Investment Q&A

Q: Aren't markets mostly efficient, and therefore isn't the market cap weighted portfolio the optimal portfolio? Or if we want a higher expected return would a factor tilted portfolio be the way to go, like Dimensional or Avantis?

Q: Just trying to understand this a bit more. What makes the price go up and down aside from demand?

Q: HUV used to be a short on market VIX

Do you know the new symbol RAK

Q: I understand Covered call ETFs limit the upside potentials when the market is in uptrend. So what type of ETFs increase the upside potential when the market is in uptrend?
I'm asking because at some point the current down trend market trend will reverse and if one wants to get the maximum benefit of the uptrend do you think leveraged ETFs are a good choice ?

Or do you suggest any other types of ETFs?

Q: Best vehicle to park a bunch of cash in a brokerage account till the noise stops?

Q: Hi I know MSTR has had an extremely bumpy ride. What do you think of their recently issued preferred shares? Is there enough information to estimate what the actual dividend and % at today’s prices will be. RBC DI shows 132%. Also would you consider the yield to be “reasonably” safe? Thank you.

Q: Can you explain how buying this ETR in US dollars (MNT.U) works when it is traded on a Canadian stock exchange in comparison to MNT? Am I actually getting US dollars when I sell it or are these converted to C$ with a corresponding hit because of exchange rate? Is it better to buy MNT or MNT.U? Thank you.

Q: I purchased this to get exposure to energy, get the high dividend (now approx. 13%), and have an ETF focused more on US energy companies (vs. Canadian). I've held it about 15 months now and I'm down 10%. I expect there is some ROC affecting the share price (are you able to confirm?). In general, what are your thoughts on EMAX for stability and as an income play?

Q: Hello 5i
I hold 13% covered call ETFs in a portfolio of diversified blue chip dividend payers, regular ETFs and some growth holdings, 56 holdings in all. These covered call ETFs include HMAX, UMAX, SMAX, QMAX, ZWH, HHLE, HDIV, HYLD AND NXF-B. I am 79 and looking for income. I believe the upside restrictions of the covered call ETFs is made up for by the advance in the other holdings. . MER on the total portfolio according to Portfolio Summary is 0.11%. I am also admonished for holding over 10 ETFs. Should I change this strategy though I like the $1,300 to $1,800 a month bump up or just keep collecting? Please take as many credits as necessary.

Q: Is this etf worth holding?

Q: With the substantial recent decline in technology stocks, do you think that now a good time to enter the sector, or do you think we have more downside ahead? I have been looking at 3 ETF's to gain technology exposure, TXF, HTA & QMAX. I know that there are similarities between them, but could you compare and contrast them re: holdings, risk, stability of payouts, tax treatment, etc. and rank them most favoured to least favoured with your reasons? Also, are there any other ETF's in this area that you prefer? I realize that there is more than one question here, so would you please deduct the number of credits that you require, Thank you.

Q: Rheinmetall (RNMBY:US) Looks to have a promising future now that Germany is beginning to invest more money in defence.

Would it be better to invest directly through the NYSE or through an ETF, or some other vehicle you might recommend?

Q: Is a 10% position in HSAV a safe investment for people in their 80's not wanting any income and will never need the funds? Is it safe to buy now?

Q: My international holdings (ex, US) comprise 15 % of my portfolio, which comprises 70% VE, and 30% VEE. Do you think that VIU would be a better option than VE at the same percentage? Thanks in advance as always.

Q: Hi team,

What is the significance of the Morning Star annotations (v.g. *** Silver) when you look at an ETF or stock ? Does it change frequently and for what reason ?

Gratefully,

Jacques IDS

Q: Can you provide any insight on US healthcare Select SPDR fund,?
Thanks

Q: Is EFR a good buy in the current environment if one is looking at a 3-5 year hold period? Note: although I prefer Canadian dividend-bearing securities, I am in a sufficiently low tax bracket for there to be no material disadvantage for purchasing a foreign asset with a sufficiently high yield.

Q: Just few more covered call gold ETF questions and I promise to stop flogging this horse and make a decision ..... Of the five ETF's 5i recommended { AMAX, CGXF,BASE,GLCC,GDXY } Could 5i give me the return, unit price gain/loss plus dividends for each ETF as a percentage ? .... As both AMAX and GDXY have only been around a year just go back for that period of time for each one. This will be long enough for me to assess as I am looking for gold volatility pre and post Trump's election.....

I notice all have an upward trend except GDXY. Could 5i speculate on the reason why ? Of course the question is does that 32.5% dividend more than make up for it ? I should be able to see that by your evaluations of returns for the other ETF's in comparison ......

And finally, hypothetically, if 5i were forced to choose one or two of these to " hide " in while assessing just exactly how bad Trump is going to make things for Canada . Which would be your two favorites, first and second, and why ? ...... Thanks for your terrific service ..... Garth .....

Q: Hi there,

I'm evaluating the fixed income portion of my portfolio and am debating between a ladder GIC vs a HISA ETF. I understand GICs are locked in rates and HISA etfs are floating, but can you provide any insight as to the general historical differences in performance over historical time? In other words, say 100k split into 5 rungs of 20k vs 100k in a floating rate HISA etf - is there any difference in performance historically?

Thank you!

Q: What do you think of HUBL for income generation and do you think the 9-10% yield is sustainable?

Any better alternatives in the 8-10% range?