Investment Q&A

• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO $18.59)
  • $18.59 Cap: $783M
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $28.36)
  • $28.36 Cap: $8.98B
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• iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHY $16.69)
  • $16.69 Cap: $946M
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• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $74.27)
  • $74.27 Cap: $138.72B
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Q: I am all equities in my RSP and RIF portfolio. Although a solid blue chip list of Cdn, US, some international, I would like to mitigate risk by adding one or two bond etf's (cdn dollar). These can be Canadian bonds or a combination NA and global. Please offer one or two...and are we looking at shorter duration or longer in light of current interest rate environment/future outlook. Ideally 4%+ yield

Upvote 6

Read Answer Asked by Harry on October 27, 2025

• iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF (CPD $13.78)
  • $13.78 P/E (TTM): 7.35X Cap: $1.06B
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Q: What role can a Preferred Share ETF play in an income portfolio? With the current values of the bank stocks would it be reasonable to move some of the bank monies into a Preferred Share ETF to take advantage of the higher payout? If so which ETF would you recommend?

Upvote 6

Read Answer Asked by Reg on October 27, 2025

• BMO Mid-Term US IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (ZIC $18.82)
  • $18.82 Cap: $3.42B
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• Lysander-Canso Broad Corporate Bond Fund Series A (LYZ811A $11.12)
  • $11.12 P/E (TTM): 8.9X Cap: $10M
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Q: Hi,

Can you please comment on this fund and suggest any alternatives in the ETF world with similar exposure but perhaps lower fees? If a similar ETF exists, what would you recommend?

Thank you. Michael

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Michael on October 27, 2025

• PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) Series A (PMO005 $12.74)
  • $12.74 P/E (TTM): 3.6X Cap: $2.11B
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• PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) (PMIF $18.46)
  • $18.46 P/E (TTM): 14.1X Cap: $4B
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Q: Hi,

Could you please compare and contrast the risk, rewards and performance of these two funds? Which do you prefer and why?

Many thanks. Michael

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Michael on October 27, 2025

• iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF (XMC $35.61)
  • $35.61 P/E (TTM): 19.61X Cap: $563M
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• iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH $66.48)
  • $66.48 P/E (TTM): 19.45X Cap: $101.24B
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• BMO S&P US Mid Cap Index ETF (ZMID $49.52)
  • $49.52 P/E (TTM): 20.39X Cap: $283M
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Q: I own ZMID, and like its holdings and its exposure to mid-sized American companies, but find it a little illiquid.

Are there any other ETF's that cover the same market cap of American companies that is a bit more liquid? I know of XMS and it is much more liquid but it is hedged...know you prefer unhedged when possible...

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Jeff on October 27, 2025

Q: Opinion on Direct Indexing by Wealthsimple ?
Worth it for after-tax returns ?

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Martin on October 27, 2025

• Harvest Global Gold Giants Index ETF (HGGG $85.02)
  • $85.02 P/E (TTM): 23.33X Cap: $49M
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• Harvest Tech Achievers Growth & Income ETF (HTA.B $20.79)
  • $20.79 P/E (TTM): 34.13X Cap: $8M
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Q: What's your opinion on these two for someone in their 70s? and right now are they a buy at current prices?

Upvote 6

Read Answer Asked by Danielle on October 24, 2025

• Duke Energy Corporation (Holding Company) (DUK $117.98)
  • $117.98 P/E (TTM): 18.9X Cap: $92.24B
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• NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE $82.90)
  • $82.90 P/E (TTM): 26.94X Cap: $176.91B
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• Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL $77.54)
  • $77.54 P/E (TTM): 24.1X Cap: $46.37B
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• Fortis Inc. (FTS $71.21)
  • $71.21 P/E (TTM): 20.71X Cap: $36.02B
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• AltaGas Ltd. (ALA $42.55)
  • $42.55 P/E (TTM): 17.14X Cap: $12.86B
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• Capital Power Corporation (CPX $62.60)
  • $62.60 P/E (TTM): 21.18X Cap: $9.54B
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• BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT $25.48)
  • $25.48 P/E (TTM): 18.29X Cap: $816M
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• Hydro One Limited (H $53.64)
  • $53.64 P/E (TTM): 25.08X Cap: $32.28B
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• State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU $87.25)
  • $87.25 P/E (TTM): 22.83X Cap: $21.78B
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Q: What is the best way to play Utilities in Canada & US? Stocks or ETFs? Which ones? Thanks!

Upvote 18

Read Answer Asked by Austin on October 24, 2025

• iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ $96.78)
  • $96.78 P/E (TTM): 26.75X Cap: $4.46B
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• State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV $153.57)
  • $153.57 P/E (TTM): 23.97X Cap: $40.18B
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Q: Hello team, could you please give me your thoughts on XLV and IXJ.

Interested in how they compare and if you prefer one over the other. A good entry price would also be appreciated.

Thanks as always for your advice.
Paula

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Paula on October 24, 2025

• State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF $53.57)
  • $53.57 P/E (TTM): 16.71X Cap: $52.09B
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• iShares S&P U.S. Financials Index ETF (XUSF $79.51)
  • $79.51 P/E (TTM): 16.38X Cap: $48M
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Q: Good morning,
What are your thoughts on this relatively new ETF in the Financial sector and are there better alternatives that you would recommend?
Thank you.

