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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: Please rank the above ETFs in order of preference for income and safety. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Paul W on April 08, 2020
Q: I have the following ETF's in the noted ratios and dividend yields %: HDV (3x) 3.32%, ZDV (2x) 5.37%, XTR (1.8x)5.88%, ZWU (1.7x) 6.60%, and CDZ (1x) 4.66%. I'm a dividend investor and good for 3-5 years. If we hit some hard times which of these would be hit the hardest? Any duplication? Should I drop one or more and add to others?
Read Answer Asked by Graham on September 03, 2019
Q: Hello 5i, I currently own the BMO Monthly Income Fund (25% of porfolio) and some xtr(2%). I wish to liquidate the fund and get another etf or 2 to replace it and am considering the above dividend etfs. I would like the best of both worlds high yield/low fees and some growth with low volatility Which of the 4 would you consider adding to my xtr etf and why? Should I also increase my xtr holding. I have some GIC and am trying to be on the conservative side with this account but do hold some reits and utility etfs.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by pietro on April 30, 2019
Q: Hello i5 crew...I am repositioning my cash account for retirement dividends to supplement my RIF account withdrawals. I like the tax favoured Canadian dividends and have blended ZLB, ZWC and ZDV for that purpose. There is a lot out there and would like your suggestions for long term long term dividend generation. Thank you in advance...
Read Answer Asked by Gary on April 17, 2019
Q: Good Day 5i,
Which Canadian Dividend ETF's do you recommend, The main choices I have been looking at are CDZ, XDV, XEI, VDY, ZDV. I Currently hold CDZ and XDV.

Thanks,
Dan
Read Answer Asked by Dan on April 03, 2019
Q: I'm wondering if (part of) my investment philosophy is wrong? I have some income stocks & ETFs in my RSP (and about to RIF), not because I necessarily need or needed the income on a current basis, but on the basis that the dividends get reinvested in a DRIP for an eventual payoff. Yet even after 5+ years, these two "safe" (?) stocks in particular are down 15 - 20% even after all reinvested dividends?! I'd hate to calculate how much they'd be down if I had taken the dividends and spent them. While they didn't suffer as much in 2018Q4 as some others, they have been a disappointment. Do I need a rethink of my philosophy? Should I continue to hold these two/three? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Lotar on January 25, 2019
Q: With the tide running out and lowering almost all "boats", the yields on the examples listed above are becoming compelling for a retired, income oriented investor.

Part of the thought process here is that inflation at least at this point appears to be muted. The yields on the above range from 4.2% to 6.8%. I see these as income producers with a good risk return profile given the size of the share price drops.

1. Do you agree with my reasoning?
2. Would these types of ETF's make sense?

Thanks for your help here.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on October 30, 2018
Q: Hello I hold the BMO monthly Income A mutual fund. I am trying to find a replacement in the etf world that can reduce my fees and give me approx the same income and somewhat stability. Current yield is approx 3.5%. Do you have a few suggestions? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by pietro on August 15, 2018
Q: I currently hold the above etf's, which totals 25% of portfolio. Equities held are US and Canadian and am invested in all sectors with financials@17%,Tech 10% and Utilities 8%. Remaining 40% equally allocated to the other sectors. Am looking at reducing ETF's and would appreciate your thoughts on which ones are good holds and which could be sold due to over diversification! Thanks for your valuable input!
Read Answer Asked by diane joan on December 18, 2017
Q: I am slowly building the BE portfolio in my RRSP as funds become available. For instant diversification, would it make sense to own 20-30% ZDV for access to bigger names like BNS, ENB, MG, T, MX, CGX and SLF? Basically Financials, Energy and Utilities would be covered. I could then concentrate on adding the smaller names like SIS, PBH, GUD, ENGH, TOY for the remainder of the portfolio? Would it defeat the essence of the BE portfolio? Any other ETF would be better? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Jean-Bernard on August 28, 2017
Q: Hello 5i,

I would like to hear your suggestions on what the 2 best choices are for Dividend paying ETF's from the list above or any others I didn't mention. One for CAD and one for USA (on the TSX). I would want to keep these for 10-15 years or even into my retirement if returns continue to make it worth it.

Thank you kindly,

Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on August 23, 2017
Q: 5i team what would be your thoughts on adding some leveraged funds to my taxable account. The lending rate would be locked in at 2.99% for a year and then if no other promotional offers next year maybe in the 4% range after that. I would be investing the entire amount into ZDV with a dividend of 4.4%.

I can re invest the distributions monthly at no cost with Questrade. And the interest on the loan would be a tax write off.

How much of my portfolio would be the max to leverage (5%-20%) how long term should I be thinking to hold ZDV. Or any other candidates for ETFs?

Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Kyle on June 05, 2017
Q: Can you provide some data points around dividend "growers" companies and if not available dividend companies in general. Current P/E forward looking vs. historic average and ranges. Just wanting to get an idea on how much higher than the average these stocks are currently compared to historic levels, how overvalued they "may" be to help assess downside risk. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Husseinali on May 31, 2017
Q: I own both of these ETFs and want to drop one to lessen my CAN exposure. I'm leaning towards dropping VDY because it is in my TFSA (ZDV is in a margin) and my portfolio would benefit from cutting some weight in financials (VDY is heavier than ZDV in this sector).
Can an argument be made for keeping VDY?

Just renewed! Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Ryan on April 10, 2017
Q: Hello Team 5i, I'm scared about a possible Trump Dump, not knowing what he will say/do next.....so staying away from Single Stocks, but do not want to stay out of Market. Hence looking at ETFs, and would appreciate your Ranking of these.
Read Answer Asked by Austin on March 16, 2017
Q: WANTED TO BUY THESE ETF'S NOW. DO YOU THINK THEY ARE GOOD TO BUY
NOw? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND JUST GOOD COMPANIES INSTEAD.
THANKYOU.
PAULINE
Read Answer Asked by Pauline on January 19, 2017
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