Investment Q&A

Q: Hello!

I am mirroring your model portfolios and I currently have 50% of my holdings invested in Balanced, 25% Income and 10% Growth. I also have 10% of my portfolio equally split between VEF and VSP.

I have the opportunity to increase my holdings by about 30% and I'd appreciate your help in deploying those additional dollars.

Should I allocate across the board based on the same percentages? Should I up my percentage in VEF/VSP? Or is there something other investment(s) you would recommend?

I foresee a 6-8 year horizon before needing to draw down on any of these investments.

Thank you for all that you do. I really appreciate all your effort.

Best regards
M

Q: I have a question about USD corporate bond ETFs

I have some funds in USD that I want to use to buy a US corporate bond ETF with.

Can you give me your opinion on HYG? ishares

Also can you tell me if HYG is considered a <Junk Bond ETF> ?

Lastly if you could also suggest another USD corporate bond ETF that has slightly lower yield than HYG.

Thank you

Regards
Stephane

Q: Greetings 5i Team: First I wanted to say how much I appreciate the "Five from 5i" every week, I usually find some nuggets in areas that I wouldn't otherwise discover or even seek out. I found the article "Changing Investor Expectations" as it relates to Millennials particularly compelling. I believe that Thomson Reuters has ESG research data that isn't available to me but may be to you. My question is whether you know of an ETF that has ESG as a theme that you think is currently investable? Also, though I hate to add to the suggestions for additional portfolios, would you ever consider an ESG themed model portfolio?

Regards,

Q: Peter & Co., I am planning to add to my small positions in one or two of these American banks. I have compared P/E, P/B, ROE and payout ratios and I am in a quandary. Would you please list them in order of your priority for possible purchases.
With great appreciation for your excellent service.

Q: I'm trying to create an Index portfolio and I have allocated 35% to the U.S. through the iShares Core S&P 500 Index (IVV). Of that 35%, I am looking at adding exposure to mid cap and small cap U.S. companies to generate more growth. Do you agree with this strategy. I plan to retain a 27% weighting in the IVV and add 5% to a mid cap ETF and 3% to a small cap ETF. I am leaning towards the IJH and IJR due to the low fees.

Thanks,
Jason

Q: I am connected to a 41 year old who is about to start investing and putting some money away for retirement

He has very little investment knowledge
He has about $ 200,000 to invest We are going to start with his TSFA and make the maximum contribution and then we will set one up for his wife

Where is a good place to start Would you recommend a basket of ETF's or buying individual stocks His investment horizon is 20 to 25 years

Which are your preferred ETF'S or your 6 equities

Thank you very mucb

Paul

Q: I hold the BMO S&P 500 Index ETF(ZSP-U, listed in US dollars) in my RRSP. I purchased this fund and had assumed it would be exempt from US withholding taxes but I’ve noted that it is listed on the TSX. Is it exempt the same way that an ETF like VTI would be?

Q: What is your opinion of MOAT ? Ty

Q: I was wondering if you could name 2 balanced and 2 index ETFs outside of N. America that are somewhat "safe" for 1-3 year hold just in case the hole Trump thing goes off the rails thanks

Q: I am looking to sell my Energy stock holdings as I move all of my portfolio to ETF's - I am looking for a bit more stability in the energy sector as well as income - I have a 10 yr horizon and can live with some moves with the market - Can you recommend a couple good ETF's that focus on Income from Energy and Energy services - Thanks

Q: Would you consider XXM (First Asset Morningstar US Value Index Etf
CDN Hedged) as a suitable hold regarding the U.S. market. XXM.B is the unhedged version. If not, do you have another choice.

Thank you.
Denis

Q: In discount brokerage account, where do you suggest investing cash balances that will be deployed over the short medium term. I generally use HISA offered by equitable bank and b2b laurentian bank (0.8 to 1 % return with no transaction fee). Do you or 5i suscribers have any alternative with better return. Thank you.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for Agricultural ETS's for income? (10 year hold)

Q: What is your opinion on XFA which selects stocks based on momentum, quality, value and small cap size. Could you please suggest a balanced portfolio using smart etf's. Do you think this is a good strategy? Thank you for all you advice.

Q: Can you tell me your favorite ETFs for USA income growth - Looking for stability with focus on income growth - I have 10 years horizon - thanks

Q: I am thinking about replacing MAW102 in my RRSP with a combination of ZWE
and ZDI or MAW150 ( Global Small Cap Fund) to enhance income with some
growth. What is your opinion of this change? Joe

Q: what are your favourite ETS's for Gold. and What is your favourite ETF to short the USA and Canadian markets...

Q: Re form 1135 is zqq in my non registered account to be counted when reporting ? James

Q: I am not quite clear on tax implications for the following scenario. Could you please confirm (or not !) if I am correct or if there are other implications ?

If, in a Non-Registered Account, I hold a Canadian-domiciled ETF or Mutual Fund that owns a mix of Canadian, U.S. and possibly other international companies, then:

1) 15% of the U.S. company dividends will be withheld by the U.S. (Or whatever equivalent withholding tax if non-U.S.but international) This amount is reported at year end through the Fund/ETF, and reflected on the tax slip I receive from my brokerage. When I fill out my return, I can then apply for a foreign tax credit which means I should get back all the tax that was withheld.
2) The portion of dividends from the Canadian companies held by the Fund/ETF will be eligible for the Dividend Tax Credit but NOT the portion from the U.S. or international companies.

Thank you for your help !

Q: I am not comfortable purchasing individual stocks in a small account, with my go to name being ZEB, can you recommend any others that provide the diversification? I'm thinking the US indices hedged back to CAD, is that a good idea and which ETFs would you recommend in that case?