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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: In f/u to my earlier world ETF question, I should have stated I'm looking for CAD $ ETF's
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Henry on November 25, 2020
Q: Hi team,

I’m seeking to create a globally diversified all equity portfolio using low cost ETFs that accurately represent the market cap of each country for a 10-15 year hold. I also hold ZUT as an alternative to fixed income and am contributing to an inflation adjusted pension through my employer. For some real estate exposure we have two single family rental properties in slow and steady Manitoba. A small portion of my portfolio is in bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, not more than I’m comfortable loosing. BTC has been this year’s best performing asset but there are mixed opinions on its future and what I do own doesn’t cause me to loose sleep.

Currently my core holding is VEQT which is heavily overweight in Canadian equities. There are numerous ETFs for investors to sift through, many of which are very similar and it can be a bit overwhelming.

Firstly what are your thoughts on the strategy of holding a globally diversified portfolio that most accurately represents the market caps of each country? Or are there benefits of being overweight in certain countries, and if so can you recommend some ETFs?

If you believe being globally diversified with weightings equal to a country’s market cap is a sound strategy can you recommend some ETFs that would achieve this. I’ve been considering switching VEQT to VXC, XAW or XEQT.

Thanks for all the fantastic information and guidance. I really enjoy the investor education your service provides.
Read Answer Asked by Dylan on November 24, 2020
Q: My daughter is looking to invest about $4,000 in an RRSP. She has an investment horizon of about 15-20 years and her current employer provides a secure DB pension. What growth oriented ETFs would you recommend at this time? If she were to add a dividend oriented ETF to the growth choices, what might you suggest? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on November 24, 2020
Q: Good Morning,
Looking for top suggestions for US based ETF's that are either total US market or Global markets that pay little or no dividends. I understand that saving the 15% withholding is not a big consideration, but, looking for something to buy and leave untouched for a long term hold within my USD$ TFSA and would rather see the growth done automatically then me reinvesting dividends/distributions.
Thanks so much!
Read Answer Asked by Stephane on November 24, 2020
Q: If one is only invested in North America, would now be a good time to buy VEE, or if you have a better idea for emerging markets? Also, if one has built a conservative portfolio for elderly parents using only VBAL and VCNS, would adding VEE be a good compliment, or would it add significant risk ?
Read Answer Asked by Charles on November 23, 2020
Q: Good day and thank you for all your valuable information. In looking to consolidate some income positions in my portfolio I would like to bring one of these two high income earners toward a fuller position of 4-5% in my portfolio (currently ZWC at 1.1% and MFT at 1.98%). Portfolio is aimed at getting 80-20 split equity-fixed income. Can I have your thoughts on these two and any suggestion toward any other I should be considering instead. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Roger on November 23, 2020
Q: My Son is turning 18, wishes to open a TFSA with $6G. and add $6G /yr for next 30 years. It will be a buy and hold. Please recommend a portfolio of ETF's (Vanguard/Blackrock/BMO) in Canadian Dollar's that he can use to invest.
Based on the ETF'S you pick, average of past 5 years Total Return. Can you give me a "guesstimate" of portfolio value In 2050---Will be apart of his Retirement income.
Thanks...Cec
Read Answer Asked by Cecil on November 23, 2020
Q: I'm looking to diversify my RIF. I have North America covered both ETF and stock wise.
I need to add to cover the rest of the world
Your suggestions for 1-3 dividend [ for income and upside ] ETF's to do the job
Read Answer Asked by Henry on November 23, 2020
Q: I would like to know what you can suggest as a canadian bond ETF that is reliable and gives a decent performance. I currently have XGB (IShares Cdn Government Bond Index ETF) but the yield is low. Previously I had MFT (Mackenzie Floating Rate Income ETF) giving a better yield. Is one is better than the other or is there a better choice? Also, is there any bond that instead of giving a yield gives a capital gain? It would be particularly interesting for my non registered account since I want to reduce the amount of interest that I receive to avoid clawback.
Read Answer Asked by Michel on November 20, 2020
Q: Hi 5i team,
I am looking to increase my 'energy'/utility sector by adding two of the following ETF's ICLN, LIT, TAN, or FAN. I do not own any traditional energy stock/ETFs. Concurrently, I would like to increase my US and international exposure. I currently own the following relevant stock/ETFs.
Utility: BEP, AQN
US: VGG, ZSP, XQQ, IWO
International: XEF, VE, ZEM
Which two ETFs would you recommend based on long term growth expectations and geographical diversification of portfolio?

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Dave on November 20, 2020
Q: First I have to say thank you! My RRIF and TFSA are certainly healthier due to info gained from 5i over the past couple of years.
My questions pertain to my Rif where I have recently inherited 2 mutual funds; Dynamic 1560 Strategic Yield Fund and Dynamic 031 Global Dividend Fund (mers 2.15-2.23%). The remainder of the Rif is comprised of Canadian stocks; old TSX 60 stalwarts and/or stocks from your income or balanced portfolios. The Dynamic funds each account for approximately 20% of the total Rif and around 13% of total investments.
Questions
1. Are there better ETFs/Funds you would suggest for exposure to US and global markets?
2. What is a reasonable weight for an individual ETF/fund within a portfolio?
3. What is a reasonable percent of one's portfolio to allocate to US markets? and to global markets?
TIA
(Good to see Peter on BNN yesterday.)

Read Answer Asked by Gail on November 19, 2020
Q: I’m looking for a low fee ETF for emerging markets, but which excludes China. Can you offer any suggestions? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by James on November 19, 2020