skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

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

Q: Most analysts seem to agree to CDN dollar is going further down compared to the U.S. Some think to 50%? What do you think and is there an ETF or investment that you think would be a good way to play that belief?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on January 19, 2016
Q: Supposing the BOC drops the overnight rate on Wednesday by 25 basis points. ZPR would go South. CBO and VSC go North. XBB goes North. Am I correct?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by roland on January 18, 2016
Q: I am interested in some balancing to my overwhelming Canadian holdings.
1. Can you suggest some low MER ETFs to provide US and World (excluding North America)?
2. What do you think of 'fundamental' ETFs compared to those based on 'market cap'? Any suggested names for further research?
The complexity of the expanding ETF field seems self defeating to their intended purpose. Thank you for your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on January 15, 2016
Q: I hold XIT in both my RRSP and Cash accounts as my tech exposure, which is roughly 10%. 77% of the ETF is made up of 5 stocks = CGI-24%, CSU-21%, OTC-15%, BB-11% and DH-6%. It has performed reasonably well, even beating out it's USA cousin XLK (7.8% vs 1.3% total return over the last year).

I am reasonably positive on CGI, OTC and DH, neutral on BB and thought quite highly of CSU until recently. It appears to be rolling over. I suspect it might be some profit taking due to these ugly markets.

Is XIT still a reasonable holding for tech exposure? It really comes down to CGI and CSU, in my opinion...thanks for your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 15, 2016
Q: Short term placement for $150,000 US in todays very volatile market 3 - 6 months. Growth only!
As always, thank you for your expertize.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 15, 2016
Q: hello 5i team,
I have about 30 percent of my portfolio in U.S. stocks, which i thankfully bought when the Canadian dollar was high. At the risk of being called the odius name of 'market Timer' i am now considering converting about ten percent of these U. S. dollars into Canadian, hoping to ride up the other side. One candidate that i have looked at cashing in is VWO.US. I have heldthis for quite awhile and am just breaking even. I recently read an article by a resected analyist saying that his company is not betting on emerging markets for awhile yet. Heput forward a pretty reasonable case for this thesis. What do you think about using this etf for this strategy, or at least some of it?
with thanks as always
Read Answer Asked by joseph on January 15, 2016
Q: I would like to add more US dollar exposure. For a variety of reasons I don,t want to convert any more C$ to actual US$ (t1135 and conversion fees) .I am looking for something liquid and not exposed to interest rate shocks if such a thing exists.
Thank You
Read Answer Asked by lynn on January 15, 2016
Q: ZWE
YOUR EVALUATION AS AN INCOME, CAPITAL PRESEVATION ANS EUROPEAN EXPOSURE PLAY ???( NO CAPITAL GAIN EXPECTED AN VERY LITTLE EU EXPOSURE )
THANKS
YOSSI
Read Answer Asked by JOSEPH on January 14, 2016
Q: In 5i opinion what are some of the best ETF to buy for income

Thanks
Pau
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 14, 2016
Q: I see that DFN is dropping like the rest of the market. Rob Carrick from The Globe and Mail is recommending preferreds in the form of CPD. Are preferreds in any form a good safe haven right now?

Vern
Read Answer Asked by Vern on January 14, 2016
Q: Assuming the market recovers at some point, will CAD & anticipated lower rates cause banks to recover last on a relative basis from this point onwards?
Read Answer Asked by Joel on January 14, 2016
Q: I am finally looking at converting some of my RIF to bonds in order to get a stable income to add to pension. The funds will be divided equally between CBO,XBB,XHY. I have not invested in bond funds before and would really like to better understand what affects the price movement of these three particular funds. I have done a browse on Moneysaver past issues but can't find anything that really gives me the info I'm looking for. Could you give a quick explanation or maybe suggest some alternative resource ?
Many thanks
Read Answer Asked by Alexandra on January 13, 2016
Q: Good afternoon Peter and Team,

I 'attempt' to offer advice to my son who wishes to contribute his $5500 to this year's TFSA. At the present, his TFSA holds the following:
DHX.B (8.9%); EMA (19.9%); HXS (13.7%); GUD (8.5%); MDA (18.4%); SIS (6.7%); WSP (24%).

Should he add to an existing position, or should he start a new position (KXS is one we're considering)? Also, should some re-balancing occur? (Both EMA and WSP have done well).

Thanks as always.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on January 13, 2016
Q: Hi Peter, I'm looking to build a core of ETF's (x-Canada), what would you recommend for a moderate aggressive portfolio?
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 13, 2016
Q: Hi 5. Which USD currency etf would you suggest to protect against a falling CAD vs USD? I see DLR.TO might work. Is there a better/larger one that you are aware of? I am not interested in an etf that mirrors US equities or US fixed income, just the USD currency.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Glenn on January 11, 2016
Q: Could you explain the difference between VSB & VSC and what your preference would be for a parking cash for the short term of 6 to 12 months and if you would recommend either? With thanks, Bill
Read Answer Asked by William J on January 11, 2016
Q: XTR pays a dividend of 6.99% currently. What is your opinion of a new retiree purchasing this ETF and holding it in a TFSA account? Would it be better to hold it in an RRSP or margin account? Is the 6.99% considered a dividend or income for tax purposes? Is the income reliable long term? Would CDZ be a better choice? Thank you for your excellent service!!!!
Read Answer Asked by Pamela on January 11, 2016
Q: What is your opinion on holding this for a year or so.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on January 11, 2016
Q: In the event that the US dollar bubble bursts, is there an ETF or some common stocks (Can or US) that could make us some money?
Read Answer Asked by Ed on January 11, 2016
Q: What European ETF's do you like that are denominated in U.S. dollars.

Many thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on January 11, 2016