Search found 2643 matches

by galeno
Tue Sep 19, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: High COL in Costa Rica
Replies: 3
Views: 3011

High COL in Costa Rica

It's tough for USD denominated citizens / residents in Costa Rica.

The buy price for the USD at my bank is 525.5 CRC. This is a 25% decline from its peak last year of 700 CRC.

At the same time the DXY is 105.1.

Why? 4 reasons.
1. Record levels of tourism
2. Increased exports especially medical technology.
3. Eurobonds that have lowered CR's cost of money
4. Higher real interest rates on CRC CDs vs USD CDs.
by galeno
Sat Jul 22, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: NRA [Non-Resident Alien] cannot hold assets other than mutual funds?
Replies: 10
Views: 2963

Re: NRA cannot hold assets other than mutual funds?

We are NRA investors. We became Bogleheads in 2006. Before that our equity portfolio consisted of 12 to 16 individual stocks. We used Schwab International.
by galeno
Wed Jun 07, 2023 11:35 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR blocked in Colombia
Replies: 5
Views: 2131

Re: IBKR blocked in Colombia

The problem with ONE corporate bank account is what do you do when the bank blocks your access for some bureaucratic reason? It can cause much discomfort, stress, and anger.

This nonsense happens to us too often with our personal Costa Rican account and used to happen to us a lot with our Panamanian corporate account.

IBKR allows you access to THREE bank accounts. I suggest you take advantage.

SharpNine wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2023 6:50 am
galeno wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 1:59 pm My suggestion is to open an IBC in the BVI with 3 different corp bank accounts in the BVI
Thanks for the tip. Why would I need 3 corp bank accounts? Wouldn't a single one suffice?
by galeno
Thu May 25, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: De-dollarization [Other countries reducing reliance on US dollar]
Replies: 38
Views: 4980

Re: De-dollarization

That's exactly what I did! But instead of a hike I played pickleball for the first time. I think pickleball is going to be my new sport. I love it.

My wife pointed out that every spring (here it means the start of the rainy season) I start getting pessimistic and nervous about my country and the world in general and feel I need to speculate.

Question. Did your friends make any comments about how they found CR to be extremely expensive?

happyisland wrote: Wed May 24, 2023 3:52 pm Galeno, it sounds like you need to read your own signature line and go for a hike. Friends just got back from a wedding in San Jose and they raved about how beautiful the mountain forest was.
by galeno
Tue May 23, 2023 11:21 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: De-dollarization [Other countries reducing reliance on US dollar]
Replies: 38
Views: 4980

Re: De-dollarization

The below is reassuring. Living in a EM country almost my entire life I'm used to our currency crashing quickly. I thought the UK suffered greatly when the GBP stopped being the reserve currency. When our currency crashed in the early 1980s our economy shrunk by 10%. We had 90% inflation. Those were hard times for us. We had another very nasty currency crash in 2014. But we were fine because we were already retired and living off a 4% AWR of a stock and bond portfolio mostly based on USDs. Over the last 6 months our currency has gone up 30% vs the USD. Again times are tough. <It's important to realize that reserve status is something that, historically, has been gained or lost over a long time horizon. It's unlikely that the world would wak...
by galeno
Tue May 23, 2023 11:00 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: De-dollarization [Other countries reducing reliance on US dollar]
Replies: 38
Views: 4980

Re: De-dollarization

Great questions. My worry is going broke because of de-dollarization.. My other worry is WW3.

No problem will be solved by increasing our allocation of EM stocks and bonds.

I need to stop worrying about the above.
asset_chaos wrote: Tue May 23, 2023 9:37 pm What specifically is the worry? What problem will be solved by overweighting emerging market stocks and bonds?
by galeno
Tue May 23, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: De-dollarization [Other countries reducing reliance on US dollar]
Replies: 38
Views: 4980

De-dollarization [Other countries reducing reliance on US dollar]

I'm worried about de-dollarization. Our port is 50% VWRD + 50% AGGG.

The only thing I can think of doing as a Boglehead is to sell 10 to 20% of our VWRD and put the procedes into VDEM. Maybe do the same with AGGG. Sell 10 to 20% and put it into one of these:

https://www.blackrock.com/americas-offs ... fmkt=43524

Any thoughts?
by galeno
Thu May 18, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: [UK] How do Bogleheads feel about offshore investment bonds?
Replies: 6
Views: 1196

Re: [UK] How do Bogleheads feel about offshore investment bonds?

