I glanced over all your comments and wanted to leave some random answers:
-Parking money in gold? I would say it’s a valid approach depending on the amount and time. A few percent of one’s assets never hurt, since there is always the risk of central bankers turning lunetics. Besides that it’s usually a good time when interest rates are below inflation (e.g. the last few years) or when no alternative yields are present (probably a few more years). I am sure, latest when they stop raising rates, will be a good time too.
-Don’t buy CEF before checking the premium over net asset value. If it’s above 10%, you are buying against a strong headwind of possibly shrinking premium.
-This brings me to the next suggestion: Never, ever, throw away 5-10% additonal gains by thinking you can make 30%. People making 25%/year have become the richest people in the world, and they were very smart people. If you don’t use tax advantages or pay too much premium for options or futures, it is very hard to outperform in the long-run.
-Know your edge and limitations. If you use a trading system that does not earn a fundamental income (such as dividends, rents, interest, etc.), you are relying on gaining at the expense of other people loosing. But how do you know when to stop? When it stops working two times, five times, or when it has erased one year’s gains?
-I like writing covered options too. It keeps you disciplined and helps you get over some corrections or flat markets. But it has risks too, such as missing some big opportunities. For these opportunities, by the way, you also have to be ready and don’t tie up all your capital too early.
