How to Set Up a Hands-Off ETF Portfolio
For DIY investors, asset allocation ETFs may be the greatest gift to come along in decades. It’s never been easier or cheaper to build a globally diversified portfolio that needs almost no maintenance [...]
Unveiling the 2020 Couch Potato Model Portfolios
As long-time readers will know, I review my model portfolios once a year and, if necessary, make minor changes when better or cheaper funds have been launched. I made no updates for 2018 or 2019, exce [...]
Couch Potato Portfolio Returns for 2019
The numbers are in and no one is shooting the messenger this year. If 2018 was disappointment—returns were negative even for balanced portfolios—2019 had investors popping the champagne, as every majo [...]
Couch Potato Portfolio Returns for 2018
No one can say they weren't expecting it. After a long and giddy bull market that began in 2009, we finally experienced a calendar year when even balanced portfolios delivered negative returns—somethi [...]
Model Portfolio Update for 2017
After two years with no changes to my Couch Potato model portfolios, the 2017 edition comes with an update to the ETF version. Before I get to the details, I feel compelled to stress that if you’re cu [...]
Couch Potato Portfolio Returns for 2016
If you believe the media, 2016 was an annus horribilis: some even dubbed it the worst year ever. I think there were a few years during the Great Depression or World War II that might have been worse, [...]
Are Target Date Funds Right For You?
Think about all the elements you need to be a successful index investor. First, you need to choose the right mix of stocks and bonds, and to adjust that mix as you approach retirement. Your portfolio [...]
Raining on the All Seasons Portfolio
Investors are hungry for success stories, especially tales that include high returns with low risk. And the investment industry is always happy to stoke that appetite. One of the most popular stories [...]
Couch Potato Model Portfolios for 2015
Call off the hounds: I have finally updated my model Couch Potato portfolios for 2015. Full details appear on the permanent Model Portfolios page, but here are the new versions in downloadable PDF for [...]
Couch Potato Portfolio Returns for 2014
Here are the 2014 returns for my Model Portfolios. The data below are from the funds' websites whenever available: otherwise I used Morningstar. All ETF returns are based on net asset value rather tha [...]
