Thanks for letting me have some fun and for sharing my thoughts about the ETF world. It is relatively new for me since I am actually a stock jockey at heart. Here, I want to talkThe Barnacle is a quantitative analyst and has been in and out of the investing business since 2003. He is a former member of Marketocracy's M100 Club. He has a degree in mathematics and believes that mathematics is the root of all success. If the numbers tell one to do something, then do it. When one reads his posts, one will reali ...

As we wind down 2025, I am already thinking about 2026 and what the market's future holds. I will say now that we are exiting a short, favorable period and entering an unfavorable period that will lastThe Barnacle is a quantitative analyst and has been in and out of the investing business since 2003. He is a former member of Marketocracy's M100 Club. He has a degree in mathematics and believes that mathematics is the root of all success. If the numbers tell one to do something, then do it. When one reads hi ...

Group 1 - The analysis from 2018 indicated that the market was overpriced by 32.5%, suggesting a bubble situation at that time [1] - The analyst, known as The Barnacle, emphasizes the importance of quantitative analysis and mathematics in investment decisions [1] - The focus has shifted from individual stocks to ETF strategies that may outperform the overall market return or provide better risk protection [1] Group 2 - The analyst has experience in the investing business since 2003 and has been part of Marketocracy's M100 Club [1] - The investment approach includes value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the perceived lack of resilience of Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) during market downturns, highlighting skepticism from certain analysts regarding its performance in adverse conditions [1]. Group 1: Analyst Perspective - The analyst, known as The Barnacle, emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, valuing mathematical analysis over traditional sell-side research, which he considers subpar [1]. - The Barnacle's investment strategy includes a focus on value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including large caps, midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1]. - Recent efforts have shifted towards ETF strategies that aim to outperform the overall market returns or offer enhanced risk protection, moving away from individual stock analysis [1].

Core Insights - The article discusses the perceived lack of resilience of Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) during market downturns, highlighting skepticism from certain analysts regarding its performance in adverse conditions [1]. Group 1: Analyst Perspective - The analyst, known as The Barnacle, emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, valuing mathematical analysis over traditional sell-side research, which he considers subpar [1]. - The Barnacle's investment strategy includes a focus on value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including midcaps, small caps, and international stocks, as well as sectors like gold mining and REITs [1]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The current focus is on ETF strategies that aim to outperform the overall market returns or provide enhanced risk protection, moving away from individual stock investments [1].

Core Insights - The First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) was recommended as a Buy, generating a 7.50% return compared to the S&P 500's 10.54% return since the recommendation [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The analyst emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, valuing mathematical analysis over traditional sell-side analysis [1] - The focus has shifted from individual stocks to ETF strategies that aim to outperform market returns or provide better risk protection [1] Group 2: Investment Focus - The analyst shares insights on value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including large caps, midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and acknowledges existing controversies surrounding it [1] - The author emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, valuing mathematical analysis over traditional sell-side analysis [1] - The focus is on ETF strategies that may outperform the market or provide better risk protection, rather than individual stocks [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in XYLD and NVDA, indicating a personal investment interest [2] - The article expresses the author's opinions without external compensation, highlighting independence in analysis [2] - There is no business relationship with any mentioned companies, ensuring unbiased commentary [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) and highlights some controversies surrounding it [1] Group 1: Analyst Background - The analyst, known as The Barnacle, has been involved in the investing business since 2003 and is a former member of Marketocracy's M100 Club [1] - The analyst holds a degree in mathematics and emphasizes the importance of numerical analysis in investment decisions [1] - The analyst expresses skepticism towards sell-side analysis, considering it generally poor [1] Group 2: Investment Focus - The analyst shares insights on value stocks with growth potential, covering a range of market capitalizations including large caps, midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1] - Recent focus has shifted towards ETF strategies that may outperform the overall market return or offer better risk protection [1] - The analyst no longer concentrates on individual stocks, indicating a strategic shift in investment approach [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the search for investment funds that can generate returns while protecting against downside risks, particularly in anticipation of a significant market correction after 2026 [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The focus is on quantitative analysis and the belief that mathematical principles drive investment success [1]. - The analyst emphasizes the importance of following numerical data over sell-side analysis, which is often deemed unreliable [1]. - There is a shift in focus from individual stocks to ETF strategies that may outperform the market or provide better risk protection [1]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The investment approach includes value stocks with growth potential across various market capitalizations, including large caps, midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs [1].

Market Conditions and Investment Strategy - The current market conditions raise several concerns, with a focus on natural market cycles and fundamentals [1] - The analyst emphasizes a quantitative approach to investing, relying heavily on mathematical analysis to guide investment decisions [1] - There is a noted skepticism towards sell-side analysis, which is perceived as generally poor in quality [1] Investment Focus - The analyst shares insights on value stocks that still possess growth potential, covering a range of market capitalizations including large caps, midcaps, and small caps [1] - International stocks, gold miners, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are also included in the investment scope [1] - Recent strategies have shifted towards Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that may outperform the overall market return or offer better risk protection [1]