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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: I currently own only VA for international exposure and will be buying XEF. Would it better to sell VA and buy VEE or buy VEE as well and hold all 3 ETFs ?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked on February 18, 2021
Q: Recently I read John De Goey's Sept 2020 MoneySaver 'Portfolio Insurance' article. His custom-built inverse notes moderate risk by moving in the opposite direction of the market. He advises his clients to use them for up to 40% of their portfolio. Are there preferred Can and US ETFs that do the same thing, and what would your thoughts be about their use?

I have tried to moderate risk by building RRSP, TFSA and to a lesser extent, the unregistered accounts around all-in-one ETFs (VGRO, VBAL and VNCS) using specific growth or income stocks and bonds to augment the ETFs according to the type of account. The US side follow the same pattern but with themed ETFs (ARKK, ARKF, IHI, VIG, VDC, IWO, VHT, SPY). According to Port Analytics, I am sitting at approx 70% stock, 20% income, 8% cash and 2% diversified.

My thanks.
Read Answer Asked by David C. on February 18, 2021
Q: I've held XSU for a while and like the recent results, but then i check the USD version IWO. Is the higher return from IWO related to the currency hedge or am i missing something?
Read Answer Asked by Matthew on February 18, 2021
Q: Hello,
I am considering moving about 10% of my unregistered portfolio into international (developed market and emerging market) bonds.
I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on this move -- as some are saying the bonds are even more of a potential bubble than equities -- and which specific bond ETFs you might recommend (ie: EMB for emerging markets).
As always, many thanks in advance! Aaron
Read Answer Asked by Aaron on February 17, 2021
Q: What do you think about replacing standard global equity etfs with similar etfs that are ESG screened? Obviously values are personal but any other considerations. Are there good options for this in Canada?
Read Answer Asked by Chris on February 17, 2021
Q: Is there an ETF focused on environmental theme companies in Canada?
Read Answer Asked by Chris on February 17, 2021
Q: What are some etf recommendations for a non registered account; longer term hold ie 10 years.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Patricia on February 17, 2021
Q: Given current markets and in the near term, I'm considering a 1/3 position in Equities, Fixed Income and Cash. Are these levels reasonable and what is your view of the above ETF's making up my fixed income allocation? You guys are awesome, thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on February 17, 2021
Q: Hi, in your response to Phil's question on a Canadian substitute to the US$ ARK ETFs, you suggested the Emerge Canada funds as a Canadian alternative. Could you please provide some details on their size and whether you would endorse them as a viable mid to long term investment opportunity. Could you also advise any insight as to why they are trading on the NEO exchange and not knowing anything about the NEO exchange, if there is any risk to them trading there.
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 17, 2021
Q: Hello,

We have a 2.5-year-old named Victoria, aka 'Toe-Toe'. We are Canadian, and looking for some recommendations for balanced ETFs (or index funds) that we can purchase every two weeks for her RESP. They should have a low/no/reasonable MER, probably more exposure to the US, than Canada, and if possible a dividend so we can start a DRIP. Your suggestions are appreciated. Thanks,

Go, Jets, Go!
Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 17, 2021
Q: I like the concept of HCAL; investing in Canadian banks with a little extra torque and a higher dividend yield than any of the banks. Is it fine as a long-term hold? I know many of the leveraged ETF's are not suitable for long-term but understand the structure of this one is different. Can you please explain the difference between this and the double and triple levered ETF's.
Do you recommend HCAL for long-term bank exposure.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on February 17, 2021
Q: How does one approach bond investments given the low interest rates. I see XBB had a significant drop today. Why? How would you compare XBB to PMIF?
I am retired senior 78 with a pension.
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Donald on February 17, 2021
Q: Good Morning 5I Team, Thanks for the all your great advise.
As per the portfolio analysis I need to increase my International allocation which is currently at 10%. The Portfolio analysis classifies my following stocks/ETFs as International Brlxf, EWA, HFPC.U:CA, ATCO, BBU.UN, BPY.UN, BEP.UN, MDT.
Can you please suggest some growth stocks or ETFs to add to above holdings to increase my International allocation as well as if any of the above holdings doesn't have potential and can be reallocated? I am looking at long term over 5 to 10 years and have limits in my TFSA & RRSP account.
Please deduct Credits as deemed appropriate.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Nimish on February 17, 2021
Q: I have a target allocation of 40-45% for total portfolio US exposure. Which ETFs would you suggest (either currency) to form the core of this allocation? Could you also please provide a handful of individual US picks to supplement. Aiming for long term growth with 20+ yr time horizon. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Matthew on February 17, 2021
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