Episode 392: Small Cap Value Indexes, Managed Futures Butterly, And A Mini-Rant On Bucketeering
Jan 8, 2025
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This discussion dives into the nitty-gritty of small cap value indexes, spotlighting the S&P 600 and its unique profitability filter. It explores how managed futures can enhance the classic Golden Butterfly portfolio, offering a fresh take on asset allocation. Additionally, the podcast unpacks the common pitfalls of bucketing strategies, suggesting that they're more psychological than practical in mitigating risks. Expect insightful debates about finding balance in portfolio strategies and the often-overlooked complexities of withdrawal rates.
32:54
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Quick takeaways
The podcast emphasizes the significance of using a balanced approach with both value and growth funds for effective diversification in portfolios.
It critiques bucket strategies, arguing they serve more as psychological tools that can impede investment performance if not managed properly.
Deep dives
Types of Investors at Risk Parity Radio
The podcast highlights two distinct groups of listeners who engage with the content. The smaller group enjoys the humorous aspects of the show, while the larger group consists of do-it-yourself investors who have successfully built substantial portfolios. These experienced investors come to the podcast to exchange ideas and gather insights that can assist them during the distribution or decumulation phases of their financial journeys. The informal atmosphere of the podcast is likened to a dive bar, creating a welcoming space for both types of listeners to connect over personal finance topics.
Equal Weight vs. Cap-Weighted ETFs
The discussion begins with an email from a listener named Kyle, who seeks clarity on the use of equal weight versus cap-weighted index ETFs within a diversified portfolio. The host emphasizes the importance of not treating an equal weight ETF as a standalone investment solution, as its factor representation can significantly vary based on its allocation in a portfolio. Instead, a balanced approach suggesting at least two funds, one focusing on value and the other on growth, is advised for diversification. The conversation also touches on the host's preferred choice of VIOV over VBR for small cap value due to its stricter profitability filter and historical performance advantages.
Critique of Bucket Strategies in Portfolio Management
A listener named James prompts a discussion about the effectiveness of bucket strategies in investment portfolios, referencing an article by Michael Kitsis. The host contends that bucket strategies do not enhance portfolio performance when periodic rebalancing is applied, labeling these methods as primarily psychological tools rather than effective investment strategies. This critique points out that focusing too much on structuring assets into buckets can often detract from the overall portfolio performance, particularly if it leads to excessive cash holdings. The conclusion stresses that the real key to successful investing lies in managing spending rather than relying on arbitrary categorizations of assets.
In this episode we answer emails from Kyle, Steve and James. We discuss the three most common small cap value indexes -- S&P 600, CRSP and Russell, modifications to the Golden Butterfly portfolio using managed futures, and the fantasies and follies of portfolio Bucketeering.
Can equal-weighted ETFs outperform their cap-weighted counterparts? Find out as we break down their impact on factor representation within diversified portfolios, focusing on strategies like the Golden Butterfly. Join me, Frank Vasquez, in our latest episode as I discuss listener questions and share insights on choosing between Invesco's RSP and traditional options like SPY or VOO. I'll also revisit my preference for the small-cap value ETF VIOV over VBR, emphasizing the advantages of the S&P 600 index's unique profitability filter. This episode is packed with knowledge to help you refine your portfolio allocation strategies, with a special focus on the role of managed futures and their influence on compound annual growth rates and drawdowns.
Shatter the myth of bucket strategies as we confront their limitations in mitigating sequence of returns risk. Drawing on Bill Bengen's studies, I argue that excessive cash allocations hinder performance more than they help. We explore the psychological allure of bucket strategies and suggest that true financial security lies in prudent spending rather than complex asset arrangements. Tune in as we offer a fresh perspective on managing your financial future, challenging conventional wisdom and emphasizing smarter, evidence-based approaches to portfolio management. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode promises valuable insights and a chance to rethink traditional investment strategies.