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Tag: Diversification

  • If not bonds, then what? – MoneySense

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    Over the same time, equity markets have provided returns well above historical averages, which can lead people to take more risk than they normally would by reducing their bond holdings.  

    Adding to that, if you look at pre-tax historical bond returns, there have been some long stretches when returns have been really bad as you can see in the table below.

    U.S. government bond returns

    Time Period Annualized Return
    Before Inflation After Inflation
    1926–2024 4.9% 1.9%
    1926–1980 3% 0.1%
    1980–2020 9.1% 5.9%
    2020–2024 -5.8% -9.6%

    Given that historical context and the knowledge that from 1980 to 2020 we were in a decreasing interest rate environment, ideal for bonds, why would you invest in bonds today? 

    Your question reminds me of a book I read about 10 years ago, Why bother with bonds? The author, Rick Van Ness, suggests there are four reasons to consider bonds: 1. Stocks are risky, 2. Bonds make risk more palatable, 3. Bonds can be a safe bet, and 4. Bonds can be an attractive diversifier in your portfolio. I’ll walk through each of these but, as I do, consider how each of these would apply to your portfolio needs.

    1. Stocks are risky

      I am guessing you have read that equities become safer over time. That is true and false. Sure, if you invest $1 today in equities, the longer you hold it the more likely you are to enjoy positive returns. You can see this looking at the historical data. Great! But does that mean equities became safer? No!

      If you have a $100,000 portfolio and equities drop 40%, taking your portfolio to $60,000, are you feeling good that the $1 you invested 10 or 20 years ago may still have a positive return? No, you are thinking you just lost $40,000. Will it get worse, will you get your money back, and how long will it take? What if you had a million-dollar portfolio that went to $600,000? 

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      Equity markets are always at risk of dropping. What if they drop while you are drawing an income or spending money from your portfolio? The reason for holding bonds or an alternative to bonds is to protect the money you plan to spend in the short term from market declines and provide liquidity for spending needs.

      2. Bonds make risk more palatable

      Holding bonds may prevent you from buying high and selling low. Imagine you have a $1-million portfolio rapidly dropping to $600,000; what are you going to do? Buy, sell, or hold? Some people will panic and sell, which is the real threat to investment success. Volatility on its own is not a problem. It only becomes a problem when it is combined with a withdrawal.  

      What typically happens when a panic sell occurs? You wait for the right time to get back into the market, if you ever get back into the market. A scared investor doesn’t wait until things get even worse to invest so they can buy low. Instead, they wait until markets recover, things feel good, and then they buy high.   

      In this case the reason for holding bonds or an alternative to bonds is to anchor your portfolio so that it only drops to an amount you can tolerate before panic selling. Liquidity is not necessarily a requirement to make risk more palatable.  

      Have a personal finance question? Submit it here.

      3. Bonds can be a safe bet

      In its basic form, a bond is a simple interest-only loan. You lend money to a government or company and in return, they promise to pay you a rate of return. At the end of the term, they give you back your money. There are some risks with bonds, often associated with changes in interest rates, the length of the term, the strength of the originator, and the ability to buy and sell bonds. However, in general they are safer than equities at protecting your capital—capital you can use for spending. Equities are for protecting your long-term purchasing power, matching or beating the rate of inflation.

      If you are considering an alternative to bonds, ask yourself: is the investment as safe as a bond? 

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    Allan Norman, MSc, CFP, CIM

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  • What is the price of gold in Canada? And more about gold investing – MoneySense

    What is the price of gold in Canada? And more about gold investing – MoneySense

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    That, together with the fear of a stock-market correction, has prompted a lot of Canadians who never considered owning the precious metal before to wonder whether this age-old asset should be part of their portfolios. After all, Canada’s largest robo-advisor, Wealthsimple, allocates 2.5% of its clients’ accounts to gold—and 10% in its halal portfolios.

    Should it be part of yours? Or would you just be buying in at the peak? There’s no way to know, except in hindsight. There will always be “gold bugs” out there urging you to sell everything and buy gold before the world goes to pot. Their advice is best avoided.

    Here instead are some important facts around investing in gold that will help you make a better-informed decision.

    Why is gold so valued?

    Gold is used for a wide range of products—such as jewellery, dental fillings and electronics—but most of it is simply stored in vaults, in the form of gold bars. Like money itself or cryptocurrency, gold is valuable because people have decided it is. But unlike the other two, it’s immune to manipulation.

    As of mid-October, all the refined gold in the world, an estimated 212,582 tonnes, was worth a staggering USD$18.3 trillion. Mines around the world poured another 1,788 tonnes in the first half of 2024. So, the supply of gold is increasing, but slowly. And there’s little anyone can do to change that.

    Why do investors buy gold in Canada?

