Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i,
My wife is concerned that our exposure to bonds is far too high, so I thought I would turn to the experts for advice.
Fixed Income is 31.1% of our total, combined portfolio broken down as follows:
CBO 4.8%
EMB 6.9%
VEE 1.0%
XHY 5.0%
XIG 4.7%
XPF 2.4%
XTR 3.0%
RBF 461A 3.30%
Note: these percentages reflect only the Bond or Fixed Income component of these ETF's, not the equity or other holdings.
We each have modest private pension as well as CPP and (1) OAS.
Our total portfolio income will soon be required to help cover living expenses - and presently looks to be able to do so for the most part.
So, my question is: given the foregoing do you see any areas of concern or any compelling changes that would be required?
I know this might sound a lot like a mini portfolio review, but I have added a lot of detail so that it might assist others who read the Q&A as I know asset allocation is an area of concern and interest for many members.
Please feel free to deduct as many questions as you deem appropriate.
Many thanks,
Cheers,
Mike

Q: What investments would yield income with some safety(conservative)?
Was thinking of ZWH or XTR?

Q: Hi,

This is follow up to James' question about living off the dividends from these ETFs.

ETFs = XTR,FIE,XEI,VDY,XHY

Suppose I convert my portfolio(s) over to equal weights of these ETFs and start living off the distributions ~ 5.5% yield. I'm ok with the tax situation. I can account for inflation.

What other risks am I taking? When we see another 2001 or 2008 what is the possible impact to the ETF values & the distributions?

I'm not looking for a guess (and certainly not a promise) as to what will happen in the future. I'm looking for a list of additional things that I need to consider about this strategy for my own risk management before pulling the plug on my current working life. A handful of "what-ifs" to consider would be great.

Thanks,

Gord

Q: Because of my age and possible future need for income, amount and security, I am pondering the addition of the following ETF’s. I am indicating the present and after purchase weighting in my portfolio. ZWU ( 3% - 5%), XHY (1% - 3%), XTR (0% - 5%). My portfolio is reasonably well
diversified with about 95% blue chip (28) common shares. Can you please comment on the appropriateness of my proposed purchases, given your limited knowledge of my portfolio.

The composition of XTR i shares includes other I share ETF’s so if I were to purchase this security I would be effectively duplicating management fees and further increase my exposure to XHY, which is held in XTR.

Thank you for considering this questions