Our only bond holding is AGGG. We see no need for any other.
by galeno
Wed May 17, 2023 1:59 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR blocked in Colombia
Replies: 5
Views: 2131

Re: IBKR blocked in Colombia

My suggestion is to open an IBC in the BVI with 3 different corp bank accounts in the BVI

Then open a corporate account at IBKR.
by galeno
Sat Apr 08, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: PEs of my Favorite Equity UCITS ETFs
Replies: 4
Views: 1421

Re: PEs of my Favorite Equity UCITS ETFs

VUSA = 18.0
VWRD = 15.3
WSML = 12.3
VDEM = 11.5
by galeno
Sat Apr 08, 2023 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 mil portfolio can withdraw 3% perpetually/safely?
Replies: 59
Views: 7933

Re: 1 mil portfolio can withdraw 3% perpetually/safely?

I'd say yes. Then I look at the Doomsday Clock. So the correct answer is maybe.
by galeno
Thu Mar 30, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Fixed income portfolio allocation
Replies: 8
Views: 1889

Re: Fixed income portfolio allocation

1.IUAG = aggregate US bonds. like BND

https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/etf/sn ... 0P0000UCAN

Or

2. AGGG = aggregate world bonds. like BNDW

https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/etf/sn ... 0P0001C9YH
by galeno
Sun Mar 19, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

We just went direct with IBKR. It works fine without the associated costs of maintaining an SA (IBC).

But due to the success of @pertheri. We may try BVI again.
robw8 wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:06 am hey @galeno,

I'm wondering if you could update us on how this is going for you. I'm embarking in the same process as you. We have a Panama SA and literally yesterday I found out IBKR does not accept Panama entities.

Have you come to a resolution? did BVI work? what are you using currently if not IBKR?

Best

Rob
by galeno
Sun Mar 19, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

The patience of Job!
pertheri wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:11 pm Quick update, I managed to open the account and sent some funds successfully. You just need a lot of patience.
by galeno
Mon Mar 13, 2023 3:11 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: PEs of my Favorite Equity UCITS ETFs
Replies: 4
Views: 1421

PEs of my Favorite Equity UCITS ETFs

VUSA = 18.4
VWRD = 15.5
WSML = 13.1
VDEM = 11.8
by galeno
Wed Mar 08, 2023 10:07 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How to get started for NON-US Investing? [COSTA RICA]
Replies: 12
Views: 5329

Re: How to get started for NON-US Investing? [COSTA RICA]

FDIC US bank accounts and CDs do not count in the $60k limit.

Neither do directly owned US Treasuries (bills, notes, or bonds).

I do NOT know if directly owned US coprorate bonds are considered "US assets".
by galeno
Tue Mar 07, 2023 7:02 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: How to get started for NON-US Investing? [COSTA RICA]
Replies: 12
Views: 5329

Re: How to get started for NON-US Investing? [COSTA RICA]

My wife are sophisticated retired Costa Rican non-USA investors since the mid-1980s. We use IBKR and hold a simple 2 fund simple port of 54% VWRD + 44% AGGG + 2% CASH.

I agree 100% with @bojackHorseman.
by galeno
Tue Mar 07, 2023 6:52 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: UK Investor not comfortable with 60% US (USD) in Global Allocation
Replies: 19
Views: 2489

Re: UK Investor not comfortable with 60% US (USD) in Global Allocation

100% of our equity exposure is in VWRD. Ocassionally I get tempted to sell 20% and put 10% into WSML and 10% into VDEM.

Then I read my signature.
by galeno
Thu Feb 23, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

I believe my friend has a direct contact. I'll DM him. And then DM you.
pertheri wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 2:30 pm Hey folks, I applied to IBKR and they rejected my application even before getting the initial deposit without any explanations. Did you go through something similar when trying to apply for a corporate account? Does anyone here have a direct contact in IBKR?
by galeno
Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:42 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ireland UCITS ETF citizenship declaration?
Replies: 3
Views: 1157

Re: Ireland UCITS ETF citizenship declaration?

We pay DWT on dividend income from equities. Interest income from FI assets comes thru tax free.

