Investment Q&A

Q: Would you prefer HHL or LIFE as a potential investment? Income is a significant consideration for me. Thanks.

Q: Hi General investing question. I have both ETF and actual stocks that are in the ETF. Less than 5 years away from retirement so still looking to build my portfolio. What's your opinion on holding ETF to accumulate income or buy the actual dividend stock and get both income and (hopefully!) growth? Thanks guys

Q: Hello 5i Team, - Thank you for all you do!

Could you weigh-in on these US$ cloud focussed ETF's for the long-term? Could you also suggest any alternatives hedged to CAD$ with a similar cloud focus?

Q: My 24-year old son just made his RRSP contribution. What would you suggest to be a good stock/ETF/fund to invest in right now? The objective is of course long-term growth.

Q: As part of my shift from managed products to ETFs I need to top up all or a combination of ve, spy and xef. This will be a rather large transaction so I am leaning towards 25% of the amount in each ETF and keeping 25% in cash counting on covid related market dips over the next few months.

Q: Hello 5i,
I have owned ZPW.U since 2016 and I am down ~ 20%, of course I receive ~7% dividend paid monthly.. regardless, I am getting frustrated with this investment as it doesn't seem to participate in any gains when the market declines as I assumed the puts would. In your view, what are the reasons for the decline since 2016? and do you see a possible rebound? or just exit this horrible investment.
Thanks
CR

Q: Good morning,
I own a small house in Ottawa that is free and clear with a current market value of approximately $350,000.
A recent discussion with my trusted mortgage broker confirmed that a 5 year term (Closed & Fixed) term mortgage can be obtained at a rate of 2.29%. This mortgage is said to be:
a. insured through CMHC,
b. portable, and
c. transferable.
At that rate of 2.29% and given that the interest paid would be tax deductible if I use the funds for investment purposes, I'm seriously considering borrowing around $200,000 and investing this amount for an initial 5 year period with an expected net rate of return on investment of 4.5% .
Q1. With $200,000, what are your thoughts of splitting this amount in 5 different chunks of $40K in the following instruments:
a. Mawer Tax Effective Balanced Fund,
b. Mawer Global Balanced ETF Fund,
c. Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio,
d. IShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio, and
e. BMO Balanced ETF

Q2. As an alternative to the above and given the 5 year time frame, would your preference be to invest the $200,000 in a selection of best in class individual stocks split between different sectors and if so, would you be so kind as to provide me with ya listing of your best ideas at this time.

I thank you and look forward to hearing your thoughts on both of these investment strategies.
Francesco

Q: I'm interested in the idea of green/sustainable agriculture as a theme moving forward. Any stocks or ETFs that could fit the bill? Thanks

Q: My sons company is using rbc as their rrsp provider for their employees. Would you be able to recommend one canadian, one us and one international ETFs or mutual funds that rbc provides? These will be long term holds. Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter/Ryan, my 20 year old son wants to get into Vanguard ETF's. He has a TFSA stock account and now wants to add a Vanguard ETF. What is your opinion of Vanguard and is there one you would recommend. Thanks, Nick

Q: Hello -
Over the first decade this century emerging markets seemed to do relatively well. Over the last 10 years or so, it appears that relative performance has been much better in the U.S.

Do you believe Emerging Markets represent good value compared to the U.S.? For instance, VWO has a PE ratio of 13, ERUS is about 7, whereas I think the U.S. is somewhere around 18 - you can correct me if I'm wrong. How much affect does a strong USD play in this recent past 10-year performance? Assuming we see a weakening USD, would that be the trigger point for the two mentioned ETF's to outperform the U.S. indices? Obviously stronger oil prices would also likely help ERUS.

What affect would this also have on BNS with it's exposure to Latin America? It's been the weak sister among the big Canadian banks. Would a weaker USD then give the BNS stock price a boost as a result?

Q: Hi,

What's your thoughts on stepping into CPD at this juncture for income, long term.

Thanks

Q: Hi, my question concerns slow repositioning of an actual 100 % dividend etf and stocks portfolio , for long term and retirement . Concerning the fact that various economical factors are now present for a future inflation (and then future interest raise in maybe 2 or 3 years ?): 1) what sectors will be safer, or even stay "safe" for dividends 2) what category of bond etf could be added to this portfolio , if indicated ? Many thanks ! JY

Q: 5i, In my RRSP I have some cash, and not sure if I should go with XQQ or QQQ, will you please explain pros/cons and advantages or not, also I' m open to other suggestions.
Thank you!

Q: Hello 5i,
I'm considering swapping xiu for xqq inside my RRSP, would you consider at this time a good move, pros/cons I need to be aware of?
Thanks
f

Q: A few weeks ago you recommended using Hedged C$ ETFs as you suggested the Canadian$ was likely to appreciate in the short-term. And it did. Do you still feel this way or has the Canadian$ gone up as far it as it can and will level off from here. THX

Q: Your thoughts please on. EWZ.US
Thanks again

Q: The most current ETF Model Portfolio list is dated Jan 9 /2020 on your site. Is there a more up to date list or is that your current recommends.
Thanks
Gil

Q: What would be a good technology etf for the very long term other than QQQ???
Many thanks

Q: Are there any recommendations you may have for good alternative investment ETF's or Mutual Funds that a retiree can use to enhance income with some capital appreciation. (note: Stable income is the most important consideration.) Also what percentage allocation do you typically suggest for a portfolio.

Thank you.