Many people like to say that passive investing doesn’t exist. However, these people make a living from active forms of investing and are just playing semantic games to distract us. Active fund managers and advisors who recommend active strategies are the main people I see claiming that passive investing doesn’t exist, but what they say isn’t true.
There is a continuum between passive and active investing; they are not absolute properties. We can reasonably call an investment approach passive even if it involves some decisions, just as we can call a person thin even if their weight isn’t zero. We may disagree on the exact threshold between passive and active investing, but the concept of passive investing still has meaning.
By “passive investing,” most people mean some form of broadly-diversified index investing with minimal trading. Although passive investing usually requires substantially less work than active investing, passive investors still have decisions to make. They need to choose an asset allocation, funds, accumulation strategy, rebalancing strategy, decumulation strategy, etc. The term “passive” comes from the fact that there is no need for day-to-day or even week-to-week decisions. It’s possible for passive investment to run on autopilot for a year without adjustment. In contrast, more active strategies need closer attention.
Threat to Active Fund Management
The rise of passive investing is a threat to active fund management. Even factor-based investing that leans toward the passive end of the continuum is threatened by more passive forms of investing. It’s hard to argue against the success of broadly-diversified index investing with minimal trading. So, rather than trying to argue in favour of more active strategies, it’s easier to meander into a pointless discussion about how passive investing doesn’t really exist. Continue Reading…
To apply this approach, at the end of each year, you pick the 10 stocks with the highest dividend yields from the 30 stocks that make up the Dow index.
You then invest an equal dollar amount in each of these 10 stocks and hold them for one year. You repeat the selection process and re-jig the portfolio at each year-end.
In theory, these stocks should outperform the market (the DJIA or the S&P 500).
2. The Small Dogs of the Dow Approach
In another variation, you pick the 10 highest dividend-yielding stocks, then select the five with the lowest stock price. Invest an equal dollar amount in each of those, hold them for a year, and repeat. This variation is known as the Small Dogs of the Dow, or simply The Dow 5.
Here’s a Dogs-of-the-Dow ETF
The ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (symbol SDOG on New York) follows its own version of the Dogs-of-the-Dow strategy. It picks five stocks with the highest dividend yields from each of the 10 sectors of the S&P 500 index. These sectors are consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, financials, health care, industrials, information technology, materials, telecommunication services, and utilities.
Each holding begins with roughly the same dollar value, so every company starts out with a similar influence on the ETF’s total return. The end result is a portfolio of 50 large-cap stocks.
Currently, the fund now holds a number of stocks we recommend as buys for subscribers of our Wall Street Stock Forecaster advisory. They include AT&T, Verizon, Kraft Heinz, Snap On, 3M, Newmont Mining and IBM. However, the ETF also holds a lot of stocks we don’t recommend.
Should you Follow the Dogs of the Dow Approach?
One best-selling book of the early 1990s advised investors to buy the Dogs of the Dow: the lowest-priced, highest-yielding Dow stocks. Followers of the approach made money. Of course, anybody who bought stocks in the early 1990s made money.
The Dogs of the Dow strategy worked well in the 1990s because interest rates were going down. This tended to raise all stock prices. But high-yielding stocks were affected more than most because they attracted bond investors who were switching into stocks.
That’s how things work with most formulaic approaches: Sometimes they seem to add value, because they happen to lead you to invest in stocks that were likely to go up for some reason other than the formula’s actual focus.
Of course, you also need to keep in mind that high yields can signal danger, rather than a bargain.
All in all, we don’t recommend the Dogs of the Dow strategy.
Here’s why high yields can be a danger sign
To reiterate: a high dividend yield may be a danger sign. It may mean insiders are selling and pushing the price down. A falling share price makes a stock’s yield goes up (because you still use the latest dividend payment as the numerator to calculate yield: but the denominator, the price, has dropped). But when a stock does cut or halt its dividend, its yield collapses. Continue Reading…
Navigating the complexities of personal finance can be overwhelming, but strategic approaches lead to significant stress reduction. This article delves into the transformative power of Financial Independence, drawing on the expertise of seasoned professionals. Gain actionable insights on how to fortify financial health and secure a more serene state of mind.
Automate Investments and Minimize Unnecessary Expenses
Prioritize Savings to Build Financial Cushion
Build Financial Resilience for Future Security
Automate Finances to Improve Sleep Patterns
Pay Off Debt to Reduce Mental Strain
Diversify Income to Ease Financial Stress
Maintain Safety Net for Peace of Mind
Pursue Financial Independence for Strategic Decisions
Financial Stability Empowers Value-Based Choices
Automate Investments and Minimize Unnecessary Expenses
Before discovering Financial Independence, every surprise expense felt like a mini heart attack. A sudden car repair or an unplanned medical bill would throw my whole month into chaos. I used to track my expenses obsessively, but it felt more like watching a sinking ship than steering it.
When I embraced the principles of Financial Independence, everything changed. I automated my investments to ensure consistent growth, minimized unnecessary expenses, and started treating my net worth like leveling up in a video game. Each step forward brought a tangible sense of progress, like gaining “health points” for life’s challenges.
