Episode 393: International Questions From The Europeanish, A Pesky 401a And Portfolio Reviews As Of January 10, 2025

In this episode we answer questions from Anonymous European, Paul, and Ralph.  We discuss US vs. Euro treasury bonds, international large cap growth, the overarching currency effect that determines the relative performance between US and international stocks, small cap value for UK investors and what to do with a small 401a with limited investment choices while nearing retirement.And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Additional Links:Many Happy Returns Podcast with Tyler:  Building a Bulletproof Retirement Portfolio, with Tyler from Portfolio ChartsGlobal Withdrawal Rates Article:  Global Withdrawal Rates – Portfolio ChartsDILRX International Large Cap Growth Fund:  DILRX – DFA International Large Cap Growth Fund Stock Price | MorningstarUS vs International Stocks In Strong And Weak Dollar Markets:  us-dollar-strength-has-correlated-with-performance-03312023.pdfZPRX European Small Cap Value Fund:  ZPRX : SPDR® MSCI Europe Small Cap Value Weighted UCITS ETFAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Could US Treasury bonds be the ultimate recession insurance for European investors? We kick off this episode with a provocative question that challenges conventional thinking in the bond market. Joined by Tyler from Portfolio Charts, we dissect the strategic positioning of US Treasury bonds versus European options like the Amundi Euro Government Bond Fund. Discover why many international investors gravitate toward US bonds during economic downturns and learn the crucial role of asset correlations in achieving the optimal portfolio diversification.Shifting gears, we tackle a common misconception about large-cap investments: does a company's headquarters dictate its investment potential? In a world where global operations blur geographic lines, we question the necessity of strictly international large-cap growth funds. Dive into the fascinating impact of currency fluctuations on stock performance and explore how these shifts often drive diversification, rather than the mere presence of international stocks. Our insights aim to empower you in crafting a more globally balanced portfolio.As retirement looms for those in their late 50s, the decision between sticking with a 401A or transitioning to an IRA becomes paramount. For someone with multiple pensions covering living expenses, we weigh the merits of various investment strategies. While VINIX may offer benefits within a 401A, the broader options available through an IRA, including ETFs, might better suit your growth and stability needs. For those craving simplicity without sacrificing balance, the Vanguard Wellington Fund emerges as a compelling choice. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to aligning your retirement portfolio with your long-term goals.Support the show