Glad to make it to the weekend after a brutal week in the market.
After six months of tracking we're right back where we started! Pretty much dead even. Given what's happened in the market in the last 4-5 months, I'll take it. Starting in January I reallocated the portfolio towards a lower beta (~0.59) and shifted my sector weighting more towards consumer staples, utilities, energy and real estate.
In some areas I've started a position in sector ETFs where to help balance out areas. Currently I have positions in $XLP (Consumer Defensive) and $XLU (Utilities). Both produce some yield and are sufficiently diversified until I can decide where to allocate towards individual companies.
I've also taken some of the portfolio and shifted to a higher allocation of short term treasury bonds $SCHO. Even as bonds take a hit, I think staying in the shorter term space is a good place to park some cash until I can see my way through the risk.
- $XLYD - $69.26
- $CMCSA - $27.00
- $QQQ - -$4.34
- $ETO - $77.10
- $AMT - $40.60
Apple lifts payout by 4.5%, achieving 10th straight year of dividend growth
Apple announced its next dividend of $0.23 per share, a 4.5% increase over the company's previous payout of $0.22.
The iconic technology leader has enviable brand loyalty and market positioning, which has allowed the firm to build a fortress of a balance sheet, consistently grow earnings, and maintain a conservative payout ratio.
Increased annual income $1.96. (Big money!)
- Bought some $54.00 $KR calls at close of business Friday hoping to capitalize on a bounce Monday.
- I need to revisit the quarterly rebalancing but I'm not in a big hurry as I'm overall happy with things. Need to take a few profits on energy & utilities and take some consumer discretionary ($WSM) off the table and likely allocate towards more Consumer Staples. Not sure yet.