Monthly vs. Yearly IRA Contribution Experiment – August 2012 Update

The Monthly vs. Yearly IRA contribution timing experiment August 2012 update.

Yearly Contribution Roth IRA

Fund
Shares
Price
Cost Basis
Market Value
Gain/Loss
Gain/Loss %
VTSMX
103.23
35.10
3,280.56
3,623.36
342.80
10.45
VGTSX
93.07
13.96
1,250.00
1,299.33
49.33
3.95
VBMFX
46.39
11.21
509.51
520.10
10.59
2.08
Totals:
5,040.07
5,442.79
402.72
7.99

Account Summary :

  • 08/31/2012 – Reinvested $1.08 dividend for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund

Monthly Contribution Roth IRA

Fund
Shares
Price
Cost Basis
Market Value
Gain/Loss
Gain/Loss %
VTSMX
64.64
35.10
2,177.74
2,268.84
91.10
4.18
VGTSX
60.11
13.96
833.31
839.19
5.88
0.71
VBMFX
30.42
11.21
336.76
341.02
4.26
1.26
Totals:
3,347.81
3,449.05
101.24
3.02

Account Summary :

  • 08/01/2012 – Contributed $416.66
  • 08/01/2012 – Purchased mutual funds
  • 08/31/2012 – Reinvested $0.71 dividend for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund

Monthly vs. Yearly IRA Account Comparison

Account
Gain/Loss %
% Change From Prior Month
Yearly
7.99
+2.30
Monthly
3.02
+2.34

Analysis :

  • The markets have increased for the third month in a row.
  • The economy is starting to show signs of weakness in the manufacturing industry and the labor market. However, due to low interest rates, real estate seems to be on the tear.
  • Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke made comments that the Fed was prepared to bolster the economy with more stimulus.
  • Trading volume remains low.