NormR

I would add that I don't trust the Manitoba credit union guarantee at all. They aren't backed by the CDIC, and pay high interest rates on savings accounts. I expect that system to blow up at some point. If you wanted to spot a mini-Cyprus in Canada, it might be one.

Keep in mind the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation provides depositor protection in Canada. They aren't going away. So the sub $100k account is still fine. The over $100k account was never protected. It's been a while since a big bank collapsed in Canada but smaller ones have. Some here might remember what happened to uninsured deposits in such cases. IIRC, my dad was in one such dead bank/trust but got his money back because he was under the insured limit.

I don't think they're talking about deposits. I think they're talking about some form of convertible bonds or preferred shares. At least such an idea was floated before. So, it might actually help protect larger depositors (i.e. above the insured limit of $100k). Mind you, the equity holders might see a nasty bit of dilution in a 2008-9 repeat. On the whole, this is about orderly recaps in bad times, which is a good idea to consider before they hit. In other words, I'd want to see the legislation before believing the hype on this particular story.

Do you happen to know which store they'll hit first? I'm inclined to go but I may want to bail out half way through to get back early to get ready for the drinks. :D

Thanks!

While enjoy gardening as a hobby, isn't it generally a waste of human capital? You'd have to be pretty poor to be doing it for the money in most cases.

Nothing and they do. Same with credit card info. Gay, pregnant, both? Google knows. ;)

I agree with vinod1, the MF isn't likely to generate ~30% annual returns over the long term. More likely just a few percentage point bump, which is still pretty good.

Microcap ETFs would be a bit nutty due to liquidity issues. But there are several value ETFs to pick from with P/B being a popular factor. Agreed. I guess I just haven't found any of these ETFs that I really consider cheap enough for my Grahamsian taste. A quick look at the holdings of some of these ETFs and I see p/b stocks above 3, P/e averaging above 18. Not exactly a cheap enough stocks for outperformace in my opinion. Do you know any true value ETFs? Most of the ones I find would be laughable to Graham. Doing another survey is on my list. The "pure value"series of U.S. ETFs (RPV, etc) seem to be better than most.

Microcap ETFs would be a bit nutty due to liquidity issues. But there are several value ETFs to pick from with P/B being a popular factor.

From the recently published book Quantitative Value. It makes the case that MF isn't the best option and the book is generally quite interesting. Check out http://greenbackd.com/ for more info.

For larger stocks, 1974-2011 Quantitative Value pegs SD at 16.9%, worst drawdown -37%.

IIRC, TIPS suffer from drag in hyperinflation because the coupon payments are not reset all that often (semi-annually?) whereas the dollar is depreciating a sizable amount on a daily or hourly basis. Again, just a dim memory on this one. As previously pointed out, the simply way to hurt TIPS holders is to redefine CPI. Again, IIRC, Argentina fixed the price of big macs because the Economist's fun big mac cost index put the lie to the official stats. As a result, it became hard to get the burger in the country as only a few were put up for sale each day.

Exactly, I've read stories where people should have been on that list for decades but they are secretive so Forbes was never aware of them. Then there are all the promotional people on that list as well, who knows what their real fortunes are. I know they missed the Jackmans (ELF.TO) for years. I guess not having a website throws them off. ;)

All the big Canadian papers, IIRC, are going paywall. It's about time. ;) Not so good for cheapskate readers tho :(

It's up :)

Just to be clear, RSVP via PM please. :)

Um, it'll be in the downtown core somewhere. So, I can't guarantee free parking. But it'll be close to the subway / union station.

Pre-BGC2013VIC Although tickets aren't required, I'm organizing a small dinner the night before the BGC2013VIC (April 9, 6pm-ish) for those in town early for the conference. But it will require a RSVP so that I can find an appropriate spot at a restaurant. So, let me know well in advance if you'd like to attend. Pre-FFH Dinner Drinks No RSVP needed for the meeting on the 10th before the dinner. It's first come first served. ;D

Anyone know Guy? (Does he show up at the FFH? My memory is hazy. :-[ )

Can someone give me the back story on Sham?

So, what's the UK's CAPE. Oh, and how are private equity / real estate / alternate investments allotted in the graphs? I might be interested to see similar graphs for Japan. ;)

The Winner's Curse has been much on my mind re: size.

Who cares about that. Value investors like to see solid net asset value and good earnings power. ;)