    As an investment, gold is classified as a commodity. That is, it’s a standardized and graded substance that trades globally. But unlike, say, soybeans or Brent crude oil, you can store a meaningful amount of gold in your jewellery drawer or safe deposit box. It’s also uniquely non-perishable; part of its appeal in ancient times was the fact it didn’t corrode like other metals. So, you can hold it indefinitely.

    If you own gold as an investment, it won’t generate any income; it’ll just go up and down in value according to supply and demand. Over the very long term, its price tends to track the rate of inflation.

    Most importantly, gold has a history as a store of value and unit of exchange. Many central banks still hold it to help stabilize their currencies. In developing countries like India and China, many people consider it more trustworthy than paper or electronic money. This is why it continues to hold a privileged place in investment portfolios.

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    Michael McCullough

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  • Private equity, private debt and more alternative investments: Should you invest? – MoneySense

    Private equity, private debt and more alternative investments: Should you invest? – MoneySense

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    What are private investments?

    “Private investments” is a catch-all term referring to financial assets that do not trade on public stock, bond or derivatives markets. They include private equity, private debt, private real estate pools, venture capital, infrastructure and alternative strategies (a.k.a. hedge funds). Until recently, you had to be an accredited investor, with a certain net worth and income level, for an asset manager or third-party advisor to sell you private investments. For their part, private asset managers typically demanded minimum investments and lock-in periods that deterred all but the rich. But a 2019 rule change that permitted “liquid alternative” mutual funds and other innovations in Canada made private investments accessible to a wider spectrum of investors.

    Why are people talking about private assets?

    The number of investors and the money they have to invest has increased over the years, but the size of the public markets has not kept pace. The number of operating companies (not including exchange-traded funds, or ETFs) trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange actually declined to 712 at the end of 2023 from around 1,200 at the turn of the millennium. The same phenomenon has been noted in most developed markets. U.S. listings have fallen from 8,000 in the late 1990s to approximately 4,300 today. Logically that would make the price of public securities go up, which may have happened. But something else did, too.

    Beginning 30 years ago, big institutional investors such as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and university endowments started allocating money to private investments instead. On the other side of the table, all manner of investment companies sprang up to package and sell private investments—for example, private equity firms that specialize in buying companies from their founders or on the public markets, making them more profitable, then selling them seven or 10 years later for double or triple the price. The flow of money into private equity has grown 10 times over since the global financial crisis of 2008.

    In the past, companies that needed more capital to grow often had to go public; now, they have the option of staying private, backed by private investors. Many prefer to do so, to avoid the cumbersome and expensive reporting requirements of public companies and the pressure to please shareholders quarter after quarter. So, public companies represent a smaller share of the economy than in the past.

    Raising the urgency, stocks and bonds have become more positively correlated in recent years; in an almost unprecedented event, both asset classes fell in tandem in 2022. Not just pension funds but small investors, too, now worry that they must get exposure to private markets or be left behind.

    What can private investments add to my portfolio?

    There are two main reasons why investors might want private investments in their portfolio:

    • Diversification benefits: Private investments are considered a different asset class than publicly traded securities. Private investments’ returns are not strongly correlated to either the stock or bond market. As such, they help diversify a portfolio and smooth out its ups and downs.
    • Superior returns: According to Bain & Company, private equity has outperformed public equity over each of the past three decades. But findings like this are debatable, not just because Bain itself is a private equity firm but because there are no broad indices measuring the performance of private assets—the evidence is little more than anecdotal—and their track record is short. Some academic studies have concluded that part or all of private investments’ perceived superior performance can be attributed to long holding periods, which is a proven strategy in almost any asset class. Because of their illiquidity, investors must hold them for seven years or more (depending on the investment type).

    What are the drawbacks of private investments?

    Though the barriers to private asset investing have come down somewhat, investors still have to contend with:

    • lliquidity: Traditional private investment funds require a minimum investment period, typically seven to 12 years. Even “evergreen” funds that keep reinvesting (rather than winding down after 10 to 15 years) have restrictions around redemptions, such as how often you can redeem and how much notice you must give.
    • Less regulatory oversight: Private funds are exempt from many of the disclosure requirements of public securities. Having name-brand asset managers can provide some reassurance, but they often charge the highest fees.
    • Short track records: Relatively new asset types—such as private mortgages and private corporate loans—have a limited history and small sample sizes, making due diligence harder compared to researching the stock and bond markets.
    • May not qualify for registered accounts: You can’t hold some kinds of private company shares or general partnership units in a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), for example.
    • High management fees: Another reason why private investments are proliferating: as discount brokerages, indexing and ETFs drive down costs in traditional asset classes, private investments represent a market where the investment industry can still make fat fees. The hedge fund standard is “two and 20”—a management fee of 2% of assets per year plus 20% of gains over a certain threshold. Even their “liquid alt” cousins in Canada charge 1.25% for management and a 15.7% performance fee on average. Asset managers thus have an interest in packaging and promoting more private asset offerings.