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Francesco on October 23, 2025

• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP $104.68)
  • $104.68 P/E (TTM): 26.73X Cap: $21.19B
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• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $50.39)
  • $50.39 P/E (TTM): 20.73X Cap: $20.89B
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• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $42.83)
  • $42.83 P/E (TTM): 22.96X Cap: $7.50B
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• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY $683.28)
  • $683.28 P/E (TTM): 27.29X Cap: $701.07B
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• INVESCO QQQ Trust (QQQ $621.98)
  • $621.98 P/E (TTM): 36.83X Cap: $405.81B
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• BMO Nasdaq 100 Equity Index ETF (ZNQ $115.40)
  • $115.40 P/E (TTM): 35.05X Cap: $2.04B
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Q: If a new Canadian investor wanted to get into the North American market and use low cost index investing to achieve both diversification and simplicity what would you consider for such a portfolio. And if international exposure was desired what could be considered as additions for that.

Upvote 11

Read Answer Asked by dave on October 23, 2025

• Constellation Software Inc. (CSU $3,321.00)
  • $3,321.00 P/E (TTM): 75.41X Cap: $69.79B
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• SavvyLong (2X) Constellation Software ETF (CSUU $15.70)
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Q: I see Longpoint has started a 2X leveraged EFT specific to CSU. Can you explain how this ETF works, and where it might be appropriate in ones portfolio.
Also being a new Etf will significant conributiona / withdrawals have any effect on the price of CSU regular shares.
Thanks John

Upvote 6

Read Answer Asked by John on October 23, 2025

Q: Hi,

You have probably answered this before so apologies if you have.

In general, can you please briefly compare and contrast the following fixed income alternatives?

GICs
Directly held bonds (corporate or government)
Bond ETFs
Bond mutual funds

Thank you so much. Michael

Upvote 7

Read Answer Asked by Michael on October 23, 2025

• BetaPro S&P/TSX 60 Daily Inverse ETF (CNDI $19.74)
  • $19.74 Cap: $14M
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Q: I'm anticipating a short term market correction. What Canadian listed ETF would you recommend to for an inverse or short position on the TSX as a hedge again a market downturn.

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by David on October 23, 2025

• BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT $25.48)
  • $25.48 P/E (TTM): 18.29X Cap: $816M
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• iShares S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index ETF (XST $63.44)
  • $63.44 P/E (TTM): 13.37X Cap: $335M
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• State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP $78.31)
  • $78.31 P/E (TTM): 23.97X Cap: $15.37B
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Q: I am under weight in utilities and consumer defensive could you please provide your top picks for each category including stocks and ETFs

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Roy on October 23, 2025

• Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS $44.89)
  • $44.89 P/E (TTM): 24.9X Cap: $18.11B
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Q: How close does this fund track the price of gold? While writing this gold was down 1.36 % but PHYS was down 3.26 %. Clarifications?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by John on October 23, 2025

• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP $104.68)
  • $104.68 P/E (TTM): 26.73X Cap: $21.19B
  • View ZSP Profile
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• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $50.39)
  • $50.39 P/E (TTM): 20.73X Cap: $20.89B
  • View XIC Profile
  • View Questions on XIC
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $42.83)
  • $42.83 P/E (TTM): 22.96X Cap: $7.50B
  • View VIU Profile
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Q: Hi 5i,

Looking to start an RESP for a newborn. Any recommendations in how to configure an ETF portfolio? If you had to limit yourself to a selection of 3 ETFs, which would you choose and why?

Upvote 16

Read Answer Asked by Kyle on October 22, 2025

• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP $104.68)
  • $104.68 P/E (TTM): 26.73X Cap: $21.19B
  • View ZSP Profile
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• iShares U.S. Small Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XSU $47.96)
  • $47.96 P/E (TTM): 17.68X Cap: $665M
  • View XSU Profile
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• Invesco NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (QQC $42.39)
  • $42.39 P/E (TTM): 34.43X Cap: $1.35B
  • View QQC Profile
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• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $42.83)
  • $42.83 P/E (TTM): 22.96X Cap: $7.50B
  • View VIU Profile
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Q: please suggest 3-5 Canadian etfs for an 18 year old's first TFSA portfolio - something to keep him interested in the concept of growth through investing, including stability and risk. My thoughts are S&P, Nasdaq, Russell, large-cap and crypto. But please use your own judgement - thanks!

Upvote 7

Read Answer Asked by Kim on October 22, 2025

• Miscellaneous (MISC)
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Q: Looking for you thoughts on index investing for portfolio diversification. Thanks Bob

Upvote 8

Read Answer Asked by robert on October 22, 2025

• BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT $25.48)
  • $25.48 P/E (TTM): 18.29X Cap: $816M
  • View ZUT Profile
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• Harvest Healthcare Leaders Income ETF (HHL $7.68)
  • $7.68 P/E (TTM): 23.53X Cap: $1.63B
  • View HHL Profile
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• BMO Canadian High Dividend Covered Call ETF (ZWC $20.47)
  • $20.47 P/E (TTM): 12.59X Cap: $1.90B
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• Harvest Brand Leaders Plus Income ETF (HBF $10.85)
  • $10.85 P/E (TTM): 22.65X Cap: $522M
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Q: I have owned all 3 for a few years. I am wondering if I do just as well or better with moving the money to non covered call investments ? I also own ZWU which you like. Please deduct appropriate credits for a comprehensive answer. Thanks Steve

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by STEVE on October 22, 2025