Last Friday's Closing Prices:
S & P 500 1,923.57 +3.54 (+0.18%) (New Closing High)
VIX: 11.40 -0.17 (-1.47%) : VOLATILITY S&P 500
VXD: 10.69 -0.25 (-2.29%) : DJIA VOLATILITY
TLT: $114.10 -0.05 (-0.04%) : iShares 20 + Year Treasury Bond ETF
TIP: $115.59 -0.27 (-0.23%) : iShares TIPS Bond ETF
VNQ: $74.69 +0.34 (+0.46%) : Vanguard REIT ETF
KRE: 38.29 -0.02 (-0.05%) : SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF
FSTA: $27.32 +0.20 (+0.74%) : Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples ETF
SLV: $18.08 -0.22 (-1.21%) : iShares Silver Trust
GLD: $120.43 -0.51 (-0.42%) : SPDR Gold Trust
GSG: $33.14 -0.29 (-0.87%) : iShares GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust
The declining prices for gold and silver continue to support the long term bear market thesis.
Big Picture Synopsis:
S & P 500 1,923.57 +3.54 (+0.18%) (New Closing High)
VIX: 11.40 -0.17 (-1.47%) : VOLATILITY S&P 500
VXD: 10.69 -0.25 (-2.29%) : DJIA VOLATILITY
TLT: $114.10 -0.05 (-0.04%) : iShares 20 + Year Treasury Bond ETF
TIP: $115.59 -0.27 (-0.23%) : iShares TIPS Bond ETF
VNQ: $74.69 +0.34 (+0.46%) : Vanguard REIT ETF
KRE: 38.29 -0.02 (-0.05%) : SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF
FSTA: $27.32 +0.20 (+0.74%) : Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples ETF
SLV: $18.08 -0.22 (-1.21%) : iShares Silver Trust
GLD: $120.43 -0.51 (-0.42%) : SPDR Gold Trust
GSG: $33.14 -0.29 (-0.87%) : iShares GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust
The declining prices for gold and silver continue to support the long term bear market thesis.
Big Picture Synopsis:
Stocks:
Stable Vix Pattern (bullish)
Short Term: Market Needs a 15% Correction
Intermediate Term: Slightly Bullish
Long Term: Bullish
It is helpful for me to download from S & P its data on the S & P 500 and the various sectors contained in that index. This data contains current and historical information on S & P 500 earnings (as reported and forecasted), sales, operating margin, book value, dividends per share, etc. It can be downloaded in XLS format and can be found using the following search terms in google:
XLS S & P Earnings- S & P Dow Indices
Bonds:
It is helpful for me to download from S & P its data on the S & P 500 and the various sectors contained in that index. This data contains current and historical information on S & P 500 earnings (as reported and forecasted), sales, operating margin, book value, dividends per share, etc. It can be downloaded in XLS format and can be found using the following search terms in google:
XLS S & P Earnings- S & P Dow Indices
Bonds:
Short Term to Long Term: Slightly Bearish Based on Interest Rate Normalization
This forecast assumes that the average inflation rate over the next 10 years will be between 2% to 2.25%, within the range being priced into the 10 year TIP.
Last Wednesday, the government released a worst than expected revision to first quarter GDP. The stock market responded with the S & P 500 hitting a new all time closing high: S & P 500 1,920.03 +10.25 (+0.54%) And bonds went down in price and up in yield: TLT: $114.15 -0.61 (-0.53%).
The Merrill Lynch global technical strategist predicts that treasuries are fast approaching the "eventual resumption of the larger, long-term bear trend". Barrons.com
Another strategist suggests that pension funds are responsible for the rise in bond prices this year, leaving the treasury bond in a "very lopsided return profile: a low upside in terms of positive returns and the possibility of sizable losses ... " While I would not agree with all of this strategist's reasons for pension fund buying, the reasons are not as important as the increases in demand, for whatever reason, when the FED has caused a shortage in available treasuries to purchase maturing in 10 years or later. (click tab "T-Notes and T-Bonds" at System Open Market Account Holdings - Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
It is questionable whether a ten year treasury at its current yield will have a positive real rate of return. The average annual real rate of return based on the inflation forecast embodied in the 10 year TIP is minimal. It would not take much of an increase in that average inflation rate, which is almost 1% below the historical long term average, to cause a negative real return before taxes.
