Investment Q&A

Q: could you explain the performance gap between XSP and ZSP
for one year time frame.
Both ETF are designed to replicate, to the extent possible ,the performance of the S&P 500 Index.
Thank you so much.

Q: Hello 5i team

Could you give me your opinion on the BMO ultra short bond ETF, ZST. The bonds held all mature in less than a year and yet its distribution yield is 3.96 % It has been distributing at about this rate since it was formed in 2011. I looked at the holdings and I couldn't imagine that these companies would run into trouble in the short period they hold the bonds. ( Of course they will have to be constantly changing their holdings because if the short term nature) It seemed very safe to me but am I missing something? I am 76 years old with a portfolio of about 2.5 M and I am trying to hold enough cash to cover 3+ years of the rent for my wife who has gone into longterm care. I would like to get a little interest for this money and I wonder whether this would be a good candidate for some of these funds.

Ross

Q: I am sitting on dead money in exchange traded funds and gold. Do I sell and lose a lot of money to reinvest or do I attempt to ride it out? My only source of income is my investments.

Q: Hello.

I've decided to change my investing strategy for 2016. I'm investing in a combination of Canadian perpetual and rate reset preferred shares and a small portfolio of yielding blue chip CDN stocks.
I'm having trouble finding resets that I actually like. There are a handful that seem to be bargains but most of them reset in the following 1 or 2 years. I'm looking for ways to hedge against rising interest rates should they increase over the next 5 years. Could you provide a strategy of a particular security that would accomplish this. I was thinking of owning a large position in a 1 to 5 yr term bond ETF or shorting one of the more liquid preferred ETF's as a hedge. Neither idea I like very much. Your thoughts???

Q: My son (3 yrs old) has about 6K in his resp. I have been trying to create some kind of balanced portfolio, but clearly with the limited funds, it is a challenge. I currently have some aya, pki, bin, and bns. Given his age, I am willing to take on moderate risk. I have looked at cpd, but am not overly impressed. I was considering part zeb for stronger bank exposure and finding a good US consumer disc. Etf. Can you recommend a good approach to invest for my son's future education.

Thanks and a very Happy holiday to all at 5i!!

Eric

Q: Hi!
What would be the best non hedged ETF to follow the US market that is traded in Can$. Would that be VUN-T?

Q: Hi Peter and team,

I'm looking to add a balanced core of ETF's in my portfolio for everything outside of Canada, what ETF's would you suggest? Some income would be preferable.

Q: Hi,
Why does this one drop a lot today comparing to FXI:us?
Thanks
Jim

Q: Hello Peter and Team,

I bought this ETF a few months ago hoping to participate in Europeam equity rebound. So far not much has happened. Your thoughts on this ETF and please recommend any if you feel will participate in rising European stock prices. Thanks, Rossana.

Q: Having read so many questions recently from your customers citing down 20%, 50% and worse; and feeling the pain myself ... would it make sense as part of a "flight to safety" plan (tip the risk reward in my favor/minimise downside risk) to buy a real return bond fund - or something similar? Looks like the dividend is only 1.9% but short term that beats a lot of other choices.

Thanks. Merry Christmas and the Best of Years in 2016.

Q: Team, wonderful service.

I see you suggested GXC or FXI when asked about China ETFs. What are your thoughts regarding CQQQ or YAO as alternatives ? Thank you very much. Have a great holiday season. Nancy

Q: Good Afternoon: My question is really currency related rather than Visa specifically. I own a few US stocks including Visa which fortunately for me I purchased when there was not as much difference between the US and Canadian dollar. As a result of stock performance and the difference in currency valuation I have done well. I would like to make a few more US purchases but cant make myself do so with the almost 40% hit. In my opinion some time in the future our dollar will get stronger. Do you have any suggestions or can you recommend Canadian companies or ETF's that I can buy without being so concerned about the currency. Thank You.

Q: here is more info about that etf
thanks
margit

Q: Your thoughts on the high yield market. Is it a buying opportunity or ?
thanks,

Q: The last question on PHE was in April 2014.Could you give an update.Thanks Paul

Q: Any latest thoughts on ZRE vs holding CSH.UN/HR.UN/CAR.UN and IIP.UN? Thanks.Paul

Q: This sector is incredibly exciting. What's your take on medical devices please. Thanks.

Q: In the past you have suggested a 30% weighting outside of Canada. If using vxc or xaw for said international esposure and the remainder 'canadian' stocks from the balanced and growth portfolios(atd,csu,cxr,bns,cxi,phm,mg,mda,enb,it,bos,sj,wsp) is 30% still appropriate today? Assuming this is a young investor that would work toward 20 names from the 5i portfolios as funds become available. Thanks

Q: I am looking for equity diversification outside of the Canadian market. Small portfolio.
What would you suggest given the current value of the Canadian dollar? How would your response differ if our dollar was higher relative to the U.S.?

Q: Your current view on CGR (ETF- ishares global real estate index).
Your top choice in this sector (ETF), for the next 5 years.
Many Thanks .
P.