Investment Q&A

Q: For a 3-5 year timeframe, for an international ETF, would you recommend VXUS or VIGI? Is there another international ETF which you feel is better?

Thank you for this excellent service.

Q: I find the dividend payment confusing for this ETF. Looking back at data over the last 4 years, i was expecting to see the dividend payment growing, What i found was that in 2018 the 4 dividend payments totaled .$1.15 ) 2019 - $1.32) 2020- $1.05) 2021- .82 cents. From a prior question on this ETF you mentioned they payed a $5.18 in capital gains distribution. Does this mean the fund sells the holdings at the end of the year and pays out the capital gains like a dividend?
Thanks Gord !

Q: Hi 5i
If unable to answer this Q that's okay.
Surprised at 7% price decline on VIGI - International Dividend ETF.

One Top holding in ETF is down 11% ( Novo nordisk) but that is all I can see.
It went X-Div today but the Annual Div is only 1% total.

Is there anything visible in your data that may reveal how in one day a 1/2 year of gains has been wiped out in a large cap Dividend ETF?
Current price is $US 82.58 down $US 6.12

Thanks
DAve

Q: Few of my international holdings pay dividends and in trying to correct that, I thought of adding SDIV as a new holding. I have the following questions or concern:
1. Many companies held in the ETF are on not that large (for the type of internatinal business a Canadian might want to risk); and
2. SDIV also underweights quality and momentum.

Notwithstanding the above concerns, would you say the ETF is worth adding as part of one's holdings outside North America? Please comment on SDIV, but if you have other ETFs you prefer, kindly advise). Thanks

Q: I want to build an American ETF portfolio of 5-6 ETFs that pay a decent (4%-5%) yield. I have historically bought Canadian hedged ETFs for that purpose however I think there is a possible currency advantage to be had. I have looked at many many ETF questions in the 5i ETF folder and they seem to be very Canadian based. Would you be able to suggest 5-6 US based ETFs or more if you want to add a few more.
Thanks
Norm

Q: For international (non-NA) exposure, please provide your current opinion about the IGRO ETF. Would you recommend this ETF? Do you see it as a complement holding for dividend-growing (but not high dividend seeking) investors who already own VIGI? Are there any other international ETFs which you would recommend in lieu of IGRO?

Many thanks for your excellent advice, and this wonderful service.

Q: I'm looking to diversify my RIF. I have North America covered both ETF and stock wise.
I need to add to cover the rest of the world
Your suggestions for 1-3 dividend [ for income and upside ] ETF's to do the job

Q: Hi,
I wanted to increase international equity exposure by adding ETFs. I currently own VWO (about 3%). What is your view on VIGI and VEU? Could you suggest 2-3 other names? Thanks,

Martin

Q: Hi 5i Team,
I do not have any international exposure and I am wondering if you would recommend a dividend ETF with some upside potential. What account would it be best held in? Do you think this is a good time to enter? Thanks so much.

Q: I have $40,000 US to invest for 5 -10 years. With half of that amount I would like to buy about four equity-based ETFs for capital appreciation. Some I have read about include QQQ , BBH, and VGT. Are these good choices? Please add other recommendations.
For the other half, I would like more income based ETFs with a sensible degree of risk, such as VIG. Please add other recommendations.
I am not interested in Canadian based ETFs but International based ETFs would be alright.
I do no previous experience with ETFs.

Q: Can you comment on these ETF's I presently hold in a corporate unregistered acct. I have a large amount in DVY.US - not sure why (previously with a FI ) Looking to update this portfolio based on present times. In At least a 5 year hold. Please take as many credits as needed.
Thanks so much.

Q: Could you recommend a conservative global dividend ETF mainly for income? If possible, a Canadian and US version.

thanks,

Paul

Q: International ETF overlap query. I have the first four above now (more or less equal amounts) constituting 9.72% of total portfolio. Considering adding some more international exposure for geographic and currency diversification objectives, i.e. either VXUS or VIGI but wondering about the overlap with current holdings or should I just increase current holdings. Generally attempting to increase sector holdings in USA (fdn, ihi, hack, fivg, ipay, vbk), under-represented in Canada and more international geographic exposure. All are/will be in CDN & USD non registered accounts. Views?Suggestions?

Q: I'm going to retire next year and have recently received a inheritance. I have this money in a non registered account. PA is telling me that I need more US and international exposure. I'm looking at ETF's with dividends but being non Canadian holding I will not get the tax credit. Should I still look at dividend ETF's and not worry about the tax? I have a low to median risk for these non Canadian ETF's. I have a diversified group of large cap Canadian stocks to take advantage of the dividend tax credit. Can you give me some names to look at buying?
Thanks Greg

Q: I am following up on a question asked by Gary on December 6, 2019.

I am also looking to find an international dividend growing ETF similar to VIGI. I am not looking for high dividends per se. I do not like many of the international dividend ETFs due to their often high exposure to financials (IGRO would fit in this category).

IQD looks promising, and its methodology appeals to me. I would appreciate your advice about the pros and cons of this fund, and why you gave it only a very tepid recommendation.

What are your top dividend growing ETFs, regardless of whether they are Canadian or US ETFs. Per your previous answers, I understand your top two choices are VIGI and IGRO. Do you have any others?

Thank you again for your insightful advice.

Q: I have very little US exposure and have US$40,000 in my RRSP that I am looking to invest. I have looked at questions and profiles on VIG, VIGI, VYM, VTI and DGRO but I am unsure which of these or others ETFs would be best and am looking for some direction. What low cost, large US $ ETF or ETFs would make the most sense with the goal of maximizing US$ dividend income. This will be a long term holding.
Thank you

Q: Hi 5i,
Portfolio analytics shows I should increase my international holdings. I have $24,000 in my US$ TFSA account and I am considering VIGI for a long term hold. (Already have VEE and have been very pleased with VIG). Would appreciate your thoughts on including this in a TFSA as I believe there would be withholding tax? Thanks.

Q: I currently own ZDI. I would appreciate your views on this ETF as a long-term hold. I am considering replacing ZDI because it has a higher MER, and it is overweight both financials and energy.

What ETFs do you recommend which hold international equities and focus on a dividend growth strategy? Preference is for Canadian currency ETFs, but would appreciate recommendations on US currency ETFs if you feel there is sufficient additional value-added to warrant the currency conversion fee.

Thanks again for this excellent service.

Q: Hi 5i team,
Please provide your top picks for ETFs that cover International (ex N American) stocks with dividend appreciation tilt. Please also provide your ETF picks for International small/mid cap value stocks.
Thanks.

Q: Hello Crew
I'm looking for a Canadian domiciled etf similar to IGRO or VIGI.
thank you. gary