure to this asset class through a well-diversified U.S. stock fund.
  • Bonds:
    • Russell Investment Grade Bond Y (RFAYX): An intermediate-term bond fund, suitable for your fixed-income allocation.

    • Low-Cost Index Funds Low-cost index funds are a cost-effective way to gain diversified exposure to various asset classes. Given the options available in the FOOT LOCKER 401(K) PLAN, it’s important to make the most of what’s provided. Target Date Funds Target date funds, which are often designed for specific retirement years, provide an all-in-one solution for retirement investing. You can select a fund that aligns with your expected retirement date, and it will automatically adjust the asset allocation over time, becoming more conservative as you approach retirement. Regular Review and Rebalancing Portfolio construction is only the first step. You should conduct regular portfolio reviews and annual rebalancing to ensure that your investments remain aligned with your financial objectives. Regularly assessing your portfolio’s performance and structure allows you to make necessary adjustments based on your goals and market conditions. Conclusion Constructing a diversified asset allocation portfolio within the FOOT LOCKER 401(K) PLAN is crucial to securing your financial future. By thoughtfully selecting funds covering major asset classes and considering low-cost index funds and target date funds, you can establish a well-balanced portfolio that aligns with your retirement goals. Regular portfolio reviews and annual rebalancing are essential to ensure your investments remain on track and adapt to any changes in your financial situation or the broader market. This proactive approach will contribute to a comfortable and financially secure retirement.

  • Constructing a Diversified Asset Allocation Portfolio for the Community Trust Bancorp Employee Stock Ownership Plan

    Constructing a Diversified Asset Allocation Portfolio for the Community Trust Bancorp Employee Stock Ownership Plan

    Planning for retirement is a significant financial milestone, and constructing a well-balanced retirement portfolio is essential to achieve your long-term financial goals. For employees participating in the Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), it’s crucial to make informed decisions about asset allocation and investment choices. In this article, we will discuss how to build a diversified asset allocation portfolio using the available investment options in the ESOP. Understanding Asset Classes A diversified retirement portfolio typically consists of several major asset classes, including U.S. stocks, International Stocks, Emerging Market Stocks, Real Estate, and Bonds. Let’s examine each of these asset classes and explore available investment options in the ESOP. U.S. Stocks U.S. stocks are known for their stability and potential for growth over time. For broad-based diversification in U.S. stocks, consider the following options:

  • Vanguard 500 Index Investor (VFINX): This fund is an excellent choice for exposure to large-cap U.S. stocks. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, providing diversification across top U.S. companies.
  • American Beacon Small Cp Val Inst (AVFIX): This fund focuses on small-cap U.S. value stocks, which can add diversity to your portfolio.

    • International Stocks International stocks offer exposure to global markets, which can enhance diversification. Consider:

  • Harbor International Instl (HAINX): This fund provides exposure to foreign large-cap stocks, helping spread risk across international markets.

    • Bonds Bonds offer stability and income, making them a crucial part of a diversified portfolio. For bonds, consider:

  • Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX): This fund provides broad exposure to the U.S. bond market and is an excellent choice for bond allocation.
  • Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index (VBISX): For shorter-term fixed income, this fund can be a suitable option.
  • Meridian Equity Income (MEIFX): While categorized as a Mid-Cap Value fund, it has a blend of stocks and bonds, potentially offering a balanced approach.

    • Real Estate Real estate assets can add diversification and income potential to your portfolio. Unfortunately, there are no explicit real estate funds in the available options. However, you can still get some exposure to the real estate asset class through U.S. and international stock funds. Keep in mind that you can also consider including real estate in other retirement accounts, such as IRAs. Emerging Market Stocks Emerging markets offer growth potential. However, there are no funds available in the ESOP that explicitly cover this asset class. Low-Cost Index Funds Low-cost index funds are cost-effective and efficient ways to invest. In general, for stock investments, broad-based index funds are preferred. The Vanguard 500 Index Investor (VFINX) mentioned earlier is a prime example. For bonds, total return or core bond funds, like the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX), can be solid choices. Target Date Funds For those who prefer a hassle-free approach to portfolio construction, target date funds can be an excellent solution. These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation over time as you approach your retirement date. Some popular target date funds, like Vanguard Target Date Funds or Fidelity Freedom Funds, can simplify your retirement planning. Portfolio Construction Constructing a diversified portfolio involves selecting a mix of assets that align with your risk tolerance and retirement goals. The available investment options in the ESOP provide a foundation for building a well-rounded portfolio. Here’s a simple example:

