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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: Hi, for my US exposure, I hold the following 3 US ETFs at the following total percentages:

VTI - 50%
VIG - 20%
IWO - 30%

I have $10K USD to add and I'm wondering whether VTI and VIG are too similar or whether I'm fine to add to all 3 and keep the same rough percentages.

Thanks
Robert
Read Answer Asked by Robert on December 12, 2017
Q: In response to a recent question you said that VXUS is a very attractive possibility for stocks outside the US. I already own VWO and was wondering whether it would be a compliment to that, or whether there would be redundancy? Isuppose I could ask the same question of a European ETF?
thanks for the great help
Read Answer Asked by joseph on December 11, 2017
Q: Hello, One of kids just turned 18 and I would like to start a TFSA. What would you recommend to invest in as a long term goal so that they can also learn about investing. The money will not be required for next 5 years at least
Thanks
Ravi
Read Answer Asked by Ravindra on November 27, 2017
Q: What would you pick as the best handful of etfs to own to build a beginner, well balanced portfolio for building up investment dollars? At what dollar amount would you see it to be more beneficial to split the money among 20-30 individual stocks rather than a few funds?
Read Answer Asked by david on October 27, 2017
Q: 5i Team,

I notice that you have IWO tagged as a financial stock in the growth portfolio, however, when I check the sector break down for it (here: https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239709/ishares-russell-2000-growth-etf), financials are only stated as 6%. The 4 major sectors (Info tech, Health Care, Industrials & Consumer Discretionary) make up 80% of the ETF.

Any specific reason for that classification in the growth portfolio? Should I be tagging IWO as a financial in my portfolio? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Ray on October 16, 2017
Q: After building a portfolio in a TFSA account from a mixture of your portfolios I would like to broaden my exposure with these three ETF's. Is their any considerations when purchasing a fund like IWO that is not sold on the tsx?
Read Answer Asked by Matthew on October 02, 2017
Q: Hi team, I have a small LIRA with only 40K in it which will not be touched for at least 15 years. The rest my portfolio is balanced so no need to worry about sector allocation, etc. I am looking for some growth stocks that I could buy and leave for this time period. I would prefer more medium risk growth stocks versus higher risk US or CAD. I'm thinking of a 10K allocations. You thoughts?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Nancy on September 20, 2017
Q: I have US$ in a US account and I am looking for how to best allocate the money. I am a little light in industrials, but was thinking about adding NFI and CAE in CAD accounts, or is there a better US company to add to my portfolio.

Other options are:

Healthcare I have about 5% in GUD and CSH, but I could add a US company or ETF

Or just keep it simple and add IWO.

As always thanks for the guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Colin on September 14, 2017
Q: My portfolio is in need of US and global exposure. Currently I only own two US stocks FB(3%) and BAC (2.8%) I also own VEE(2.4%). Can you recommend how I can add to my US and Global exposure. Also what percentage of a portfolio would you make them? I'm 38 and a rather aggressive investor.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on August 24, 2017
Q: The Russell 2000 has had a nice run up and now appears to be descending. I need US$ and would like to realize my profits in US$ while the Cdn$ is strong. As I have Loss carry forwards for tax purposes there will be no tax payable on this transaction. I would consider buying back in to IWO if you feel the Russell 2000 will reverse and start to rise again. What do you think at this time about investing in IWO? Mike
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 04, 2017
Q: what is your favourite ETF or growth stock that is outside Canada. Is it a good time to buy it now?
Read Answer Asked by Helen on July 19, 2017
Q: I hold the above in a RIF and have weighted to cover the required withdrawal amount with dividends. Does this sound appropriate and if not, would appreciate your thoughts. Do you see a major loss of principal if markets continue its downward trend. Thanks for all your help.
Read Answer Asked by diane joan on June 16, 2017
Q: Hello 5i - I am soon to become a grandparent and would like to start a $1,000 portfolio the day the baby is born and continue contributing $1,000 on each birthday for the next 18 years. Which two stocks, or ETF(s), if that would be a better choice, would you suggest starting with?
Read Answer Asked by Sandy on June 05, 2017
Q: I have decided to look outside of Canada for small cap exposure. I am interested in either a mutual fund or ETF in a non emerging market economy. Currently own Russell 2000. What other recommendations would you have for both USA and elsewhere. Can be either Canadian or U.S dollars.

Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on May 24, 2017
Q: I plan on contributing $2500 a year for my daughters RESP. Since these are smaller amounts should I just be adding some ETF's? I currently have some TD and ENB as I feel these are good long term investments, but I don't know how much diversification the RESP should have. Would IWO,be a good add, or should I just add a new position every year, of a high quality dividend payer?

Thanks as always.
Read Answer Asked by Colin on May 05, 2017
Q: Hi 5i, I'm moving money from my broker (40+ stocks, 500K) to a few ETFs (Equal Weight) , I'm considering the following ETFs: XIC, IWO, CDZ, SPY, FDN, and FIE; would you please help me choose four or five ETFs from the list, I'm looking for moderate growth, and of course preservation if capital.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Fernando on March 15, 2017