Last Wednesday, the government released a worst than expected revision to first quarter GDP. The stock market responded with the S & P 500 hitting a new all time closing high: S & P 500 1,920.03 +10.25 (+0.54%) And bonds went down in price and up in yield: TLT: $114.15 -0.61 (-0.53%).
The Merrill Lynch global technical strategist predicts that treasuries are fast approaching the "eventual resumption of the larger, long-term bear trend". Barrons.com
Another strategist suggests that pension funds are responsible for the rise in bond prices this year, leaving the treasury bond in a "very lopsided return profile: a low upside in terms of positive returns and the possibility of sizable losses ... " While I would not agree with all of this strategist's reasons for pension fund buying, the reasons are not as important as the increases in demand, for whatever reason, when the FED has caused a shortage in available treasuries to purchase maturing in 10 years or later. (click tab "T-Notes and T-Bonds" at System Open Market Account Holdings - Federal Reserve Bank of New York)
It is questionable whether a ten year treasury at its current yield will have a positive real rate of return. The average annual real rate of return based on the inflation forecast embodied in the 10 year TIP is minimal. It would not take much of an increase in that average inflation rate, which is almost 1% below the historical long term average, to cause a negative real return before taxes.
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Recent Developments:
The government revised first quarter real GDP to an annualized decrease of 1%. News Release: Gross Domestic Product The prior estimate was a .1% increase. The consensus estimate for the revision was a -.6%.
The government reported that seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims BLC decreased 27,000 to 300,000. DOL Press Release.pdf The 4 week moving average was 311,500, the lowest level since August 2007:
4-Week Moving Average of Initial Claims
While this chart shows that the 4 week moving average of initial unemployment claims has returned to levels consistent with prior expansions, it is also important to keep in mind that the labor participation rate is hitting new lows, returning to early 1978 levels, as more people leave the labor force:
Civilian Labor Force Participation Rate
And the duration of unemployment remains at elevated levels: Number of Civilians Unemployed for 27 Weeks and Over; Average (Mean) Duration of Unemployment
Durable good orders increased a seasonally adjusted .8% in April compared to March, better than the consensus estimate of a .7% decline. census.gov/manufacturing.pdf
The Case Shiller housing index for 20 large cities increased 12.4% in March Y-O-Y. Home Prices Rise in March Average home prices, however, are only back to mid-2004 levels (see chart at page 3).
The PCE Price index for April increased by .2%. The Y-O-Y increase was 1.6%, up from 1.1% in March (page 3: Personal Income and Outlays April 2014.pdf) The FED prefers the PCE price index over the CPI. Various reasons are given for that preference. One reason which is not given is that the PCE price index has been running lower than CPI. The PCE price index has an over 20% weighting in medical costs compared to 7%+ in the CPI calculation. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland The PCE price index was reduced last year due to temporary government budget cuts to healthcare providers. Prior to those cuts, medical cost inflation was running at 3.1%, and was reduced to 1.9%. The historical long term rate of increase is about 5.5%. Medical cost inflation has started to pick up.
The ISM Chicago's Business Barometer rose 2 points to 65.5 in May. The consensus was for 61. Prices paid "experienced the largest monthly gain in nearly five years". {Business Insider (see chart at the bottom of the page); Business Insider (chart of medical cost component of PCE); "Rising Medical Costs Boosting Inflation" - Barron's}
The government revised first quarter real GDP to an annualized decrease of 1%. News Release: Gross Domestic Product The prior estimate was a .1% increase. The consensus estimate for the revision was a -.6%.
The government reported that seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims BLC decreased 27,000 to 300,000. DOL Press Release.pdf The 4 week moving average was 311,500, the lowest level since August 2007:
4-Week Moving Average of Initial Claims
Civilian Labor Force Participation Rate
And the duration of unemployment remains at elevated levels: Number of Civilians Unemployed for 27 Weeks and Over; Average (Mean) Duration of Unemployment
Durable good orders increased a seasonally adjusted .8% in April compared to March, better than the consensus estimate of a .7% decline. census.gov/manufacturing.pdf
The Case Shiller housing index for 20 large cities increased 12.4% in March Y-O-Y. Home Prices Rise in March Average home prices, however, are only back to mid-2004 levels (see chart at page 3).
