skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Looking for investing suggestions for someone in there mid twenties that has a very good job and are just starting out investing, I was thinking buying a few ETFs that auto buy every paycheck through a big bank brokerage arm kind of set it and forget till they figure out if they want to learn more about investing. Also what would be a good basic investing book that teaches how RRSPs and TFSAs work? Is Gordon Pape still around, lol.
Read Answer Asked by Mark on January 27, 2025
Q: Could you please rank the following in terms of 2 year growth prospects, irregardless of risk? (first most growth, on down the road....) Thank you!

TD, SHOP, VIU, BN, RTX, ROAD, UBER, GLXY, CRM, TRI, ATZ
Read Answer Asked by Judith on January 27, 2025
Q: Can you recommend some global ETF's in both USD and CAD?
Read Answer Asked by Wes on January 24, 2025
Q: It’s now 2025, new Canadian leadership coming and reduced regulations/government in the US. You suggested on a reply today how a 50% US - 40% CAN - 10% Global portfolio mix might be right for today’s environment. Based on this, what is YOUR best ideas for a brand new $1M+ portfolio? Assume average investor, 15 year investment horizon with reasonable risk tolerance and loves when stocks go on sale..aka buy the correction attitude. As always.. you guys rock! Thanks. Don
Read Answer Asked by Don on January 23, 2025
Q: Greetings!

What ETFs would you recommend to make up someone's entire investment portfolio with the intentions to add to them monthly?

Thank you very much.
Read Answer Asked by Stefan on January 21, 2025
Q: I submitted this question on Sunday, so now re-submitting...

Asking this question for a friend who is relatively new to investing (and may be a future 5i client:-)

She has $200k in a non-registered account and is contemplating a balance of 75% US ETFs and 25% US equities, any sector. The account is growth-focused, moderate to medium risk; no funds will be withdrawn for 3-5 years. Given these parameters, please suggest 4 ETFs and 4 stocks she should consider. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on January 16, 2025
Q: I am setting up a TFA for my son. As the initial amount is less than $10k i will be investing in ETF/Index funds.

60% of amount will go to broad based fund such as VFV
20% of amount will go to Div paying fund such as VDY
20% Of amount will go to global large mid/large cap fund

Question:

1. I noticed some p/e ratio for various S&P 500 funds vary greatly . The PE for VFV is currently 32 but last week it was 22 ?. Any S&P 500 fund that you prefer over VFV suitable for TFSA?

2. Any suggestions for a global fund geared to mid/large growth companies suitable for TFSA long term?

3. Does my allocation seem reasonable ?

Take whatever credits required, thank you for great service
Read Answer Asked by Mario on January 16, 2025
Q: Which of these three ETFS do you prefer if I was to pick one? I have 25% of my portfolio in USD Equity ETFS so already have some currency diversification.
Read Answer Asked by Carla on December 27, 2024
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: You recently answered about RRSP being the ideal account to hold viu in to minimize withholding tax - does this apply to VEE and ZSP too?

Thanks in advance. - Jeff
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on May 16, 2024
Looking for more? Sign up for a FREE 14 day trial! No credit card required

We invite you to sign up for a 14 day free trial of 5i Research!
Experience all the benefits and tools we have to offer; stock research, model portfolios, Q&A with our experts, and so much more. Join a community of like-minded investors today!