Investment Q&A

Q: If you were to build a portfolio of just ETFs, what 6-8 would you select? Maybe ignore Canada for this scenario as I have plenty of individual positions I'm quite happy with.

Q: Hi team,

I currently have IWO as a core holding. I would like to change to a more concentrated ETF holding either in small or mid cap US. With so many different factors to choose from such as large/medium/small cap, dividend/value/growth/blend, current valuations, etc... and looking at past returns over various time periods, how does one choose the best ETF to invest in going forward now? I would consider all these ETF's to be high quality and obviously no one knows what the range of future returns will be. With small/mid cap underperforming lately vs large cap, would you place your bets on that spread closing over time? I'm comfortable with volatility and have a long term time horizon (+15yrs). How would you rank these going forward for best risk adjusted returns?

Thank you!

Q: Hi Team,
For an 18 years old's TFSA, is having equal weights of VFV and XQQ diversified enough? If not what other Canadian ETF or stocks would be a good fit?
No commission costs for trading so quantity is not an issue.
Thanks

Q: I hold both these ETFs in my RRIF and am thinking of combining them into one holding. Do you see much duplication between the 2?
thanks

Q: Hi team, RBOT

I have been holding this robotics and AI etf for several years and noted that it somehow managed to completely bypass the rallies in both. Any comments here and guidance of future steps?
Thanks.

Q: I'm reducing the number of holdings in one of my RIF's. With cash to re deploy, which is better for long term hold and dividend appreciation with minimal downside. Probably an apples to orange comparison but EIF is it's own mini etf with it's various holdings. Leaning toward XEI, what is your take? Both already owned btw

Q: "We don't quite match the market in good years but will lessen your losses in bad years" say many portfolio managers to clients in exchange for a 1/2 to 1% management fee.

But, over the years, since the market has had significantly more positive years than negative years, I feel this is a good argument to just purchase some very low-fee ETFs, once you've determined your asset and currency mix. Less fees, therefore more money invested and therefore little value add from the advisor! Your comments please.

Also, I am a 65 year old retiree with a high 7 figure investment portfolio who will not run out of money. I favor a balanced portfolio of 80% equity (with a slight tilt to growth) and 20% fixed income. I also favor a 50/50 split between US and CAN dollars.

While I realize you cannot provide individual advice, which low cost ETFs should I consider?

Q: Good morning, I’m wondering if you could provide a list of a few dividend ETFs for a TFSA. Looking to contribute every two weeks. Currently hold XEI. Thanks

Q: Hi 5i Team - What would your top 5 ETF's be as I'd like to purchase the best ETF's that you will recommend.
Thx - Doug

Q: The four referenced cash accounts pay roughly the same rate of return. Which of these are best in terms of risk and liquidity. What would you recommend for cash portions of the portfolio and which etf if any would you avoid. Thanks

Q: You have mentioned a few times that you are not a fan of PFIA’s higher fees. Is there an alternative Fund you would prefer?

Q: I own CP, CNR, ENB, BCE, in my Rif account and was thinking about selling these to buy UMAX to increase income and keep me in these sectors. They are about 17% of that portfolio and I don't think I am adding risk by doing this but I will be increasing income significantly. Does this move make sense? Thanks, James

Q: I am considering selling TD, BNS. 9% of my Rif and SLF, MFC. 3% of my Rif .
I would buy HMAX for 12% of this portfolio, for yield and a little upside.
I would your thoughts on this move. Thanks, James

Q: Hi team,
How would you rate and which do you prefer.HMAX and ZWB?
Thanks so much.

Q: Dividend tax credit : Do we still get the dividend tax credit for the canadian stocks included in an ETF that holds both canadian and international stocks?

Q: My question is about HBND, the new bond covered call ETF, which is yet to appear in your menu. It seems like a very nice alternative to a plain vanilla bond ETF, due to the high distributions, and general safety of covered call writing, but your opinion would be much valued. I realize it is new, therefore no history to track, and no doubt still quite small, but i wonder about the safety and erosion of the share price.
Thanks

Q: We have 30% allocated in our registered accounts for fixed. (currently 10% each for CBO, ZAG and XBB) Are these the best options for today and the next year(s)? Also see XLB recommended recently and wondering if we should be adding or replacing any of the above?
Appreciate your opinion
Thanks Doug

Q: Good long term hold ?

Or good time to take profits?

General outlook on uranium market as we approach year end

Q: For an income component, would you lean to a bond holding like PFIA at this point or more to a high interest account like HSAV?

Thanks

Q: I am at a point in my life where I am looking to my investments more for income than growth. My question concerns how you might incorporate a strategy that are includes "dividend" stocks that pay a low yield. eg HD, TRI, CN etc. Assuming you wish to obtain an overall yield of 4% - 5% from your portfolio (in order to satisfy RRIF requirements while maintaining some growth) I would think it best not to load up only on high yield stocks and continue maintain a balanced portfolio. To achieve the necessary income should one invest in low dividend payers and sell a portion of the low yield dividend payers annually in order to achieve the be needed income; go a bit overweight on high yield equities in order to juice the income; or just forget about balancing the portfolio?

Any thought you have would be greatly welcomed.

Appreciate the insight.

Paul F.