Investment Q&A

Q: I have been reluctant to invest in the cannabis industry as there did not seem to be much understanding of the industry as a whole or little (if any) rhyme or reason as to valuations. While acknowledging that things are still far from stable, I do sense that a greater understanding of the industry is developing since legalization in Canada occurred. I am now seeing some thoughtful reports on potential annual demand, analyses of corporate cost structures, critical discussion of common industry issues and a separation of the better companies from the laggards

Would you agree with this assessment? If so, do you feel that enough solid fundamentals and information are now in place to warrant investing in this ETF?
It is up over 50% in the past month so are we witnessing irrational exuberance and a probable bubble or reasonable expectations based on real growth prospects?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: I purchased these ETF's a little over a year ago as my first outside of North America holdings. Just wondering what your thoughts are about these. I do have a long time frame.

Q: GREETINGS:
Barry Allan was on Berman's call Jan 28. He has launched a new ETF
FGO, which is designed to outperform in times of recession. Only 125 mil
now, mer .60%. They are targeting 5-6% return after fees if we have a recession and 3-4 %, if not. He says that he is very cautious on prep
shares and floating rate instruments at this time. please comment.
Thanks, BEN. I would appreciate as much criticism of the ETF as you
will offer.

Q: I have a question about XRE and the real estate stocks in general

I noted that the above has been going up recently
is there a fundamental reason for it ?

I have REI.un, I am thinking of selling it and putting it in XRE

thanks
Michael

Q: Hi,
I want to increase my US and International equity exposure by using $US ETFs (VIG and VXUS respectively) but the Canadian dollar is pretty weak right now (improving slightly lately). Does it make sense to convert to $US for this investment (long-term horizon) when there could well be significant headwinds if the Canadian dollar continues to strengthen. Also, valuations are higher in the US than in Canada, but International looks to be relatively cheap. Thoughts on how to proceed?
Regards, Michael

Q: A while back you stated you preferred a S&P 500 etf over VUN because the s&p 500 etf had more concentrated holdings ie 500 companies vs several thousand holdings. Yet I notice many instances where you recommend / suggest VUN. I hold VUN and am somewhat confused wondering if I should trade VUN for a s&p 500 etf. Thank you.

Q: I would liked to switch the focus of my investments from equities to ETF's. Could you give me some broad parameters for guidance.
Could you suggest 10 ETF's for starters. Mid to long term with medium risk.
Thanks for your help.

Q: Which US$ denominated ETF would you recommend today for US exposure ? Do you recommend a Midcap or Large cap ETF?

Q: Is there an etf that can be purchased in Canadian $$ which gives an investor broad international exposure except to Europe? Thank you, Bill

Q: Hi 5i team,
I would like to purchase a US equity ETF in C$ fund for my TFSA. For a conservative investor, would a dividend growth ETF be more suitable? What would be your top pick ETF for this purpose, hedged and unhedged? Is the dividend income subject to tax withholding? Or should I be looking at HXS, though the swap fee may cancel out the tax advantage? Thanks

Q: Currently hold VCN, but thinking about switching to ZCN. My question is how can ZCN have such a larger yield than VCN (roughly 2.90% to 2.60%)? Any concerns with this switch?

Q: In reply to my recent question about my mutual funds - TD US Mid-Cap growth, TD US Blue Chip and Fidelity Global Innovators, you advised that they could be replaced with lower-cost ETFs. Please advise which ETFs you would recommend as replacements.

Q: I am a subscriber to the ETF and Mutual Fund Update website, although so far I haven't used it that much. One of my issues with that service is that it seems designed for reading each and every monthly issue to get the most from it. However, it would be useful if I could just somehow search on particular etf's or etf types to see what has been written on such searches in past issues. Is there a tool for that that I am missing? Or is that something that might be added in the future? Thanks.

Q: Please tell me the advantages and disadvantages between holding gold , for example mapleleaves, bought through a broker and buying a gold ETF.

Thanks

Q: Could you give me your top picks for US dividend ETF's?

Thanks,

Joe

Q: Hi,
I am struggling with a decision and would appreciate your opinion please. I would like to increase my US and International equity exposure using ETFs in US dollars that I already own (VIG and VXUS).
The Canadian dollar is obviously very weak right now. Does it make sense to convert Canadian dollars to US and adding to US dollar ETFs right now, or should I be using equivalents that trade in Canadian dollars? If the latter, would you kindly suggest the two ETFs that I should consider?
I know you like foreign currency as another form of diversification and I agree. I realize there is a FX prediction inherent in this question: if the CDN dollar strengthens, that creates headwinds for US-denominated investments.
What do you suggest?
Thank you. Michael

Q: Recently, I took over a financial advisor managed portfolio, which included these two mutual funds. Since I prefer ETFs instead, I wonder which ETFs might be most suitable to replace these funds.
Thank you, as always!

EdgepointGlobal EDG100,Capital Group CIF823

Q: my wife currently has unregistered money invested in this mutal fund and continues to put money in it every month. I would like to know if there are etfs that are just as good or better with much lower fees. Thanks for your help.

Q: Hi,

I am trying to choose between these 2 ETFs for global coverage ex-Canada. They seem pretty similar but XAW invests in US ETFs while VXC invests directly in companies. Is there a fiscal disadvantage in XAW (to be held in cash account)?

Thanks

Q: I am close to retirement and am interested in purchasing a conservative, safer, ETF to be held for the forseeable future in an investment (not registered) account. I am looking for a non-Canadian equity investment, and do not necessarily seek high dividends. What is your opinion of the "dividend aristocrats" investment strategy and of the DGRO-N ETF? Is there a better ETF which suits my investment goals which you would recommend?

Thank you for all of the excellent advice which your service offers!