Mar 6th, 2010
February was Short and Sweet: How Our Model Portfolio Did
February, of course, is the shortest month of the year, but it seems it was long on gains for our model portfolio. Let’s look at how our funds did last month:
The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX) was up 1.86% in February, while still paying that 1.94% yield. In our international segment, the Vanguard Total International Stock Index (VGTSX) was down 1.44% and paying a 2.51% yield, meaning that while not having a spectacular month, the stock portion of our portfolio had a positive gain.
In the fixed income section of our portfolio, the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX) was essentially flat, up a penny, but a statistical 0.00% increase, with a yield of 3.96%. Our other fixed income fund, the Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX) was up a little more, 0.12% and yielding 3.71%.
So, while it wasn’t a great month, it was a positive one for three of our four funds and the majority of our portfolio. Let’s hope March keeps building on these gains!
Uh, for Total International you are mistakenly comparing an annual yield vs. a monthly loss. VGTSX is down over 5% so far in 2010 as of today. You lost money in Feb. and for the year. Unless the fund gains(which I hope it will) the dividend will not even cover the YTD loss you have been hit with so far.
Thanks for responding.
I’m not comparing an annual yield vs. a monthly loss; I’m just stating what the annual yield is and what the monthly gain (or loss) was. I apologize if that was not clear.
OK. That is my fault, I did not read it correctly.
The funny thing is I read it more than once before I posted the first comment and missed what you were saying. Once I read your comment though, I saw it instantly.