Rewriting the Laws of Finance

General Discussion on the Permanent Portfolio Strategy

Moderator: Global Moderator

Post Reply
Kbg
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 2821
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 4:18 pm

Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by Kbg »

User avatar
dualstow
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 15257
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:18 am
Location: searching for the lost Xanadu
Contact:

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by dualstow »

Ha! Bonds may be the new stocks, but I don't accept that stocks are the new bonds.
Very entertaining read.
Kbg
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 2821
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 4:18 pm

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by Kbg »

dualstow wrote:Ha! Bonds may be the new stocks, but I don't accept that stocks are the new bonds.
Very entertaining read.
Certainly not with regard to volatility, but this is one of several places I've seen this assertion being made (stocks being bought for yield). Additionally, there is a theme that cheap money is driving A LOT of share buy backs right now. I sort of buy into this a bit as value and high div stocks are on a tear right now.
User avatar
MachineGhost
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 10054
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:31 am

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by MachineGhost »

This has been going on for a long time. It's not new except maybe to the lamestream media or blogsphere.

Basically, dividend payers and low volatility stocks are second tier proxies for value stocks. Just as momentum is a second tier proxy for growth (real growth not the other end of a multi-factor value screen).

So now that all stocks are overvalued in the aggregate as opposed to just Mega caps in the 90's, they're not going to deliver very bond-like long-term returns going forward anymore than bonds themselves will.

So essentially in a late stage bull market like now you want this cocktail: Large Value with an International Twist, but early after a bear market ends you want Small Growth with a Domestic Twist. It's unfortunate this doesn't really show up as "optimal" in backtests though.

As far as bond yields being issued below zero (still haven't seen it but a 10 year BUND was offered at 0% coupon rate with -.5% YTM yesterday), it's just a guaranteed loss if held to maturity. Anything else relies on the Greater Fool theory. For the PP, I don't think it will matter but it will still be very painful on yields reversing to positive if you don't cap your duration exposure.
"All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called 'Facts'. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain." -- Thomas Hobbes

Disclaimer: I am not a broker, dealer, investment advisor, physician, theologian or prophet.  I should not be considered as legally permitted to render such advice!
User avatar
dualstow
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 15257
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:18 am
Location: searching for the lost Xanadu
Contact:

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by dualstow »

Sigh, there's nowhere to turn. I guess I'll buy that new Disney 30-year bond. Or maybe latch on to the 100-year one from the 90s. ;)
User avatar
MachineGhost
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 10054
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:31 am

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by MachineGhost »

dualstow wrote:Sigh, there's nowhere to turn. I guess I'll buy that new Disney 30-year bond. Or maybe latch on to the 100-year one from the 90s. ;)
No, no, wait for the perpetual bond from Japan! Any day now. It'll be stranger than fiction if it is what I think it is.
"All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called 'Facts'. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain." -- Thomas Hobbes

Disclaimer: I am not a broker, dealer, investment advisor, physician, theologian or prophet.  I should not be considered as legally permitted to render such advice!
User avatar
dualstow
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 15257
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:18 am
Location: searching for the lost Xanadu
Contact:

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by dualstow »

Is it like the British consols of old?
User avatar
MachineGhost
Executive Member
Executive Member
Posts: 10054
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:31 am

Re: Rewriting the Laws of Finance

Post by MachineGhost »

dualstow wrote:Is it like the British consols of old?
Maybe, but without a coupon rate!
"All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called 'Facts'. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain." -- Thomas Hobbes

Disclaimer: I am not a broker, dealer, investment advisor, physician, theologian or prophet.  I should not be considered as legally permitted to render such advice!
Post Reply