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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: Hi - as the US has been a stronger market for the last couple of years, a large portion of my portfolio is USD. With the recent economic turmoil in the US and the resultant effect on their dollar, would you consider holding some ETF's in currencies such as the British Pound, Euro and Canadian dollar? My portfolio is heavily weighted in cash, as I hope to be able to wait on the sidelines till we see a buyable bottom, vs get whipsawed based on the latest idea from the 'Village Idiot'. As always, I welcome you thoughts!
Read Answer Asked by Dawn on April 04, 2025
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?
Read Answer Asked by petra on April 03, 2025
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?
Read Answer Asked by Jabs on April 02, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on April 02, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by John on April 01, 2025
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?
Read Answer Asked by Randy on April 01, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by STANLEY on April 01, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by Will on April 01, 2025
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?
Read Answer Asked by John on April 01, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by bernie on March 28, 2025
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
Read Answer Asked by Jacques on March 28, 2025
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