Search found 95 matches

by mohd
Thu Aug 17, 2023 12:03 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Re: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

I couldn't see any option to generate a statement in Revolut. I can only export transaction confirmation and receipt. Perhaps the supported version in my country is the lite version. When looking at my account (specific currency or All Accounts) I see "Add money", "Exchange", and "..." When I select "...", I see the following: Details Statements Add new account Converter I select "Statements", choose an account, select format (PDF/Excel) and start/end month, and click "Generate" Does Interactive Brokers impose any restrictions in case my funds are from Revolut and my withdrawals are to my local bank account? Both accounts are under my name Will let someone else answer your IB ques...
by mohd
Thu Aug 17, 2023 4:07 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Re: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

I always keep a copy of every wire transfer transaction from my bank and IB yearly statements stored somewhere. Make sure you generate and save Revolut statements too, for completeness (yearly may be enough as long as you remember). I was wondering how it would be in case of using a credit card to fund IB through Revolut, and if there will be any implications , since the transaction in the credit card statement shows a regular payment transaction labeled as Revolut. I don't see an issue on this specific point. My fear with Revolut, in light of the experience I shared, is primarily getting help when something goes wrong. It can happen to any of us. I couldn't see any option to generate a statement in Revolut. I can only export transaction c...
by mohd
Wed Aug 16, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Re: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

Was the issue due to inward or outward transfer? I am not planning to use it to receive or transfer any money from IB to Revolut. I only need it to transfer toward my IB account. My issue resulted from an inbound transfer to Revolut. But the take-home for me was that if/when anything goes wrong or something unexpected happens, their customer service may disappoint you, to put it mildly. Will be there any other issues, such as when some years later when I withdraw from my IB account to local bank, how much risk is there to prove that I previously did all transfers using Revolut if the local bank questioned the source of moeny? Because in case of using any local bank I can easily reference the bank statement. I would feel comfortable once IB...
by mohd
Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Re: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

is Revolut reilable? Are there any risks by using this method? I wouldn't recommend using Revolut for large money transfers. They are not great at banking and UK's regulator have them on a naughty list, mainly due to money laundering controls that were weak historically. As a result, Revolut quite often freeze accounts where they suspect nefarious activity and are not exactly quick at unfreezing them. They cancelled my partner's automated payments by mistake and she only found out when gym called her to ask why they didn’t get her payment that month. Couple of months ago somebody tried to add my Revolut card to their Apple pay. Luckily they failed but Revolut's investigation didn't give me much confidence. All they said my account was a ta...
by mohd
Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Re: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

Story time. Apologies for long post; up to you what conclusions to draw. I used Revolut for a couple years. For my specific use case, it was the lowest cost option available to me by a good margin. I did get snagged a couple times by their aggressive and non-transparent compliance processes (source of funds verification), but once I got through that, it was great. For a while. One day, I attempted to make a large inbound transfer to my Revolut account via FedWire to US account info provided by Revolut. I made a fateful mistake: it turned out the transfer amount exceeded a poorly documented limit on inbound transfers via Revolut's US banking partner. Tracking down and regaining access to my funds took >7 weeks. It was stressful. In-app supp...
by mohd
Mon Aug 14, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]
Replies: 11
Views: 4516

Using Revolut to transfer money to IB [Bahrain]

Hi This week we got support to transfer money using Revolut in Bahrain. It asks to add a Credit Card in order to do any transfer and it will be done through the ACH network. There are no fees (0 fees) and the exchange rate is somehow similar to what banks here offer. The only downside is you have to use a Credit Card. However, the credit card (NBK) I am using has a markup fees of 2% But at the same time, you get a cashback of 2% of the total transaction amount. So, technically there is no fees beside the exchange rate, which is perfect! This makes it a great option to transfer money on monthly basis. Much better and cost effective than Wire transfers. I tested it and made two tranfsers to IB and they were successful. What do you think about...
by mohd
Sun Jul 24, 2022 10:39 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How do I invest with ETFs? [Bahrain]
Replies: 9
Views: 1510

Re: How do I invest with ETFs? [Bahrain]

Great to see more people from Bahrain here

You can refer to my post from two years ago, it helped me getting started.

https://bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5389149

Also, the cheapest/best option to transfer money using SWIFT transfer on your bank account
that would cost around 10-13 BD.
I tried to find a cheaper option but unfortunately there isn't.
by mohd
Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:02 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Invest everything now or dollar cost average? [France]
Replies: 30
Views: 10431

Re: Invest everything now or dollar cost average?