The real difference came when the unexpected happened. For instance, when my car needed a major repair last year, I calmly paid cash instead of scrambling for a solution. That moment solidified my newfound confidence: I was prepared, not panicked.
Pursuing financial independence has been transformative for my stress levels. It’s not just about the numbers-it’s about turning fear into opportunity and anxiety into control. Every step toward independence feels like reclaiming a piece of peace. — Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime
Prioritize Savings to Build Financial Cushion
Breaking free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle was one of the most transformative changes in my life, and it significantly reduced my stress and anxiety. Early on, I found myself constantly worrying about covering expenses, with little room to plan ahead. It felt like I was stuck in a cycle of survival, with no opportunity to build stability or security for the future. That constant financial uncertainty weighed heavily on me, affecting my focus, decision-making, and even my health.
The turning point came when I decided to prioritize savings. Even with modest means, I began setting aside a small percentage of each paycheck into a high-yield savings account. At first, it required discipline, sacrificing small luxuries like dining out or unnecessary purchases, but over time, the effort began to pay off. Watching my savings grow gave me a sense of control that I had never felt before. Instead of reacting to emergencies, I started feeling prepared for them.
A defining moment came during a time of professional uncertainty when layoffs were happening at my workplace. Previously, the prospect of losing a job would have left me in a panic, consumed by questions about how to pay for rent, bills, or necessities. This time, however, I had built a financial cushion that gave me peace of mind. Knowing I had several months of living expenses saved, I was able to remain calm, evaluate my options, and focus on finding the right path forward instead of making decisions out of desperation.
That experience taught me the profound power of financial stability. It not only reduced my anxiety but also allowed me to approach challenges with clarity and resilience. Building that security was a key step toward greater personal and professional confidence, reinforcing my commitment to the values of preparation and intentionality. — Sean Smith, CEO & ex Head of HR, Alpas Wellness
Build Financial Resilience for Future Security
Pursuing Financial Independence has had a profoundly positive impact on my stress levels and anxiety by creating a sense of security, freedom, and control over my future. The process of building financial resilience has allowed me to approach challenges with more confidence and reduced the mental burden of living paycheck to paycheck.
How It Reduced Stress:
Peace of Mind: Knowing I have a financial cushion reduces the worry about unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or job loss.
Freedom to Make Choices: Financial independence provides the ability to take calculated risks, whether in career changes, starting a business, or investing.
Clear Goals: The structured process of saving, investing, and reducing debt brings a sense of purpose and direction, alleviating financial uncertainty.
In 2023, a major opportunity arose for me to transition from a salaried role to building my company. While exciting, the leap into entrepreneurship came with inherent risks, including the loss of a stable income. However, my pursuit of financial independence over the years had equipped me with:
An emergency fund covering 12 months of living expenses.
A diversified portfolio generating passive income.
This financial safety net allowed me to focus on growing the business without the anxiety of immediate financial pressure. Instead of stressing over daily operational costs, I was able to make thoughtful decisions about hiring, marketing, and product development. The result was not only professional growth but also improved mental health, as I could prioritize long-term success over short-term survival.
Pursuing financial independence isn’t just about wealth: it’s about reducing uncertainty and empowering yourself to lead a balanced, fulfilling life. It’s one of the most impactful ways to mitigate stress and foster a sense of control. — Kalpi Prasad, Finance Partner, Renown Lending
Automate Finances to Improve Sleep Patterns
Reducing financial stress has profoundly improved my overall well-being, and one of the most noticeable changes has been in my sleep patterns. Before I began focusing on financial stability, my nights were filled with worry, whether it was about unexpected bills, looming due dates, or just the general uncertainty of not having a financial plan. I often found myself lying awake, replaying scenarios about how I might manage in case of emergencies. This mental turmoil not only disrupted my sleep but also impacted my ability to fully show up for others during the day, especially in my personal and professional life.
One of the most transformative steps I took was automating my finances. By creating a system where a portion of my income automatically went into savings and setting up automatic bill payments, I removed the risk of late fees and the constant fear of forgetting due dates. For instance, I prioritized building an emergency fund by setting aside a small percentage of my income every month. Slowly but surely, watching that fund grow gave me a sense of security I hadn’t felt before. My recurring expenses were handled without the stress of constantly monitoring them, which freed up mental space for more meaningful pursuits.
This sense of order allowed me to sleep peacefully for the first time in years. Knowing that my financial house was in order provided a deep sense of relief, allowing me to let go of the endless cycle of “what-ifs” that had previously kept me awake. A pivotal moment for me came when an unexpected family expense arose. In the past, I would have spiraled into worry, trying to figure out how to manage. Instead, I was able to handle the situation calmly, knowing I had prepared for moments like this. That experience reinforced how much my financial independence was improving my life.