The PCE Price index for April increased by .2%. The Y-O-Y increase was 1.6%, up from 1.1% in March (page 3: Personal Income and Outlays April 2014.pdf) The FED prefers the PCE price index over the CPI. Various reasons are given for that preference. One reason which is not given is that the PCE price index has been running lower than CPI. The PCE price index has an over 20% weighting in medical costs compared to 7%+ in the CPI calculation. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland The PCE price index was reduced last year due to temporary government budget cuts to healthcare providers. Prior to those cuts, medical cost inflation was running at 3.1%, and was reduced to 1.9%. The historical long term rate of increase is about 5.5%. Medical cost inflation has started to pick up.
The ISM Chicago's Business Barometer rose 2 points to 65.5 in May. The consensus was for 61. Prices paid "experienced the largest monthly gain in nearly five years". {Business Insider (see chart at the bottom of the page); Business Insider (chart of medical cost component of PCE); "Rising Medical Costs Boosting Inflation" - Barron's}
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1. Bought 100 ARMF at $22.15 (see Disclaimer): I really wanted to wait for a lower price before buying more of this leveraged bond CEF. Since I have been selling some lower yielding securities, and consequently hurting my cash flow some, I decided to buy this high yielding bond CEF to replace some of that lost income generation.
This lot was bought in a taxable account. I currently own 50 shares in the Roth IRA. I view this security as too risky for further adds in a retirement account.
I have been substituting some higher yielding leveraged bond CEFs and some equity REITs for lower yielding equity preferred stocks and long dated bonds. The Canadian REITs have been a fertile area for yield over the past several months.
I view this movement into leveraged bond CEFs to be temporary, lasting for a few weeks or months at the most. When there is another significant correction in equity preferred stocks that send their yields significantly higher, then I will start to transition back to some of those including the ones that I have been selling recently.
I have been substituting some higher yielding leveraged bond CEFs and some equity REITs for lower yielding equity preferred stocks and long dated bonds. The Canadian REITs have been a fertile area for yield over the past several months.
I view this movement into leveraged bond CEFs to be temporary, lasting for a few weeks or months at the most. When there is another significant correction in equity preferred stocks that send their yields significantly higher, then I will start to transition back to some of those including the ones that I have been selling recently.
Snapshot of Trade:
Security Description: The Ares Multi-Strategy Credit Fund (ARMF) is a new leveraged income CEF that attempts to provide an "attractive level of total return" by "dynamically" investing in a broad range of credit instruments.
Sponsor's Website: Ares Publicly Traded Credit Funds: Overview
SEC Form N-Q-List of Holdings as of 1/31/14
Data From Date of Trade 5/9/14
Closing Market Price: $22.14
Closing Net Asset Value: $24.23
Discount: -8.63
CEFConnect page for ARMF
SEC Filings for ARMF: EDGAR
SEC Form N-Q: Holdings as of 1/31/14
Last SEC Filed Shareholder Report: Period Ending 10/31/13
Even a knowledgeable investor will not have any knowledge about most of the securities owned by this fund.
SEC Filings for ARMF: EDGAR
SEC Form N-Q: Holdings as of 1/31/14
Last SEC Filed Shareholder Report: Period Ending 10/31/13
Even a knowledgeable investor will not have any knowledge about most of the securities owned by this fund.
Rationale and Risks: See Discussion in the preceding link. The fund has a summary of risks at its website, available for review after clicking the "Risk Considerations" tab. Ares Publicly Traded Credit Funds-Risk Considerations I regard this fund as high risk.
This CEF pays monthly dividends at the current rate of $.1525 per share. At that rate, the dividend yield is about 8.26% at a total cost of $22.15 per share. Ares Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc. Declares Monthly Distributions of $0.1525 Per Share; Distribution Tab at CEFConnect.
Last Friday's Close: ARMF: $21.83 +0.10 (+0.46%)
This CEF pays monthly dividends at the current rate of $.1525 per share. At that rate, the dividend yield is about 8.26% at a total cost of $22.15 per share. Ares Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc. Declares Monthly Distributions of $0.1525 Per Share; Distribution Tab at CEFConnect.
Last Friday's Close: ARMF: $21.83 +0.10 (+0.46%)
2. Bought 100 EMD at $12.8 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
Security Description: Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund (EMD) is a leveraged closed end fund that invests in emerging market sovereign and corporate debt.
