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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: I hope to retire in about a year. I'll have a comfortable defined benefit, I've used the portfolio analysis to diversify my investments. I have a sizeable cash amount earning nearly nothing at a bank. I have contemplated GIC's but don't like the idea of having my funds locked up in the event I would like to direct it to a project or investment .
Would there be a ETF /bond that would be relatively safe that would mirror the GIC returns?
Read Answer Asked by Gord on November 02, 2022
Q: Back in June I asked about moving some XSB to XLB and you suggusted stick with XSB for another 3 to 5 months. I think I should start to switch some XSB to XLB. Does this make sence or is there another long term bond fund that would be better? Holding period of 5 years or longer.

Thanks Greg
Read Answer Asked by Greg on November 01, 2022
Q: In tuesday's globe and mail, Tom Czitron recommeded buying mid term (5-10 year) federal, provincial government, and corporate bonds because they seem to be in the sweet spot between lower risk and higher opportunity, especially if inflation declines and economic growth wanes.
1. Do you agree?
2. Can you recommend names of bonds that fit this bill?
3. please indicate order of buying (best to worse), if any.
thanks
Read Answer Asked by Mary on October 31, 2022
Q: These two "inflation-protected" bond ETFs turned out to be extremely disappointing investments. I don't know whether it's poor investment strategy or some other factors, but these two ETFs didn't provide any intended inflation protection, they behaved just like all other bond ETFs dropping like a cannonball when FED raises the rates. In response to my question on Sept 23, you mentioned that increased distributions may provide some comfort here, but both ETFs decided to cancel October dividend, so stated yields are completely meaningless now. I hold these two in taxable account, do you suggest to continue holding them hoping for a recovery or just to sell them both for tax loss and replace with some other bond ETFs that have better recovery potential? If it's the latter, what replacement would you suggest for STIP and for TIP. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on October 31, 2022
Q: Rec'd an email offering the following:
KEY FACTS
Canadian Government Bond
CA135087VH40
9.0% Fixed
12 Month rolling*
Interest Paid Quarterly
Minimum $100,000.00

1 YEAR TERM - 9% FIXED RATE - INTEREST QUARTERLY - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Secure Nowicon
REGULATORY

The transmission of data or information over the internet or other forms of networks may not be secure, and is subject to possible loss, interception or alteration while in transit.

The Releasees do not assume any liability for any damage you may experience or costs you may incur as a result of any electronic transmissions over the internet or otherwise within the Site, such as transmissions involving the exchange of electronic messages of any kind (including those which may contain your personal information).

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BMO

Does this product exist? or is another scam email?
Read Answer Asked by Brenda on October 26, 2022
Q: HI 5I,

I have been reading, listening to my financial advisor and seeing some answers on your question blog that there may be an opportunity with bonds. I like ETF's the last while, so can you give me your advice on some ETF's that incorporate a high level of bonds that may see some upside if bonds were to have some capital appreciation. Thank-you
Read Answer Asked by Jason on October 25, 2022
Q: Great October Market Report. I notice that in the 2008 and 2020 periods, job opening numbers began to decline only after higher rates had plateaued for a period of time. Today, job opening numbers have started to decline before higher rates have begun to plateau. Does this suggest the FED has gone too far to fast...and is poised, or could be forced, to quickly pivot? I'm just looking for a good reason to step into ZAG, or XBB for some decent yields and opportunities for capital growth. Thanks as always.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on October 20, 2022
Q: what is your thinking about bonds right now.Can you explain how they work with their yields and resets.Are you recommending any bonds or bond funds right now?
Which ones if so.Do you think that the bonds have sold off too much right now?
Read Answer Asked by Josh on October 19, 2022
Q: I am considering dipping my toe into the bond market via ETFs. I know the market is forward-looking as it pertains to equities but does the same hold true in the same way for bonds? Would pricing for XLB, for example, have likely already factored in expected rate increases for the next couple of months or do bonds tend to reprice only after the fact?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 19, 2022
Q: UTWO:US and UTEN:US are ETFs of US Treasury bills: UTEN of US ten-year treasury bills, UTWO of the two-year. Both ScotiaiTRADE and RBC-DI make it difficult to buy US T-bills hence my interest in bond ETFs. Would you recommend — at THIS time— an ETF that holds’ 2 year and 10-year T-bills? ETF.com describes these as single-bond passively managed ETFs. RBC-DI shows UTEN:us has a yield of approximately 4.8 % pa and about 2.1 % on UTWO TODAY. For comparison, 2.5% is the approximate yield on US Money Market funds.

Is it worth buying either one or both of the above-noted bond ETFs? I am sure you have better ideas than the above ETFs, so would appreciate your suggestions of instruments that are better than the ones I have noted above.
Read Answer Asked by Adam on October 19, 2022
Q: I have some cash on hand that i will invest in a GIC or deposit into a high interest savings account. With interest rates expected to risewould you suggest putting the cash into a GIC (1 year term) or a high interest savings account? Please provide your reasons for selecting a GIC or HISA. Are there other safe investments that will provide a reasonable rate of return? I am considering a 1 year term for a GIC. Would you suggest a different term for a GIC? I do not need the cash for the next few years.
Read Answer Asked by Don on October 17, 2022