15.0% on US equities
09.8% on non-US developed
11.2% on EM

The All World Equity Index: VWRx ~ 60% USA + 30% non US developed + 10% EM
by galeno
Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: US Treasuries - EUR Hedged
Replies: 4
Views: 1189

Re: US Treasuries - EUR Hedged

As passive, low cost index investors, Bogleheads discourage speculation. Why not EUR- hedged world bonds (Vanguard or Blackrock / Ishares)? They are a very popular choice for non-USA domiciled Bogleheads.
by galeno
Sat Feb 04, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Does fund size matter?
Replies: 13
Views: 2135

Re: Does fund size matter?

Agree 100%. Fund size matters for actively traded funds in the sense that the successful ones would find it harder and harder to find better opportunities for higher returns. For index funds, a larger size should be an advantage on a few levels, provided they are well run: - Should have lower costs and hence should offer lower expense ratios. - More staying power The primary criteria I am using when selecting a fund (and I assume index tracking ETFs here), in somewhat priority order: - expense ratio (the lower the better) - how close it it tracking the index - tenure of the manager (the longer the better) - time since inception (the longer the better) In general, I would assume most of these correlate positively with the size of the fund
by galeno
Sat Feb 04, 2023 9:12 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Burnout/downshifting/asset allocation/Finland
Replies: 33
Views: 7126

Re: Burnout/downshifting/asset allocation/Finland

A close family member or friend's stroke SHOULD make one stop and think.

Stress, discontent, and consequent poor sleep will kill you faster than smoking 3 packs of cigarrettes per day.

Fate is telling you to take your foot off the gas pedal. Smell the roses.
by galeno
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:11 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries
Replies: 16
Views: 3775

Re: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries

Hopefully the OP would know for sure. Several months ago I looked at Ireland Vanguard and iShares UCITS ETFs from a Mexican investor's POV. They have enough selection for me.
brrio wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:04 am If I am not wrong some Ireland domiciled UCITS ETFs like VWRA are listed in Mexico Stock Exchange. So the OP could buy them direct from a local exchange.
by galeno
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: My portfolio: seeking advice
Replies: 12
Views: 2105

Re: My portfolio: seeking advice

The cost of hedging these large funds is so negligable that it's safe to just ignore it.

We use unhedged AGGG because it's a distributing fund. AFAIK all the hedged funds, e.g. VAGU & AGGU, are accumulating funds.
by galeno
Tue Jan 31, 2023 4:14 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries
Replies: 16
Views: 3775

Re: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries

Correct. Using an LATAM IBC other than from Mexico with Schwab Internatinal would nullify the Mexico USA treaty advantages.

The OP should just go direct with IBKR and buy Ireland domiciled UCITS ETFs like the rest of us plebes in LATAM. Too bad about having to "waste" that really nice tax treaty.

TedSwippet wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 2:43 am
galeno wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:02 am The OP should consider using a LATAM IBC (SA) and opening a corp account at Schwab International and buying USA domiciled ETFs.
Using a corporation should remove US estate tax risks, but wouldn't that also lose cover from the US/Mexico income tax treaty, meaning 30% US rather than 10% US on dividends from these ETFs? If yes, that would more than undo any benefit from slightly lower TERs on US domiciled ETFs.
by galeno
Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:02 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries
Replies: 16
Views: 3775

Re: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries

IBKR will not accept any corp accounts that use IBCs (SAs) from any LATAM country. Schwab International will however. The OP should consider using a LATAM IBC (SA) and opening a corp account at Schwab International and buying USA domiciled ETFs. It would be cheaper and "better" than going direct with IBKR and buying Ireland domiciled UCITS ETFs. Mexico has a USA treaty for withholding and (I believe) inheritance taxes. If that's the case then the OP could use any US domiciled ETF instead of the Ireland domiciled UCITS ETFs. ... Mexico has a better than average income tax treaty with the US; a 10% US dividend withholding tax rate, compared to the 15% found in most treaties. However, Mexico does not have any US estate tax treaty .
by galeno
Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:55 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries
Replies: 16
Views: 3775

Re: IBKR - Regulatory Protection from outside developed countries

As Costa Rican citizens we go direct with USA IBKR. I believe that's the case with all LATAM.

Mexico has a USA treaty for withholding and (I believe) inheritance taxes. If that's the case then the OP could use any US domiciled ETF instead of the Ireland domiciled UCITS ETFs.

So instead of 50% VWRD + 50% AGGG it would be 50% VTI + 50% VAGU.
by galeno
Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: My portfolio: seeking advice
Replies: 12
Views: 2105

Re: My portfolio: seeking advice

We use 100% AGGG as our only bond fund. We like that it is larger, distributing, and unhedged.

