Investment Q&A

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: I’m 74 and want to add both U.S. and CAN government securities to my portfolio, can you suggest the best alternatives to invest in and stay ahead of inflation?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Pat on April 22, 2026

• BMO Low Volatility US Equity ETF (ZLU $59.60)
  • $59.60 P/E (TTM): 21.25X Cap: $2.22B
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• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO $18.41)
  • $18.41 Cap: $851M
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• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV $93.68)
  • $93.68 P/E (TTM): 23.25X Cap: $22.67B
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• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: Dear Peter et al:

I know portfolio allocation is personal based on one's risk tolerance and age Cobo etc.,
Let us say that I decide personally to keep 50% in a defensive part,
can you give 3-5 ETFs for this defensive part of the portfolio?
Does Covered Calls ETFs play a role? Do Bonds play a role? Should one focus on solid dividend players.
I know from reading literally thousands of Q&A they all play a role! What I struggle is what percentages one should allot for each of these buckets:)
Capital preservation with mild to slightly moderate risk! Is that asking for too much?!

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Savalai on March 19, 2026

• iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF (XHB $19.87)
  • $19.87 P/E (TTM): 18.76X Cap: $225M
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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Q: Would you be a buyer of these etf's today and which would you prefer?Is there any reason to hold both?

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by John on March 19, 2026

• BMO Mid Provincial Bond Index ETF (ZMP $14.12)
  • $14.12 Cap: $766M
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• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO $18.41)
  • $18.41 Cap: $851M
  • View CBO Profile
  • View Questions on CBO
• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
  • View Questions on XSB
• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB
• iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHY $16.44)
  • $16.44 P/E (TTM): 20.4X Cap: $1.08B
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• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: Good Morning,

Retired income investor with almost 100% of funds in equities. I feel it is time that I added some bond exposure but I am not well informed on this market. Can you please suggest investments that would get me started, cover the basic gamut and provide reasonable returns.

Thanks very much.

Upvote 14

Read Answer Asked by Dave on February 26, 2026

• BMO Laddered Preferred Share Index ETF (ZPR $12.72)
  • $12.72 P/E (TTM): 6.88X Cap: $1.55B
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• BMO US High Dividend Covered Call ETF (ZWH $25.33)
  • $25.33 P/E (TTM): 20.61X Cap: $1.06B
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• Harvest Healthcare Leaders Income ETF (HHL $6.94)
  • $6.94 P/E (TTM): 23.48X Cap: $1.62B
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• CIBC Active Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (CACB $20.04)
  • $20.04 Cap: $2.27B
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• BMO Premium Yield ETF (ZPAY $32.00)
  • $32.00 P/E (TTM): 31.28X Cap: $415M
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• BMO Global High Dividend Covered Call ETF (ZWG $34.24)
  • $34.24 P/E (TTM): 19.3X Cap: $317M
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• Global X S&P/TSX 60 Covered Call ETF (CNCC $13.99)
  • $13.99 P/E (TTM): 18.57X Cap: $165M
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• RBC CORE PLUS BOND POOL (RPLS $20.59)
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Q: Hi
I'm interested in investing in etfs with an interest rate between 4 - 6% with some potential for Capital gains.
Low risk
Your recommendations please

Upvote 6

Read Answer Asked by Homer on February 26, 2026

• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO $18.41)
  • $18.41 Cap: $851M
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB
• iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHY $16.44)
  • $16.44 P/E (TTM): 20.4X Cap: $1.08B
  • View XHY Profile
  • View Questions on XHY
• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: I have no Bond investments and would add to my TFSA and RRSP's. Are there any other that I should consider. Thanks

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by David on February 24, 2026

• Global X Canadian Select Universe Bond Index Corporate Class ETF (HBB $50.09)
  • $50.09 Cap: $4.82B
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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Q: Aside from the tax advantages associated with HBB, would you consider these funds very comparable?

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Joe on February 24, 2026

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF (CVD $18.12)
  • $18.12 P/E (TTM): 35.13X Cap: $118M
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• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: To balance my portfolio what bond etfs and other fixed income would you recommend currently, give CAD And US options?
I have accumulated quite a lot of USD from good returns and I am seeking to broaden my exposure to non US stocks (e.g. Europe) are you okay with buying the US equivalent ETFs or do you recommend converting back into CAD?

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 11, 2026

• BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG $13.74)
  • $13.74 Cap: $12.28B
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• BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ZST $49.12)
  • $49.12 Cap: $3.65B
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• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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Q: Hello, I have a small position in ZST . I like to add more bonds for safety and income .
I have been looking at : XSB and XBB and ZAG as they hold Government bonds . Can I assume that by holding one of these to diversify or a combination will do the trick !! ?
Thank you
Carlo

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Carlo on February 05, 2026

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• TD Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (TDB $12.90)
  • $12.90 P/E (TTM): 1.29X Cap: $3.59B
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Q: Would you view TDB as very comparable to XBB?

