Copernicus Portfolio Review: 3 July 2025

Canby Cruise In

When the Copernicus portfolio was first launched back in early 2022 it was young investors I had in mind.  Simplicity was a primary factor since I assumed someone following the Copernicus model would have little time to pay attention to any investing model other than to purchase an ETF now and again when cash became available.  While the Copernicus focuses on young investors, it is also a useful portfolio for investors who are still saving and have two or three business cycles to build out this portfolio.  Assume one business cycle lasts 5.5 years, or the average period since 1950.

One very important feature of the Copernicus is to continually add cash to the portfolio.  As readers of this blog will recall, 2022 was a poor year for investing.  We were recovering from COVID.  By dollar-cost-averaging in the down years the Copernicus took advantage of those investments and that is why the overall performance is so strong.

The philosophy of the Copernicus is to begin with the minimum investment required by the broker and to then add cash each month.  When there is sufficient cash available, purchase one or more shares of VOO or SPY.  Consistently do this over your working life and you are likely to end up with a sizable retirement account.

Copernicus Security Holdings

Below readers will see the current holdings in the Copernicus.  If just beginning this style of investing, one could use a single ETF, VOO.  I began the Copernicus using several equity oriented ETFs, but that is not necessary as my securities overlap.  Keep it very simple.

Right now the market is at or near its high point.  This being the case, I am building up SHV as a cash holding security while waiting for the market to drop so as to obtain a better price for VOO.  This approach runs counter to the philosophy of the Copernicus, but we are living in very uncertain times.

Copernicus Performance Data

Since launch back in January of 2022 the Copernicus has managed to outstrip all six benchmarks tracked using the Investment Account Manager software.

Copernicus Risk Ratios

While an all equity portfolio is normally considered to be a high risk portfolio, the Jensen Performance Index puts that argument to shame. Yes, the Copernicus would take a hit were we to experience a recession.  And this is likely to happen several times over the lifetime of an investor.  Personally, I’ve experienced five or six serious market declines.  Some as deep as 50% drops.  By consistently saving each month one takes advantage of those dips unless one is laid off work.  Unemployment poses a completely different problem and one to avoid if at all possible.

Comments are always welcome.