As of 3/31/14, the fund was weighted in investment grade bonds and over 80% of the weighting was in EM bonds denominated in U.S. Dollars, which removes currency risk for those securities:
As of 3/31/14, the fund owned 195 holdings with an effective duration of 6.69 years. Duration is the method that investors use to measure interest rate sensitivity. Get to know your bond fund: Duration | Vanguard
As of 3/31/14, the fund was weighted in investment grade bonds and over 80% of the weighting was in EM bonds denominated in U.S. Dollars, which removes currency risk for those securities:
As of 3/31/14, the fund owned 195 holdings with an effective duration of 6.69 years. Duration is the method that investors use to measure interest rate sensitivity. Get to know your bond fund: Duration | Vanguard
Data From Date of Trade 5/12/14
Closing Net Asset Value Per Share: $14.15
Closing Market Price: $12.83
Discount: -9.33%
Average 1 Year Discount: -10.41
Average 3 Year Discount: -6.34%
Average 5 Year Discount: -8.3%
Closing Net Asset Value Per Share: $14.15
Closing Market Price: $12.83
Discount: -9.33%
Average 1 Year Discount: -10.41
Average 3 Year Discount: -6.34%
Average 5 Year Discount: -8.3%
CEFConnect Page for EMD
EMD Page at Morningstar (3 stars)
Sponsor's Website: Individual Investor
The sponsor's fact card shows an average annual total return, based on net asset value, of 12.86% since inception (6/25/93) through 3/31/2014: Emerging Markets Income Fund Fact Card.pdf
For 10 years through 5/23/14, the average annual total return was 10.07%. That number can be found by clicking the "performance" tab at CEFConnect.
Last SEC Form N-Q: Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Holdings as of 2/28/14
Last SEC Filed Shareholder Report: Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund (EMD)
EMD Page at Morningstar (rated 3 stars at the time of purchase)
EMD Page at Morningstar (3 stars)
Sponsor's Website: Individual Investor
The sponsor's fact card shows an average annual total return, based on net asset value, of 12.86% since inception (6/25/93) through 3/31/2014: Emerging Markets Income Fund Fact Card.pdf
For 10 years through 5/23/14, the average annual total return was 10.07%. That number can be found by clicking the "performance" tab at CEFConnect.
Last SEC Form N-Q: Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Holdings as of 2/28/14
Last SEC Filed Shareholder Report: Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund (EMD)
EMD Page at Morningstar (rated 3 stars at the time of purchase)
Prior Trade: None
Related Trade: I recently bought a similar fund from the same sponsor. Item # 2 Bought 100 ESD at $17.28 (4/12/14 Post)
Rationale: The fund is currently paying a quarterly dividend of $.255 per share. Western Asset Emerging Markets Income Fund, Inc (EMD) Dividend History Assuming a continuation of that rate, the dividend yield would be about 7.97% at a total cost of $12.8. Income generation is the primary rationale for investing in this fund.
Risks: Emerging market bonds are subject to a wide variety of significant risks which explains why I only nibble in this sector and will generally hold a position for a relatively brief period. This bond class fell significantly in 2013 as interest rates rose in the U.S. These EM bond funds have exposures to countries which I do not favor, such as Venezuela, and I would prefer that a fund simply avoid their debt altogether.
Closing Price Last Friday: EMD: $13.06 +0.03 (+0.23%)
Closing Price Last Friday: EMD: $13.06 +0.03 (+0.23%)
3. Paired Trade: Sold 200 Killam Properties at C$10.44 and Added 200 Healthlease Properties REIT at C$10.2 (Canadian Dollar (CAD) Strategy)(see Disclaimer): This pared trade was motivated by the Healthlease's significantly higher yield and better first quarter earnings report.
Snapshot of Trades:
Killam:
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| 2014 Sold 200 KMP:CA at C$10.44 |
Healthlease:
 |
| 2014 Added 200 HLP_UN:CA at C$10.2 |
Profit Killam: The profit was negligible:
Total Profit Realized Gains: $145.93 (prior trade $107.06)
Security Descriptions: Killam Properties (KMP:TOR) is a Canadian non-REIT that owns apartments and manufactured housing sites. Investor Facts Killam reported first quarter FFO per share of C$.13, down from $.15 in the 2013 first quarter. The company blamed higher heating an operating costs and the timing of redeploying proceeds from a 4th quarter property disposition. Investor News
Healthlease Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (HLP.UN:TOR) is an externally managed REIT that owns senior housing and care facilities and is expanding rapidly in the U.S. The company recently completed the acquisition of 5 senior housing and care properties described in this news release: HealthLease Properties REIT Announces Completion of Acquisitions of Five Senior Housing and Care properties (5/21/14).
