Investment Q&A

Q: I have seen many articles in which advisors recommend all-in-one portfolios as core holdings. I understand the value of these portfolios given the rebalancing effect, when there is a mix of bonds and equities (e.g. VBAL, XBAL). However, I do not understand the benefit of the all-equity, all-in-one portfolio (e.g. VEQT, XEQT) compared to an all-world equity ETF (e.g. XAW, XWD). The all-equity, all-in-one portfolios are overweight Canada vis-a-vis global market capitalizations. It seems to me that the all-equity, all-in-one portfolios are "betting" that Canadian equities will outperform the rest of the world. Yet, most articles I read suggest the opposite, and recommend that Canadians invest increasingly internationally (in fact, I can not recall in the last few years any article suggesting Canadian outperformance).

It seems to me that the all world ETFs (XAW, XWD) are a better bet, but I am concerned that I am missing something given the popularity of the all-equity, all-in-one portfolios. What do you see as the advantage of the all equity, all-in-one portfolios over the all world all-equity ETFs? Why do major firms such as Vanguard and Blackrock have a Canadian overweight in their all-equity, all-in-one portfolios? For a long-term core equity-only holding, do you recommend the all-in-one portfolio (e.g. VEQT, XEQT) over the global equity ETFs (XAW, XWD)? Is there any other ETF you would recommend instead?

Many thanks for your excellent advice.

Q: Recently, a number of firms have brought out All-in-One ETFs, such as VEQT. If an investor wishes to be 100% invested, and diversified globally, then this ETF offers the advantage of rebalancing to the ETF's geographic weightings. These All-in-One ETFs are overweight Canada given global market capitalizations.

In contrast, there are ETFs offering similar low fees which represent the market capitalization of all global equities, such as XWD or VXC (w/o Canada). These ETFs are effectively rebalancing to reflect the global market capitalizations.

For a long-term hold, which investment do you feel will do better? Is an investor better off choosing say VEQT, or VXC? These two ETFs have similar ETFs. Is there a better alternative which you would recommend?

Your insights are much appreciated and valued. Thank-you.

Q: I am helping my niece set up with ETF. She is holding the below funds right now. Can you please advise their fees and which ETF would you suggest replacing them with? Is there a site where you can check the mutual fund fees and performance?

PH&N LifeTime 2045 Fund
RBC Canadian Equity Fund
RBC Balanced Fund
BLK Balanced Index
Capital Global Equity
BLK US Equity Index

Thanks for your help
Hector

Q: I bought SDIV about 3 years ago and am down significantly (about 50%). Dividend income has been consistent but not enough to offset the loss in capital. Do you have a better recommendation in this space? Or do i continue to hold for the long term? thanks again! John C

Q: Would you consider investing in VVL:CA EFT at this time to acquire access to a internationally diversified value stocks be a good idea ?

Q: I currently own XWD in my RRSP, is this a good ETF or is there a better ETF that is similar to XWD that would be better?
Thanks

Q: Wondering what you think of this BMO ETF, hedged to Cdn dollars. Volume seems to be anemic. It is a world ETF, 66% US, 31% EAFE, 3.5% Canada. Would you prefer one with solely US S&P 500 companies?
Thanks
Steve

Q: Looking at these two ETF's what is the major difference besides price? I see the MER is higher on XWD not sure which is bigger and I assume XWD has canada in it as well unlike the XAW. Can you give me your opinion on this and which you think is better long term buy and forget.
Thanks

Q: Hi Gentleman,
I currently have a portfolio that I do not need to access for 10 years. Currently I have MFC4644 - $100K, XWD - $160K, ZLU - $190K and VGRO - $220K. Would you make any adjustments or other suggestions to my current holdings.
Thank you,
SF

Q: Hi, Do you think ZDI and XWD could complement each other, or would there be too much overlap, thanks?

Q: Good morning, do you know if there is much overlap regarding the equity portion of these two etf,s, XWD and VBAL, thanks?

Q: I am looking for an international equity ETF that has a portion (+/-25%) of its holdings in technology but a good balance of other areas? thanks, Jean

Q: Can you give me your opinion on this ETF and suggests me some that are similar or better, thank you.

Martin

Q: A family member (41) has roughy $15000. to invest
Currently has $2000 in XIC and the balance of $13000. in cash in a TFGS.
I was thinking VGT, XLI but would like your suggestions please
The goal is to be able to add a similar amound every year for a while.
Thank you.

Q: I currently own 200K in vbal, 200K in vgro, 150K in xwd and 50K in vee, I am thinking of switching out vee with zlu as zlu performs better in the long run and also vee is covered in vgro and vbal.
Thoughts?
Thanks
SF

Q: Hello,
I was wondering if there are one or two diversified ETF's that cover all sectors and all geographies. Could these ETF's replace a well diversified portfolio of 30 different ETF's which cover the same/similar sectors and geographies. This would simply the maintenance of my portfolio. I would also appreciate your opinion on the effectiveness of such ETF's if they exist.

Q: If you could only buy one of these in the current market, which would you prefer and why. Is there an argument for holding both of them.
Thanks as always.

Q: Do you like VA or better to invest in a different ETF? I own only this ETF and AFG Global Dividend Fund. The VA ETF has not performed that well and wonder if I should invest a better overall global ETF? If so what would be your recommendation?

Thanks

Q: Hi, thank you for the article on international stocks and the portfolio analytics.
I am now trying to decrease my Canadian home bias (40% to 25%) by increasing my international exposure (20% to 35%) and maintaining my US at 40%. My wife and I own XWD, VE and XEF in our TFSAs. I was thinking of selling XWD and adding VEE or VWO (RRSP) and/or VDU or VEA (RRSP). The switch to RRSP additions is to benefit from US withholding tax exemption.

Could I have your thoughts on the above changes. Is there too much overlap in owning all four ETFs? Could I simplify to one, two or three?

Thank you.

Q: We have about $150k in a Family RESP invested in the Fidelity Clearpath 2025 Portfolio Series B ISC target date fund. On the Fidelity fact sheet it says "Series B has the highest combined management and administration fees among the series in the Program". We were put into the fund by our previous financial advisor. Funny how that worked. The current MER is 2.17%. Could you recommend two or three alternative ETF's or funds with more reasonable MER's or even possibly a handful of suitable stocks? The funds won't be needed for another five years. Thanks.