I would say do what ever makes you feel comfortable and get you right into the market. When I started investing last year (exactly in 24 Aug 2020). I started with the most amount that I feel comfortable to start with, and the market was peaking in almost ATH. Shortly after that the market got down a bit and I kept buying more until I ran out of cash. Since then, I keep buying on monthly basis regardless of the price (I admit, sometimes I delay my purchases few days to buy when the market is in red, but honestly that doesn't make much difference and I should stop doing that). There are four scenarios in your case 1. You put 100% and the market keeps going up and u get the most out of ur money. 2. You put 100% and the market goes down, and yo...
by mohd
Fri Aug 13, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: First time investor and overvalued market [Europe]
Replies: 9
Views: 4192

Re: First time investor and overvalued market [Europe]

I started investing last year in August, the market was in ATH.
And since then, it's up almost 30%.

It's insane how the market is going up right now. And surely there will be a correction or even a crash, but no one knows when it will happen.
by mohd
Sun Jun 06, 2021 3:21 am
Forum: Non-US Chapters
Topic: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established
Replies: 48
Views: 20190

Re: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established

boglehooligan wrote: Sun May 23, 2021 9:54 am Hello All

Hope to see you all tomorrow at 6pm :happy

Agenda
1) Introductions and Bahrain Bogleheads overview
2) Share and discuss our investment goals
3) Bahrain GOSI Pension income
4) Our portfolio allocations
5) Best brokers for Bahrain


Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5735836794?pw ... ZGMDFzZz09

Meeting ID: 573 583 6794
Passcode: p5T4TM
:-? How did I miss this one!

Hope to see you at the next meeting guys.
by mohd
Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:48 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Purchasing stocks, investing in Indexed Funds and ETFS overseas as a South African
Replies: 2
Views: 785

Re: Purchasing stocks, investing in Indexed Funds and ETFS overseas as a South African

I suppose Irish domiciled ETFs are the way to go to avoid 30% dividend taxes imposed by the US, so that's no issue, but is estate tax something to be concerned of should anything happen to me? Is anyone in a similar situation that can recommend to me the path to take on this? I'm worried about pumping money in the wrong direction and finding out a bit too late. The estate tax is not applicable on Irlend domiciled assets. It's applicable on the "cash" that exceeds $60k in your US broker (IB) and US-domiciled assets. For example, if you hold $200K in one of Ireland's domiciled ETFs and less than $60k in cash in your broker account, then you are safe from tax estate. But if you hold more than $60k in cash in a US broker, then this $...
by mohd
Fri May 28, 2021 1:39 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: [BAHRAIN] Bank Fixed Deposit Rates
Replies: 2
Views: 1958

Re: [BAHRAIN] Bank Fixed Deposit Rates

Check this post by Ithmaar bank. They have "Mudaraba" account and these are their rates
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMjO4d7jmVV/

I never used fixed deposits accounts. I usually keep my cash in Ila bank (they give +1% interest rate)
and the rest is invested

For daily expenses, I use BisB credit card (they have nice cash back program)
and I pay the balance on monthly basis.
by mohd
Fri May 28, 2021 1:28 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Transferwise (or other EMI) to IBKR
Replies: 2
Views: 2509

Re: Transferwise (or other EMI) to IBKR

I tried to send money with Western Union and Wise (TransferWise) multiple times and both of the deposits succeeded.