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Joe on February 03, 2026

• iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF (CLG $17.33)
  • $17.33 Cap: $912M
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• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
  • View Questions on XSB
• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB

Q: Last week I sent you a question about etfs and my portfolio. You answered my question and suggested I put some money in fixed income because I am 60 and retired. GICs currently appear to yield about 2.5%. Bonds seem to vary greatly. Can you suggest a fund where I would get a steady return.
Thanks Steve

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 22, 2026

• iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF (CLG $17.33)
  • $17.33 Cap: $912M
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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Q: what or your opinion is a good bond fund?

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by elgin on January 22, 2026

• iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF (CPD $13.91)
  • $13.91 P/E (TTM): 6.96X Cap: $1.06B
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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Q: Thoughts on CPD for the coming year? How much more volatile is than XBB. Trying to understand how it fits into my portfolio between equities and bonds,

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Joe on January 08, 2026

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB
• iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF (CVD $18.12)
  • $18.12 P/E (TTM): 35.13X Cap: $118M
  • View CVD Profile
  • View Questions on CVD
• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: Hi, just starting to look at the bond market, do not want anything to do with U.S. tax filings. Would like like your three recommendations for Canadian bonds. Do you have a Canadian equivalent for BND? (Low mer and nice yield) also corporate bonds eg.XCB could you touch on risk compared to your three recommendations.
Thanks, happy, healthy New Year

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Brad on January 05, 2026

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• iShares Global Infrastructure Index ETF (CIF $68.35)
  • $68.35 P/E (TTM): 0.88X Cap: $1.31B
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• First Trust NASDAQ CEA Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR $67.21)
  • $67.21 P/E (TTM): 33.06X Cap: $10.23B
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Q: Would you purchase these etf's today at these levels?How much upside do you see for each of them?
Thank you

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by John on December 09, 2025

• iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO $351.68)
  • $351.68 P/E (TTM): 19.77X Cap: $13.79B
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $53.66)
  • $53.66 P/E (TTM): 18.19X Cap: $28.56B
  • View XIC Profile
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• State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY $711.57)
  • $711.57 P/E (TTM): 25.73X Cap: $730.28B
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• INVESCO QQQ Trust (QQQ $658.23)
  • $658.23 P/E (TTM): 33.49X Cap: $435.36B
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Q: Everyone, if your portfolio was only ETFs how many would you have and what would they be? Clayton

Upvote 22

Read Answer Asked by Clayton on December 03, 2025

• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO $18.41)
  • $18.41 Cap: $851M
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB
• iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHY $16.44)
  • $16.44 P/E (TTM): 20.4X Cap: $1.08B
  • View XHY Profile
  • View Questions on XHY
• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND $73.69)
  • $73.69 Cap: $153.83B
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Q: I am all equities in my RSP and RIF portfolio. Although a solid blue chip list of Cdn, US, some international, I would like to mitigate risk by adding one or two bond etf's (cdn dollar). These can be Canadian bonds or a combination NA and global. Please offer one or two...and are we looking at shorter duration or longer in light of current interest rate environment/future outlook. Ideally 4%+ yield

Upvote 9

Read Answer Asked by Harry on October 27, 2025

• iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF (CPD $13.91)
  • $13.91 P/E (TTM): 6.96X Cap: $1.06B
  • View CPD Profile
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• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
  • View Questions on XSB
• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
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• Evolve Active Canadian Preferred Share Fund (DIVS $17.79)
  • $17.79 P/E (TTM): 3.26X Cap: $29M
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Q: Greetings 5i, I am concerned about the current outlook for preferred shares, say 1 - 3 year horizon. What is your opinion on a switch from preferreds to short - mid term bond etfs over this time period? Thank you.

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Barbara on October 20, 2025

• iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF (XCB $20.07)
  • $20.07 P/E (TTM): 10.96X Cap: $3.21B
  • View XCB Profile
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• iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF (XSB $26.80)
  • $26.80 P/E (TTM): 14.52X Cap: $4.01B
  • View XSB Profile
  • View Questions on XSB
• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
  • View XBB Profile
  • View Questions on XBB

Q: Generally speaking, within one's bond portfolio what percentages of the portfolio would you allocate to the three ETF's mentioned.

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Joe on October 17, 2025

• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB $27.95)
  • $27.95 P/E (TTM): 11.34X Cap: $9.88B
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• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.45)
  • $46.45 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.70B
  • View VIU Profile
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• Vanguard Total International Stock (VXUS $81.89)
  • $81.89 P/E (TTM): 10.89X Cap: $145.81B
  • View VXUS Profile
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• Invesco Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PSP $59.94)
  • $59.94 P/E (TTM): 21.87X Cap: $252M
  • View PSP Profile
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• Stack Capital Group Inc. (STCK $27.57)
  • $27.57 P/E (TTM): 9.24X Cap: $376M
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Q: Hello....I am looking for ideally 1 or could be in combination with a second ETF. I would like to achieve a balanced mix with say 60% with a small or 0% of US stock market and about 10% private assets and 30% fixed income. Could you suggest 1/2 ETFs that would achieve something close to this percentage breakdown. Thank you.

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Dick on September 20, 2025