Now, I wake up rested, focused, and ready to continue serving others, which has always been my greatest passion. Recovery taught me the importance of building stability in all areas of life, and Financial Independence has become a key part of that journey. It’s a reminder that taking small, consistent steps toward stability creates a foundation for lasting peace and purpose. — Tyler Bowman, Founder & CEO, Brooks Healing Center
Pay off Debt to Reduce Mental Strain
Paying off debt was a transformative milestone in my journey toward Financial Independence and significantly reduced my stress and anxiety. The weight of monthly payments was a constant source of mental strain, creating a cycle of worry that seemed impossible to break. I vividly remember how overwhelming it was to see interest charges pile up, making progress feel out of reach. It often felt like no matter how much I tried, I was stuck in a loop that only deepened my stress.
To address this, I took a methodical approach, prioritizing high-interest debts and creating a structured repayment plan. Each payment became a small victory, reinforcing my determination to push forward. It wasn’t always easy, but focusing on the long-term goal of freedom kept me motivated even during challenging moments. The day I cleared my debt was nothing short of life-changing. The relief I felt was profound, like a weight I had been carrying for years was suddenly gone. Continue Reading…
The utility sector is known for its defensive qualities, providing a stable investment option in times of market uncertainty. By overweighting defensive sectors, investors can lower the volatility (risk) of their portfolios. Many will refer to Canadian utilities as ‘bond proxies’ due to their steadiness. However, the true strength lies not in the dividends they offer but in the inherent defensive nature of these companies. Utility stocks are considered defensive because they tend to perform well during economic downturns. Consumers continue to need electricity, water, and other essential services even when the economy is struggling. So here we’ll take a look at Canadian utility stocks and ETFs.
There are a few reasons for an investor to embrace the utilities sector. They may want a portfolio that is less volatile. A retiree can witness a real financial benefit as a portfolio that experiences lesser drawdowns in recessions can create greater and more durable income over time.
Defensive sectors
In this post, the Defensive sectors for Retirement, the three defensive sectors were almost twice as good as a traditional balanced stock and bond portfolio. That is to say, the portfolio moved through the financial crisis of 2008-2009 and left the retiree with a portfolio almost twice as large as the traditional 60/40 balanced portfolio.
Keep in mind past performance does not guarantee future returns. That said, consumer staples, utilities and healthcare have a long history of offering greater portfolio stability.
Canadian utility stocks and ETFs
That above posts looks to U.S. staples, utilities and healthcare stocks. There’s no better place to find multinational consumer staples and healthcare stocks. The healthcare sector is non-existent in Canada. Our consumer staples sector in Canada (XST.TO) is very good, but is mostly domestic. More on that later.
In the Globe & Mail Rob Carrick offered an article (sub required) on Canadian utility ETFs. Rob noted that the fees for these ETFs are quite large compared to market index-based ETFs. The fees are in the 0.32% to 0.61% range. That said, that is the norm for ‘specialty’ or sector ETFs. Rob looked at three Canadian utility ETFs …
The two high-fee funds are the BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF ( ZUT-T), with assets of $500-million and 14 total holdings; and the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF ( XUT-T) with assets of $379-million and 15 holdings.
A third fund, the Global X Canadian Utility Services High Dividend Index ETF ( UTIL-T) will on March 4 reduce its current MER of 0.61 per cent to an estimated 0.32 per cent. UTIL has assets of $379-million and 15 holdings.
Core utilities or extended universe?
One key decision that an investor will make is: what types of utilities do you want to own? You can stick to the traditional power/electricity producers, or you can include pipelines and the modern utilities known as the telcos.
ZUT.TO and XUT.TO are traditional power utilities. They are very similar, except the BMO ZUT is equal-weighted while the iShares XUT is cap-weighted (the largest companies get the greater weighting within the index). I’d give the edge to the BMO ETF. Continue Reading…
Shortly after Donald Trump was elected, I sold some of my Canadian index (XIU) holdings in Canadian dollars and bought a small-cap stock index in the U.S. called the Russell 2000, in U.S. dollars.
The Russell 2000 is a stock market index that represents the 2,000 smallest publicly traded stocks in the U.S. I purchased the ETF IWM, which tracks the Russell 2000, at $240.
What are small companies?
Small companies are those with a market value between $300 million and $2 billion. These companies are underrepresented in major indexes such as the S&P 500.
Reading the writing on the wall
I usually don’t let politics influence my investment decisions, but sometimes you have to read the writing on the wall.
In this case, Donald Trump made it clear that he:
Wanted to reduce taxes
Wanted lower interest rates
Wanted to increase tariffs
More precisely, he intended to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. It would have been irresponsible for me to ignore this information and do nothing.
Reducing Canadian Exposure
My decision to sell the Canadian index was partially motivated by fear. Donald Trump’s clear stance on imposing tariffs on Canadian products signaled potential trouble for the Canadian economy and currency. Based on this, I decided to reduce my Canadian exposure and increase my U.S. exposure.
Why Small-Cap Stocks and Not Large-Cap?
Since much of my wealth is already invested in the S&P 500, which represents large corporations, I thought diversifying by market capitalization would be beneficial. Continue Reading…
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