Investment Q&A

Q: Hello,

This is kind of a follow up of a previous question. In my RRSP I have the following ETFs: ZRE, XRB, VBK, VCN, VDY, VXUS and XSB.
I would like to replace XSB (around 30K) with something that provides more growth. I was thinking an energy basket, either an ETF or 2-4 energy (related) stocks.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you
Marios

Q: XHY (US High Yield Bond ETF-CAD Hedged)had a 52-Week Range of
20.58 low to 22.19 high - gain of 7.82% in ETF price + dividend of 5.28%.
Would you mind explaining how or why it gained in ETF price if interest rates remained the same (assuming they did). Is this a safe place to put large sums of cash and if not where do u put cash?
Thank you.

Q: With respect to the Floating Rate Bond ETF (HFR) that has been recommended, according to the linked statement, the total expenses associated with the operation of the fund were 1.41% in the latest period, a figure that seems awfully high for a product with an advertised yield of just over 2% - with ETF'S, it's not sufficient to simply look at the MER since total costs can be substantially above the advertised MER

If one is concerned about the impact of rising rates on a interest product, would a ladder of gic's not be more appropriate, especially given they have no management expenses to water down the return

http://www.horizonsetfs.com/Pdf/FundSummary/HFR_FundSummary.pdf

Q: Hi peter and team, could you please recommend a good international short duration corporate bond etf with a decent yield and fair management fees,and thanks for this great service you provide

Q: If putting money into a Bond ETF which two would you recommend with good liquidity for the following?
1)Rising interest rates?
2)Falling interest rates?
3)No change in interest rates?
Is one better off buying their own laddered bonds and holding to maturity than using ETFs?
Thanks

Q: I am considering an ETF outside North America. What do you think of XIN and XEF? Do you think the Cdn $ hedged is preferable? Thanks.

Q: Hello 5i Team,

Please give me your thoughts on the better ETF buy for a 2-5 year hold...or possibly more: XIU or XCS?
Thank you so much.

Q: Hi Peter and team:
I have a fair amount of my equities in Cnd banks, pipelines and utilities, the purpose is to generate a steady source of dividends which I am lucky as the above has done well
I am in my early 60s, has a small position in VIG in US
I wonder if I want to diversify by adding new money to US and International ETF for the purpose of income esp re: dividends, if you could suggest something including your opinion in VIG,
I am aware that some of the dividends generated from outside Canada might NOT be treated as friendly from a taxation point of view if it is from dividends generated from Canadian companies, your help would be much appreciated, great Job team!

Q: Greatly appreciate your excellent service. I would like to include an investment in water resources in the Materials portions of my portfolio. Could you suggest some options, preferably in Canada. Thanks.

Q: ETF portfolio question: I'm looking at the iShares 2014 Annual Report for global ETF and see some very impressive returns for 1 year (as of Mar. 31,2014.) Further, I checked the iShares web site to see the performance for each calendar year since 2008.


So here is my question: Would it make sense to invest, say, 50% of one's portfolio in international ETFs such as the following 4: IXJ (Healthcare...a top performer, RXI (Cons. Discretionary...another top performer), and then XI (Industrials), IXN (Tech.). The weightings are to be determined but I'm considering: 20, 20, 5, 5 percent. What are the risks? Can the whole world crash? And, if this is such a smart idea, how come I haven't seen anyone else propose this?


The balance would be invested in Can. and US stocks and/or etf's. If I could grow my portfolio by 25% per year for the next 5 years, I would be vey happy. (I realize, no one knows when there may be another 2008/2009 type of melt-down). Thank you.

Q: Hi guy,s..Glad to support your ride, Peter..Good luck!Best etf,s include BCE in them. Thanks,Cliff

Q: Peter,
What is year end date for Mutual Funds, and for Etf's (if any specific date for those)
Thank you
CDJ

Q: Hi Peter
I have 24% US in RRSP and looking to rebalance for income with some growth. Currently hold AAPL 5.8%, Gild 5.1% PG 7.3%, C 1.2%, CX 2.8% and US money market. Thanks Hamish

Q: I am in process of migrating to an index EFT based portfolio,starting with VUN which is VTI in C$. For an index this broad, is it possible to find things that don't correlate eg Perhaps VAW a broadly based materials index would do the job?

What is the usual length of time to consider the correlation to provide reliable portfolio performance protection?

I there a source of information on correlation coefficients For any 2 ETFs? It seems to be an attribute that is much talked about but not often reduced to numerical presentation.
Should we just rely on ETF suppliers statements of perf over various periods?

I think it is an important topic and look forward to your experienced advice.
Thanks for all your advice
Ernie

Q: Hi Peter, I would like to add a base metals etf to my portfolio. Which would you recommend and do you think now is a good time to add this type of etf. I have no exposure to this sector what so ever currently. Thanks Luke

Q: What is wrong with Fay.un, First Asset Yield opportunity Trust? It has never missed or reduced it's dividend payment,even during the recession, but still trades near it's 5 year low. What am I missing? Thanks.

Q: I have many of your growth companies, and they are doing well, so thank you. I would like to move some money into value stocks at this time. Aside from financials and energy, which I have a fair bit of, could you recommend some value stocks that you are familiar with, or a value ETF that you would recommend. Thanks for the great service.

Q: Good morning ...in looking at ZEM you said there are better options available...could you please tell me what those are as I want some emerging market exposure...thank you

Q: Hi Team
Great job what is your view on some etfs like zem zeo zuh
Thanks Mike B

Q: New Portfolio; I'm thinking of setting up a portfolio of BMO etf's and would like your opinion. I'm thinking of 20% weightings for each etf. 1. For banks/financials: ZEB (Equal Weight Banks) or ZWB (Covered Call Banks) 2. For oil/gas/energy; ZJN (Junior Gas) and ZJO (Junior Oil) or ZEO (Equal Weight Oil & Gas). 3. Utilities/communications: ZWU (Covered Call Utilities) 4. Industrials; ZIN (Equal Weight Industrials), 5. Add an international etf, such as ZGI (Global Infrastructure) or a more broad etf such as ZDM (International Equity) or something similar. What do you think of this combination? The main objective is growth for 2-5 years to give my portfolio a boost in terms of capital gain. It doesn't have be BMO etf's. (In another portfolio I would have USA etf's and equities.)