January 2017 update ($386,711 -$1,120 or -0.3%)

↑ Vanguard Emerging markets ETF is up by 6% or $882

↑ Rosneft shares went up by 2% or $221 for my portfolio.

↑ iShares core DAX wen up 2% or $378

↑ iShares Emerging markets sovereign debt ETF (IEMB )  is up by 1% or $300

↑ iShares Emerging markets  Corporate bonds ETF (EMCR) is up by 2% or $880

↑ Precious metals are up by 7% or $686

Grand total additions:  $3,347

 

↓ Vanguard S&P500 ETF is down 1% or $945

↓ Gazprom shares are down 2% or $2,835

↓ Company shares are down by 3% or $687

Grand total losses:  $ 4,467

 Observations:

• I am putting aside about $500 towards tax efficient scheme but the final results are only visible one a year, i.e. in 12 months time. This is not a lot by any stretch of imagination, however when I look at pensioners I realise that every dollar counts!
• People are getting a little bit nervous about EU future and increasing short term positions in precious metals.
• I am looking for the options to move to low cost funds and consolidate my portfolio into 3-4 holdings only, with automatic re-investment option.