You can try by sending a small amount at first. Then deposit with a larger amount
by mohd
Thu May 20, 2021 3:25 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: What service do you use to transfer money to your broker [Bahrain]
Replies: 2
Views: 2209

Re: What service do you use to transfer money to your broker [Bahrain]

Krombopulos wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 3:18 am They need to accept some form of credit card.

For 2021 you need to setup your Ila BHD account and attach a USD account to it.
Then add a mastercard to the USD account - all done online with a few clicks.
Their BHD-USD conversion rate is also fantastic compared to my bank.

This lets the broker charge your mastercard (0 fees) & you completely sidestep transfer fees.
Yea that would be really great

Unfortunately, it's not possible.

The only option I see now is to send them at once every X months
by mohd
Wed May 19, 2021 6:47 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]

boglehooligan wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 1:41 am Thanks for the update Mohd!

It would probably make sense to send funds to your broker Quarterly in chunks so that you save on transfer fees
Yes, I decided to send them every 6 months
by mohd
Tue May 18, 2021 9:22 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]

boglehooligan wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 11:59 am Yes I agree - BD17 is too high

I have been going through the ithmaar website but can’t seem to find anything about transfer fees
I opened a new bank account today with Ithmaar Bank

Unfortunately, IthmaarSEND service does not have "United States" as an option.
And when trying to send via the regular wire transfer service, it costs 13 BD
by mohd
Fri May 14, 2021 8:12 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Should I add small-cap ETF?
Replies: 12
Views: 3487

Re: Should I add small-cap ETF?

I think this is an example of a situation where "if you need to ask strangers on the Internet about it, you probably shouldn't do it." You are predictably going to find a range of opinions. None of them are crazy opinions and all of them will be supported by expert authorities and by examples of past behavior. It all comes down to the specific choice of endpoints in the time period, and belief in whether the behavior we are looking at is persistent. If you look at small-cap value since about 2004, the answer will look like "no" even if you include the recent burst of good performance. If you take the window back before 2000, to the first available small-cap value funds, circa 3/1993, shortly after Fama and French publis...
by mohd
Mon May 10, 2021 11:00 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI
Replies: 17
Views: 2691

Re: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI

I buy a developed world etf and an emerging markets etf. I amend the allocation to the proportions of FTSE All World and buy towards the start of the month. The two ETFs then move in parallel (more or less) to VWRL. Well, the spirit behind splitting EM and developed is just that. Every time you're about to make an adjustment, you check the market cap of the two assets and buy in such a way that your weights get as close as possible. This is what I would do with the 3 iShares (developed + EM + small cap). The advantages with respect to VWRL is that you pay slightly smaller fees and you have more holdings, so larger diversification. I think that with the 3 iShares you get to more than 7k holdings. Not yet the >9k of VT though, because you ha...
by mohd
Mon May 10, 2021 7:24 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI
Replies: 17
Views: 2691

Re: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI

I was in the same boat, I wasn't sure whether to choose FTSE or MSCI. I ended up choosing FTSE to get exposure to countries like China The difference between them is not really huge or (noticeable) In some years FTSE overcomes MSCI and in some years it's the opposite. Basically, you have to decide whether you want to get exposure to these countries or not in order to choose which one to hold. Take a look into this topic, it's great to help you decide https://investmentmoats.com/passive-investing-2/iwda-versus-vwra-significant-performance-differences/ Thanks. In order to compare apples with apples, we need to add iShares MSCI emerging markets to the MSCI world. Otherwise we're comparing a developed country ETF with an all world ETF. Oh I mi...
by mohd
Sun May 09, 2021 11:07 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI
Replies: 17
Views: 2691