When paired with 50% VWRD our port has 60% US equities and 40% USD bonds. So 50% USD and 50% non-USD.
by galeno
Fri Jan 27, 2023 4:41 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

$2750. That's not bad at all. Our attorney in Panama charged us $2100 per year. $300 per year for 3 directors and $1200 for the annual corporation and his fee.
pertheri wrote: Thu Jan 26, 2023 5:08 pm Yes. Something around $2750. I'm using a director service, which increases the cost by $1500. Without it, it would be something like $1250.
by galeno
Thu Jan 26, 2023 2:18 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

Hang tough. Do you know what your annual costs will be to maintain the BVI IBC?
by galeno
Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:30 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

It's very important to keep the annual maintenence costs in mind. For our port we pay ER = 0.16%. DWT = 0.17%. Add the old Panamanian SA annual maintenence cost = 0.08%.

Try to keep it under 0.10%.
by galeno
Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do medium term bond ETFs make sense with current yield curves?
Replies: 5
Views: 1100

Re: Do medium term bond ETFs make sense with current yield curves?

We're retired on a 2 fund port 50% VWRD + 50% AGGU. The below is my UCITS ETF universe. I ignore everything else.

My bond UCITS ETFs.

100% USA bonds
SUAG
VDTY
VDCP
IDTP

World bonds
AGGG
VAGU

My stock UCITS ETFs.

VWRD
WSML
VDEM
VUSA
by galeno
Thu Jan 26, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Question for Thailand Bogleheads
Replies: 15
Views: 5473

Re: Question for Thailand Bogleheads

I corrected 2 things about the withholding tax.

Ireland Domiciled ETFs:
• No estate taxes and no capital gains tax
• Higher expense ratios than US domiciled ETFs
• 15% withholding tax on DIVIDEND income. Not interest income. 15% if you hold SP500 (VUSA). If you hold FTSE all World Index (VWRD) your DWT ~ 12.5%. For 60% USA stocks = 15%. For 30% non USA developed world = 9.6%. For 10% EM = 11.2%.

US Domiciled ETFs:
• No capital gains tax
• Very high estate taxes if investing above 60K
• Lower expense ratios
• 15% withholding tax on interest AND dividend income. 30% if your country does not have a treaty with the USA.
by galeno
Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do medium term bond ETFs make sense with current yield curves?
Replies: 5
Views: 1100

Re: Do medium term bond ETFs make sense with current yield curves?

Yes. Medium term aggregate bonds are still the first choice of most Bogleheads.

Try not to overthink this.
by galeno
Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:05 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

Don't forget the corporate bank accounts. IBKR allows 3. I suggest you have 3 bank accounts at different banks.
pertheri wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 3:01 pm Here's my timeline so far:

1. Talked with lawyers to look at my specific situation and jurisdiction: $5k
2. Corp incorporation + directors service = $3600
3. Documents and signatures to open bank account and IBKR account = $1450

In my case physical documents need to be sent around, so everything adds up.
by galeno
Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

We gave up after about $2500. We felt we were getting ripped off and ran around. Didn't want to chase bad money with good money.
pertheri wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 1:43 pm I hope it does too! I've spent close to $10K now in this whole process so I really hope it goes through.
by galeno
Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24422

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]

I'm waiting to see if you have success with the BVI IBC and the corporate account with IBKR.

There are 4 Costa Ricans rooting for your success. So we can do the same.
pertheri wrote: Sat Jan 21, 2023 5:31 pm I’m going through this process with a BVI company.

I’m waiting for the bank to approve the account and then I’ll apply to IBKR.

I’ll report back once I have more concrete results.
by galeno
Sun Jan 22, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: MSCI EM excluding China
Replies: 20
Views: 2741

Re: MSCI EM excluding China

Why?

VWRD PE = 14.3
WSML PE = 11.8
VDEM PE = 11.2

We only hold VWRD. But very tempted to sell 20% and put the half the proceeds into developed world SCs and the other half into EM.

tradez wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:16 am I don't buy the argument of "What do you know that the market doesn't know about China? It's already priced in". I could argue the same with people that choose to add an EM ETF to their VWRP or IWDA market portfolio. What do they know about the market that means they want to add even more weight to emerging markets, or small caps etc.
by galeno
Sat Jan 14, 2023 4:30 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

I broke my back on May 29. Surfing. I'm thinking Pickleball.
happyisland wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 1:29 pm Galeno, you need a hobby. Can I recommend surfing? Your home country has a ton of world-class breaks that will keep your mind from wandering from potential ways to undermine your own financial best interests...
by galeno
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:44 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Do I take risks by being invested heavily in VWCE? (Please advise!)
Replies: 6
Views: 1805

Re: Do I take risks by being invested heavily in VWCE? (Please advise!)