The company sold in early May 7.5M units at $C10. HealthLease Properties Real Estate Investment Trust Announces Closing of CDN$75 Million Equity Financing
The company sold in early May 7.5M units at $C10. HealthLease Properties Real Estate Investment Trust Announces Closing of CDN$75 Million Equity Financing
Prior Trade Healthlease: Item # 7 Bought: 100 HLP_UN:CA at C$10.17
Recent Earnings Reports: As of 3/31/14, Healthlease owned 45 properties, up from 15 as of 3/31/13. Debt to gross book value was reported at 58.76%. The weighted average interest rate was 4.33%. Diluted FFO per unit was C$.27, up from $.2 in the 2013 first quarter. AFFO per unit was C$.25 with a payout ratio based on AFFO at 81.3%. HLP Q1 2014.pdf
Under triple net leases, the company has "minimal" operating expenses. However, the REIT pays its external manager 3% of gross rent on each property and an incentive fee of 15% of AFFO per unit "above a certain threshold" established by the Board based on forecasted AFFO each year. (page 10).
Under triple net leases, the company has "minimal" operating expenses. However, the REIT pays its external manager 3% of gross rent on each property and an incentive fee of 15% of AFFO per unit "above a certain threshold" established by the Board based on forecasted AFFO each year. (page 10).
Page 9 of report:
The largest tenant is a company called Saber. Saber Healthcare Group
Page 10 of Report:
Rationale: I am picking almost 3% more in yield with the Healthlease shares, and Killam is not expected to grow FFO during 2014.
HLP leases properties under long term triple net leases.
This REIT is currently paying a monthly distribution of C$.07083 per unit or C$.85 annually. At that rate, the dividend yield at a total cost of C$10.2 is about 8.33%. HLP went ex dividend for its monthly distribution on 5/28/14, the same data as all of my monthly dividend paying Canadian REITs.
HLP leases properties under long term triple net leases.
This REIT is currently paying a monthly distribution of C$.07083 per unit or C$.85 annually. At that rate, the dividend yield at a total cost of C$10.2 is about 8.33%. HLP went ex dividend for its monthly distribution on 5/28/14, the same data as all of my monthly dividend paying Canadian REITs.
Risks: I discuss risks in the preceding linked post. Among those risks, the company is externally managed and will purchase some properties developed by its manager after an "independent" appraisal. I always view external management agreements with disfavor. I would much prefer that a REIT be internally managed by its own employees.
Healthlease is the only externally managed REIT that I currently own.
Currency risk is always present when buying a foreign security.
As with any REIT, the bankruptcy of a large tenant can have serious implications.
Healthlease is the only externally managed REIT that I currently own.
Currency risk is always present when buying a foreign security.
As with any REIT, the bankruptcy of a large tenant can have serious implications.
Future Buys/Sells: I will be monitoring Killam for a potential re-entry at below C$9.75. The flat FFO guidance for 2014 is understandable but nonetheless undesirable.
I will not be buying more of Healthlease. I hope to hold the 300 shares for a couple of years, harvest the monthly dividend payments, and hopefully make 5% to 10% on the shares.
Closing Price Last Friday: HLP-UN.TO: C$10.45 -0.06 (-0.57%)
Closing Price Last Friday: HLP-UN.TO: C$10.45 -0.06 (-0.57%)
Snapshot of Trade:
Snapshot of Quote Before Trade:
Security Description: The iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF (FIE:TOR) is a Canadian ETF.
Sponsor's Website: IShares Canada ETFs
Top Ten Holdings as of 5/12/14:
The top two holdings are two other Canadian ETFs. I already own 300 shares of the low cost 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond ETF (CA:CBO) (corporate bonds rated "A" or better, staggered equal weightings, expense ratio .28%):
Bond Ratings CBO Holdings as of 5/12/14:
The other ETF holding is the Canadian Preferred Share Index Fund (CA:CPD) which has 205 holdings and a .45% expense ratio. FIE will include acquired fund fees in its expense ratio.
