Investment Q&A

Q: If the U.S. dollar takes a big hit in the next couple of years, maybe a 20% drop can you explain what would happen to the value of say ZTL. the CDN dollar version of the u.s. long term treasury bond. TLT has been the place to be ever since rates started falling over the last 20 years. On a currency devaluation i would think people would head for the exits pretty quickly?
thanks Gord

Q: Hi - wondering what your thoughts are on the DYB ETF as a way to play a market pullback without having to be actively involved on a daily basis. Thank you.

Q: I have 10k to invest in a TFSA that will be in place for 10 years or so. I am looking for 3-4 ETF's for this portfolio. Any advice on where I should start looking. Thanks

Q: Hi

Is CWW a good pick for my TFSA for 2020 or any other suggestions.
Presently have LSPD, FIVG, XEF, XEI and ZWE. in TSFA.
I am 64 and want to sleep at night
Thanks
Mike

Q: I start withdrawing from my RIF next year. At this point I have just under 6% in VSC, 5% in XBB, 2% in XHY and was thinking of adding some CBH for the longer term corporate bonds.

If you feel my thinking is correct what % limit would you set for CBH? I know there is more to my investments than what is listed here with BCE and ENB et al also held for their income stream but I want to get your thoughts.

Thank you,
Ron

Q: I have no exposure to health care, pharma in my RRSP and would welcome your recommendation, and rationale for a core holding.

Cheers!

Q: Greetings,
Currently my tech exposure is coming from XQQ. Analytics is suggesting adding another 2.5%. Should I add more XQQ? Or what do you think of SOXX or RYT? Thanks

Q: India-I would like to broaden my investments internationally and am drawn to growth in India. The Fairfax option is less desireable to me because the units are (I believe) sold in U.S. Dollars. a)Are there any investment vehicles that you would recommend? and b) any with dividends?

Q: Your best recommends for Emerging Market ETF in CAD

Q: Hi Peter & Crew,
Your thoughts on this SPDR Portfolio Total Stock Market ETF for a LIRA account for at least a10 year hold, or another US listed total stock market ETF that might be better.
Thanks. Ivan

Q: Hello,
Portfolio analytics recommends an increase in consumer defensive, but I'm also looking to add to international exposure. Is KXI a good option or should I stick with something like VDC and increase international with a separate ETF? Thanks

Q: Hello 5i ! I am generally satisfied holding Mawer Global Small Cap but I don’t like the large annual distribution (in December)…do you think it could be substituted by an ETF ? Thanks !

Q: Is there a report or a blog on Bonds regarding which Bond ETF will do better in different economy cycle ie interest rate up or down. Recession or in good economy.

Thanks for your great service

Q: Hi 5i.

Emerging Markets (EM): Looking at some EM ETFs (i.e. EEM, etc.) return graphs over the 2008-2009 market correction, they appear to be hit harder than North American (N.A.) markets (i.e. TSE, S&P500, etc.). But, over the long term (i.e. 20+ years), returns are very closely correlated between EM, TSE, S&P500, etc. EM ETFs seem to have a bit higher dividend (~ 3%) compared to TSE, S&P500 ETFs (~ 2%), but why bother owning them when they tank so dramatically during market corrections? Can't really be for diversification as they are so closely correlated to N.A. markets in the long run.

I do note that EM ETFs also recuperate VERY quickly/dramatically, so maybe they are good to buy after a (global) market down-turn?

As always, thank you for your wise advise.

Q: Hi,

In your answer to James you suggested the following bond ETFS: XBB, XLB, XSB, CBO and/or XHY. I'm very interested in this as I'm trying to increase fixed income exposure.

What percentage would you suggest in each of the total bond portfolio? Also, unless I am missing something, CBO and XSB both appear to be the same thing, so why the need to own both?

Q: What are your thoughts on TPE vs XEF or VIU for international equity in an RSP? It seems somewhat safer due to larger cap focus but the TER is higher so combined cost of 0.32 to 0.23 for VIU. Leaning towards VIU as it has the most holdings and includes Korea.

Q: Goodmorning
I have a 1% position in ZGI and a 3% position in BIP.UN I am thinking of selling ZGI and using the proceeds to invest in BIP.UN in an effort to cut down on the number of positions I have in the total portfolio I am wondering what your thoughts would be with such a move?
Thks
Marce

Q: Hi Peter and Staff,
Some of my sector ETF's are only 2.2 to 3.5% of my portfolio to make up for Analytics suggested allocation. I know you suggested a minimum of 5%. If I go 5% with any of these ETF's I would be way over the suggested allocation. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your support.
Ivan

Q: For the 40% bond allocation in my portfolio, what are your best thoughts?

Q: Do you consider this a good way to have exposure to telecom in a RIF acct....thank you