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The Hidden Costs of Indexing: What Investors Should Understand
Investment Theory Kieran Cook Investment Theory Kieran Cook

The Hidden Costs of Indexing: What Investors Should Understand

Index funds like Vanguard’s VTI are often praised for their low fees, transparency, and diversification — and for good reason. But beneath the surface of these low-cost strategies lie hidden frictions that can quietly erode investor returns. This article explores the lesser-known costs of index investing: from forced trading and front-running to adverse selection and sector concentration. It also highlights how Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) takes a smarter, more flexible approach — using patient, systematic trading to avoid these inefficiencies and deliver more cost-effective exposure to the market. For investors who want to stay passive but get more from their portfolios, understanding these hidden costs is key.

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Does Owning Lots of Funds Actually Improve Diversification?
Practical Investing Kieran Cook Practical Investing Kieran Cook

Does Owning Lots of Funds Actually Improve Diversification?

Many investors assume that holding lots of different funds automatically means better diversification — but that’s not always true. This post explores why the number of funds you hold matters less than what’s actually inside them, when a single fund can be enough, and how true diversification is more about uncorrelated exposures than fund count.

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Understanding Convertible Bonds: A Hybrid Between Debt and Equity
Practical Investing Kieran Cook Practical Investing Kieran Cook

Understanding Convertible Bonds: A Hybrid Between Debt and Equity

Convertible bonds are a unique hybrid investment that combine the steady income of traditional debt with the potential upside of equity. In this post, we break down how these financial instruments work, why companies issue them, and what makes them appealing to investors. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding convertible bonds can open the door to smarter portfolio diversification and strategic risk management.

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Why Stocks Belong in Every Investor’s Portfolio
Practical Investing Kieran Cook Practical Investing Kieran Cook

Why Stocks Belong in Every Investor’s Portfolio

When evaluating the long-term role of stocks in a portfolio, it's essential to consider not just their returns, but what those returns mean in real terms. Since the early 19th century, stocks have consistently outpaced inflation and delivered substantial gains in purchasing power. In contrast, cash and short-term bills have struggled to keep up with rising prices, often resulting in a slow erosion of real wealth. This highlights a key advantage of equities: their unmatched ability to grow capital over time. For investors with long horizons, including stocks in a portfolio isn’t just sensible—it’s necessary for building and preserving real wealth.

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