Re: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI

I was in the same boat, I wasn't sure whether to choose FTSE or MSCI. I ended up choosing FTSE to get exposure to countries like China The difference between them is not really huge or (noticeable) In some years FTSE overcomes MSCI and in some years it's the opposite. Basically, you have to decide whether you want to get exposure to these countries or not in order to choose which one to hold. Take a look into this topic, it's great to help you decide https://investmentmoats.com/passive-investing-2/iwda-versus-vwra-significant-performance-differences/ Thanks. In order to compare apples with apples, we need to add iShares MSCI emerging markets to the MSCI world. Otherwise we're comparing a developed country ETF with an all world ETF. Oh I mi...
by mohd
Sun May 09, 2021 8:18 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI
Replies: 17
Views: 2691

Re: I can't choose between world FTSE and MSCI

I was in the same boat, I wasn't sure whether to choose FTSE or MSCI.
I ended up choosing FTSE to get exposure to countries like China

The difference between them is not really huge or (noticeable)
In some years FTSE overcomes MSCI and in some years it's the opposite.

Basically, you have to decide whether you want to get exposure to these countries or not in order to choose which one to hold.

Take a look into this topic, it's great to help you decide
https://investmentmoats.com/passive-inv ... fferences/
by mohd
Thu May 06, 2021 12:08 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Should I add small-cap ETF?
Replies: 12
Views: 3487

Should I add small-cap ETF?

The majority of my holding is VWRA. I am wondering if adding small-cap value ETF (VIOV for example) to my portfolio makes any difference or worth it?
If not, what do you suggest as an alternative?

Thanks :happy
by mohd
Thu May 06, 2021 6:25 am
Forum: Non-US Chapters
Topic: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established
Replies: 48
Views: 20190

Re: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established

We can plan it for next week, after 6-7 PM
by mohd
Sun May 02, 2021 12:07 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]

boglehooligan wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 11:59 am Yes I agree - BD17 is too high

I have been going through the ithmaar website but can’t seem to find anything about transfer fees
Check FAQ section.
https://www.ithmaarbank.com/ithmaarsend
by mohd
Sun May 02, 2021 11:44 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]

I have also sent an email to BFC https://www.bfc.com.bh/corporate/international-payments/ to check their rates and will post here once they respond. Just keeping you updated that they responded and confirmed it costs BD17 to transfer Oh that's really too much. Standard Chartered costs BD7.5 according to this link. They did not mention any correspondence banking fees https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.sc.com/bh/personal-banking/accounts-and-deposits/savings-account/en/_pdf/consumer-banking-service-price-guide.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiE3OSJuKvwAhVEQEEAHe-7DbkQFjABegQIBhAC&usg=AOvVaw3ZOgSzUMnpONW5U7UGxBE1&cshid=1619973742292 I might open an account with ithmaar to see if it really costs 3 BD
by mohd
Fri Apr 30, 2021 8:45 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]

boglehooligan wrote: Fri Apr 30, 2021 6:40 am Are there any cheaper options to transfer funds from Bahrain?

I agree with Mohd that BD13 is quite expensive to transfer funds
Meem Bank costs BD 10.5, a bit cheaper than ila bank
https://bh.meem.com/wp-content/uploads/ ... h-En-2.pdf

There is also a service by ithmaar bank called IthmaarSEND
https://www.ithmaarbank.com/ithmaarsend

I once asked them if it's possible to send money to US and how much does it cost. They told me it costs BD 3
However, I don't have an account with them to verify that. But it would be wonderful if it only costs 3 BD
by mohd
Thu Apr 29, 2021 3:17 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use? [Bahrain]
Replies: 29
Views: 6466

Re: BAHRAN | What brokerage platform do you use?

I use Interactive Brokers. Fees are $10 monthly for accounts that are under $100k. I think they are reasonable.

I am wondering if IB is licensed by CBB?
desertdirt wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 5:12 am I use IB, have a Citi bank gold account and transfer is seamless (I transfer in USD)
How much is the transfer fee and exchange rates? I am looking for a cheaper option than ila bank. I pay almost 13 BD per transfer with ila bank.
by mohd
Tue Apr 27, 2021 6:22 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: What service do you use to transfer money to your broker [Bahrain]
Replies: 2
Views: 2209

What service do you use to transfer money to your broker [Bahrain]

Hello

People in Bahrain. What do you use to transfer your money to your broker?

