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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: I've been a member of 5i for about two years and your help has been substantial. Thank-you. I currently own a portfolio that closely mirrors your balanced portfolio.

My question today relates to one asked recently about Warren Buffet's wishes regarding his investments should he die. I believe it was somethink like 10% to short term bonds and 90% to the S&P 500. I'm seeking advice regarding what a kind of portfolio a Canadian should develop in a similar situation. My wife has no interest in day to day stock analysis. Should she inherit our portfolio, I'd like to construct a 'buy and hold' ETF portfolio, in addition to our current portfolio, with exposure to Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. This would comprise the equity part of a more complete portfolio. Hopefully, it would have the potential to show resonable gains with little attention by the owner. My question is: which 3 ETF's would you choose to gain exposure to the 3 markets for a Canadian who simply wants to buy and hold? What % would you put into each ETF?
All the best to you and your families for the holiday season.
Read Answer Asked by Les on December 22, 2017
Q: I am looking to move some cash after a year end portfolio clean up. I am considering 25% in each of VSC and VSB, 25% in PMIF, 25% in XHY. Would you recommend different ETFs and/or % allocations?

Thanks for you dedication
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: In order to build some exposure to the U.S. Market I am considering investing 30% in VUN, 30% in VGG and the rest in VGG. Would you consider any changes to the above selections and allocations?

Thanks to the team
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: hello 5i:
can you comment on the ETF above please? And, can you list the Canadian equivalent, assuming there is one. Would this ETF pursue a strategy you would endorse?
While many have expressed their satisfaction with the service (ditto for me), I'd like to commend Peter on the vision and drive necessary to grow what has become a top notch service. And looking back to the beginning, hasn't it been a fun ride?
thanks, and Merry Christmas
Paul L
Read Answer Asked by Paul on December 20, 2017
Q: My 29 year old son has $40,000 in a tfsa all in cash. So far, he has little interest in investing. I'm thinking as a possible way to get him interested (and to at least get some kind of return) of suggesting to him that he put $35,000 into a Cdn equity etf and $5,000 into a growth stock. (I would really like for him to just put it into say 4 growth stocks but if the whole thing tanks it will be "dad's fault".) He also has his employer DC pension plan (2 or 3 years in) in which he's invested in life-cycle funds.

Could you recommend an etf and stock for his tfsa? Or would you suggest some other completely or slightly different route to go with his tfsa? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by William on December 20, 2017
Q: To establish a more passive approach for my Canadian holdings I am considering investment in the following ETFs. VCN 25% (core), MAW106 25% (core). MKC 30%, and HEW the remainder. Would you consider any changes to the above selections or allocations?

Thanks to a dedicated team
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: Good morning Peter and company,

In his will, for his wife's benefits, Warren Buffett has instructed the trustee to put 10% of the money in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund such as Vanguard’s.

Would that be a good practice for all retired individuals living off their stock portfolios by withdrawing 4% annually, if they are prepared to live with the market's fluctuations?

Bond values have nowhere to go but down as central banks raise interest rates. Would 10% cash be better than 10% bonds today?

Thank you for your considerate answers to my questions.

Milan
Read Answer Asked by Milan on December 19, 2017
Q: I am investing the 52000 plus whatever the amount is for 2018 in my wife's TFSA. With a 10-15 year time-frame might I be considering a couple of quality ETF's or would you advise the purchase of 5 or 6 quality stocks? What might you suggest to consider? She does like the Dollarama idea which you recently recommended. Also would you recommend holding off until the new year to get the ball rolling or invest now? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on December 19, 2017
Q: I believe we are due for a major correction - What do you think are the best ETF's that will hold up the best in
1) Cdn Equities, 2) USA Equities, 3) REITS, 4) Consumer Staples, 5) Commodities,
Read Answer Asked by Ron on December 18, 2017
Q: We have some u.s money in a RIF acct and would like to compliment our balanced and income portfolio and were thinking of VG - IYJ- XLF and VXUS. Does this make sense as we are also playing the currency and this is profit from 2017 thanks to you and your service....thanks...Eugene
Read Answer Asked by gene on December 18, 2017