- I was listening to some radio show talk about the importance of diversing one's portfolio with international investments. This guy was saying "at least 30-40%," and that he said you could go up to 50%. 50%? I normally thought that maybe 15% of one's portfolio should be allocated internationally. But then I realized that the crowd mentality may be to blame.
- What sector of the market has been hot the last few years? International stocks and funds. But isn't some of the return to US investors based on the decline of the US dollar? (Unless the International fund was hedged against currency fluctuations). What would happen if the US dollar appreciated? Wouldn't the international investments suffer when converting back to the US dollar?
- Could this be a case where folks are chasing the investments that have been the "hottest" over the most recent investment period? Historically, funds and sectors that have been hot over a 3-year period tend to not lead the pack in the subsequent 3-year period. Yet, folks read the mutual fund ratings and send their money to what has worked best recently.
- I suppose if we want to be contrarian, we reduce our international exposure and bring it home. Just thinking out loud.
- Uh, the Boston Red Sox are destroying the Colorado Rockies. I'm not watching, but it looks like I'm not missing much.
- Why yes, it is a new blog template.
- Sunday's NFL games? I don't know the spreads, but I can't think that Miami, San Francisco, or Oakland will be putting many points on the board. If I were at the casino, that'd be my three-team parlay right there. If the spreads suck, I'd tease them.
- Giants and Dolphins in England. LOL. And it's nationally televised. Double-LOL. Thank goodness for DirecTV and the NFL ticket!
- NBA starts this week! The drama in Los Angeles over Kobe Bryant is annoying. Kobe can't seem to hold himself together. He's a wreck. I think his best years are behind him. He hasn't shown the ability to make others around him better.