The other holdings are a smattering of REITs, banks and insurance companies:
I do not own any of the top ten holdings other than the ETF CBO. I own individual positions in the REITs Cominar (300 Shares), Artis (300 shares) and Riocan (100 shares) which together accounted for 2.28% of the weighting as of 5/12/14.
The current monthly dividend is C$.04 per share: Distributions
Rationale: My main purpose for buying this security is to generate income on my CAD stash. The dividend yield at a total cost of C$7.26 is good at 6.61%. Secondarily, I pick up more indirect exposure to Canadian banks and insurance companies. I have already some minor indirect exposure to a few of those companies in my 200 share position in the Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Fund (CA:CDZ) They have a higher weighting in the Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF (CA:XDV), which I also own.
Risks: In addition to currency risk, there are the normal risks associated with a narrow sector ETF, particularly one that focuses on financial institutions. While the six large Canadian banks did far better than their U.S. counterparts during the Near Depression, their stock prices still suffered, and next time may be different.
There is a concern expressed by some investors that the Canadian housing market is overheated or already in a bubble. (e.g. Morningstar article: "When the Canadian Housing Bubble Pops").
Those concerns do have some factual foundations, as shown in the series of charts contained in this article: 11 charts
However, more than 1/2 of the mortgages are guaranteed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Overview | CMHC The Canadian banks will have different exposures to non-insured mortgages and different loan to value ratios. A recent article published by Seeking Alpha noted that Toronto-Dominion (TD) had 65% of its mortgages insured by the CMHC, with the uninsured mortgages having a loan to value ratio of 60% (page 24: Q2 Presentation.pdf)
Future Buys/Sells: I am not likely to buy more. I will consider selling when and if I have an annualized total return greater than 10% or I become spooked about Canadian bank stocks.
Closing Price Last Friday: FIE.TO: C$7.24 0.00 (0.00%)
5. Bought 100 ASEA at $16.57 (Emerging Market Consumer Super Cycle Strategy)(see disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
Security Description: Global X FTSE ASEAN 40 ETF (ASEA) tracks the 40 largest companies located in the ASEAN regions: Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
Sponsor's Webpage: Global X ASEAN 40 ETF - ASEA
Fact Sheet as of 3/31/14: Global X Funds (40 holdings; expense ratio .65%)
Weightings as of 3/31/14:
Singapore: 37.86%
Malaysia: 26.97%
Indonesia: 17.47%
Thailand: 14.65%
Philippines: 3.04%
The three annualized three year total return is just 3.24% through 3/31/14 which just highlights how far emerging stock markets have fallen behind the U.S. stock market.
Singapore | Economy
Indonesia | Economy
Malaysia | Economy
Thailand | Economy
Prior Trades: I have not been able to hold this one for very long. Item # 1 Bought 100 of the ETF ASEA at $17.09 (January 2013)- Item # 4 Sold 100 ASEA at $17.8 (April 2013)
Related Trades: I currently own small positions in iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS), iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM), and a CEF that invests in Indonesia's stocks, Aberdeen Indonesia Fund (IF). I also own several diversified EM stock funds that would have some overlap with ASEA. I recently added to my position in IF and will discuss that trade in a subsequent post.
Bought: 100 EWM at $15.23 (1/20/14 Post)
Bought Back 100 EWS at $13.1 (12/17/13 Post)
Some broader EM funds would include the two Asian mutual funds sponsored by Matthews, small positions in EM ETFs bought commission free (e.g. VWO, PIE, EEMV, IEMG), and the CEF MSF. Bought: 100 MSF at $15.18 (12/3/13 Post); Bought 50 PIE at $18 (12/3/13 Post); Bought: 20 of the Commission Free ETF IEMG at $48.4. I have not discussed the small recent acquisitions of VWO and EEMV
Rationale: One reason is simply the underperformance of the ASEAN stock markets over the past three years.
I am also playing the super cycle for the huge increase in EM middle class consumers, but I am using this ETF more as a trading vehicle. I discuss that super cycle throughout this blog (e.g. Item # 3 Bought 50 of the Stock ETF EELV at $27.2 November 2012)
The long term trend is the parabolic increase in middle class consumers throughout this region. Many U.S. and European multinationals will benefit from that trend in addition to local companies.