Oh hell. I was happier not knowing this.
TedSwippet wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 11:13 am Potentially relevant recent thread:

Vanguard going bust and FCA £85K cover - Bogleheads.org
by galeno
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

My plan would be to sell it if it looses 20% or if it gains 100%. It would be 5% of port. 10% of equities.
arcticpineapplecorp. wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 8:00 pm what's your exit strategy?

1. if you gamble with 10% of your portfolio, how large will it have to get for you to sell it back down to 10% (or lower)?

2. what time period are you looking to hold this investment whether it works out, or more importantly, if it doesn't.

i think these are the two most important questions a speculator should ask because when you don't you either ride the wave up and then back down again or you get out in frustration because you thought you should get your returns sooner than was realistic.
by galeno
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

To be honest I'd like to sell 30% of our VWRD and put the procedes into WSML, VDEM, IAU. 10% each.

More small caps. More China and India. Some gold.

I probably should just go and eat some icecream.
Cheez-It Guy wrote: Chinese + Gold?

Nah.
by galeno
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

I agree. I take everything in the media with a BIG grain of salt. I'm just getting bored of our 2 fund port and feel the need to speculate. Better to KISS & STC. Time for a bit of speculation with gold? Namely IAU. 5 to 10% of port perhaps? https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/sanctions-evasion-war-chest-ahead-taiwan-invasion-why-china-hording-gold-again I will say this about zero hedge: - it has a high percentage of conspiracy theorists - it spins terrible theories & extreme ideological views - I was going to say "verging on" but, in fact, "on" racist etc. Beware what the psychology literature tells us about propaganda. That we are *all* vulnerable. We can all be manipulated by propaganda into taking on (uncon...
by galeno
Tue Jan 10, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: 20 years old student from Turkey seeks advice.
Replies: 10
Views: 1183

Re: 20 years old student from Turkey seeks advice.

I've been waiting for non-US equities to out perform US equities since Jan 2006. 17 years <grin>. That's when my wife and I began investing like Bogleheads. Non-US equities are cheaper. Many forecasters including those of Vanguard and Blackrock predict non-US equities to out perform. As far as VUAA vs VWRA pick the one you like better. Both are and will be great equity ETFs going forward. First get an income. When you do put at least 20% into 80% VWRA + 20% VAGU. Or 100% VWRA if you don't want to deal with bonds YET. VWRA is a better deal vs VUAA. Lower DWTs. 15% vs 12.x%. And you get the whole world vs just the SP500. Basically the system is paying you to diversify globally. Also, non-US equities are forecasted to out-perform US equities. ...
by galeno
Tue Jan 10, 2023 3:11 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: 20 years old student from Turkey seeks advice.
Replies: 10
Views: 1183

Re: 20 years old student from Turkey seeks advice.

First get an income. When you do put at least 20% into 80% VWRA + 20% VAGU. Or 100% VWRA if you don't want to deal with bonds YET.

VWRA is a better deal vs VUAA. Lower DWTs. 15% vs 12.x%. And you get the whole world vs just the SP500. Basically the system is paying you to diversify globally. Also, non-US equities are forecasted to out-perform US equities. E.g 1961.
by galeno
Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:48 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

For US investors yes for 3 fund port. Lower ER and more stocks. For non-US investors the 2 fund port is easier, cheaper, and better.

That said. The problem with X% VTI + Y% VXUS is the X & Y. You will constantly worry if you have the correct %s of each. If you just hold 100% VT you never have to worry about the %s.
GRP wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:36 pm Keeping it simple is great, but things should only be made as simple as possible, and no simpler.

As an example, the two fund portfolio is simpler than the three fund portfolio, but the latter is obviously superior.
by galeno
Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:19 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?
Replies: 29
Views: 3352

Re: Ride the Chinese Gold Wave?

I get tempted like everyone else. In 37 years of investing we've only speculated twice. By over-rebalancing equities by 10%. We did this in Jan 2009 and again in Mar 2020. Both times were very successful.

"Galeno, nooooo! What happened to the advice in your sig to KISS and STC?"