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Investment Q&A

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Q: In an effort to minimize currency exchange costs, I am using separate all-in-one etfs for my CAD and USD accounts. The xbal for the CAD and the AOR for the USD account. I would be interested to know your thoughts and whether this merits attention. The xbal and others similar have huge Canadian weight which I would be happy to avoid. On the USD side they seem to have this sorted. My biggest beef there is that it is very US heavy and frustratingly, not visible in the 5i database. Could you please advise on option of xbal and aor, and also please look into integration of the AOR and comparable series?
Thanks
Peter
Read Answer Asked by Peter on November 28, 2024
Q: I would like to add some Int’l diversification to my TFSA by way of a CAD listed ETF. Could you recommend a couple of ETFs that would exclude Canada? Also another option that would exclude Canada and USA? Priority would be growth and if possible tax efficiency.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on November 20, 2024
Q: I need to expand my international exposure and would be holding the ETF in a non-registered account.

What are your top 2 international ETFs (ex-north america?).
What do you think of VIU?

Thanks
(Note I tried sending this in previously but not sure it went through so resubmitting)
Read Answer Asked by Simon on September 26, 2024
Q: I need to increase my international exposure. My plan is to accomplish this through ETFs held in a non-registered account.

1) Can you please recommend two ETFs to achieve international exposure.

2) As a member of BMO Investorline I can access commission free ETFs and I am considering vanguard's VI ETF to increase international exposure. What are your thoughts on this ETF and how does it compare versus the ETFs recommended as part 1 of this question?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Simon on September 24, 2024
Q: VI and VEF have been suggested as Canadain dollar alternatives to VXUS. Both VI and VEF are hedged to the Canadian dollar. Is it better to be hedged or unhedged to the Canadian dollar? I was considering VIU which I believe is the unheadged version of VI.

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by J Stephen on August 12, 2024
Q: Hello wonderful 5i folks,

This is a follow up to a question asked by Connie on June 14th where your recommendation for an optimal distribution would be: 50% US, 35% Canada, 15% rest of world.

Can you please provide your best recommendations for the 15% rest of world with commentary around the suggestions?

Thank you as always!
Read Answer Asked by Julie on June 25, 2024
Q: Need to increase U.S. and Internation equity exposures in my RRSP. Current exposures are mainly from VBAL (25% weight of RRSP) and a small position in XLU, ZWU and XGD. I am considering adding SPY for U.S. equities. What do you think about this option, and what would be a good entry point? Also, what would be a good addition to increase international equity (ETF or stocks)? Knowing that you cannot provide personal answers I appreciate very much your comments. Much Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Hali on May 24, 2024
Q: Hi. I’m looking for a Canadian-listed ex-North America equity ETF for a TFSA. And am familiar with the options you usually refer to, such as VIU. My question is whether there are more “actively” managed ETF’s (focused on developed markets) which you would consider. Such as QIE.

A separate related question. Are there U.S.-listed alternatives you would consider, in spite of the withholding tax. And is the withholding tax less of a deterrent than we make it to be.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by James on May 16, 2024
Q: Hoping you could suggest an ETF portfolio for an RRSP account with a minimum 12 years until withdrawals are made. The account is starting from scratch.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on May 10, 2024
Q: My kids opened RRSP's as soon as they were of age and contributed a small about (<$3,000). They make regular contributions.

Until the RRSP has enough funds to start thinking of diversification, what are the "top 3" possible stocks or ETFs you would consider if only having one investment, and if you could explain why its' a sound investment for each that'd be great.

Thanks very much,

Dave
Read Answer Asked by Dave on May 06, 2024
Q: Dear 5i
I need to increase my international exposure substantially . What 1-2 ETF's would be your top choices for this . What would your choice be for a basic material ETF ?
Thanks
Bill C
Read Answer Asked by Bill on May 02, 2024
Q: Can you suggest 10 best (sleep at night) low risk, monthly/quarterly income, tax efficient, Canadian etfs. Monthly preferred but not essential. Held in non registered account.
Read Answer Asked by Craig on April 29, 2024
Q: Hi, l have some cash to deploy in my cash account. I have a full position in ZCN. Thinking of buying full position in BRK and also VEQT full position.
My question is for a conservative investor 65%safer, 35% conservative growth.Would this be too much overlap of similar positions and sectors? Do you have an alternative? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Brad on April 29, 2024
Q: This question or type of question was asked in the last week, but I can't find it. Sorry. My 2 kids each have about $100,000. I manage their money, but would prefer to just manage it through ETF's. Can you please suggest a portfolio of ETF's for reasonable growth (60-70% equities), but balanced with some bonds as well. If you want to cut and paste your answer to the question from a week ago, that would be great. Thanks a lot.
Read Answer Asked by Steve on April 09, 2024
Q: Hello fellow 5i community,

New ETF investor question here. I have no experience with ETF's and therefore have none in my investment portfolio. Based on all the Q&A's and my own research, this is an area I need to get into. Can you please recommend your top picks (open to all suggestions both geo and industry - please rank) and how many ETF's would you recommend if also investing in individual stocks? (including % of a portfolio). Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Julie on April 08, 2024
Q: I'm new here and am looking to increase my international exposure. Can you recommend a few international ETFs that don't have US exposure and some that include it as part of their holdings? Should I look to these ETFs to include exposure to both established and emerging markets or strictly more developed countries? I'm looking at investing between 30% of my portfolio as I already own QQQ which represents approximately 12% of my holdings now). Thank you in advance, Elaine.
Read Answer Asked by elaine on April 04, 2024
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