  • U.S. Stocks: Allocate a portion to Vanguard 500 Index Investor (VFINX) for broad U.S. equity exposure.
  • International Stocks: Consider Harbor International Instl (HAINX) for international diversification.
  • Bonds: Include Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX) for stability and income.

    • Remember to regularly rebalance your portfolio back to your target allocations annually and review your target allocations annually to ensure they align with your changing financial objectives. In summary, constructing a diversified asset allocation portfolio for the Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. ESOP involves careful consideration of the available investment options. By selecting the right mix of U.S. stocks, international stocks, bonds, and potentially healthcare sector funds, you can build a portfolio that aligns with your retirement objectives. Always consult with a financial advisor if you have specific questions or need personalized guidance.

  • Growth At A Reasonable Price (GARP) Stock ETFs

    Growth At A Reasonable Price (GARP) Stock ETFs

    We discuss two Growth At A Reasonable Price (GARP) ETFs: T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation ETF TCAF and Invesco S&P GARP ETF SPGP. We further show one can again do better to outperform PRWCX by utilizing the GARP ETFs and total return bond portfolios

  • Market and Economy Review

    Market and Economy Review

    We review the current economy and financial markets.

  • Maximizing Your Retirement Income: The 4% Withdrawal Rule & Retirement Withdrawal Calculator

    Maximizing Your Retirement Income: The 4% Withdrawal Rule & Retirement Withdrawal Calculator

    We review the latest data for safe retirement withdrawal strategies such as the 4% rule. We also introduce the new retirement withdrawal calculator

  • How To Fully Utilize Self-Directed IRAs For Retirement Investments

    How To Fully Utilize Self-Directed IRAs For Retirement Investments

    We claim that IRAs in a brokerage now offers better and cheaper investment choices than a typical 401(k) plan.

  • Newsletter Collection Update

    Newsletter Collection Update

    We list our recent articles and briefly overview current market conditions

  • Portfolio Calculator (Simulator) And Rolling Returns

    Portfolio Calculator (Simulator) And Rolling Returns

    We present our free Portfolio Calculator and discuss its unique feature of producing historical rolling returns for a portfolio.

  • ETFs In Asset Classes For Portfolio Construction

    ETFs In Asset Classes For Portfolio Construction

    We discuss our new ETFs in Asset Classes web page and show how these selected group of ETFs can be used for asset allocation portfolios.

  • Retirement Savings: How Much Should You Save For A Comfortable Retirement Life?

    Retirement Savings: How Much Should You Save For A Comfortable Retirement Life?

    High yield bonds, managed correctly, can be a valuable addition to boost fixed income returns.

  • High Yield Bonds Are Good Alternatives For Aggressive Fixed Income Investors

    High Yield Bonds Are Good Alternatives For Aggressive Fixed Income Investors

    High yield bonds, managed correctly, can be a valuable addition to boost fixed income returns.

  • Trends, Factors & Indicators

    Trends, Factors & Indicators

    We look at several famous lazy portfolios and discuss asset allocations and diversification effect in portfolio construction.

  • Cadence Design Systems Inc. 401k Plan Review: Constructing a Diversified Asset Allocation Portfolio

    Cadence Design Systems Inc. 401k Plan Review: Constructing a Diversified Asset Allocation Portfolio

    Cadence Design Systems 401(k) provides some good investment options in US stocks, international stocks and bonds. However, it lacks of exposure to REITs and emerging market stocks. Its fund expenses are low.

  • Lazy Portfolios Review

    Lazy Portfolios Review

    We look at several famous lazy portfolios and discuss asset allocations and diversification effect in portfolio construction.