Copernicus Portfolio Review: 6 April 2026

Maasdam Tender

We begin the week with an easy review.  While waiting for SHV dividends to show up in Bethe I’ll update the Copernicus, an “all equity” portfolio.  The asset allocation make-up of the Copernicus is designed for a young investor with many saving years ahead.  Many saving years might be defined as greater than 10 years or two business cycles.

Initially the Copernicus was heavily populated with S&P 500 (SPY and VOO) securities.  Recently I lowered the percentage in this overbought area and opened up dividend ETFs such as SCHD, VYM and VIG.  The hope is the portfolio volatility will be lowered, thus reducing risk.  Nevertheless, the Copernicus is still a high risk portfolio.

Copernicus Assets

Below are the six equity ETFs held in the Copernicus portfolio.  RSP is an equal-weight ETF.  Holding this ETF cuts exposure to the “Big Ten” stocks that make up 40% of the S&P 500.  VOO provides plenty of exposure to these high flying stocks.

By holding shares of SCHD, VYM, and VIG we generate dividends to keep the portfolio in balance.  Yes, there will be overlap of stocks held in these three dividend ETFs.  I’m not too concerned about the duplication.

The beta of Copernicus is currently 0.67 or about 2/3 as volatile as the S&P 500.

Copernicus Performance Data

Since 12/31/2021 the Copernicus has outperformed all benchmarks tracked by the Investment Account Manager (IAM) software.  In fact it is smashing all competition.  If I recall, this portfolio is the best portfolio reported on here at ITA.

Copernicus Risk Ratios

While the Copernicus is performing very well, it did take a hit over the last few weeks.  An “all equity” portfolio is subject to market moves, even with this modest beta.

The April Information Ratio should read 3.14.  There are times when my Excel™ acts up and does not accept data I entered.

All March and April values are greater than they were a year ago.  This coming year is likely to be a real test of an “equities only” portfolio.

Copernicus Portfolio Update: 14 December 2025

Gifting a Grandchild