Investment Q&A

Q: A few questions have mentionned the ETF XBB. Since its fee is 0.34% versus ZAG's fee of 0.23%, shouldn't we go for ZAG? I also like the fact that ZAG is a BMO product which means I pay fees to a canadian company rather than a U.S company (bonus points). Thank you.

Q: Hello and Merry Christmas to all at 5I.
Moving forward I have new funds to add to my portfolio in the fixed income sector. My RRSP portion is fully utilized for fixed income using CBO and XBB so this is new fixed income funds outside of a sheltered account should I still use XBB/CBO or is there some other fixed income source that would be more beneficial that I should consider.

Q: IS THERE ANY JUSTIFICATION TO HAVE ANY BOND IN ANY PORTFOLIO IN VIEW OF SUCH A LOW RETURN AND PAY TAX ON(50/50)- KEEP THE MONEY IN MONEY MARKET FUND DOES THE JOB AND YOU ARE NOT LOOSING ANY EXCEPT INFLATION EFFECT ?.MOST BOND FUND HAVE LOST MONEY.THANKSEBRAHIM

Q: Given the speculation about upcoming US rate increases and the impact of the Nov.8 US election, I have lost significant valuation on ETFs and bonds across my portfolio.

Is there an expectation that these values could fall even more precipitously in future?

Is it truly wise to remain ‘in bonds’ at this time, even after losses so far?

Is there any hope these could improve in future or is the long term prospect dismal?

Q: I am retired, and have a portfolio with a mix of equities, ETFs and bonds. I have some money from municipal bonds to reinvest and I am considering some ETFs such as XSB, CBO, XBB and XHY as options to invest these funds, with a 5 year investment horizon. In the current environment (interest rates and the US election), how do you think these ETFs will perform in the coming years? Thanks for your great service.

Q: As a senior retired investor I have most of your Income Portfolio and BE Portfolio. My question is about my fixed part. I had some bonds come due and also some GICs. Since the rates are so low I am at a loss to know where to put the fixed part of my portfolio. I am tempted to just buy something like BCE and Fortis and let them collect dividends, which is more tax efficient. I understand these are still stocks and not fixed income. Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

Q: Our advisor has recommended that we sell some of our equities and purchase more fixed income funds. His recommendations are Manulife Strategic Income F (CAD); TD Retirement Balanced Portfolio F Series; Fiera Defensive Capital Global Equtiy Fund and Lysander-Canso Corporate Value Bond Fund. We are already invested in Pimco Monthly Income Fund (PMO 205), DFA Five-Year Global Equity and CBO. We are leaning in favour of investments we already own as well as XSB, XBB and CLF. We are looking for Canadian, US and International diversification. What would you recommend?

Q: Why does FTB have such a large spread between the Actual MER (.50) and the Actual Management Expense ratio (.92)/ My financial planner is actively promoting it. I wonder if he gets some of the MER as an incentive therefore encouraging him to promote it. Its current yield is 3.4% wile CLF has a yield of 2.9% with an MER of .15 and .17. Do you have any comment on XBB, XSB, CLF, and FTB. Should I mirror the FTB portfolio of the five bond fund ETFs (CLF, XBB, PGL, ZEF, and ZHY) or buy FTB? I assume the yields are after the MER is taken.

Thank you.

Q: my teenage daughter has just registered her tfsa. She has a small amount of $ (4000) to start. she is thinking for simplicity and risk sake at this point in her life to go with the global couch potato. Which 4 ETFs would you recommend for her. she needs a CAN equity, US equity, INTER equity and a bond ETF.
Do you think this is a good idea or would you recommend she stick to specific company stocks instead?
thanks
michele

Q: I have been wanted to diversify my portfolio and I was wondering if this is a good list or a bit of overkill. I have recently bought some XBB. I want these for fairly long positions, my concern is that I might be over paying for these as everyone is fearful and flocking to bonds as a safety net. Would it be wise to let things settle or buy partial positions in these etfs. Also would it worthwhile also owning some us long term treasuries. I am looking to try to cover all possibilities so I am not chasing in the future when market conditions change. I would like diverse group to cover inflation, rising market, recession. I know that I cant take all risk off but I would like have some safety net and not hold all equities.

Q: One more question regarding asset allocation in my RRIF-- how would you rate a 50/50 split of XBB and CBO as the bond component? Given all other factors remain the same. Thank you!
PS - loved the question "what makes 5i so great?"
You provide fabulous service and take some of the angst and mystery out of investing.

Q: The fixed income portion of my portfolio has been suffering for the last few years, what do you think of the above and what recommendations would you have, thanks, Jean

Q: Hi Ryan and Peter,
My question is of a general nature and concerns a problem many seniors are having with portfolio construction. I'm 70 years old, have a defined benefit pension which, along with my wife's defined plan, covers our monthly commitments. We are underinvested in the fixed income part of our portfolio but because of the lack of returns on bonds and GIC'S, are hesitant to commit a large portion of our savings to this sector.
As with many seniors who have their monthly expenses covered by pensions, we need guidance as to what percentage of our funds should be in fixed income. What percentage do you think is appropriate and could you suggest a few specific investments.
If you believe, as I do, we would be better off investing in Canadian Blue Chip companies that offer relatively safe growing dividends, could you suggest several such companies.

Thank you in advance for your much appreciated guidance.

Q: If Harry Dent is right and we are in for a few years of deflation, which Canadian stocks/ETF's do you recommend to see us through it?

Q: Could I get your top ETF picks for goverment bonds and corporate bonds. Thanks for your informative answers David

Q: Peter and team,
I have about 18K to invest in my daughters RESP which will be required in the following two years, and about 24K to invest in a non reg account for her to use in around two to six years timeframe. This is not money I can afford to loose so I need to invest it carefully. Some say I should be keeping it in a GIC due to the timeframe, however that will not even keep up with the cost of living.
Any suggestions please?

Q: Hi, 5i.

What are your top picks for fixed income at this time? I have a small position in XBB and that's it.

Thank you,
Robert