Investment Q&A

Q: Hi there,

My questions is about xlre and SRET and the degree of risk associated with these 2 stocks. I currently have xlre and was thinking taking 20% of my position and investing in SRET - 1. for the higher dividend and 2. for the international exposure. Both would be held in a 401K and i only pay 2.95 a trade so taxes and trading fees aren't really a consideration.

Thanks

Q: I have about $18000 in U.S. funds that I would like to invest in an etf...
Can you recommend the sector that you would select for investing over the next
12 months or do you consider that amount of time too short for your planning?

Q: Hello. Thoughts on these ETFs for yield plays? Thank you.

Q: Is there an etf focused on companies in China with domestic focus (ie vs exporters) ? Tsx listed would be preferred. Thanks.

Q: Given the relatively high economic growth projections out of China, India and Indonesia, is there a single ETF that focuses its portfolio almost exclusively on these three countries? Thank you.

Q: I am curious to know what percentage of my portfolio should be invested in the Gold sector (Bullion and/or Stocks) if I am a growth investor. Is there are range you would be comfortable with?

Q: I currently hold Fairfax India and Faifax Africa. I consider them long term investments but I’m concerned about recent performance as well as (mainly) the longer term grind of the high management fees. I want direct exposure to growing populations and economies for a multi decade Rrsp.

I have the same questions for both (please deduct accordingly):

1. What would be your preferred investment for a multi decade Rrsp, for exposure to Africa: FAH, or an ETF, or something else? If something else, what would it be? Why?

2. Same questions for India and FIH.

Thanks you for your great service.

Q: Hi there, it seems like more and more commentary is stating we are in late cycle. Assuming this means that we will soon see a recession in the next 12-18 months, would it make sense to hide out in a low volatility ETF for the time being? It seemed to have held up pretty well in the 2018 Q4 drop. What are your thoughts regarding this strategy and between ZLU and ZLB which would be preferred to be in, or would you split your portfolio 50/50 for diversity? Thanks!

Q: Good afternoon,
I began building an Investment Account with the ETF's approx 10% weight each. I added CGX(for Dividend) and a GIC when I was unsure of what to do.
I realize the overlap with XDV;XIU;CDZ; and the Royal Dividend Mutual Fund. What do you recommend I do with the overlap? Diversification? I would like to begin to add individual stocks. Long term horizon. Have RRSP and maxed TFSA.
Growth and medium risk profile. Thanks Paul

Q: Hello I was wondering if you know of any ETF's like the ZEB for banks that would represent the insurers either traded in the US or Canada that you would recommend for a long term hold in and RRSP. DRIP eligible preferred.

Q: These all in ones are marketed as simple, low cost, well diversified ETF’s. There are no historical performance results to consider however. I’m considering for very long term hold in pension accounts.
Your thoughts on these products and type of investing strategy they best fit.
Appreciate your feedback.

Q: I am currently researching the Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio. I would like to confirm that I understand the total fees properly.

The Vanguard website indicates that the MER for this product is 0.25%, and "For any Vanguard fund which invests in underlying Vanguard fund(s), there shall be no duplication of management fees chargeable in connection with the Vanguard fund and its investment in the Vanguard fund(s)."

VCNS holds a portfolio of other Vanguard ETFs. I interpret the above paragraph to mean that the total fees paid to Vanguard is 0.25% (ie. that there is no stacking, that I do not pay the separate MERs for the underlying portfolio ETFs, PLUS an additional 0.25% for the VCNS ETF). Can you please confirm that my understanding is correct?

Thank you for your help and your insightful advice.

Q: I am interested in increasing my US content, but do not wish to purchase directly from the US. I am looking for some Canadian ETFs based on US Equities to add to my otherwise balanced TFSA for a 5yr+ hold. I currently hold ZWH. Wondering if you could give me your top 5 picks for growth. I would be interested in your best suggestion to play FAANG stocks as well in a Canadian ETF..

Q: can you recommend an equivalent trading in the US.

Cheers

Q: Hi Team,
Could you suggest one or more of ETF/s for US Tech sector/s, either in US$ and or C$. for long term holding.
Thanks as always,
Regards, Tak

Q: I have read here and elsewhere that that VEE does not hold stocks directly, but rather via its US listed counterpart VWO. However, I can't find any confirmation of this on the Vanguard side or in the VEE prospectus. The Vanguard Canada page for VEE implies that stocks are held directly. Can you please confirm that this is in fact the case? Thank-you.

Q: Like many here I suspect, we missed the cannabis event completely. Fearing to be too late, trying to ascertain whether to enter via an ETF like HMMJ (the only one I can find with any kind of liquidity) or do I try to build a small "equal weight" holding of the 5 or 6 stronger entities in this space. So how would you rank today the top 5 or 6 entities trying to build a presence or should one try to follow on the coat tails of an established company trying to enter the cannabis space like ATD.b or one of the liquor companies?

Q: IF, this pays a 5.5% yield with .40 % mngt fee and .44 % mer is my net
5.5% - .84% = 4.66% THANKS

Q: Hi 5I team.

Other than XUS (15%) I really do not have much exposure to US Stocks. Would you please recommend a few US stocks or Sector based ETFs to invest about 10% of new cash. I have a few options based on Mad Money and Market Call. Any preferences of the stocks I've listed or other ETF suggestions would be helpful. My horizon is for 5+ years.

Thanks

Q: Gordon Pape has recommended ZLU,as a possible ETF investment.Would you buy the hedged or unhedged version?