Investment Q&A

Q: Could you suggest several ETFs that cover the Russell 2000 both Canadian and US

Q: Given the recent volatility in the US I am wondering about portfolio insurance in the short term. While holding cash is one way to mitigate a drop, I don't really want to hold much more than I currently do so I'm wondering if HIU would be a good way or if there is some other strategy you might suggest. I hear many comments about more significant declines, with the trade issues that are currently occupying a lot of political talk, raising rates, and, if the Dow gets back up to the 26,000 level that could be a double top, all of which make me nervous.

So, since I am a long term investor, rather that take profits and raise more cash, what would you do for some short term downside portfolio insurance? Thanks

Q: Good Morning 5i team,
I have been looking into cleaning up my portfolio. On the US side i was thinking of taking Buffet's advice and just buy VOO. When I look at the top ten holdings of that fund, though, I note that I already hold three of the top ten in the portfolio in at a pretty good percentage: Goog, jnj, jpmorgan. I also own as well another large selection: 3M, mdt, pepsi, and proctor and gamble.

The question arises whether I should just buy two or three of the top ten and run a ETF myself?

Another question; the concentration of teck names in VOO/s top ten is quite low, Apple at 3.5% and Amazon a little less. It seem like these are the main stocks I am missing and the question then becomes, "Should I go for QQQ, which has apple at 11 % and Amazon at 9%? Although all the rest is technology as well, which I don<t want that much of. The problem is that I would like to have more teck but probably not as much as QQQ. Any other choices?
thanks

Q: I have 3 big losers in my US account, MITT, IPCI and IVR. MITT and IVR pay good dividends and the stock price loss over the last few years has been mitigated by the great dividend. I would like to sell each of these stocks and buy a good US growth ETF. These are the only stocks I have in the US account. Can you suggest a good ETF? I am retired so any one with a dividend would be nice but not essential.
Thanks for your great service
Kevin

Q: Good morning
I have additional funds to deploy..I am covered in most of your top performers and few others..unfortunately, no real US exposure...I have around $75,000 (5% of portfolio to deploy and would request your top 2 US ETF ($CDN) for stable growth etc...also would you buy all now our dip in over a few months?

Thanks

Q: Please provide your thoughts on VUE. Is it suitable to hold in a RRIF and/or what is a better ETF to invest in?

Q: Do you think holding TBT would hedge my income portfolio in a rising rate environment? If not what is the best way to hedge an income portfolio with rising rates?

Q: Hi Peter and the 5i team,
The last question about XRB was in November of 2016. What is your take on XRB and real-return bonds in general?
Thanks as always for your insight.

Q: Hi 5i- The 4 etf mentioned are all ca. hedged. As such my concern is the cdn. dollar direction going forward. I don't see any good non hedged options. Should I stay the course or do you have a better suggestion. thanks for yur input.
peter

Q: Hi Are there any Canadian versions of these etf s that are not hedged ? Second am i right in you buy hedged version if you expect Canadian $ to go down ? thanks James

Q: What ETF's would you suggest for broad exposure to the Canadian market?

Thanks
Amy

Q: Answering James question this morning, I thought ZBK is the un-hedged version of ZUB. Am I correct?

Thanks.

Q: My question is regarding someone with a substantial US portfolio who wants to invest in some Canadian companies. He is thinking of investing in a few Canadian growth Tech companies and a couple of blue chip ETF's. Can I please have your thoughts on this and some recommendations? Thank you.

Q: Hi 5i staff, I Think this would be a good income investment , however I am really confused regarding the Mer.
Redwood shows 1.50 Mer on their site, You show 1.76 , Morningstar shows 1.76, TD direct shows Mer @ 1.76, but also shows Actual management fee @2.25.
Is there an answer as to why all the discrepancy.
Another Question, Why would anyone pay the high Mer for the mutual fund version when the sam product is available as an ETF with a .75 Mer
Best Regards

Q: Hi there,

I read an article in The Toronto Star this weekend by Gordon Pape. He mentioned a company called Harvest Portfolio Group and referenced the performance of a few of the ETFs they run. I was interested in your take on their Tech Achievers Growth & Income ETF. How would you compare this against something like a ZQQ/XQQ/HXQ and which would you suggest in owning?

Thanks!

Q: I am seeking to invest the proceeds of a business sale for target returns of inflation + 4% and wishing to increase competence in self directed investing. 25% is marked for bond funds, 35% is earmarked for dividend stock, 25% for Equity ETFs, 7.5% t-bills and 7.5% highly speculative stocks . Do you feel that an allocation of 25% into bonds is too heavy given the probable rise in future interest rates? What funds would you recommend with low mgmt fees and reasonable performance?

Q: If the Cdn dollar continues it's downward trend, is it better to own VEF [hedged] or VEE [non-hedged]?
Thanks

Q: I keep reading the traditional fixed income portion of a portfolio that has been allocated to bonds in the past, is a bad idea as a long term investment going forward. With that being said, what type of investments/products would you suggest the average investor allocate the fixed income portion of their portfolio going forward?
Thanks

Q: I would like to diversify my portfolio with a non US International Equity Fund. I have been considering the Mawer International Equity Fund, but am leery of their MER. What are your thoughts and possible options?

Q: I would like to add some preferred shares with the reset option. I do need income in the 6 percent range. Any ideas?