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: I've been a member for over a year now and appreciate all the help you have given regarding individual equity choices. My wife and I are both 70 years of age. Our pensions provide enough money to meet all of our monthly needs so we are able to take on some risk. I am having some difficulty determining what percentage of our portfolio should be in each sector. I would appreciate it if you would suggest how much we should relegate to each of the following categories and one or two etfs (I like the Vanguard family for their low fees) that you think would provide the exposure we need.
1. Fixed income
2. Canadian equities
3. American equities - I'm leaning towards VUN
4. Global equities.
Thanks once again for your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Les on July 22, 2015
Q: Hi Team,
Are you aware of any funds or ETF's that focus on sport companies, teams or anything sport related? Rather than pick a company like Nike, I'm looking for a managed basket.
Read Answer Asked by Gregory on July 22, 2015
Q: Good morning Peter and Team,

I am another unfortunate soul who has a position in G (down 48% at the present). Thank goodness though for diversification, as my overall portfolio is up a lot in large part because of 5i's picks.

Having said that, since gold is normally held in a portfolio to add stability in tough times, and since the Canadian dollar is currently very weak, wouldn't an investment in a US dollar currency ETF such as DLR accomplish the same goal with substantially better safety and much lower volatility? I'm not saying this "theme" would be valid forever, but what do think about it for the next little while?

Thanks as always for your insight.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on July 22, 2015
Q: We currently hold TD, BNS and BMO. Is there any advantage to holding ZWB instead of individual Canadian banks in the current market environment? Would the covered-call overlay produce additional returns over holding the individual banks?
Read Answer Asked by Allen on July 21, 2015
Q: Hello,

Your comments on Purchasing XGD for a possible trade by the end of the year?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Francesco on July 21, 2015
Q: I currently do not hold any precious metal stocks, and am very grateful for this. I know some of this is pure luck, and am wondering about your contrarian view on the sector. I see some stocks like YRI, G, ABX that have gone down so low that surely there is "blood in the streets". Is this a time to step in, or is this not 5i's style of investing? If this is not a recommended style, I would totally understand, but figured I would ask. Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Mike on July 21, 2015
Q: Hi Peter and Team!! Hope you are enjoying the summer. I am looking to invest in a water utility. I don't know of any Canadian ones. Could you suggest a few Canadian (if any) and US ones that may be good buys? Thank you for all you do!!! Cheers, Tamara
Read Answer Asked by Tamara on July 20, 2015
Q: hello 5i:
I'd like to gain some exposure to international equities as per your advice to a writer, recently. Please advise your thoughts on ZDI. Is there another ETF you favour for international exposure?
Read Answer Asked by Paul on July 20, 2015
Q: Hello, I am curious what you think the effect of the US raising rates will have on the market in general. I am assuming global money will flow into the US and send it higher. But what effect does it have on emerging markets. Will some of that money be heading to the US as well?
A little birdie has told me that a-lot of emerging market debt is priced in US as well. The above scenario would put a-lot of pressure on these countries. Is it a safer bet to sell my position in XMM and redeploy somewhere else?
Thank-you for the great service.
Read Answer Asked by Eric on July 20, 2015
Q: Hi PETER ! i curently hold 1000 Shr. w.$=6.20 (average)in a TFSA Account. Last Closing=$5.23. i do NOT need This money before a Better Investment Opportunity. Keep Holding /or Sell / When ??... YOUR Advise = Highly Appreciated . [i Mss YOU & F.Tardiff from BNN / at Least i find YOU] = Best Rebards / peter.
Read Answer Asked by peter on July 20, 2015
Q: Good afternoon,
May I have your analysis of HEX as an income play? Is there a better alternative?
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Peter on July 17, 2015
Q: I hope that this still counts as my first question because I found your previous answer ambigious. What I was getting at is with the price difference between Blackrock and the Vanguard ETF's was when they pay dividends am I better off with Blackrock because I will have a bigger payout since I hold more units for the same amount of money.































Read Answer Asked by Neil on July 17, 2015
Q: How do you see the Bac performing with rates going higher? What do you prefer regional banks or the larger banks like Bac or Wells Fargo banks? Or simply buy an etf and if so which one?
Read Answer Asked by Frank J on July 16, 2015
Q: 1.Inquiries re FIE appeared in the past; would this type of investment be impacted by the interest rate change? I am considering FIE for a TFSA
2. HXU - would appreciate your assessment of this investment type for short term
Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Sigrid on July 16, 2015
Q: Please comment on my logic ( or lack of ) on this. When and if interest rates ever start the up tick it would be a sound defensive position to have some funds in a preferred share ETF such as CPD that has a significant number of rate reset shares.

Any other preferred Share ETFs you would prefer? I am a middle aged investor building an income portfolio for retirement down the road.

Many thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on July 13, 2015
Q: I previously owned the Vanguard etf's and I have switched to Blackrock because of the huge price difference. I know that some of the Vanguard etf's have a lower MER, but they cost so much more money. My question is because of dividend payouts are the Blackrock etf's in fact cheaper?
Read Answer Asked by Neil on July 11, 2015
Q: What is the outlook for this ETF? Will it recover with any future increase in interest rates or is it dead money? Should it be held longer term in an income account or sold? Please advise some replacement ideas if sold. Thank you, Barrie
Read Answer Asked by Barrie on July 10, 2015
Q: Wondering if you could comment on any Biotech companies or etf's that you may like -Kim
Read Answer Asked by Kim on July 10, 2015
Q: Bogle & Buffett both say the best way to invest is in Index Fund ETF's. What would be the best S & P 500 Index Fund ETF to buy? Could you list 2 or 3 of the best index funds [World, Asia, Canada] Index Funds?

Thanks.

Ross
Read Answer Asked by Ross on July 09, 2015
Q: I received notice that Blackrock is terminating the XLA ETF. I'm under water on this one, but always thought of it as geographic diversification with a long term view. I'm wondering why they would terminate the fund and if I'm better off selling or waiting for liquidation in August. Finally, could you recommend a few reasonable replacements (hedged or un-hedged). Thanks. I love the service you that you guys offer.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on July 09, 2015
Looking for more? Sign up for a FREE 14 day trial! No credit card required

We invite you to sign up for a 14 day free trial of 5i Research!
Experience all the benefits and tools we have to offer; stock research, model portfolios, Q&A with our experts, and so much more. Join a community of like-minded investors today!