Hi Allen,
In INT there is one ETF missing: EFV - InternationalLargeCapValue
Sorry about that.
The whole UBA started after the 2009 event and was built partly on what was (randomly) bought during 2008/2009.
It was an attempt to structure things and the UBA philosophy, backed up by DFA, French, Fama etc. seemed a good starting point, the more so because you have many slices to AIM.
So I decided on VGK and VPL in stead of VEA for example. And also made a tetrad in EMM(also counting VSS).
The percentages were not 10% each at the start. Also there is the problem on what to calculate the percentages: machine value, equity value, portfolio control value? I remember that I began with Portfolio Control value. Machines that bought a lot, increased in size(lately EMM) and machines that didn't (VTV for example) did not grow so much. I have learned that in the UBA, every AIM buy should be made for this reason, only be careful with a sustained slide.
So my percentages are a bit random(also by definition), although I had home bias because of the start pieces. So my percentages are without information and I think you should target 1/N, as Tom is doing.
I am looking at transferring the whole thing to Euros. I started at around $1.40 to 1 euro. At this moment it is $1.05 versus 1 euro. The long term plan was to move to euros when it is $0.80 to 1 euro. I actually AIM the dollar vs the euro and move dollars to euros, the next sell/buy level is $1.04.
Here at home I don't have the same ETFs as in the US, but new ETFS were introduced: worldwide Value, Momentum, Liquidity, Low volatility(AIM?) and combining these with geographic diversification could make a nice portfolio, which will not be a strict UBA, but will diversify over geographies, factors and what other niches I can find. All 1/N measured in PC while also maybe rebalancing on the AIM buy side.
Best, K