I used to use "ila bank" last year and it was free of charge! but recently they changed the fees
and now it costs almost 13BD per transfer to InteractiveBrokers

I am wondering if you guys use another bank or service that is cheaper

:happy
by mohd
Sun Apr 25, 2021 12:48 pm
Forum: Non-US Chapters
Topic: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established
Replies: 48
Views: 20190

Re: Bahrain - Bogleheads®

Nice to see more people from Bahrain here :happy

Count me in
by mohd
Mon Jan 04, 2021 10:31 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Interactive Brokers and Western Union
Replies: 0
Views: 636

Interactive Brokers and Western Union

Hi :happy

Did anyone try to make a deposit using Western Union?

I used to make deposits using wire transfer through my bank account and it was free until now, they introduced new charges. And cost-wise, Western Union is cheaper so I am wondering if anyone is using it to deposit his account.

Thanks!
by mohd
Sat Nov 07, 2020 10:16 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Percent of assets in a single broker
Replies: 31
Views: 4385

Re: Percent of assets in a single broker

I have 100% of my assets in IB. I didn't think about having multiple broker accounts. In fact, I don't like to manage multiple accounts.

Well, I can't say that I am 100% fearless about placing all my assets in one broker acc.. but, should I worry about that?
by mohd
Thu Oct 22, 2020 7:22 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB tiered commissions for LSE USD-denominated ETFs
Replies: 7
Views: 1307

Re: IB tiered commissions for LSE USD-denominated ETFs

I am using tiered pricing and purchase VWRA

The largest amount I purchased at a time was $10,000 and it cost me around $3 or something in commission.

It's cheaper for me than fixed pricing. I think for most of us tiered is way cheaper unless you are purchasing very large amounts at one time.
by mohd
Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:14 am
Forum: Non-US Chapters
Topic: New Bahrain Bogleheads® Local Chapter Established
Replies: 48
Views: 20190

Re: Bahrain - Bogleheads®

boglehooligan wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 11:36 am Welcome Mohammed :happy
:happy Thanks

How is investing going with u? I recently joined and started in late Aug.

Great to see some ppl from Bahrain here.
by mohd
Tue Sep 29, 2020 11:08 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested
Replies: 13
Views: 2047

Re: How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested

Thanks everyone.. a lot of useful info here :happy
by mohd
Sat Sep 26, 2020 10:21 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested
Replies: 13
Views: 2047

Re: How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested

Thanks Genghis and TedSwippet

That's totally makes sense :happy
by mohd
Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:33 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested
Replies: 13
Views: 2047

How accumulating ETF dividends are re-invested

Hi Everyone I understand the difference between the distributed and accumulating ETFs. But I am wondering how the dividends on the accumulating ETF are re-invested. Take VWRA as an example. This ETF is accumulating. There is an equivalent ETF which is VWRD and it's distributing. According to Vanguard website, the latest record date of the dividends of VWRD were in 09/25/2020 https://americas.vanguard.com/institutional/mvc/detail/etf/overview?portId=9505&assetCode=EQUITY##pricesanddistributions My understanding is, if I am investing in VWRA, and wanted to know how much dividends are re-invested is to look to the corresponding distributing version of this ETF which is VWRD. The record is 09/25/2020 and Payable date is 10/07/2020. So in 10...
by mohd
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:36 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?
Replies: 11
Views: 2838

Re: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?

Hi I am new to investing too, but here is my opinion According to Vanguard website the total assets for both VHVE and VFEA are $731.1 M and $2.1B respectively. https://americas.vanguard.com/institutional/mvc/detail/etf/overview?lang=en&portId=9678&assetCode=EQUITY##overview https://americas.vanguard.com/institutional/mvc/detail/etf/overview?portId=9675&assetCode=EQUITY##overview For new funds that are started a year ago these numbers are not really bad. The worst case scenario is, if they closed these funds you can transfer to other similar funds (it might be annoying for you to re-buy). For VFEA (TER 0.22%), you might want to consider an alternative which is EMIM with lower TER (0.18%) and has more AUM. Hi. Thank you for your ...
by mohd
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:18 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?
Replies: 11
Views: 2838

Re: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?

