Investment Q&A

Q: Hi

Would you have a recommendation for a bond ETF from BMO? I have no bond exposure now and I'm looking to start acquiring one or more bond ETFs - whatever you think might be a good mix considering all the relevant factors.

My brokerage is through BMOInvestorline so there is no trading commission if I use their products.

Thanks so much
Robert

Q: Dear 5i,
Assuming the following criteria:
1. war in Ukraine
2. there is correction in International ETF's.
2. one was lucky and was able to buy either TPE and/or THE near the bottom.
Which ETF would you buy for best price appreciation?
(TPE is non-hedged, THE is hedged)
Can you please explain your thought process for this choice.

thanks for your thoughts!

Q: I want to free up some cash to take a 2.5% position in HYLD ..... The two candidates for sale are ERE.UN and SIS ...... ERE.UN was getting raves from analysts for growth pre Covid but has been pretty flat for quite some time ..... Is the growth model still intact ? What are their plans ? ..... And your most recent comment on SIS isn't all that enthusiastic so of the two which would you sell ? Also regarding HYLD 5I has shown some hesitance because it is new and small ..... I don't understand why this should be a problem if I know what it's holdings are ..... Please explain ? ..... Also HYLD.U current price is $16.40 and HYLD is a little less ..... I thought the .U symbol meant US dollars and if that's the case those two prices make no sense ? Could you please explain what I'm not getting ? ....... Thanks Garth

Q: Hi,

I am interested in $Cdn ETFs that are designed for inflation and where the underlying securities have pricing power? If any, do you have a favourite? If you have a favourite, the reasons why?

Many Thanks,
Derek

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?

Q: I think this is a relatively newer fund. Can I have your thoughts on it please?

Thanks

Q: What is your opinion on ZPAY- cash account. Retired investor looking for income.
Any concerns or alternative recommendations in current environment?
Thank you!

Q: Of these three, which do you prefer and why?

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.

Q: If you work for a company and you have restrictions on when you can buy and sell a stock. There are only certain times a year you are allowed to buy and sell. For example lets assume any one of those in the top ten holdings of HHL.

My question is can you buy and sell HHL during those restricted periods?

Thanks Jimmy

Q: I owned VLB and I'm underwater by over 13%. Given the outlook for higher interest rates, should I sell and move on?

Q: Hi Guys
Is the yield starting to look tempting at 3.35% . If long term rates aren't moving much, doesn't that say the inflation fears might be a little over done ? and if not now, at what percentage yield on XLB would you purchase,
Thanks Gord

Q: What do you see as the pros and cons of holding ZAG in 2022 and beyond? Thanks.

Q: Hi,

For a long term hold in an RSP, would you have any preference between VGG and EDGE?

thank you

Q: What is the best etf on the Canadian side to track the S&P 500

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?

Q: thinking switching my RBF 592 to a ETF which ETF is similar to it

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

Q: For someone with a long time horizon and high risk tolerance, and a smaller portfolio, it seems like it might be a good time to invest in a growth ETF. I know you like IWO, but IJR has a lower MER. What are the main differences between these two ETFs? Which would you recommend and why?

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.