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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: What do you suggest using as a benchmark for sector allocations? I have been looking at global market sector exposures using the iShares MSCI World ETF (XWD). I also saw the Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT), which I believe has more small-cap exposure than MSCI World. If the global market is a good base to use, do you see any reason to deviate from these exposures at the moment?

I assume I shouldn't look at regional exposures the same way, the global market is heavily weighted toward US (60-70%). Would regional exposure for something like VGRO (equity only - US 43% / Canada 30% / International Developed 20% / Emerging 7%) be a good benchmark?
Read Answer Asked by Alexander on February 15, 2022
Q: Are you familiar with this fund despite its small size (AUM $90M)?
Asset breakdown shows 47% in term loan. Is it private debt?
It also shows 38% in cash or equivalent, not sure why it's so high? Maybe you have an explanation.

I had bond exposure that matured and like many investors, I am looking for higher yield in the fixed income portion of the portfolio. I am interested in the private debt market. I am familiar with Atrium MIC and Firm Capital and was looking for other alternatives. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Pierre on February 14, 2022
Q: Hello 5i,

I purchased these four funds in an income account in the summer/fall of last year. To date ZRE and CPD have hung in there, while the other two are slightly down overall including divs. Are these funds behaving the way you would expect for an income investor?
Read Answer Asked by Kelly on February 10, 2022
Q: I am currently heavily invested in Canadian stocks but have insignificant exposure/diversification to the US market. At 64 yo I'm favouring simplicity and considering a significant investment via an Index fund ETF (10 year + timeframe). This will not be in a registered account. I'm considering Vanguard, BMO, or iShares. Which would you suggest? And could you please provide the appropriate ticker symbol. Thanks for your valued assistance.
Dave
Read Answer Asked by dave on February 10, 2022
Q: I am a big fan of factor/smart beta investing, but I am having difficulty identifying Canadian made etfs with both adequate size and daily volume. Please suggest etfs sold in Canada to build a couch potato diversified portfolio covering a Canada, US and global geographic area. I am quite impressed with WXM and ZUQ. I am a senior with a conservative growth inkling. Please charge question credits approriately based on your time to provide a workable response. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on February 09, 2022
Q: Hi,

Your answers to one of the subscriber's questions regarding Value stocks included embeded inks to research articles. (I think the reader quoted Mr. Swedroe and you responded with differing views from others).
Those embeded links were awesome but my "head hurt" after reading them! Dense, filled with a lot of details. Left me with the impression that it is definitely worth buying Value stocks/ETFs. Small/Medium companies?

BUT there are so many ETFs to consider. An article on Value ETFs is begging to be written by you!

What is your short list of Value ETFs, listed in the US and in Canada?

Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Savalai on February 09, 2022
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