    How can retail investors buy private investments?

    To invest in private investment funds the conventional way, you still have to be an accredited investor—which in Canada means having $1 million in financial assets (minus liabilities), $5 million in total net worth or $200,000 in pre-tax income in each of the past two years ($300,000 for a couple). But for investors of lesser means, there is a growing array of workarounds:

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    Michael McCullough

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  • “Help! My RRSPs are all over the place” – MoneySense

    “Help! My RRSPs are all over the place” – MoneySense

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    On the other hand, if you aren’t happy with any of these options, do some research, says Ulmer. “Talk to people who you think are financially savvy and ask them for referrals. Then consult with three different advisors to see what’s the best fit for you.”

    Approach the provider you want to transfer to—not from

    Thankfully, you don’t have to have a big meeting or emotional “break-up” conversation to initiate an RRSP transfer. Instead, contact the provider you want to transfer the funds to with the request to move over the specified accounts. They will need the names of the financial institutions where you have your other RRSPs and the account numbers to fill out the appropriate form (CRA T2033, Transfer Authorization for Registered Investments), which they will send to you to sign and return. Some providers even handle all of this online. “They’re in the business of increasing assets under management, so they want to make it easy to transfer your money to them,” says Trahair.

    Opt for “in kind” transfers, where possible

    The provider you’re going with will ask you if you want to move the assets over “in cash” (which means all your investment holdings will be sold before they are transferred) or “in kind” (which means all your investments go over exactly as is). Both Trahair and Ulmer say to transfer your investments in kind, so long as the receiving institution can hold those investments. (Some proprietary mutual funds, for example, may not be available to other providers.)

    There are a couple of reasons why experts prefer in-kind over in-cash transfers. First, the timing may not be in your favour. If, for example, you happen to liquidate your investments right after a downturn, that money could be out of the market for a few weeks before it gets transferred and reinvested and you could miss the market rebound. In other words, you could end up breaking the first rule of investing by selling low and buying high. Second, selling your investments could trigger “back-end” fees, as explained below.

    Be aware of possible deferred sales charges for “in cash” transfers

    Some investment funds incur deferred sales charges (DSC) if you sell them within a specified number of years (typically seven) from the date of purchase. Those fees can be quite hefty and really add up, so you’ll want to avoid them if at all possible. Find out if you have any DSC funds and, if so, what the redemption schedule is. If you’re beyond that period, you can sell your holdings with no strings attached. If not, you can sell up to 10% of the fund every year without paying the fee, says Trahair. 

    “An advisor should think to check for deferred sales charges when you transfer investments to them,” says Ulmer. Otherwise, it’s a red flag that they’re failing to protect clients from unnecessary fees.

    DSCs will be less of a concern in the future—Canadian regulators banned the sale of mutual funds with DSCs on June 1, 2022. However, the redemption schedules for any existing DSC mutual funds still apply.

    Ask about account closing fees

    Although there shouldn’t be any fees to transfer your RRSPs, you might need to pay $50 to $100 to close each old account. Make sure to ask the receiving institution if it will cover all or part of those fees. It may be willing to do so to gain your additional business.

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    Tamar Satov

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  • How to buy Fidelity ETFs in Canada – MoneySense

    How to buy Fidelity ETFs in Canada – MoneySense

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    ETFs may have lower management fees than comparable mutual funds. And, with such a wide variety of ETFs with different asset allocations to choose from—including funds that combine equities with fixed income and even cryptocurrency—there are ETFs for a range of investors, from conservative to aggressive. You can choose ETFs that try to replicate an entire stock index, such as the S&P 500, or focus on a specific sector or geographical region. Most ETFs are passively managed, but a growing number of funds are actively managed.

    Plus, you can hold ETFs in both non-registered and registered investment accounts. Examples of registered accounts include the registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), tax-free savings account (TFSA) and first home savings account (FHSA).

    Investing in Fidelity ETFs

    In Canada, Fidelity Investments offers a variety of ETFs for investors with different investment objectives, time horizons and tolerance for risk. Investors can consider ETFs in the following categories:

    • Equity ETFs invest in stocks across a broad range of sectors, market capitalizations and geographies.
    • Fixed income ETFs invest in bonds and can be used to generate income, with the potential for capital preservation. 
    • Balanced or multi-asset ETFs invest across asset classes, including stocks and bonds.
    • A sustainable ETF that invests in companies with favourable environmental, social and governance characteristics.
    • Digital asset ETFs have direct exposure to cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin and ether.

    Fidelity ETFs are available through financial advisors and online brokerages. Learn more about Fidelity ETFs.

