Investment Q&A

Q: Are ZSP and XUS also good candidates for RRIF? Are tax withholding rules on dividends for ZSP and XUS the same in RRSP and RRIF? Thanks in advance for your comments.

Q: Retired, dividend income investor. From a value point of view, which has more rebound potential....FTS or ZUT? Ya, I know...single company vs ETF, so tough to compare. I own both and have mostly full positions, with a top up in mind for both. Just wondering which one to do first...I am leaning towards ZUT.

When I look at the charts over various timeframes, it looks to my amateur eyes, that ZUT is much more closely tied to interest rate changes. It looks like ZUT started to really take it on the chin during 2022 when interest rates were being cranked up. Also, I am hearing/reading that the worst might be over for the renewables and they might start to rebound...which would benefit ZUT (for the record, I am overweight Eric's NNRG, so I have that end of the Utility-Energy spectrum covered).

Your thoughts?

Q: Hello,

My mother, who is 72 years old, recently received an inheritance. She is looking to invest this money in her TFSA and would like to use it to generate monthly income while also aiming for some growth. Could you please suggest a few ETFs that would be suitable for achieving these goals?

Thank you,

Derek

Q: Is there a physical platinum investment vehicle available here in Canada? If not, what platinum investment vehicle do you favor in the US?

Thanks as always for your expertise.

Q: I I am embarrassed to ask this question: I notice the share price fluctuates between $50.00 and $50.24. Is that just a function of the monthly payment? In other words does one need to time purchases? I am sitting on a ton of cash and want to earn some interest (right now sitting in cash in my rrsp earning nothing).

Q: Greetings, 5i staff.
I am interested in quality ETFs that focus generally on emerging markets without too much weighting on China. Also, may I have two or three ETFs that have considerable focus on India and/or Indonesia?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: For earning short term interest, in the past I have bought BA's and CP issued by Canadian Banks. I am now considering PSA and CASH.......which show better yields with lower buy/sell commissions. So - it seems like a no-brainer to put short term cash investments into PSA which shows an indicative yield of 5.5% - versus BA's CP or CASH. Am I missing anything here - does an investment in BA's or CP have advantages over buying PSA?? Does CASH have advantages over PSA despite the lower yield??
Thanks

Q: Hi,

Which sector you think is worth taking a position in at this point in time as a non correlated asset, IF and WHEN a correction takes place. Not about market timing for I know you don't believe in it! But more as part of portfolio tune up.

Gold/Metals/Utilities/Pvt equities/any other sector that interests you?

Q: I hold XLB in my RRSP. What do you think of swapping the XLB for BEP.UN?

Can you address the answer in various interest rate directions please?

( Between BIP.UN in the RRSP and the BN and BAM outside, I already have 10% exposure to the group. Doing the trade would have me bumping 15%. )

Thank You

Q: Can you please recommend 5 US or Japanese ETFs that will have a revenue of about 10% or more annually, including dividends and capital appreciation, for a conservative investor?

Q: Need to increase U.S. and Internation equity exposures in my RRSP. Current exposures are mainly from VBAL (25% weight of RRSP) and a small position in XLU, ZWU and XGD. I am considering adding SPY for U.S. equities. What do you think about this option, and what would be a good entry point? Also, what would be a good addition to increase international equity (ETF or stocks)? Knowing that you cannot provide personal answers I appreciate very much your comments. Much Thanks

Q: I am underwhelmed with my health sector holdings - ABBV and IHI - both of which have been recently underperforming the market. I have held each for several years in a cash account and they are up 20% and 50%, respectively. I would appreciate your go forward recommendation on both, balancing future prospects, tax consequences and alternative (i.e. faster growing) investments in this sector. Hold or sell? And if sell, replace with what? Thank you.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

What do you think about the Buffer ETFs offered by BMO? Are they suitable for a retired investor who wants some downside protection and is comfortable with limited returns in a strong market scenario? Are their AUMs adequate to consider a purchase? BMO has three such ETFs: ZAPR, ZJAN, and ZOCT. Or are there other 'better' ETFs that have lower MERs, as the three cited have rather hefty MERs?

Thanks as always for your insight.

Q: Dear 5i
I'm currently lacking in international stocks and ETF's and am overweight on Canadian investments .
Does the Canadian market look better right now or is now a good time to take the plunge and buy an international ETF such as VIU as a means to better balance the portfolio ?
Thanks
Bill C

Q: Peter,

In the recent ETF newsletter it mentions the numerator in the Free cash flow calculation is arrived at by subtracting operations cash flow from its capital expenditures. I don't believe this is correct. Should it not be subtract capital expenditures from total cash flow?

Thanks

Paul

Q: Is there an ETF somewhat similar to the two mentioned that I can buy on the TSX. I would like to purchase in Canadian dollars. Thank You.

Q: Currently this fund makes up approximately 21% of my portfolio and is my only diversified holding. It at 7.6% yield makes up 40% of my monthly income and pension makes up balance.The mer.is 1.05% and of course a good % of yield is roc. Would you suggest any better alternative or ? Thanks Larry

Q: On behalf of my kids I am about to begin to drawn down some RESP funds. My goal is to keep some invested but move to less volatile/risky investments. As part of that I want to keep 1-2 years worth of draw down as 'near cash' but in an interest bearing instrument within the self directed RESP. What are some suggestions that maximize the cash generated but minimize the volatility?

Q: Hi 5i
I have good gains on both of these ETFs and would appreciate your thoughts on sticking with them, reducing somewhat, or selling all. Both are near 52 week highs. Any seasonality to them? Any clues from the charts?
Thanks,
Greg

Q: My wife has been diagnosed with dementia and on a waiting list for LTC. I'm thinking of setting up her TFSA for monthly income to top up her government pensions.
Thinking of eit.un, zwu, zwe . Harvest and Horizon have higher yields but I am concerned about sustainability. Your thought please.
Thank you for your good works.