Investment Q&A

Q: Hi, what do you think about Mackenzie ETFs that use the TOBAM approach for maximum diversification? It seems to reduce weight of large cap companies like FAANG. Do you see potential versus traditional index based ETF? MER are about 0.5%.

Q: Hi Peter and Team,
Over the last 5 years, HHL's price dropped by just under 30% although its underlying stocks had appreciated over the same time period. I just can't wrap my head around this and would you please comment on how this is possible.
Also which one would be your choice for a full position HHL vs LIFE?
Regards,

Q: Are there any Canadian based etfs that track the Nasdaq 100 index similar to ZQQ but are not hedged to CAD?

Q: PBD (Global Clean Energy Invesco ETF) is up 100% this year. Your opinion pls. I would like to buy an ETF to complement my BEPC, AQN. Is there another clean energy/renewable ETF that you like better?

Q: Hi Guys, I was thinking of putting this ETF in my TFSA for some monthly income. I was wondering if there would be a withholding tax applied if it is in a TFSA because of the US content. I there is do you know how much? If there is then perhaps this would be more suited in an RRSP. I'm retired and am looking for income. Thanks for your help.

Mike

Q: Can you tell me if SPDR® Solactive Canada ETF is a good purchase?

Q: I own this ETF, and as with other Horizon ETFS, and it is thinly traded. Sometimes on certain days, there is no volume at all. Do you know why would this be the case?

I also notice a certain bid/ask spread with a size of 1 share on each side. Is this the ETF fund itself, trying to make a market out there?

Q: For a total investment return over a long time frame, which ETF do you think will perform better?

HCAL - Leveraged, No DRIP, 0.65 MER
RBNK - DRIP availablity, 0.33 MER

Thanks,

Q: Hi 5i, Of these ETFs will you please help me pick 3 you think had a better outlook, for a 3 years hold, I would think, now that the vaccine is ready, cloud etfs would slow down
Thanks

Q: Hi team,
Cryptocurrencies seem to be gaining support. Not sure that I am ready to jump in and buy any bitcoin but thinking about perhaps a small position in perhaps an ETF.
Would be interested in your thoughts on this area and would you look at the cryptocurrency space, or is looking at the blockchain technology a better way to play this sector.
Can you recommend some ETFs in this area.

Your advice is much appreciated
Paula

Q: I hold HEDJ in a non-registered account. At date of purchase some ten years ago, I thought protecting against weakness in the Euro would be prudent. Would you agree that there is no need at present to hedge as above? It would not be tax efficient for me to sell HEDJ and buy an unhedged version so I would rather add to exposure to Europe.
Question: What ETF of stocks of companies based in developed Europe ex-UK do you favor? Is an unhedged version of HEDJ, in US$ (not C$) available? What other r ETFs , in US$ and not hedged, look attractive to you? I prefer ETFs holding less than, say, 70 large caps, incl'g some multi-nationals, all based out of Europe.

Q: Having received the above funds shares from a bequest, I am contemplating on selling and replacing the above funds for ETF's which would be complimentary with diversification, possibly reducing fees and improve performance.

Garry

Q: I'm looking for a Bond ETF. Thoughts on this 1 to 5 Year Laddered Can Bond ETF. Held within a RRSP. Look forward to your rely thanks

Q: In f/u to my earlier world ETF question, I should have stated I'm looking for CAD $ ETF's
Thanks

Q: Hello, could you please add fpxi to your database and tell me your thoughts on the ETF

Thanks, Michael

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.

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.

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!

Q: Can you comment on the structure of VRIF? Is it suitable for someone retiring in 5 years that is planning to live off of distributions?

Thanks

Joe

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 ?