The market ended 2010 on a strong note, with our benchmark Vanguard 500 (VFINX) fund jumping 6.67% - good to deliver a 14.91% return for 2010. Foreign stocks, as measured by the iShares MSCI EAFE Index ETF (EFA), were up 8.3%, but underperformed the US market with a 8.25% return for 2010 – December saved international stocks from a negative year. Our Conservative portfolio was up 1.37% while our Aggressive portfolio was up 2.58% in December. For the year, Conservative was up 7.58% while Aggressive gained 9.84% - a solid return considering our significant bond allocations. 

As longer term followers of our portfolios know, we review the year-end tax distribution estimates for our funds around this time to aid in any year-end tax planning. In the case of large year-end distribution, it can make sense to hold off buying a fund until the distribution is paid, particularly with high tax rate short term capital gains. Sometimes it can make sense to sell before the distribution and buy a different fund.

The current rise in riskier assets may be caused by professional investors trying to get ahead of the next asset bubble. While investors with their own money are avoiding stock funds after a decade-plus of go-nowhere performance, minimal dividends, and major dips, pros who have the luxury of investing other people’s money are starting to focus on the asset bubbles created over the last 15 or so years, in part by Federal Reserve policies. 

The strongest stock categories in September where technology funds, which gained 13%, and small cap growth, up 12.8%. Japan, utilities, and real estate posted more modest gains, up 7%, 4.7%, and 4.4% respectively. Strong bond areas included emerging market bond funds, up 3.2% and high yield (junk) bonds, up 2.9%.