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Investment Q&A

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Q: About 25% of my portfolio is in cash, enough for 5 years of cash needs. The problem is that it earns only 0.2%. Now I am thinking of putting this cash in 5 or more high quality Bond ETFs. Is this a right move? If so, could you give few names? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Sudhir on June 11, 2021
Q: Looking for both US and Cdn (GIC replacement) ideas for an 80+ year old, looking for some income, not looking to shoot the lights out. Sitting in cash is tough. 4-6 suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by David on April 28, 2021
Q: Hi, I'm 100% equities and when holding cash waiting for opportunities I've been parking it in PSA. With the yield so low now, do you have a few other suggestions for almost cash like bond ETF's that have low risk/volatility and low MER and have a higher yield (~2-3%)? Usually hold less than 5% cash in my portfolio and holding period <6months. I was looking at the Vanguard or iShares ETFs for options. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Keith on December 10, 2020
Q: For you previous question you noted PSA and CSAV, however, neither are available on RBC Direct Investing? Any options for USD?
Read Answer Asked by Shyam on December 02, 2020
Q: Hello 5i Team,

I am now managing our Mom's ( 92 y.o. ) self-directed investments and have recently done a crystallization of gains in her Non-Registered account, for estate tax planning purposes.
I've now got to decide where to invest this significant amount of cash that she has.
Considering inflation and yet trying not to have too much risk to the downside because there may not be years left to recover from market corrections. Because of her age, I just don't want to be too long-term thinking here.
Any suggestions you can share here, with specific companies or ETFs, would be appreciated.
Thanks for the great service, and please deduct as many question credits as you see fit here.
Read Answer Asked by Drew on November 16, 2020
Q: Ishares US REAL ESTATE ETF (not in your data base)
can you comment on this ETF for a diversified real estate play. Do you view this as a decent entry point.
What's your view of starting a portfolio of these 5 ETFS with a 20% weighting in each, then rebalancing every year back to the original 20% weighting. Im hoping maintaining the 20% cash position will help smooth out the portfolio in these uncertain times, maybe it will outperform the more popular 60/40 portfolio.
thanks Gordie
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on October 28, 2020
Q: 5i, thank you again for all the great advice! I saw someone asking a question about these bond / high interest ETFs earlier today. Do you have other suggestions for bond / high interest ETFs? I have a longer investment horizon, but currently are 40% equity and 60% cash. I want to put some of this cash to work in a relatively safer manner.
Read Answer Asked by Haifeng on October 15, 2020
Q: I have been following 5i advice for a few years now and it has served me well. Thanks! However, this is the first time I have had a question that I haven't seen an answer too in the forum; I some capital that I need to invest shorter term 1 - 1.5 years. Everything fixed pays next to nothing, so where should I be looking at this time? Bank stocks with a safe dividend? Other high dividend slow growth companies? If so, which would you recommend? Thanks, Dan
Read Answer Asked by Dan on October 13, 2020
Q: I have parked cash on PSA, I was wondering, if a better choice is to place it in one of IWO , VYMI, XBAL; the goal is to leave it there for a few years, and to help growth the account.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Fernando on September 02, 2020
Q: What is your opinion on using VCIP as a 'slightly riskier than cash' investment vehicle for a holding period of 6-12 months? It is obviously riskier than HISAs/GICs/PSA, but do you think it is riskier than XSB/VSB/HFR? There is an equity component to VCIP, but given its greater diversification compared to XSB/VSB/HFR, I wonder if, paradoxically, it might actually be 'safer'. I note that when the pandemic hit, even VSB/HFR fell quite precipitously. Would you advocate a mix of VCIP/VSB/HFR instead? If so, how would you weight the three? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Walter on August 28, 2020
Q: Will there be a correction before the election? Will it be as bad as the March one? No one knows for sure however many like me believe that a correction is coming and I was hoping you would have advice on where to park equity investments that I will have turned to cash. I do not intend to put it under my mattress or buy GIC’s. What are your thoughts on bond ETF’s like ZTL or so called sleep at night ETF’s like ZZZD. I would appreciate your advice on the above and suggestions on where to invest this cash in a safer investment until after the correction please. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Norm on August 25, 2020
Q: Peter and team
I unfortunately jumped (like many others) part way down the crash in March.
I simply cannot believe another correction is not coming.
What do you recommend as a safe place to park cash and earn at least a bit of interest other than a GIC while waiting.
Also I know you don't have a crystal ball, but what are your thoughts on a correction ahead.
Thanks
Phil
Read Answer Asked by Phil on August 24, 2020
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