Investment Q&A

Q: Hi. Can you give a comparison between XGD, which you have written about earlier, and ZGD, the BMO Equal Weight Gold index ETF for which it seems this might be the first question. Is there value in holding both as my exposure to gold?
Guy R.

Q: good morning , if you had to pick one or two european ETFs that pays a dividend , what would it be? thanks.

Q: Good morning,

I understand that AMLP.US ETF that tracks the performance of a basket of energy infrastructure - oriented master LPs. Assuming that the oil prices will be up from here in 5 years and given that this etf currently pays out approximately 9% dividend, I would be interested to hear your view regarding the suitability of this etf in a RRSP in terms of downside risk and dividend sustainability. Thank you.

Q: I read with interest your recent article in the Post and was intrigued by the comment that research shows 90% of portfolio returns come from sector allocation - if a person wanted to take advantage of that, in a simple, easy to manage and inexpensive way (ignoring taxes for the moment) what would be your view be on an approach where one's equity component of their portfolio consisted entirely of a number of ETF's with each one of the ETF's focused on a particular sector, with a periodic (say quarterly) rebalancing? What specific ETF's would you suggest for such a portfolio? Thank you.

Q: I am in the process of creating a balanced portfolio and am underweight in commodities area and would like your recommendations on an ETF.

Q: What are your thoughts on this company for income and do you recommend it or have another suggestion?
Many thanks, Peggy

Q: What do you think of FXL-US for the next few months?

Q: Looking for liquid symbols to trade the $VIX

Q: Hello Peter and Team, What are thoughts about this ETF for a 3 year hold ? Thank you.

Q: Peter; I own some VDU and saw your April 29 comments. My question is it seems to trade by appointment and am wondering if you could tell me the market cap of it? does it have enough assets to make it worthwhile holding? Thanks.Rod

Q: Hi Peter, I have 2 of your tech companies, but was thinking of adding some XIT to bring my IT up to 10% to 15%. Is there a better ETF?

Q: Please give me your opinion on these two Etfs for my Tfsa. Thank you.

Q: Could I get your top ETF picks for goverment bonds and corporate bonds. Thanks for your informative answers David

Q: Could CDZ be considered a growth ETF similar to IWO?
Thanks Ron

Q: I hold this etf in a number of accounts to cover the US market as opposed to individual stocks. I also hold VYM for a bit of income. Your thoughts on these etf's and do you see anything better. Many thanks for your great research!

Q: If you could give me your thoughts on these 2 etf's RSX.US and FXI.US, as they seem to be cheap, and they pay a decent dividend. Russia seems to be a play on energy and going through a recession, and China a play on manufacturing, also slowing down, can these two countries be added to a portfolio for growth long term(5-10years)? Your thoughts! Also will I have to pay 15% withholding to the Americans for these 2 country specific ETF's, and is their a way to avoid paying the Americans dividend withholding for other country specific ETF's?

Q: Hi,
Im a young, passive investor. Im looking for long term strong TFSA growth to eventually convert into TFSA retirement income. I am new to investing and don't really have a grasp on all the concepts yet.
Can you offer an opinion/advice/education on the pros and cons of investing in ETFs that are Canadian dollar hedged vs. non. Which you you recommend for long term consistent and strong growth.? The two listed are what Im thinking for gaining some US exposure, unless you are able to recommend something better?

Thanks!

Q: Hi,
I have an investment horizon of 10-12 years and I am wanting to use mostly ETF's for the next 5-7 years for sure. - Can you recommend a website or book that I can find ETF's in all of the Asset classes you have identified in your model portfolios. I own CDZ now but I am hoping to hold about 7-10 more ETF's.

Q: Over the past few months ZLB is no longer outperforming the others. I would like to pool these funds, add some cash to bring it to 5% of my holdings and invest it into a good conservative ETF. Please comment. Thank you.

Q: Hi,
My brother is a Primerica agent (err..salesperson). Im not big on Primerica as a company at all. He keeps pushing though about this large cap fund ( http://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/en/public/products/mutual_funds/equity_funds/cdn_equity/bu) supposed to have great long term returns. One of the things I don't like about this is the management rate of 2.28%.
Im not an active investor, but have some exposure to real estate (through reits) and a little finance through CM.
I am young and have tfsa savings and want to invest in long term growth (etfs maybe?). Could you offer some recommendations on good long term low cost, passive investments?

Your website is awesome and Ill be signing up as a member tonight!

Thanks
Dave