The Feed

Maybe I cursed it! I am reducing iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP) again and boosting ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL). The trades: Sell 25 TIP at $105.55 Buy 50 NOBL at $55.50 The updated model portfolio:

I am not a big fan of stocks at their current prices, but I am boosting equity exposure again with the reintroduction of ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL), which I exited on August 19th. I am still underweight equities after this elimination of Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securiries ETF (VTIP), which I and my wife own still, and reduction in iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trades: Sell all (40 shares) VTIP at $49.34 Sell 20 TIP at $105.51 Buy 60 N

I am extending from Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index ETF (VTIP) to PIMCO 15+ Year US TIPS ETF (LTPZ) and iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trades: Sell 70 VTIP at $49.34 Buy 25 LTPZ at $47.09 Buy 25 TIP at $105.40 The updated model portfolio:

This week and last, I reduced TIPS (VTIP) and added to the two equity ETFs. I am reducing exposure to ProShares S&P MidCap 400 Dividend Aristocrats (REGL), which is down slightly, and adding exposure to iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trades: Sell 25 REGL at $90.96 Buy 20 TIP at $105.83 The updated model portfolio:

I have a lot of TIPS, but I am buying more as inflation concerns pick up. I am exiting Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index ETF (VGSH) and boosting shorter-duration TIPS VTIP and also iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trades: Sell all (150 shares) VGSH at $58.13 Buy 50 VTIP at $49.79 Buy 50 TIP at $107.36 The updated model portfolio:

It's already quite large (my largest position in the model portfolio), but I am boosting PIMCO 15+ Year US TIPS ETF (LTPZ) before the auction this week. The yield of the 30-Year TIPS is over 3% now (and this is before inflation!). I am also boosting iShares TIPS (TIP) a bit too. The trades: Buy 20 LTPZ at $47.18 Buy 25 TIP at $106.78 The updated model portfolio:

I raised cash exiting IBIT last week, and I have not invested the proceeds. Instead of adding to stocks, as I was intending, I am boosting iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trade: Buy 25 TIP at $107.03 The updated model portfolio:

I exited IBIT yesterday and still have the cash. I like TIPS and own a lot, but I am boosting iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The trade: Buy 25 TIP at $107.85 The updated model portfolio:

I am selling the rest of iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF at a profit. It's not in the index I aim to beat, but it may keep rallying. I am taking the proceeds and boosting iShares TIPS Bond ETF and also Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities Index ETF (VTIP) again. The trades: Sell all (100 shares) IBIT $36.67 Buy 25 TIP at $107.96 Buy 10 VTIP at $49.59 The updated model portfolio:

I am doubling the newest position in the model portfolio, adding to iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). The Trade: Buy 25 TIP at $108.09 The Updated Model Portfolio:

I trimmed iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) yesterday, and, while it did fall subsequently, it has rallied back. I am reducing it again to add a new position in a different TIPS ETF, the iShares TIPS Bond ETF (TIP). I am also adding again to LTPZ. The trades: Sell 100 IBIT at 36.23 Buy 25 TIP at 108.20 Buy 25 LTPZ at 49.35 The Updated Model Portfolio:

What a strange week! A Friday holiday, which is rare and not even the day (the 4th of July is tomorrow, but the stock market is closed today), a big wedding (I wasn't invited, lol) and a 250th birthday celebration of the USA. I still remember very well the 200th, when I was 11 years old. Last week, I discussed the changes ahead with my coverage of the ETFs, and I did detail those changes in the June Review. A Look at the Market The State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) advanced

I have been very bearish on stocks for a long time. Too long! Does that make me wrong? Right, but early? I think too early, but I don't...

I like TIPS, especially the longer-dated TIPS. If you are afraid of inflation, this is for you (AND NOT GOLD!)

Stocks have been in a bull market since bottoming out five years ago, but they are rolling over. I have been cautious for quite some time...

Stocks had their worst week since the start of the pandemic. Now what?

Gold is up a lot in 2025, and I expect it to decline.

Stocks are falling, but it's not clear that a bear market has started.

TIPS look better to me than other bonds and certainly better than stocks. Cash may make more sense, but I sure like the TIPS.

TIPS are not so well known. I started buying them not that long ago for the first time ever. At slightly lower prices, they stand out.