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Investment Q&A

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Q: My husband and I are in our mid 60's and were hoping to retire in the next 2-3 yrs (however we may need to postpone depending on how 2020/2021 goes). At the moment our asset allocation is 67% equities and 33% fixed income and we feel we need to shift toward fixed income.
2 questions:
1. Undercurrent conditions, would you suggest a 60/40 split,a 50/50 split or do nothing for next 6 months?
2. If it make sense to make some adjustments now, which of the following fixed assets would you add to and which equities would you recommend trimming: current fixed positions are 10% each in XBB, PMO005, ZIC; equities over 5% are TD(6%), ZUT(8%) and XIC (7%).
Read Answer Asked by Rosemin on June 25, 2020
Q: In your portfolio analytics, you used to have A list of suggested etfs for each sector. I cannot find this list anymore. Has it been removed? Could you please provide a list of recommended etfs for each sector. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by satish on May 15, 2020
Q: Hi
I have held Emera for a few years in a TFSA (~2% of total portfolio). You seem to prefer other companies in the utilities sector. What is your preferred pick(s) for this sector and would you recommend switching out of EMA? I also have ~1.5% in ZUT. My other holding primarily consist of a split of broad market ETFs.

thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Everett on May 06, 2020
Q: I wish to buy a defensive utility in a non-reg acct that will qualify for DTC (not sure if ETFs above qualify for DTC). I am aware of different div yields. Is there any significant difference in risks that stand out to you? Plse rank in your order of pref for purchase (already own EMA but would purchase more).
Read Answer Asked by Bob on April 14, 2020
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: Hi gang, at this point which utilities ETF would you recommend in Canada and in usa. Thanks
Alnoor
Read Answer Asked by Alnoor on March 26, 2020
Q: Hi 5i team,
I want to buy ETFs for my RRSP to capture the eventual market recovery. I'm thinking of the utilities and banks sectors. I understand that 'covered call' ETFs are not ideal to capture market gain in an upswing. Which ETF would you recommend for Canadian utilities industry? And which one for Canadian banks? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Willie on March 16, 2020
Q: Hi 5I,

Looking back to 2008 the utilities sector held relative well to the meltdown of the TSX. This time around ZUT is following the TSX down. One would think people still need hydro to heat/cook.

Can you comment on why this is happening? Is there a fear these companies will become insolvent due to their balance sheets?

Thx,
Chris M.
Read Answer Asked by Christopher on March 16, 2020
Q: Why in your opinion is Dream following the downside to the same extent as the market? I was hoping that uilities and REITS in general would be less volatile. What do you think of the fall in DIR.?
Read Answer Asked by Yves on March 11, 2020
Q: Utilities seem to go parabolic since December 2018 with no sign of slowing down. Since interest rates seem to remain low for a foreseeable future, is this a new secular trend emerging from improved interest in green energy. ZUT in particular includes many renewable power generator companies. So I basically have 2 questions: If this is a new secular trend should one increase their utility allocation ? 2: Is there still life for oil and gas companies ?
Read Answer Asked by Yves on February 13, 2020
Q: I asked this question twice in the past week, but haven’t received any response. Could you please compare these two ETFs. I have ZWU now and wonder whether it or ZUT is the better long term hold. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Alan on December 30, 2019
Q: Hi gang, I have some cash I would like to park for rrsp Acct . Any suggestions I will be happy with total 4-6% returns. In my mind comes zeb-zwb or pwf. Risk? Thanks. Alnoor
Read Answer Asked by Alnoor on November 22, 2019
Q: In your portfolio analysis you have recommended for the utilities sector that I purchase either ZUT or XUT.
I own Fortis now.Do you recommend that I sell this now and purchase 100% ETFs for the suggested Utilities sector?
Since I also need additional US investments.which of the following US ETFs would you recommend RYU or XLU?
Thanks again for your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by James Robertson on June 18, 2019
Q: Hello Peter and Ryan,
We picked up a few shares of BNS on the drop yesterday. After searching for value stocks with a decent dividend we could not find a Utility, Telcom, or Financial stock that was not over-priced with the recent rise. ZUT or VPU also appear to be slightly over-priced for the moment.
If we are looking for value, dividend, and a little down-turn protection which stock is preferred; BCE or CM? Do you have another value stock in any sector that would be preferable to BCE or CM?

Thank you
Debbie and Jerry

Read Answer Asked by Jerry on February 27, 2019
Q: Hello 5i,
Which ETF for exposure to Canadian utilities is preferred? Is there a preferred US or global utility ETF available that could be held 5+ years.

Cheers,
Debbie and Jerry
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on February 13, 2019
Q: I would liked to switch the focus of my investments from equities to ETF's. Could you give me some broad parameters for guidance.
Could you suggest 10 ETF's for starters. Mid to long term with medium risk.
Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on February 05, 2019
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