One firm estimates that the middle class will add 3 billion consumers in the next two decades, coming almost exclusively from the EM nations. (Reuters and EY publication cited below)
See also:
Ernest and Young Publication: "Middle class growth in emerging markets" (525M in Asia alone are now in the middle class, more than the population in the European Union)
Deloitte Publication: "Business Trends 2014"
Forbes Article: "Why Your Business Needs To Break Into Emerging Markets"
Nielsen Publication: "Meet the New Indonesian Consumer Class of 2020"
Nikeii Asian Review Article: "Asia's expanding middle class"
This major long term secular trend is discussed in a large number of articles easily found on the internet. It is not a secret. The problem over the past few years is that this major trend has been masked and dampened by lower than normal growth in several developed countries over the past six years, including the U.S. and several European countries.
Risks: This ETF has the usual set of risks for a foreign stock fund, including country risk. Recently, there has been turmoil in Thailand for example which has close to a 15% weighting in this ETF.
Currency risk is very important when a fund owns stocks in emerging markets, as highlighted most recently by what happened starting last May when interest rates started to rise in the U.S. Emerging market currencies declined significantly and rapidly, which would then cause a decline in a fund priced in USDs that owns stocks whose prices are denominated in those depreciating currencies. When there is a spike down in EM currencies, there also tends to be capital flight by some owners of EM stocks and bonds, and that will contribute to the decline in the U.S. fund's value as the securities owned by it fall in value.
A Rise in the Chart Line Indicates USD Strength:
USD/IDR Currency Conversion Chart (Indonesia's Rupiah)
USD/MYR Currency Conversion Chart (Malaysia Ringgit)
USD/SGD Currency Conversion Chart (Singapore Dollar)
USD/THB Currency Conversion Chart (Thai Baht)
Future Buys/Sells: I will most likely be using ASEA as a trade given its overlap with other existing positions.
Closing Price Last Friday: ASEA: $16.61 -0.18 (-1.07%)
6. Bought 100 of the Stock ETF FDL at $23.04 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
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| 2014 Bought 100 FDL at $23.04 |
Sponsor's website: First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL)(net expense ratio .45%; five year annual total return through 4/30/14=20.49%; 30 day SEC yield at 3.4% as of 4/30/14)
Holdings
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| Holdings Over 1% Weighting as of 5/22/14 |
Prior Trades: None
Rationale and Risks: This is a trade. I am simply attempting to earn more than zero which is what I was earning with the funds used to settle this trade. This ETF is weighted in large cap blue chip companies that pay good dividends. That will not stop this fund from going down in price during a correction in an ongoing long term secular bull market.
And, as shown in a long term chart, FDL was smashed during the Dark Period, hitting a high around $25 in May 2007 before doing the swan dive to $7.9 or so just before 3/9/12009. Chart First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders ETF The fund was hurt by a substantial weighting in financials that were "dividend leaders" before they crashed and burned. Bank of America and Citigroup are no longer "dividend leaders", and I will not live long enough to see their dividends restored to pre-2009 levels.
Bank of America Corporation (BAC) Dividend History (quarterly rate now $.01 per share, down from $.64 paid during the 2008 third quarter)
Future Buys/Sells: I am using this security primarily as a trading vehicle and a short term depository for a cash allocation in taxable accounts that has grown beyond the normal 20%.
Closing Price Last Friday: FDL: $23.39 +0.11 (+.47%)
7. Sold 50 KFN/P at $25.48 Roth IRA (see disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
Snapshot of Profit:
Security Description: KKR Financial Holdings LLC Pfd. 7.375% Series A (KFN.P)
Rationale: I am raising cash in my Roth IRA for later redeployment. I believe that the FED is ignoring current inflation trends in their ongoing effort to jump start the economy, hoping that inflation will not become problematic.
Closing Price Last Friday: KFN-P: $25.60 -0.08 (-0.31%)
8. Sold 50 OFCPRL at $26.21 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
Snapshot of Profit:
Item # 2 Bought: 50 OFCPRL at $24.04 (1/6/14 Post)
Security Description: The Corporate Office Properties Trust Preferred Series L (OFC.PL) is an equity preferred stock that pays cumulative and non-qualified dividends at the fixed coupon rate of 7.375% on a $25 par value. The issuer has the option to redeem on or after 6/27/2017. Prospectus
Rationale: My current trading guidelines require that I consider selling a preferred stock when the price exceeds $25.75 and the yield is less than 7.25% based on the sale's price. This was the case with OFCPRL. The yield at a $26.21 price is about 7%. The trading guidelines represent an attempt to balance interest rate risk with current income generation. The markers are basically a judgment call that current inflation trends and the Fed's pedal to the metal abnormally accommodative and easy monetary policies tilt the balance toward selling when the marker is hit.
