What are the best MFs to take a chance on right now?

(left-click to enlarge)

Back on June 30th, I wondered if it was time to get back in.

Here is the Star's analysis of the best Mutual Funds over 5 years. It appears precious metals, Latin America and some energy resources have sustained performance during the last 5 years.

Although past performance is no clear indication of future success, it may be the best we have (other than insider information) to go on.

Here is a list of some GlobeFund top performing MFs in late August. Some are getting back to where they were a year ago.  

Here is the Morningstar top performers YTD (in the Toronto Star Sept 18, 2009). 

Here is a Globe Fund top picks list I selected 09/21 (investment made January 2009). I have included a few ETFs (no MER and low mgmt fee). Non-ETF success (in the last 6 months) has been mainly precious metals and oil. Will these continue to climb? The Investors group seems to have done quite well this year. They have a MER of approx 2.75% and mgmt fee of approx 2% and their top two are no load (the others are back end). Might be worth some investment.


I am going to review them and then consider re-entry.


The V or U shaped recovery possibilities may have passed but is the W shape to come? 


Anyone have other thots?

Retractable Screen Door

A while ago, we installed a window and replaced the side glass panels in our front door and got rid of the standard screen door.

However, we always lamented the lack of breezes front-to-back on the main floor ... we missed the screening effect of a screen door.

After quite a bit of research, I located a retractable screen and installed it today.

The research took quite a while, as we wanted it to blend in (not noticeable) and easy to use.

We weren't concerned about the cost (within reason) but wanted something durable, simple and unobtrusive (inset rather than outside).

You would be surprised what is out there (including slow clutch retraction and automation) ...

and how poor the products are ... and how many "require" professional installation.

What it looks like installed with screen closed and door opened (reduces opening width by about 3 inches)

The selected product ($189 at Lowes)

There are various methods of installation and alternate approaches to how the screen works.

Some products try to sell you on ease of installation, ease of use, and controlled release of the screen.

They range from $160 (do-it-yourself) to well over $500 (professional installation).

In the do-it-yourself category, there are versions that don't consider mosquitoes and flies and some that look like cheap screen doors.

I wanted one that didn't allow insects and also appeared to be integrated ... as well as working easily and appeared to be resilient enough over time.

Time will tell but we are pleased today with how it looks and works. Check the Renovation section of our home site for more enlarged pics of this renovation.

If you have any questions, let me know.

cordless lawn mower

So much for trying the light-weight Gardena cordless reel mower. It doesn't cut evenly.

I tried a second one and it didn't cut any better.

It took 1.5 hours last time and still not a uniform cut.

I replaced it today for the Black & Decker 19" cordless mulching mower with rear bag (on sale at Lowe's and Home Depot $299 ... $549 a month ago). It is heavier but cuts much more evenly and quickly and only took half an hour this time. I'll update this post, if things change.

My cord lawn mower finally bit the dust (after 10 years).

I was wishing it would have happened sooner ... but then I might not have found the Gardena Cordless 12V Accu reel mower ... for $279 at Home Depot.

I always wanted to get a push mower but remembered how it jumps up (the back) when going thru thick grass.

Well, this Gardena is a push mower with a lithium (very light) battery. Some of the other cordless mowers have lead batteries (heavy) that take 24 hours to charge...and are quite hard to push.

I did some research and found that Mark Cullen was fed up with his Earthwise cordless mower and purchased a gas mower (within the last month) from Home Hardware. Perhaps the Gardena is a better product. I then thought cordless may NOT be ready for mainstream lawn care ... but I have always felt Gardena had good products.

Rona has the Accu Reel Mower for $350 but Home Depot had it on sale today for $279.

I couldn't resist.

It is very light and very quiet. I'll update this post, if my enthusiasm wanes.