Investment Q&A

Q: How would you rate TSM today relative to other semi conductor makers

Q: good evening,

All my investments are in north america, can you suggest ETF's in USD, no dividends, to cover other geographies that you deem fit to invest in at this time.

Many Thanks for all these years of profitable investing.
Growth has been amazing even with mistakes I made. Been hoarding way to much cash and thinking of using more ETF's to free up some time.

Thanks again! Been quite a journey! When you've been through the meat grinder repeatedly not as scary anymore. LOL
NEVER would've made it this far without 5i.

Q: For international exposure in my portfolio - what would you consider the best ETF's for this. I presently own VEU (at around 10% of the portfolio) as I already have about 35% of portfolio in the US. Are there better options to get international exposure? What percentage of international exposure outside the US would be a good target?
Thanks for all your insights.

Q: My international holdings (ex-US) currently include positions in Germany, broader Europe, and Japan. I am specifically considering initiating or adding to positions in China-focused ETFs, such as MCHI (MSCI China), FXI (FTSE China 50), and KWEB (China Internet).
I would appreciate your perspective on the following:
- Geopolitical Stability: Given what appears to be a more predictable and stable global posture from China relative to the current erratic US Administration , do you view Chinese equities as a viable "hedge" or a diversifying force against U.S. domestic policy risk?
- Trump is to meet Xi in Beijing May 14-15. Given the erratic nature of relations, is it more prudent to initiate positions now while valuations are compressed—particularly in KWEB, which remains down ~17% YTD—or wait for clarity following the meeting?
- ETF Selection: Between the broad exposure of MCHI, the large-cap/SOE focus of FXI, and the tech-heavy KWEB, which vehicle do you prefer for a 12-to-24 month horizon? Furthermore, are there other US-listed China ETFs (e.g., ASHR for A-shares) that you believe offer better risk-adjusted exposure? :ao:

Q: I am trying to fully understand the usage and value of the Cdn cdrs.

Are the Cdrs created from a Treasury based on the current traded price of the equity or am i forced to find someone who has their exisitng Cdrs for sale and Bid on those based on the levels they will sell their holdings at?

The Bid/Ask on some of these is extremely wide and the volume of some very Lo wherein some have no volume traded and seemingly none offered. If the price i am forced to pay for the Cdn cdr doesn't closely reflect the value after Cdn exchange is taken i am better to just BUY the shares in the alternative currency but I like the idea of the hedging feature when i see the Cdn dlr as being fairly weak.

Was looking to Buy LVMUY but the Bid/Ask spread was .35/Shr.

Lastly what are yr thots on LVMH and Luxury Brands in general as a Purchase opportunity today? Also was looking at Richemont cdn cdr but there was no volume traded today.

Q: Comments on the latest earnings, is the drop in price a good opportunity to add?

Q: I’d appreciate your opinion on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY). I suspect I may have missed a good entry point for the S Korean market as EWY is up nearly 70% YTD as of early May, hitting record highs above $160.
This rally appears to be a "perfect storm" driven by the global semiconductor cycle and South Korean companies (notably Samsung and SK Hynix). Although a little late, before initiating a position in EWY and/or its major components, I ask your insight on:
- Technical Extension: With EWY trading significantly above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages and the RSI signaling overbought territory, do you view this as a "blow-off top" or the start of a multi-year re-rating?
- Structural Reforms: To what extent is the government's "Corporate Value-Up Program" and the reduction in the "Korea Discount" providing a permanent floor for valuations? Is this a structural inflection point that justifies buying even at these levels?
- Risk/Reward: Would you consider the high momentum but "expensive" EWY over ETFs covering other regions, e.g. China or India?
- Outlook: For a minimum 2–3-year hold, is it more likely than not that I will see a significant pullback (10-15%) before further upside, or does the AI tailwind make waiting for a "dip" in South Korean AI-related companies a losing strategy?
I am not keen on chasing performance, but I recognize the demographic and technological strength of South Korea, especially after recently attending a med and science conference there. Would you initiate a modest position now, or is EWY a "wait for a pullback" candidate in your thinking? :ao:

Q: Good morning 5i
Nokia seems to be rising from the dead. There is some news that this relates to Nvidia's increasing interest and investment in the company. I am wondering whether you know something about this and whether it is worth investing in
Thanks

Q: I am thinking of adding to my defense sector exposure. I own SHLD which is 60% US stocks. With Europe's desire to purchase more defense equippment at home would it make sense to start a new position in EUAD (100% European stocks) instead of adding to SHLD? SHLD has performed better over the last year and the US will have to replenish the armaments it burned in Iran, but US firms might expect fewer orders from Europe.

Q: Hello, have owned ABBNY (thanks to a previous Q&A here) for some time and it has done well...steadily reaching new highs and I understand recent record earnings and orders. However, I'm also reading that it has gotten rather expensive. Just wondering if you can provide your thoughts on it. I note last question on it was in 2024 and you had good things to say about it then. Thanks for your great service!!

Q: ASML Holdings (ASML) stock has really run up and is approaching its all time high. I have a small position with a nice return. With the high valuation, do you think most of the upside is already baked into the stock price? Would you sell today or continue to hold? If hold, what should I watch for to know when to sell? Thank you.

Q: While the recent umbers for TSM look great, I don't know how to weigh the risk of china taking taiwan. What would happen to TSM if China took Taiwan. Would TSM probably be nationalized? Would the stock price crater? Would it also severly hurt the stock price of chip companies like NVDA, since they depend on TSM

Q: Peter; My bad - I meant VIU and XAW. Thanks.
Rod

Q: Could you name some preferred companies and Etfs that would profit from increased EU defense spending. Thanks.

Q: Can you recommend an ETF that covers European military rearmament.

Q: I want to increase my exposure to Non North American ETFs. I have a lot of VXUS, VIU and VEU and would appreciate your advise on other ETFs (preferably US dollar and not Vanguard) that are ex North America.
Thanks. Peter

Q: I'm down 25% on a small position so am looking at selling or adding. Do you see any reason to continue holding this stock or would you sell it.

Q: Hi 5i Wonder team!

How do you feel about this company’s fundamentals as a pick and shovel option for critical mineral sector?
I know it’s just IPO’d so has a lot to prove but do you feel it has some compelling attributes? Such as a strong moat, good positioning, promising future revenue projections etc?

Thank you so incredibly much for your expertise particularly in such volatile times.

Q: Airbus is listed on the OTC as EADSY (ADR) and as EADSF (ORD)
Please explain the difference between the two and advise which is preferable.
Thanks.

Q: Hi, I’m starting to slowly invest outside of North America because Canada is a little too layed back, and government is not very aggressive, they would rather just tax us.( my opinion), and the U.S. is what it is right now, and markets do not like uncertainty.
I started with VIDY for now, but I see that about 20% is in Japan, I don’t think this is bad but it is quite a bit.
My question for future buying, is country specific that important? And could you list 5-6 countries outside NA that are your favourite to invest in.
Thanks