Investing to become financially independent
Investing to become financially independent
Since 2009, stock markets have risen spectacularly, with the SMI up 45% and the S&P 500 up 75%, raising legitimate concerns about current valuations. According to Warren Buffett's favorite indicator, the market is moderately overvalued, with a TMC/GNP ratio of 92.5%, suggesting a limited future annual return of 4.6%.
Market analysis: is it time to worry about overvaluation? Read More »
The portfolio suffered a drop in profitability to -4.74% following the fall of CenturyLink, but maintained a solid performance in euros with a Sharpe ratio higher than the benchmark indices. Dividends continue to rise, and new stocks such as Novartis and Roche are now being monitored to diversify the portfolio.
The merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz in 1996 gave rise to Novartis, now the world's 3rd largest pharmaceutical group. Despite its relative youth, the Basel-based company presents an attractive profile for investors, with a dividend yield of 3% and steadily increasing payouts.
The week saw a slight increase in our portfolio despite a slight fall in the US dollar, with our first 2011 dividend distribution from ABT. Although the euro had a turbulent week, our Sharpe ratio remains higher than that of the CAC 40 thanks to better profitability and lower volatility.
Johnson & Johnson, an American healthcare giant founded in 1886, offers an excellent dividend of 3.4%, which has been rising steadily for 48 years. With a remarkably low volatility of 7.18% and an attractive payout ratio of 43.33%, the company currently represents an attractive investment opportunity according to our analysis.
Discover our analysis of our stock market performance, which is now outperforming expectations thanks to the dollar's leverage effect, with a significant increase compared with the end of 2010. Despite remaining in negative territory at -4.58%, this positive correction in the equity market and the dollar offers encouraging prospects for 2011.
CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), following its merger with Qwest, is positioned as a major telecommunications player offering telephony, Internet and broadband services. The company stands out for its attractive dividend policy, with a yield above its historical average and consistent growth for several years.
The falling dollar had a major impact on our portfolio, which posted a negative performance despite holding up relatively well against the euro. The year ended with strategic adjustments, notably concerning Sunoco Logistics and Paychex, in a context of prudent risk and volatility management.
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