The PDF version of the September issue of ETFInvestor is now available for download.

If the link above doesn’t work, you can download this month's issue by copying this address into your browser: http://etf.morningstar.com/Newsletter.aspx?download=currentIssue

The September issue addresses some of the arguments against index investing. These arguments are worth taking seriously, though most aren’t persuasive. The market isn’t perfect, but passive index investing is still probably the best option for most investors.

Here you’ll find content about:     

• Arguments against index investing and why many of them aren’t compelling  
• Why the factor portfolio has a decent shot to beat the market and how it would look with small-cap stocks  
• iShares Russell 2000 ETF and iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF HYG
• Why the market is not always efficient
• How bond ETFs improve liquidity and why that doesn’t increase market risk

On a separate note, Barron's recently published an article arguing that iShares Edge MSCI Minimum Volatility USA ETF (USMV) is "among the riskiest investments in the market right now." That argument centers around valuations, but the headline numbers don't tell the full story. You can read my rebuttal of Barron's argument here.

Best,

Alex