Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i,
I am interested in purchasing the Vanguard Global Active ETF's, VLQ, VMO, VVO and VVL but, I am concerned with the low average trading volumes. I calculated the average daily trading volumes to range between approx. 500 [VLQ] to 5,000 shares[VVL]. I would like to purchase/sell at least 100 shares at a time to justify the 9.95 commission. Will I likely be influencing the stock price because of the low volumes? Is the Vanguard Canada published Premium/Discount data for these ETF's in line with most commonly traded ETF's?

Thanks

Q: Looking for Int'l ETF bond or other wise for income and some growth for my Wife's RIF acc. Your view on ZEF or any other preferences.

Q: Do you think recent pullback in ETF price is an opportunity for income investor? Thanks. Peter

Q: What are you thoughts on swap or synthetic etfs? I have a basic understanding of how they work, and they seem like a good thing to pop in a non-registered account after RRSPs and TFSAs are maxed out. What do you guys think?

Q: Hello 5i team,
Which passive lowest cost ETF would you recommend to proxy the following investments: S&P/TSX, S&P500, MSCI EAFE, MSCI Emerging markets, Canadian bond market, US bond market, US High yield debt, Emerging market debt?
What weightings would recommend for the average 54 year old among the previously mentioned ETFs?
Which 3 Canadian growth companies would you recommend to add, to spice it up?
Thank you for your collaboration, Eric

Q: Folks can you recommend one or a few ETFs that trade in US dollars that would compare with the ETFs listed. I want to put some US cash into lower beta equities and strategies and am thinking that the ETF fees may be worthwhile to gain the covered call approach and enhanced income that results at the additional cost of sacrificing upside in rising markets. Also any comments on this intended approach for an equity investor who is transitioning from a balanced to an income tilt is appreciated - all the best.

Q: Can you please provide your opinion regarding O. Shares Global Internet Giants, OGIG ETF. O'Leary noted he is targeting the best tech companies with this fund. Thank you,
Linda

Q: What is your opinion of PYF as a reliable source of income?

Q: On 29 Aug I asked a question, part of which was: "Do you like the idea of holding some (10%) of a portfolio in active ETFs?" I did got a sense from your answer if you favour holding some actively managed ETFs, or would you stay with low MER index ETFs? I am planning to hold as much as 50% of my portfolio in ETFs for outside Canada exposure.

Q: I would appreciate your opinion of this fund, and how does its volatility and performance compare with other technology funds. Thanks.
Peter

Q: I am looking for a bond fund in the US and just trying to sort out all the options. I have been looking at this one for awhile and seems like a good option. Any comments. This is for the fixed income portion of my portfolio looking for US retirement income.

Cheers

Q: I am aiming for 60% of my investments to be outside of Canada. I have a number of index ETFs (VFV, VA, XQQ, HXS, HXQ, VLQ, VMO) but I am wondering if I need some active ETFs. One I came across is Evolve Active Managed Core Equity ETF ( listed on TSX as CAPS) which has a solid return but higher MER at .95% plus very little information available. Are you familiar with his ETF? Do you recommend this active ETF or do you have other suggestions? Do you like the idea of holding some (10%) of a portfolio in active ETFs?

Q: Not sure if zlb should still be in my porfolio, since its underperforming. Would i be better off to just put the money in vanguard canadian index vcn if i have a longer term view of the market 20 years out.

Q: Transitioning my mutual funds to a self managed ETF portfolio of near equal weighting of ve, vee, spy,vig and iwo for all USA and international exposure. I am due for another block of buying. Which of the 5 above would be best to add now. VE and VEE are down so average out my loss? On weighting I was due to add mostly VEE and IWO. Just starting the transition so can add pretty much any of them.

Q: Is there an ETF that shorts cannabis stocks? If not, there should be! Thanks. Peter

Q: Hi,
Since your comments are often extremely intuitive and helpful, I am keen to hear your thoughts on the new Communication Services sector in the US. As it will reclassify a few stocks I currently own, I am wondering about the potential effects, if any, of ETF managers rebalancing sector specific funds on some of the stocks involved. It has crossed my mind there might be a significant number of changes required on multiple ETFs, but am not sure whether this may affect stock prices, or would it just see increases in volume for a period of time? Is there an opportunity here for picking a few stocks, possibly growth ones, that may gain from the reclassification?
As always, we appreciate your insight.
Dawn

Q: What would be your percentage recommendation between XIU and FVF if one were to invest a total of $100,000. My own gut feeling would be 60% FVF and 40% XIU. With Thanks, Bill

Q: Can I get your take on the SPDR S&P software and services ETF? It's volatility, risk and growth prospects as compared to other tech ETFs or companies?

Q: I would appreciate your views upon IJS as a vehicle for the US small cap market. Are there other funds that you prefer? Thank you.

Q: Regarding the above companies, do you see any short term catalysts or is a modicum patience required? I know I Just answered the question.

I deployed my available cash on the dips and am hopeful of a return back to the prices before the dips.

While I know averaging down is not the smartest strategy, it was too hard to resist.

I took a chance on ATD on the dip and it went well. Now I think I am brilliant. Will one ever learn not to try and outguess the market?

Thanks for the sage advise over the last two years!

I eagerly await the new selections for the growth portfolio!

Finall, my wife has just retired and has a LIRA setup. The Company that is handling it scrapes off approximately $600 a month to administer it. She is not drawing on it until we are both retired. I would like to invest it based on the recommendations from 5i. We have a 5 year timeline until I am retired with a DB pension. Do you recommend the income portfolio, or a blend of all three folio’s, or to remain in the global balanced fund paying fees?

Beat Regards,

KC