Investment Q&A

Q: Hello:

Child turning 18 later this month. For initial $6500 to TFSA would VEQT be better than US only VFV? Very long time horizon and I never bet against USA!

Other options for long term growth?

thanks,

Q: Happy Holidays!! Two part question - What are your thoughts on index funds, I don’t think I see any in your portfolios.

I read some commentary sometimes how some “professional investors” say they are better than stocks, for as the stock market goes up the index funds will too, but stocks don’t always rise when the market does. I do see the counter argument there too.

And assuming you’re not opposed to them, you which ones would you recommend?

Please take 2-3 credits, as that was a long question.

Thanks,

Cam

Q: If one believes the 2 year note yield will fall, what are best ideas to play this scenario?

Q: Hi 5i,

Can you explain how the “VIX” is related to the “VXX” ETF? I would have thought they should trade in tandem but they don’t even come close on some days (Example: Jan 3/23 VIX up $1.23 VXX down 8 cents).

Thanks
John

Q: Can you please provide two Emerging Markets ETFs ex. China that you would recommend to an investor seeking exposure to those markets?

Thanks as always for your expertise.

Q: TFSA top up for 2023. I hold all IWO in the account currently. My crystal ball doesn't like the current USD:CAD outlook so buying USD with CAD to get IWO at the moment doesn't feel like a good move. Does anything in the balance or growth portfolio look particularly attractive as a buy? I hold OTEX and ENGH as tech stocks, both have been adequately beaten up to be buys but I hate owning the same stock in multiple accounts so would consider a different CAD stock for the TFSA account if you can think of one. So long way to ask: just suck it up and buy, IWO, buy ENGH, buy OTEX or buy ??? as it is your top pick right now. 5 year hold.

Q: If held in a TFSA, I believe RSP would be exposed to an American withholding tax. If this is the case, can you recommend a Canadian based equivalen that wouild not?

Q: Good Day Team,

Is this a good time to go into cash and if so do you favor any of these listed?

Thank you,
John G.

Q: Hi, for an income portfolio, I am looking to add either HTA or TXF. Just not sure which one to choose (in a cash account). TXF is a larger fund and has more liquidity, a higher distribution % as well as a lower MER. On the other hand, HTA had double the return of TXF in 2021 and 5% more in return in 2022. Their portfolios is not exactly the same but similar. Can the difference in their respective portfolio explain the outperformance of HTA since 2021? Which one should offer the better total return in the next few years? Thanks.

Q: With the strength of the US$ and problems China has been having ZEM has been on a downward slide. I hold it in my RRSP along with ZSP and PID and some laddered GICs. Am wondering if it’s time to move on from emerging markets and add to PID or another Intn’l ETF.

Q: The top 10 holdings (50% +) have a dividend yield of 0 to 4 % yield. The ETF shows a yield of 8.46%. Could you explain the discrepancy ? I like the sector. Beside HHL could recommend a other ETF.

Q: Happy New Year !
A bit of income, a bit of growth. For a long therm retired 79 is the whole thing sustainable?
Thanks
Dan

Q: Hi Peter,

In 2023, when do you predict would be a good time to move from money market funds to bond ETFs such as VAB and AGG? On the fixed asset side of the portfolio, there is an even split between money market funds and a GIC step ladder.

Also, what would be a good indicator(s) for identifying a long-term downturn in interest rates in Canada?

Thanks, and have a great New Year!

Q: TFSA top up for 2023, Hold BNS and VE.ca etf in the account. Bet on a stronger europe recovery or tried and true CAD bank. Yes yes apples and oranges etc. But what is your guess apples or oranges for the recovery....fusion of income and balanced portfolio follower. 3-5 yr hold.

Q: I have been gifted this bond ETF in a margin account. I know little about bonds, and wondered if I should keep this ETF or if there is another bond ETF that you would recommend in this challenging economic climate? Thanks for all your guidance during these unprecedented times.

Q: I am looking to add some bond exposure. I had a look at TLT and XHY.

Here is my own personal view on the economy:

- Interest rates could eventually flatline or even fall later in 2023.

- The economy has a somewhat elevated risk of going into a recession.

- The interest rate hikes have a risk of causing "something to break", possibly triggering a black swan event.

Under the above scenarios I am guessing XHY is not a good option considering the individual ratings of the bonds within this ETF, correct?

I don't necessarily want to invest in preparation for a black swan event that may or may not happen, however I want to prepare a bit for that possibility. If that were to happen I would guess that investors would tend to migrate towards the USD. Would that be beneficial for TLT?

Are there better options?

Q: Happy New Year to all at 5i!!!!! I have both of these ETFs in an unregistered account. I have held them for a while. XWD seems to be out performing XEF. I am tidying up my portfolio and am contemplating conglomerating XEF with XWD, and I would welcome your thoughts on this move.

Cheers,
Tamara

Q: Good morning and happy holidays to the whole 5i team. If you were looking to invest in the potential of India having an economic push like China had what ETF's or companies would you consider and what account would you hold them in? I am thinking long term.

Thank you

Q: We have been keeping in cash the proceed of the sale of a condo. what would you suggest for a conservative growth ETF in canadian currency. That would represent 10% of our equities holdings. Looking for more growth than yield, as this would be in a non registered account. We would like something all in one, as I do not want to add more names to the list of equities we have.

Q: Can you please provide your preferred Emerging Markets ex. China ETFs that are available in Canada? Two names will be sufficient.

Thanks as always for your expertise.