Hi I am new to investing too, but here is my opinion According to Vanguard website the total assets for both VHVE and VFEA are $731.1 M and $2.1B respectively. https://americas.vanguard.com/institutional/mvc/detail/etf/overview?lang=en&portId=9678&assetCode=EQUITY##overview https://americas.vanguard.com/institutional/mvc/detail/etf/overview?portId=9675&assetCode=EQUITY##overview For new funds that are started a year ago these numbers are not really bad. The worst case scenario is, if they closed these funds you can transfer to other similar funds (it might be annoying for you to re-buy). For VFEA (TER 0.22%), you might want to consider an alternative which is EMIM with lower TER (0.18%) and has more AUM. Hi. Thank you for your ...
by mohd
Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:28 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?
Replies: 11
Views: 2838

Re: VHVE/VFEA with low size risk to close in the future?

Hi

I am new to investing too, but here is my opinion

According to Vanguard website the total assets for both VHVE and VFEA are $731.1 M and $2.1B respectively.

https://americas.vanguard.com/instituti ... ##overview
https://americas.vanguard.com/instituti ... ##overview

For new funds that are started a year ago these numbers are not really bad. The worst case scenario is, if they closed these funds you can transfer to other similar funds (it might be annoying for you to re-buy).

For VFEA (TER 0.22%), you might want to consider an alternative which is EMIM with lower TER (0.18%) and has more AUM.
by mohd
Sun Sep 13, 2020 11:50 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Choose Broker [Portugal]
Replies: 3
Views: 877

Re: Choose Broker [Portugal]

Interactive Brokers has a monthly fees of $10 and it's reliable, I believe.
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 2:52 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?
Replies: 10
Views: 1404

Re: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?

wander wrote: Sat Sep 12, 2020 2:21 pm
mohd wrote: Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:11 am Can you please elaborate more on how they make sense in my portfolio? I'd like to know your opinion.
Thanks
Well, I look at investing like a basketball game. You have to play offsense and defense. Can you win by just playing offsense and let the opponents score every time? Bonds make sense to me for defense, but many people don't care, because people do have different opinions. That's my common sense.
If bonds are used to rebalance the portfolio in bear market, why not use cash instead. Especially if u can store them in ~2% yield saving acc.

Also if they are there to prevent people from selling in down times, why don't they have an emergency fund for such cases?
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:18 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: savings account instead of bonds
Replies: 25
Views: 3345

Re: savings account instead of bonds

Exactly Mohd, that's what I think. I don't hold bonds.for gains at the moment. What they yield now is so little that it's mot worth the risk, however small that may be. I keep the fixed income part of my portfolio in a savings account and the rest in equities. This way I save myself both brokerage and fund fees. The savings account is also insured in the EU. I'm happy enough this way as things stand now. Do they yield more than the high-yield saving accs in your country? My primary goal of having bonds in my portfolio is to have at least a yield more than 2%. But if they do not generate that % I'd rather keep them in a high-yield saving acc that generate this much, since they are already insured & safe in my country. Unless there is an...
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:11 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?
Replies: 10
Views: 1404

Re: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?

Brianmcg321 wrote: Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:45 am I didn’t put any bonds in my portfolio until I turned 47 this year.

