Investment Q&A

Q: Early last year we invested 25% of our cash into the listed ETF's. We have another 50% of our cash in GIC's and 25% in an assortment of stocks. As you know they pay good dividends and we experienced good capitol gains growth on some of them last year, others were up marginally. We are looking at these as long term holds for income and would just like your thoughts on our choices. Would you recommend a different mix of ETF's.
Thanks Ron

Q: Hello 5i team,
In several recent reports you recommended selling the full position in CPD, noting “better opportunities.” I also noticed that CVD and MFT were removed from your model portfolios earlier.
Given this shift away from preferred-share ETFs, do you think a combination of ZWU, ENCC, ZWB, and HTA would serve as a reasonably balanced substitute for a moderate‑risk, slightly income‑oriented allocation? Or would you suggest broader diversification?
Thank you for your insights!

Q: In one of recent reports you suggested to sell full position of CPD mentioning "better opportunities". I noticed that CVD also disappeared from your Income Portfolio as well (it is more explicable for me). Can you suggest potential alternatives for substitution of CPD / CVD considering relatively high dividends they pay and relatively low volatility? (may you consider ZMO or ZPAY... or something like that - kind of speculations :)). Thank you for great service!

Q: Which would you prefer and why? Is there any need to hold both?
Thanks

Q: if one is looking to preserve capital but rely on dividends in a RRIF does it make sense to use the BMO covered call group for diversification and reduced volatility. I recognize the lag on upside. But it should also help in a down market? I would also be diversified in equities in my TFSA and cash accounts. Just trying to smooth the market out. Thoughts?

Thanks Dave

Q: I am retired and looking for a covered call ETF for each sector. There are so many ETF can you please give me which ETF would you recommend are best to own for covered call CDN ETF for each sector.

Is there one covered call ETF that covers all the sectors.

Please deduct credit as necessary.

Thank you for your excellent service.

Q: In the current environment, of the above etfs, in a taxable account, where would you cash for a 1 year hold for 1) low risk; 2) moderate risk ? Is there another vehicle you like better ? Thank you.

Q: This is a follow-up to the Sept. 11th question where you mentioned other funds that are similar to this. Could you name a couple that you would recommend please? Thanks.

Q: Please advise which covered call QDAY, SDAY or CDAY ETF you would recommend and why since I can have money to buy one ETF only or you prefer another cover call ETF.

Thanks for the great advice

Q: Hi. would like to know in what account (RRSP,TFSA,NON-REGISTERED) would be best suited for these ETFs and your best to less favored in order for each account type please. ZWB, HCAL, ZWK, ZWE, ZPW, UMAX, HYLD, HDIV, HDIF, ENCC. Thank you

Q: hi group light on both Canadian and Us banks. what ETFs in Canada and the US make most sense in the present environment or should i go with induvial names like JPM in US and RY in Canada IFC and EQB are also attractive . Also is UNH a screaming buy or should i wait for the dust to settle

Q: I am 83 years old and thinking of reducing my portfolio of stocks and putting the monies in Dimensional Funds in my RRIF. Returns seem to be excellent and I would like to get your opinion on these funds. I have no pension so I rely solely on the income generated by these Funds
Second question: The other option is trading my stocks for ETF's therefore what 5/6 ETF's would you recommend that would make a nice balanced income producing portfolio

Wayne

Q: Hi Gang
What are your 5 top Canadian income ETFs

Thanks Mike B

Q: Which would you suggest is the better to hold for the long term ZWB or ZWK? Or should I hold both?

Q: Retired, dividend-income investor. I have spent a bit of time using your chart feature, which I think is excellent. I like the feature of it being total return (CG plus dividends).

Comparing total return for ZEB vs ZWB over various timeframes is easy, since they both have adequate history. The complication arises when adding HMAX to the comparison, due to it's very short history and therefore not being through a full cycle. It is apparent to me that the covered call ETFs do indeed give up total return for higher steady income.

To my amateur eyes, it appears that ZEB is the clear winner over 1-3-5 year timeframes, with HMAX taking over 2nd place in the 1 year timeframe.

However without the benefit of a full economic cycle, I can not come to a final decision. I have started building a position in HMAX, but I am now wondering if I should have been building a ZEB-ZWC position. I know that ZEB is banks, whereas HMAX is financials (banks, ins, etc).

Any thoughts you could throw in the mix would be helpful. Any indication of how it might perform over the longer term, based on the history so far....thanks...Steve

Q: Between the 3 which would be your preference for someone who's looking for a long-term income holding.

TY

Q: In your opinion, pls. recommend the best covered call, Cdn. bank ETF.

Thank You

Q: Can I have your opinion on the best Cdn. bank ETF'S that write call options. Low fees & decent history of good yield.
Thank You

Q: Is ZWB.U purchased in Canadian or US dollars?
In which currency is the dividend paid?
Thanks.

Q: Interested in your thoughts on this one .... Global X Russell 2000 Covered Call ETF (RYLD). What is the ROC level and any thoughts on the reason for the steady decline over the last 3 years. Also, would you consider it relatively "safe" for a retired investor ... maybe @ 5-7% of total portfolio value.