Canadian Couch Potato

The failed promise of market timing

Online only, 30/12/2013 / Comments (5)

To stick to an indexing strategy over a lifetime, you need to let go of the idea that you can improve it with some kind of active overlay.

Why VRE outperformed its rivals in 2013

Online only, 19/12/2013 / Comments (0)

It’s been a marvelous year for equities, but 2013 has not been kind to real estate investment trusts, except this one.

The dream of beating the market

Online only, 16/12/2013 / Comments (0)

If the evidence in favour of passive investing is so strong, why isn’t the strategy more popular?

When to buy U.S.-listed ETFs

Online only, 09/12/2013 / Comments (2)

The case for using U.S.-listed ETFs is not nearly as compelling as it used to be.

Norbert’s Gambit: The complete guide

Online only, 03/12/2013 / Comments (3)

Step-by-step instructions to perform Norbert’s Gambit at five of Canada’s bank-owned discount brokerages.

When it makes sense to pay the deferred sales charges on mutual funds

Online only, 27/11/2013 / Comments (1)

Deferred sales charges (DSCs) stink, but you’re better off paying them as oppose to selling off your mutual funds slowly.

The hidden cost of bid-ask spreads

Online only, 20/11/2013 / Comments (0)

The impact of bid-ask spreads on ETF trades may be bigger than you thought.

A touch of (corporate) class

Online only, 14/11/2013 / Comments (0)

Purpose Investments has launched the first corporate class ETFs in Canada to help reduce or defer taxes.

Worst investment ad of the year?

Online only, 11/11/2013 / Comments (0)

Here’s an ad arguing that skilled active managers can outperform their benchmark over the long term, and the “evidence” covers an absurdly short period and uses an entirely inappropriate benchmark.

Looking for value in Canadian equity ETFs

Online only, 07/11/2013 / Comments (0)

FXM’s recent performance has been outstanding, but it’s hard to know whether it will continue, since it’s not clear where returns are coming from.

How mutual funds and ETFs really get results

Online only, 04/11/2013 / Comments (0)

Fund companies will give the credit to the genius of the manager, but there’s a way you can tease out a more complete explanation: it’s called factor analysis.

Coming soon to city near you

Online only, 17/10/2013 / Comments (0)

One of the most enjoyable parts of blogging is having the opportunity to meet my readers face-to-face. I’d like to announce two appearances I will be making in the coming weeks and invite you to attend if you’re in the area.

More swap-based ETFs on the horizon

Online only, 15/10/2013 / Comments (1)

I have to admit I was skeptical when the Horizons (HXT) appeared back in September 2010. It turns out HXT has become an extremely successful fund.

More DIY investing challenges

Online only, 10/10/2013 / Comments (0)

Do-it-yourself investors often face obstacles when trying to implement their plan.

The biggest DIY investing challenges

Online only, 07/10/2013 / Comments (0)

Does it make sense to use an adviser or to invest on your own?