I Fund Talk

[tsptalk]

The EAFE index (I fund) had some huge years back in the mid 1980's. Check out these returns:

1983 +23.69%
1984 + 7.41%
1985 +56.14%
1986 +69.46%
1987 +24.64%
1988 +28.26%

That is mind boggling. We thought the 1990's were good here. The years leading up to those returns were quite weak. Before last year's 38% gain, the I fund had three years of negative returns, -14%, -22% and -16%. This is a volatile index but could we see consecutive year returns like that anytime soon? I won't bet the farm on it but I wouldn't leave it out of your allocation if you are in the stock funds.

[tostige]

I follow the Forex (currency markets) and though the dollar has had a spike this week, long term it is heading down at least another 10% by year end against the pound, euro and asian currencies (not including curriencies tied to the $). One thing that may affect the I fund this week is the european central bank meeting. If they decide to lower rates, the I fund could spike up a bit, but that could also push the dollar higher short term. A good site to watch live forex qoutes is at www.forex-markets.com (http://www.forex-markets.com) (click on qoutes, and wait about 10 seconds to let it update).

[tsptalk]

The terrorist attack in madrid over night ishurting the I fund this morning. Is it time to get in there a little heavier? If our markets weren't about to rebound I probably would move more into the I fund. But since the S and C funds are also quite due, I will remain at 25%.

Tom

[tsptalk]

So much for plans. The reason I went to 50% I is becausethe C and S funds were up nicely early Friday,and the I fund was down big again. This could set up a nice rally for Monday in the I fund.