Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i,

If we assume Trump continues with his grandstanding for another few weeks, is it plausible that SPY could reach levels of 460 or 430, or an unthinkable 2022 level of 360?

There has been a few questions and answers with a list of stocks and ETF’s to purchase. Our query will be focused on RRSP and TFSA choices. We have a large cash pile (50% CDN and 50% USD funds) residing in PSA and BIL from our rebalance in mid-February to sleep at night. We have 15% in laddered GIC’s for fixed income in RRSP’s.

We set a target of the SPY at 500 to begin a slow accumulation of equities. A reply to our questions below can include International ETF’s, US or CDN stocks or ETF’s, with the only limitation that the stock or ETF must be available in CDN and US stock markets.

If possible, could you provide a list of 10-15 stocks for RRSP’s?

Which 5 stocks would you recommend for TFSA (not the same as RRSP)?

Thank you for your time and support.

D&J

Q: With the current downturn in the market, could you please recommend 5 global ETFs (not US based equities) and rank them from 1st to 5th.

Q: Hi - as the US has been a stronger market for the last couple of years, a large portion of my portfolio is USD. With the recent economic turmoil in the US and the resultant effect on their dollar, would you consider holding some ETF's in currencies such as the British Pound, Euro and Canadian dollar? My portfolio is heavily weighted in cash, as I hope to be able to wait on the sidelines till we see a buyable bottom, vs get whipsawed based on the latest idea from the 'Village Idiot'. As always, I welcome you thoughts!

Q: Most of my portfolio is split 60% cad 40% usa. Do you have suggestions for ETFs outside of these regions that you think can outpace these regions or add beneficial diversification? Can either be regions or sectors.

Q: What other ex north america etf's would be good?

Thanks

Q: Hi

My partner has funds to invest in a TFSA for a 3–5+-year hold starting now. Can you please suggest several diversified ETFs that would be worth considering both USD and CAD hedged that are likely to see growth, including any mid-cap ETFs to consider. Please also suggest any bond ETFs to consider providing balance.

Thank you for the great service!

Q: A conservative investor has these three ETFs. For a non-registered account would she be better off topping up one of these, or is there another ETF that would complement this group. With or without a dividend.

Q: Could you please provide a list of top US ETF’s that can be bought (low cost with great management)
a) using a US dollar acct
b) using a CDN dollar acct
3-5 for each.

Thanks

Q: What are some ETFs that I can use to diversify my portfolio and have as a buy and hold strategy. 20+ year hold in TFSA. I want a portion of my portfolio that I don't have to look at at all. I currently have VFV and VEQT.

Q: My portfolio is now heavily weighted to the US.

Can you recommend an ETF or 2 that would compliment my existing investments?

Thanks
Mark

Q: What are your thoughts on the philosophy of a 3 etf portfolio (growth, dividend and foundational) from a retires point of that has the basic expenses covered by pension income. And some etf's you would consider candidates if you were to agree with this philosophy?
As always thanks for your point of view.

Brian

Q: What are your recommended non-Canadian equity ETFs?
Do you prefer US only ETFs, or worldwide non-Canadian ETFs, for a long term hold?
Is it more likely that US equities will outperform non-US, such as Europe and Japan, or is it too hard to tell?

Q: My son moved to the USA a few years ago and has opened a Roth IRA upon which I am advising him. He holds the ETFs listed above. I have two questions upon which I would appreciate your advice. In which order of preference would you add to the existing holdings? And can you suggest two additional ETFs to complement the current holdings?

Q: My daughter recently inherited a substantial sum of money and would like me to invest such in a mix of companies, both in the US and Canada, with a modicum of international companies. She lives in Europe.
Could I respectfully ask if you could offer your chosen six equities in each of the US, Canada and worldwide (in order of preference), including one or two ETF’s, with a mid term (5 - 8 years hold) term. Could you also provide an entry point for each stock?

I do appreciate your guidance…

cj

Q: Good morning- for a thirty year old looking to build a US ETF portfolio, which ones would you suggest. He already has a full position in VOO and a smaller one in IWO. Also, can you suggest a couple of international ETF's, say for all Asia ( with and without China) and for Europe, to round out a preponderance of US ETF's.

Thanks

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)

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!

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

Q: Hi All at 5i!!
I gather VXUS is in USD. Is there a CAD equivalent??

Cheers,
Tamara

Q: I am a retiree and looking for conservative growth stocks with target of 3 to 5 years hold. Dividend is nice, but, not important. Based on the current market condition and valuations, could you recommend 5 Canadian stocks and 3 global ETFs? Please suggest an entry point with a note for the reason of recommendations. Thanks so much.