Adam, Good article, lots to ponder.
For you your statement, “That’s why investors’ best defense, in my view, is a defensive asset allocation,” what does defensive look like to you… what assets and at what percentage of one’s portfolio. And then secondly, what is your recommended percentage in international (global market percentage, something less or a more dynamic percentage based on global market conditions, rising/falling U.S. dollar, etc.)?
Thanks! Most experts and DIYs are recommending adding. I didn’t hear anything about TIPS until the recent inflation jump and persistence. Or maybe my ears have been more opened to all ideas as I approach retirement
🤔😉.
Harold,
Thanks for providing your portfolio details…another variant that works for you…nice.
Including TIPs in my portfolio is another decision I’m trying to make…currently include none.
As an FYI to you and the HD community here’s Jesse Cramer’s take on TIPs: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/id1553180943.
(Episode 142, feel free to listen to all topics, but pick it up at 18:20 for TIPS discussion) I’ve really enjoyed this forum topic (thanks again, Larry!) and would like any and all to continue the discussion.
John, These are good pipeline stock suggestions. Thanks for providing. I have considered those, although I hadn’t heard of the AMLP ETF. I’ve read up on call strategies and it seems like a doable do, but one that I have not tried to implement. Wishing you continued success.
John, Thanks for your thoughts on REITs and dividend income. For dividend yield as a diversifier and agree with your take that energy need is REAL…I have some energy stocks: DVN, FANG, SLB (buying mostly during the 2020 dip, have sold XOM but may repurchase)…and would like to add a midstreamer. I want to avoid MLPs though, even though you state tax issues can be dealt with; my personal preference is to avoid. I also own T and VZ (I built my positions in these two at the right time :-)). I’ve struggled with this dividend play approach, considering some of those covered call ETFs (high yield era but don’t like the concept that over time it’s a decaying proposition), other high dividend ETF such as VYM, SCHD. But for now, I have settled on buying some individual dividend paying stocks. I plan to keep working this portion of my portfolio.
Comments
Adam, Good article, lots to ponder. For you your statement, “That’s why investors’ best defense, in my view, is a defensive asset allocation,” what does defensive look like to you… what assets and at what percentage of one’s portfolio. And then secondly, what is your recommended percentage in international (global market percentage, something less or a more dynamic percentage based on global market conditions, rising/falling U.S. dollar, etc.)?
Post: Open Questions
Link to comment from July 11, 2026
Gotcha, makes sense.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from July 4, 2026
Agree. When I said inflation, I was thinking inflation and rising interest rates, but you are correct…they can be two independent events.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from July 4, 2026
Great observation. Thanks for passing along.
Post: Investment Wisdom
Link to comment from June 28, 2026
John, Thanks for providing the link! Very good article, I enjoyed the read…covers a lot.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 28, 2026
In the KISS approach I’m guessing TIPS are not included…just a broad bond fund (e.g., BND)?
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 26, 2026
Thanks! Most experts and DIYs are recommending adding. I didn’t hear anything about TIPS until the recent inflation jump and persistence. Or maybe my ears have been more opened to all ideas as I approach retirement 🤔😉.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 26, 2026
Harold, Thanks for providing your portfolio details…another variant that works for you…nice. Including TIPs in my portfolio is another decision I’m trying to make…currently include none. As an FYI to you and the HD community here’s Jesse Cramer’s take on TIPs: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personal-finance-for-long-term-investors/id1553180943. (Episode 142, feel free to listen to all topics, but pick it up at 18:20 for TIPS discussion) I’ve really enjoyed this forum topic (thanks again, Larry!) and would like any and all to continue the discussion.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 25, 2026
John, These are good pipeline stock suggestions. Thanks for providing. I have considered those, although I hadn’t heard of the AMLP ETF. I’ve read up on call strategies and it seems like a doable do, but one that I have not tried to implement. Wishing you continued success.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 25, 2026
John, Thanks for your thoughts on REITs and dividend income. For dividend yield as a diversifier and agree with your take that energy need is REAL…I have some energy stocks: DVN, FANG, SLB (buying mostly during the 2020 dip, have sold XOM but may repurchase)…and would like to add a midstreamer. I want to avoid MLPs though, even though you state tax issues can be dealt with; my personal preference is to avoid. I also own T and VZ (I built my positions in these two at the right time :-)). I’ve struggled with this dividend play approach, considering some of those covered call ETFs (high yield era but don’t like the concept that over time it’s a decaying proposition), other high dividend ETF such as VYM, SCHD. But for now, I have settled on buying some individual dividend paying stocks. I plan to keep working this portion of my portfolio.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 25, 2026