At your age, if your maxing out your accounts, that essentially acts like a bond, smoothing out the ride.
It's different here in my country in case of retirement
We contribute by 6% of our income on my monthly basis to a pension fund. When you you retire you get 2 * worked years = % of your salary
So I think it's something equivalent to maxing out retirements accounts in other countries' case.
wander wrote: Sat Sep 12, 2020 8:54 am Yes, bonds make sense in any portfolio. That's my answer. But, people do have different opinions.
Can you please elaborate more on how they make sense in my portfolio? I'd like to know your opinion.
Thanks
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:13 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: savings account instead of bonds
Replies: 25
Views: 3345

Re: savings account instead of bonds

I guess you can do the same by holding saving accounts instead of bonds? From my understanding to how the bonds act in a recession is that their prices go up because interest rate fall down. And this provide you with a better buying opportunity when re-balancing. I might be wrong, please correct me if I'm. Otherwise I think what post author suggest make more since? I don't think anybody can predict what will happen with interest rate during a recession. Even more in a time where interest have never been lower. In the 2008-2009 recession interest rates fell. In the short one of this year interest rate stayed more or less the same. I think the point is more that during a recession the value of the equity part of your portfolio will fall more...
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:06 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?
Replies: 10
Views: 1404

Re: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?

Hey there This might be a newbie question (actually, yes it is) Since I started investing last month, I was reading posts from there and there to enrich my knowledge I've seen some people whether here or in other communities discussing about bonds in either two ways: 1. ditching bonds portion for young investors (in my case I'm ~29) 2. Bonds have low rates now and better to switch to high-yield saving accounts. My portfolio allocation is as follow VWRA (80%) and AGGU USD-hedged (20%) I still have some cash and planning to, since I would need them in maybe 10 years for a big purchase, but the rest are invested as stated above. So my questions are 1. Should I have bonds at this age and why? 2. Does it make sense to invest them in bonds if I ...
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 6:41 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?
Replies: 10
Views: 1404

Do bonds make sense in my portfolio?

Hey there This might be a newbie question (actually, yes it is) Since I started investing last month, I was reading posts from there and there to enrich my knowledge I've seen some people whether here or in other communities discussing about bonds in either two ways: 1. ditching bonds portion for young investors (in my case I'm ~29) 2. Bonds have low rates now and better to switch to high-yield saving accounts. My portfolio allocation is as follow VWRA (80%) and AGGU USD-hedged (20%) I still have some cash and planning to, since I would need them in maybe 10 years for a big purchase, but the rest are invested as stated above. So my questions are 1. Should I have bonds at this age and why? 2. Does it make sense to invest them in bonds if I c...
by mohd
Sat Sep 12, 2020 6:14 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: savings account instead of bonds
Replies: 25
Views: 3345

Re: savings account instead of bonds

I think one good reason to hold bonds at this time is to get buying equity opportunities If the market crashed and you have bonds, you still can sell part of it to get equity at lower price. I guess you can do the same by holding saving accounts instead of bonds? From my understanding to how the bonds act in a recession is that their prices go up because interest rate fall down. And this provide you with a better buying opportunity when re-balancing. I might be wrong, please correct me if I'm. Otherwise I think what post author suggest make more since? I don't think anybody can predict what will happen with interest rate during a recession. Even more in a time where interest have never been lower. In the 2008-2009 recession interest rates ...
by mohd
Fri Sep 11, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: savings account instead of bonds
Replies: 25
Views: 3345

Re: savings account instead of bonds

finrod_2002 wrote: Fri Sep 11, 2020 4:37 pm
mohd wrote: Fri Sep 11, 2020 2:07 pm I think one good reason to hold bonds at this time is to get buying equity opportunities

If the market crashed and you have bonds, you still can sell part of it to get equity at lower price.
I guess you can do the same by holding saving accounts instead of bonds?
From my understanding to how the bonds act in a recession is that their prices go up because interest rate fall down. And this provide you with a better buying opportunity when re-balancing. I might be wrong, please correct me if I'm.

Otherwise I think what post author suggest make more since?
by mohd
Fri Sep 11, 2020 2:07 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: savings account instead of bonds
Replies: 25
Views: 3345

Re: savings account instead of bonds

I think one good reason to hold bonds at this time is to get buying equity opportunities

If the market crashed and you have bonds, you still can sell part of it to get equity at lower price.