I also view REIT equity preferred stocks with some disfavor. REIT CUMULATIVE PREFERRED LINKS IN ONE POST/Advantages & disadvantages
Future Buys/Sells: I will want at least a 7.5% yield prior to considering a repurchase.
Closing Price Last Friday: OFC-PL: $26.25 +0.08 (+0.31%)
9. Sold 50 CBLPRE at $23.81 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
Snapshot of Profit:
Item # 5 Bought 50 CBLPRE at $22.7 (Sept 2013 Post)
Security Description: The CBL & Associates Properties Inc. 6.625% Cumulative Preferred Series E (CBL.PE) is a potentially perpetual equity preferred stock that pays cumulative and non-qualified dividends at a 6.625% fixed coupon rate on a $25 par value. Prospectus
I still own 50 CBLPRD: Bought 50 CBLPRD at $24.6
Rationale: The yield fell below 7% based on the sales price of $23.81. At $23.81, the yield is about 6.96%.
Future Buys/Sells: I may not buy this one back. I am becoming more concerned about REITs that own malls with JCP and Sears as major anchors.
Closing Price Last Friday: CBL-PE: $24.59 +0.09 (+0.37%)
Snapshot of Trade:
 |
| 2014 Roth IRA Sold 50 KFN/P at $25.48 |
 |
| 2014 Roth IRA KFN PR 50 Shares +$110.02 |
Rationale: I am raising cash in my Roth IRA for later redeployment. I believe that the FED is ignoring current inflation trends in their ongoing effort to jump start the economy, hoping that inflation will not become problematic.
Closing Price Last Friday: KFN-P: $25.60 -0.08 (-0.31%)
8. Sold 50 OFCPRL at $26.21 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
 |
| 2014 Sold 50 OFCPRL at $26.21 |
Snapshot of Profit:
 |
| 2014 OFCPRL 50 Shares +$92.58 |
Item # 2 Bought: 50 OFCPRL at $24.04 (1/6/14 Post)
Security Description: The Corporate Office Properties Trust Preferred Series L (OFC.PL) is an equity preferred stock that pays cumulative and non-qualified dividends at the fixed coupon rate of 7.375% on a $25 par value. The issuer has the option to redeem on or after 6/27/2017. Prospectus
Rationale: My current trading guidelines require that I consider selling a preferred stock when the price exceeds $25.75 and the yield is less than 7.25% based on the sale's price. This was the case with OFCPRL. The yield at a $26.21 price is about 7%. The trading guidelines represent an attempt to balance interest rate risk with current income generation. The markers are basically a judgment call that current inflation trends and the Fed's pedal to the metal abnormally accommodative and easy monetary policies tilt the balance toward selling when the marker is hit.
I also view REIT equity preferred stocks with some disfavor. REIT CUMULATIVE PREFERRED LINKS IN ONE POST/Advantages & disadvantages
Future Buys/Sells: I will want at least a 7.5% yield prior to considering a repurchase.
Closing Price Last Friday: OFC-PL: $26.25 +0.08 (+0.31%)
9. Sold 50 CBLPRE at $23.81 (see Disclaimer):
Snapshot of Trade:
 |
| 2014 Sold 50 CBLPRE at $23.81 |
Snapshot of Profit:
 |
| 2014 CBLPRE 50 Shares +39.58 |
Security Description: The CBL & Associates Properties Inc. 6.625% Cumulative Preferred Series E (CBL.PE) is a potentially perpetual equity preferred stock that pays cumulative and non-qualified dividends at a 6.625% fixed coupon rate on a $25 par value. Prospectus
I still own 50 CBLPRD: Bought 50 CBLPRD at $24.6
Rationale: The yield fell below 7% based on the sales price of $23.81. At $23.81, the yield is about 6.96%.
Future Buys/Sells: I may not buy this one back. I am becoming more concerned about REITs that own malls with JCP and Sears as major anchors.
Closing Price Last Friday: CBL-PE: $24.59 +0.09 (+0.37%)
