Investment Q&A

Q: A question about minimum size of a position.

I manage a $5000 LIRA for my daughter (from pension contributions when she changed jobs)

I normally like to invest $5000 in any position. One reason is the trading costs--even at $10 a trade and another is wanting to get some reward for being right--with smaller amounts I find that even if I am right and it goes up smartly, I don't get much of a dollar return for less than $5000 invested.

As a result, I have the LIRA all in fie.a and on a drip.

Would you recommend several positions for something this small--how many?

Bryon in Elmira

Q: Hi,
I currently only have cash and Canadian stocks in my portfolio, the cash accounts for roughly 40% of my portfolio, but I am looking to invest into some EFT's, mutual funds and US stocks as well. can you please advise me roughly what weightings i should be giving to EFT's, mutual funds and US stocks under the assumption that my Canadian stocks are relatively diversified. And also which EFTs, mutual funds and US stocks would you recommend as of today? I am in my mid 20's and have a relatively long term horizon. Thanks in advance.

Q: As part of my fixed income investments, I am looking at BMO's Floating Rate High Yield etf ZFH. I am trying to beat the one or two-year GIC rates but still retain a high degree of security in my investment. The etf ZFH is new and has very low volume. What would you suggest as a comparable etf? Or should I stay with the GIC approach in a 1-5 year laddered setup?

Many Thanks

Q: Can you give me your opinion on EWL. Thanks

Q: Any comments on these puppies?

LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. (LF) -NYSE
Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) -NasdaqGS
iShares MSCI Italy Capped (EWI) -NYSEArca
iShares MSCI Frontier 100 (FM) -NYSEArca
iShares MSCI Singapore (EWS) -NYSEArca
iShares Oil Sands Sector Common (CLO.TO) -Toronto
Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) -NYSEArca
Central Fund of Canada Limited (CEF-A.TO) -Toronto

By no means a full portfolio - the ones I'm looking for input on

Q: Now that I have your model equity portfilio, US and index ETFs, I am focusing on the fixed income part of my portfolio. Truthfully, I'm a bit nervous about fixed income ETFs, as I fear they will go down as interest rates rise, so I've been hesitating to purchase. In a previous post you suggested CBO, XHY and CVD. These look like great ETFs but all seem to be corporate. I will be putting 30% of my portfolio in bonds. Would it be safe to spread it evenly among these three or should I add something with govt bond exposure? I saw VAB which seems to focus primarily on Federal and provincial bonds. If I need VAB would 25% in each of the four work? Also, should I buy it all at once or over time. If over time, how many times should I purchase over what period of time?
Thanks so much for your feedback.

Q: Hello 5i
I am trying to re-balance my 25 stocks in a combined portfolio, at 4% for each position. I have not included ETFs. Should ETFs, such as XIU and XIC, be included in the number of positions, or treated separately? For instance, I hold BNS and TD as part of the stock portfolio, but they are also included in the ETFs. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Q: Good Afternoon 5i,

I have about 40% of my portfolio at this moment in cash. This is because of the season that I usually sell about 50% of my portfolio and re-enter in the market in September and October. Usually I alwau=ys kept this amount in cash over the summer. This time I would like to put it in a etf where I would earn some interest and not at risk of losing any of my principal amount. Would you have an etf to suggest to me?

Thanks,

Paul

Q: looking for some sites on line that would rate and also list etf's(canada and US)other than of course the monthly update in the Moneysaver magazine.

Q: Hello 5i,
I have the following holdings on my RSP and spousal RSP:
CDZ, CGX, T, DH, CBO, CF, ZRE,ECI, CEW and XCS (slightly overweight on CDZ, CGX,CEW and XCS): I have about 15k to invest on my RSP could you suggest some additions trimming..I love growth but also like dividents. This is for long term 20+ years. Thanks for your valuable service. cheers,

Shyam

Q: Hi Gang, I was hoping to find a site that gives clear, easily readable, information indicating which sectors of the market are seeing the biggest influx of money and, more importantly, which companies lead the way.
Thanks
Kyle

Q: Some ETF questions:

I am starting to add more US exposure to my portfolio. I would like to buy VTI. I already own IWO, but I'm thinking I won't need it anymore as VTI covers small, medium and large cap. Does this make sense? I feel like less funds are easier to manage.

Also want to buy a vanguard international (non North America) ETF in Canadian dollars. Should I pay the higher fee for the hedged version?

Also want to add Vanguard's Canadian ETF to my portfolio. I own your equity portfolio, and just want to use the ETF to add some diversification. What percentage do you think would work? Would 75% of my Canadian equity position in your portfolio and 25% in a Canadian ETF work?

Q: A follow up question in regards to MORL and CEFL. Why do you recommend them as very short term trading vehicles instead of longer term holds? I am a longer term type of investor. Thanks.

Q: Hello All, do you know of any ETF specifically targeting:

i) European Utilities and/or Telecoms, and
ii) European Real Estate

Thanks for the help,
Graz

Q: Can I have your opinion on MORL and CEFL?

Q: In the last couple of days I have come across some stocks with a negative Beta. CBO -.04
Can you explain negative Beta.

Thank You as always.
Craig

Q: Hi Peter and Team:
My self-direct RSP account still has the following mutual funds:
AIM925/924
MFC838/837
I am able to sell the mutual funds this year without penalty. It was recommended by our previous financial planner (bought in 2007)
My question is should we keep it or sell it now? if we sell it, what is your suggestion to replace mutual fund at this moment?
thank you so much.
adriana

Q: The Japanese stock market has had a pullback. Do you have a view on its prospects now? If so, any comments on EWJ vs CJP? Thanks

Q: Hi Peter
I am looking at starting a portfolio for my daughter who is interested in growth stocks or ETFs with some protection to preserve capital. What 4 stocks and ETFs would you recommend.
Thank you for your comments on Surge which I have bought recently and is it still a buy?

Q: Hi 5i
I have $50,000 that I want to put into an income producing account for retirement. I want it to be relatively secure and produce some monthly income. I have no other investments other than a small company pension. What would you recommend? ETF's or a number of good income stocks, or a bit of both. Do you have any recommendations on the specific etf's and stocks that I should get? I will retire in a year. I really appreciate your help as I have been a member for almost 2 years now and have finally saved enough money to begin a little portfolio.
Thanks again for your recommendations
Kevin