Investment Q&A

Q: Greetings 5i,

I realize that you do not technically cover American stocks, but would value your opinion on this matter if possible.

I currently hold TPU.TO (slightly more than a half position), as well as a larger position (slightly more than my other "full positions") in BRK.B (held in US dollars). I am 36 years old, conservative, and greatly prefer long term holds.

My question is two-fold, so please deduct two credits if you deem it appropriate. First, given the enormity of BRK, as well as its ability to often outperform the S&P 500, do you feel as if both should be owned for broad American exposure, or would a single, consolidated position in BRK be more appropriate (I essentially look at BRK as a very low cost mutual fund)?

Second, if you feel that owning both BRK and an S&P 500 ETF is beneficial, would you recommend holding the ETF in Canadian or American dollars? If the latter, could you suggest a suitable US dollar replacement for TPU?

At present, these two holdings are my only direct exposure to US Equity (I also have XHY for US bond exposure), although I am planning to add a few single positions over the next year or so.

Thank you.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Indian economy for the next 3-5 years. Could you recommend a couple of etfs - one growth oriented and one for dividend growth?
Thanks for all your help.
Dennis

Q: I am slowly building the BE portfolio in my RRSP as funds become available. For instant diversification, would it make sense to own 20-30% ZDV for access to bigger names like BNS, ENB, MG, T, MX, CGX and SLF? Basically Financials, Energy and Utilities would be covered. I could then concentrate on adding the smaller names like SIS, PBH, GUD, ENGH, TOY for the remainder of the portfolio? Would it defeat the essence of the BE portfolio? Any other ETF would be better? Thanks!

Q: to invest in Emerging mkts, what is difference between VEE and VWO and which would you prefer? Or could you name 2 or 3 EM stocks that you prefer instead. thx. Helen

Q: Can I have your opinion and comparisons on these 3 international ETF for a long term core holding, to compliment VIG in an RRSP, which is best and why. No international exposure at the moment. I understand that XEF and ZEA both track the same index however I'm not sure why XEF would hold its own ETF for a 7% holding.

Q: I am thinking that Ireland stands to benefit from Brexit. Would you agree? If so would ERIL the Ishares Ireland etf that trades on the New York exchange be a way to capitalize? Is there a better way?

Q: For diversification of U.S. blue chips I have been looking at a combination of HBF and ZWH. There is about a five company overlap in holdings, HBF is not as liquid or as diversified in its holdings, is smaller in size but pays a higher dividend. Income and reduced risk are my primary objectives. What are your thoughts on HBF, would it be desirable to hold both and if you were to consider a combination what percentage would you consider?
Thank you for considering my questions

Q: My portfolio is in need of US and global exposure. Currently I only own two US stocks FB(3%) and BAC (2.8%) I also own VEE(2.4%). Can you recommend how I can add to my US and Global exposure. Also what percentage of a portfolio would you make them? I'm 38 and a rather aggressive investor.

Q: Greetings 5i,

I am looking to add some ETF exposure to the developed Asian markets (I currently have no exposure to this region), and am leaning towards VA. Does this sound like a reasonable choice to you, or is there another ETF you feel would be more appropriate.

I am 35 years old, am a fairly conservative investor, and have a preference for long term holds with as much diversification as possible. I already have ETF exposure to America (TDB), Europe (VE), and Emerging markets (VEE). This addition would take my overall portfolio to 30 holdings.

Thank you.

Q: Hello 5i,

I would like to hear your suggestions on what the 2 best choices are for Dividend paying ETF's from the list above or any others I didn't mention. One for CAD and one for USA (on the TSX). I would want to keep these for 10-15 years or even into my retirement if returns continue to make it worth it.

Thank you kindly,

Paul

Q: On July 7 you answered a question about this ETF and stated it had a yield of 2.3% and a MER of 1.58%. Gordon Pape has issued a buy recommendation and indicated a yield of 7.4% and a mgt. fee of 0.75%. Could you please clarify this discrepancy and your own current view for this security.
Thank you.

Q: What short-term US bond ETFs would you recommend for a 1 -3 year holding period for
a US dollar rrsp?

Q: Hi, could I get your opinion on a diversified ETF selection for a non registered account.
I was thinking of 3-6 ETF's with a 4-5% dividend and to preserve capital as best as possible. This will be for a long term hold for retirement income. If I can get the same performance with 2-3 ETF's that would be fine.
Thanks for the help

Q: Two questions: Can you recommend a simple/small set of low-fee ETFs for a young, long-term investor for a TFSA, and one for an RRSP? (If not the same.)

Thanks very much.

Q: For coverage of Developed Europe, which of these two ETF's is preferred.

VE has a better dividend than ZEA , your comments please

Q: Hi Peter and group: I am interested in the above noted ETF for an approximate 3% holding in my RRSP. I think you touched on this ETF recently, but am wondering if you could shed further light as regards volatility, expense ratio, (seems very high at 2.2%) and overall risk. My risk tolerance is moderate and the hold would be for several years. I also currently hold ZWH, ( 6 %) in my RRSP for U.S. exposure .

Thanks for the great service

David

Q: Hi Team,
Following a question about Canadian and US health care sector opportunities, I am trying compare and contrast IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) with XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF). I realize the former focuses on large companies and has more concentrated positions in top holdings while the latter focuses on small companies with a more even distribution of holdings. What are your thoughts about a risk/return trade off between the two ETFs and what timeframe would you be considering to hold either one for an investment thesis to pan out? If you had to pick one, which would it be and why?
Many thanks, Michael

Q: Have over 20 years until retirement. VVL has been a disappointment , seems to be holding too many stocks that underperform and has substantially low dividend yield compared to VCN/VUN.

RRSP Account
ZUH 10%
VVL 7%
ZGI 8%
COW 10%
XWD 6%
ZLU 7%
ZLB 7%
VXC 5%
ZID 2%
VUN 7%
CWW 9%
XGD 6%
XIT 8%
Cash 8%

What would be your top 5 etfs for a long term hold?

Q: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@

Q: Hi,

I have no bonds in my portfolios and am interested in picking up some laddered corporate bonds, specifically convertible debendetures (unrated) from smaller firms. Pays about 5% and after purchase bonds would comprise about 3% of my portfolio.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, and if there are other options for getting some exposure to bonds (ETFs for ex.).

Cam