    Learn more about ETFs

    On this page, we’ll share articles to help you learn about and evaluate ETFs for your investment portfolio. Check back often for more insights.

    • How many ETFs can Canadian investors own?
      ETFs offer Canadian investors an appealing combination of convenience, diversification and low fees. But how many ETFs should you own, and which ones?
    • What investments can I put in my TFSA?
      The TFSA contribution limit for 2024 was recently announced. TFSAs can hold more than just cash. Get to know your TFSA investment options, including some Fidelity All-in-One ETFs that offer portfolio diversification.

    Know your investing terms

    Brush up on investing basics with helpful definitions from the MoneySense Glossary.

    This article is sponsored.

    This is a paid post that is informative but also may feature a client’s product or service. These posts are written, edited and produced by MoneySense with assigned freelancers and approved by the client.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, brokerage fees and expenses may be associated with investments in mutual funds and ETFs. Please read the mutual funds or ETF’s prospectus, which contains detailed investment information, before investing. Mutual funds and ETFs are not guaranteed. Their values change frequently, and investors may experience a gain or a loss. Past performance may not be repeated.

    The statements contained herein are based on information believed to be reliable and are provided for information purposes only. Where such information is based in whole or in part on information provided by third parties, we cannot guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current at all times. It does not provide investment, tax or legal advice, and is not an offer or solicitation to buy. Graphs and charts are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or returns on investment of any fund or portfolio. Particular investment strategies should be evaluated according to an investor’s investment objectives and tolerance for risk. Fidelity Investments Canada ULC and its affiliates and related entities are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information or for any loss or damage suffered.

    Portions © 2023 Fidelity Investments Canada ULC. All rights reserved. Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of Fidelity Investments Canada ULC.

    The presenter is not registered with any securities commission and therefore cannot provide advice regarding securities.




    About Jaclyn Law

    Jaclyn Law is MoneySense’s managing editor. She has worked in Canadian media for over 20 years, including editor roles at Chatelaine and Abilities and freelancing for The Globe and Mail, Report on Business, Profit, Reader’s Digest and more. She completed the Canadian Securities Course in 2022.

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    Jaclyn Law

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  • How to Diversify Income Streams for Long-Term Financial Growth | Entrepreneur

    How to Diversify Income Streams for Long-Term Financial Growth | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The financial landscape is fickle. The age-old adage “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” has taken on renewed significance, driving individuals and businesses alike to explore the strategy of diversifying income streams as a potent means to achieve lasting financial prosperity.

    For entrepreneurs, diversifying streams of income is crucial. Doing so enhances financial stability, mitigates risks and unlocks the potential for sustained growth. Relying solely on a single source of revenue exposes entrepreneurs to significant vulnerabilities — market fluctuations, changing consumer preferences and unexpected disruptions can all jeopardize your business’s viability. By diversifying income streams, you can reduce their reliance on any one source, spreading risk and ensuring a steadier cash flow even in uncertain times.

    Moreover, this approach fosters adaptability and innovation as you explore new avenues, products or services, potentially tapping into previously untapped markets. With numerous streams of income, entrepreneurs not only fortify their financial foundation but also create a dynamic ecosystem that positions them for resilience and prosperity in the long run.

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    Jonathan Herrick

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  • Control and Diversification: New Study from PolyU and UG Uncovers Corporate Strategies Amidst Rising Geopolitical Risk – World News Report – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Control and Diversification: New Study from PolyU and UG Uncovers Corporate Strategies Amidst Rising Geopolitical Risk – World News Report – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    HONG KONG, CHINA, August 6, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — In a world where escalating geopolitical uncertainty significantly challenges global supply chains, a recent study from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Groningen (UG) offers critical insights into how businesses navigate political risks. The research provides an in-depth exploration of the outsourcing and diversification strategies businesses employ when confronted with mounting political risks.

    This study draws from a unique dataset of US-listed manufacturers and maps the data against the backdrop of an evolving geopolitical landscape. The findings reveal that firms perceiving a higher level of political risk are more likely to adopt vertical integration and product diversification strategies.

    Dr. Di Fan, the lead researcher of the study from PolyU, explains, “Our research offers significant insights into how businesses respond to firm-specific political risk. Amid these turbulent times, the strategic choices businesses make can determine their survival and growth. We discovered that in the face of political risk, firms are more inclined to exert control over their supply chains through vertical integration. This control provides firms with the responsiveness required to mitigate the impacts of adverse geopolitical events and supply disruptions.”

    Interestingly, while the study found that increased political risk prompts firms to pursue greater…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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    MMP News Author

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  • The Dark Side of ChatGPT: Employees & Businesses Need to Prepare Now

    The Dark Side of ChatGPT: Employees & Businesses Need to Prepare Now

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    The Dark Side of ChatGPT: Employees & Businesses Need to Prepare Now

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    Ben Angel

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