Investment Q&A

Q: Good afternoon,

I am looking for exposure to the US market, in my RRSP. According to your previous answers on this type of inquiry, an ETF would be the easiest way to go, since it automatically brings both diversification and exposure.

My time horizon is minimum 10 years and don't mind a medium amount of volatility, as long as the returns are there in the end. My plan is to invest into the chosen ETF each year, so that my exposure to the US market is taken care of.

I have been looking more closely at VGG, VFV and VUN, mostly out of the reputation of Vanguard products. The dividend growth orientation of VGG sure is appealing, but I am not primarly looking for income. Aside from that they all seem pretty similar.

I would like to know your point of view on these ETFs I mentionned and if there are any others that you consider that would fit better in a long term plan.

Thank you very much!

Q: Apparently PIMCO has introduced an ETF version of this fund. Which would you prefer and why.

Q: Good morning! Could you please give your choice of a Emerging Markets ETF. I have just looked at Goldman Sachs "GEM" which has been recommended. Do you like it or is there another that you would choose. Thanks, as always your opinion is so appreciated.

Q: I have taken a position in Goldman ActiveBeta Emerging markets equity ETF (GEM).It is actively managed with a low expense ratio. This helps me to diversify my portfolio. I have purchased it in my U.S. trading accounts.What are your thoughts on this ETF.

Q: I have 100,000 US to invest in RSP. would you recommend a mix of these 3 OR put it all into VWO? Suggestions?

Q: Hi team, I am looking to diversify a bit more out of North America and was wondering what you think of the above ETF's. What do you think of AIA for Asia or do you recommend a different ETF for this area. Also, at this time which European ETF would you recommend, currency isn't an issue.
As always thanks for your advice.

Q: What is your opinion on Horizons Total Return Index ETF's in general and the recently added Horizons Intl Developed Markets Index ETF (HXDM).

Q: In considering Vanguard and BMO ETFs for possible investment, my question is about the choices between CDN-hedged and, I guess, "non-hedged" variants of US and foreign ETFs. My impression is that the latter typically offer better returns. But does the risk of random currency exchange fluctation trump that advantage? Many thanks.

Q: Have done well on IGV. Thinking of adding Blackrock's BST. My portfolio is totally diversified so no big concentrations. What do you think of BSt ?
Thank you Team !

Q: Hi,
For some reason on the 5i site and on Globe Investor, I can't find the ISHARES MSCI EAFE VAL IND ETF (EFV). It trades on the US BATS exchange. I hold it in my TD Waterhouse account and I can find it on Google Finance. Is there something unusual about a BATS listing, as in, not all companies carry BATS holdings? Should I be selling EFV and replacing it with something more mainstream?
Many thanks, Michael

Q: Hi! I need to increase my Consumer Stock Sector and think the USA has some of the best stocks in this area etc., rather than trying to pick one or two to hold; I am looking at Guggenheim RHS EFT which holds 32 large cap stocks, what is your advice on this, good strategy? Thx Kim

Q: As a 70's plus senior, I love dividends. But would also like to participate in the tech stocks. What is your opinion of IGM ETF that has tech stocks and small dividend?
Thanks as always for your wisdom.
Lorraine

Q: Hello 5i crew..Do you have any recommendations on a dividend paying emerging market fund... thanks again...Gary

Q: Hi,

Can you recommend a couple CDN ETFS that focus on US bank stocks? Do you recommend hedging?

Q: I think I noticed earlier in one of your answers to a question you stated you did not think a Canadian could buy a us based mutual fund.I am looking at buying "IAT" which is a etf based in the US.What is the difference between buying mutual funds in the US and etf's based in the US?

Q: What do you think of GREK as an investment (and why it’s been falling lately)? The only professional endorsement I’m aware of is James Thorne’s on BNN back in May. I’m wondering if it’s a good time to get in.

Generally speaking, do you frown on country-specific ETFs, or would you make some exceptions (like India or Russia), especially for long term holds? Thanks.

Q: Hi,

I am looking for a good emerging markets ETF. In my screens there are so many to choose from and many with high Dividends, along with very strong gains, which of course I like. Since I know nothing about which countries and sectors to look for, could you recommend 2 or 3 good Emerging Market ETFS, preferably with a solid dividend and high growth potential, and also at a value price if possible. I am not overly concerned about risk and have no exposure in this area. Thank You.

Q: My question is on FXI the Chinese large cap ETF. as a small position do you see this as a good play to get some global diversification as well as exposure to China?

Thank You

Q: I've been looking for Canadian based ETFs which hold US techs. There doesn't seem to be very much available. The only ones I've found are QRT and FHQ, and the MER on the latter seems too high. Would you recommend either or would it be better to simply buy a US ETF?

Q: Hello - is there a Canadian currency version of iShares 20+ Year Treasury US Bond ETF (TLT) ? If not, do you have a recommendation for reasonably close ETF in CAD ?
Thanks