The Long Game – 2024 Guide To Asset Class Returns

December 30, 2023 Raph Antoine

2022 reminded us that trees don’t grow to the sky. But, for equities, 2022 losses meant 2023 gains. Over the past decade, Global Equities have gained over 215% and returned 7.9% annually.

Today, it’s time to rebalance your portfolio – maybe buy some losers (I look at you – Bonds and Value Stocks), and revisit your plans for 2024 and beyond.

Tax-Free Compounding – Accumulating vs. Distributing ETFs

November 9, 2023 Raph Antoine

Compounding is a powerful wealth-creation tool. But taxes and fees can sabotage your plan.

Typically, up to 2-3% of the 7% average annual total return from Global Stocks comes in the form of dividends. But what happens to compounding if we distribute them?

Today, let’s look at how to optimise your ETF selection for the compounding magic to work without leaking too much in unnecessary taxes.

Can You Trust The Banker? How To Choose The Best S&P 500 ETF.

October 31, 2023 Raph Antoine

I was initially sceptical towards Synthetic ETFs. Back in 2009, I analysed client portfolios of CDO and CDOs-Squared – some of the most complex, and toxic, financial instruments ever assembled by Wall Street Banks. After working-out structured finance portfolios, synthetics raised my eyebrows.

Should You Invest In Gold In 2024?

October 23, 2023 Raph Antoine

Bankers are a rational bunch unless you talk to them about Football or Gold.

Gold is a controversial topic, and there are a lot of misconceptions about it and facts that may surprise you. Some investors avoid it, since it does not generate any yield. But, portfolio managers and traders, including prominent ones, allocate personal savings to Gold.

If we don’t subscribe to the doom predictions of gold bugs and take emotions out of the equation, is buying Gold a wise choice?

UCITS vs U.S. ETFs – Pros and Cons for Non-US Investors

October 17, 2023 Raph Antoine

ETF Domicile is not very glamour. And something that most new investors won’t pay attention to. While fees and index tracking frequently steal the spotlight, the domicile’s pivotal role in portfolio performance cannot be overstated.

Some of our readers from Latin America, Asia and Middle East know how to optimise their tax bill.

But here is what most investors ignore, and may pay a heavy price for it.