Investment Q&A

Q: I am looking for income replacement for BCE - I am chasing dividends. I looked at HDIV and noticed most of the 10 holdings are covered call ETFs (HMAX, AMAX, QMAX, EMAX, UMAX, RMAX, CDAY,,,).

Given the 2026 climate, is it better to have HDIV with its broader sector diversification but many covered call ETFs or pick one.

Q: Hello 5i Team,
I was looking at the performance of ZSP vs. SPY on the Google Finance site.
ZSP shows a 1-yr return of 13.33%, and a 5-yr return of 97.04%
SPY shows a 1-yr return of 17.67%, and a 5-yr return of 81.69%
Why are the returns so different if both are looking to replicate the returns of the S&P 500?
For a long term hold within my RRSP, would it be better to take a position in one vs. the other, or take a half-position in each?
Many thanks,
Brian

Q: My current plan is to add to my XIT holdings in my TFSA with this year's contribution.

By the way, XIT tracks very well when compared with QQQ...using multiple timeframes on your charting system. They overlay each other very closely....surprises me.

This is actually a "timing" question. Usually I just contribute the money and then buy according to a well laid out plan weeks in the making. However, with the big run up last year and the slide in stock prices lately, I can't help but ponder whether I should just sit on my hands for a bit?

My full plan was actually to buy the first $7k tranche sooner (early Jan), then create some cash from the other holdings in my TFSA and buy a 2nd tranche later...Feb?

Your thoughts?

Thanks for your help throughout the years....been with you from virtually the beginning....love the service!!! Steve

Q: I was disappointed to discover that this ETF had a distribution of zero for December 2025. Any ideas about what occurred?

Q: The best Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) ETF to invest in in Canada & in the USA?

Thank you.

Q: For investments outside North America what Mutual Funds or ETFS would you recommend given specific stocks harder to buy unless you have also EDRS to recommend

Q: what do you think of these 2 etfs

Q: I have been looking at the SPROTT ETFs in (gold, silver miners), energy materials, uranium, and (gold and silver physical). They all had a great year given the sectors. Would you recommend starting a position in any of these with CAD or USD or both? Thanks for this super service,

Q: What are your thoughts on PPH (VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF? Symbol not found when trying to look up this ETF?

Q: Answer at your convenience. I have had a small position in IJR for a couple of years and was going to start adding to it in the new year. However, checking back on past questions I see that the small/mid cap etfs noted above have been mentioned fairly positively. Would any of these be preferred to IJR or would a basket of say, 3 in total (with or without IJR) in this space be a better approach. Could you give brief comments, in order to compare, and which way would you lean if you were making
the choice ?
Thank you for all that you do.

Q: Do you have a favourite momentum ETF. Global or US?

Q: Hi,

I have $50,000 to invest in my TFSA for 2026.

Could you provide your top 5 ETFs to invest in for US/Canadian, Top 3 foreign ETFs. and Top 3 dividend ETFs.

Holding for approx. 10 years. Risk level Moderate to high.

I have an ETF in SMH that has 108% ROI in the last 2 years. Would you advice on putting more cash into SMH?

Thank you

Q: Greetings 5i Team:

I'm looking to make upgrades to some RBC Funds in my wife's accounts. Deduct as many credits as needed.

Can you suggest:

1. A general tech ETF of the same ilk as RBF 620 Global Technology Fund,

2. For that matter, can you suggest a (preferably Cdn dollar) cyber security ETF.

3. A substitute for RBF 615 US Equity Fund.

4. A substitute for RBF 617 US Midcap Fund (with the idea that small caps might actually catch a bid this year).

5. A healthcare ETF, preferably in Cdn dollars.

Thank you, you're much appreciated!
Pete in Calgary.

Q: XLB and ZLC are my primary bond holdings. With the rather abrupt steepening of the yield curve, would you recommend selling both of these and replacing them with shorter term funds ? If so, which funds would you recommend ?

Thanks,
Mark

Q: I would like to add to my bond holdings. I am considering adding to my XHY and BND holdings. I would appreciate your opinion on adding to these and would you have other recommendation?
Thank you.

Q: Does 5i have a perspective on total weight a investors portfolio could have holding respective ETFS for

: SP500 QQQ DJI RUS 2000 and TSX ...... 1.5-2.5% each ?
(10-15% total)

Q: I just noticed this ETF sold off hard on December 30,couldn’t find out why ,do you have any thoughts on this ETF would this be a good entry point or a red flag …Thanks and Happy New Year.

Q: I have set up A RESP for my grandchildren 18 months old (twins) and am thinking of investing in VIU. Would you agree with this approach for a long term hold? I have already invested in ZSP and XIC. Thank you.

Q: So for those who aren't comfortable with an equity growth tilt or who may fear that after 3 strong years of performance 2026 may not provide the positive results many are forecasting, Innovator has in additioin to their buffer etf menu some dual directional etfs including DDSQ tracking the S & P for 3 months with a 5% inverse cap/buffer with a cap range of 3.1% - 3.85% and DDTJ a one year dual directional etf also starting to trade Jan 2 which has a 10% inverse cap/buffer and a cap range of 12.24% - 13.74%. Since I no longer believe in the tooth fairy I am hopeful you can look at these dual directional opportunities, break them down into simple understandable terms confirming what indeed they are designed to achieve for the investor over 3 and 12 months respectively both on the upside and downside and whether their goal is realistic. Finally would you recommend them in any way as worthy for investors seeking upside in an up tape though with a cap as well as providing positive returns in a down market and if both of those outcomes are achievable what are the caveats. Seasons greetings!!

Q: Wishing 5i team a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Is there ILCV, IEV and REMX ETF in CDN Dollars.

Thanks for the excellent service