Investment Q&A

Q: I want to rebalance my portfolio and increase my US holdings to ~60% of my portfolio using ETF's.
I currently hold VFV (15%), VB(10%) & VIG (10%).
- What other ETF's should I consider adding
- Recommended percent in each.
My timeframe is 3-5 years
You provide a great service for investors, thanks to you and your staff...

Q: I am looking to take on some technology exposure in my RRSP, and leaning toward ETF rather than individual stocks. Would appreciate a couple ideas for core holdings in this sector. Thanks

Q: A family member (41) has roughy $15000. to invest
Currently has $2000 in XIC and the balance of $13000. in cash in a TFGS.
I was thinking VGT, XLI but would like your suggestions please
The goal is to be able to add a similar amound every year for a while.
Thank you.

Q: Hello 5i,

We are looking for advice on stocks that should be held in a US account rather than a CDN account. Our RBC RRSP has both CDN and US funds available. After reading several questions and answers it is clear that we are very confused about this topic. We are hoping questions below can help us grasp a general rule of thumb on which currency should we purchase and hold stocks for our RRSP's.
e.g.
1. should stocks that pay dividends in US funds be held in the US account or CDN account if they can be purchased in either currency? i.e. AQN, BAM
2. if we buy a stock such as Google (no dividend) to hold for a long time should this be purchased with US funds or CDN funds. Is this a stock that should be in a TFSA instead of an RRSP?
3. if we buy and sell lows and highs on stocks without dividends such as AMZN, and BABA, (2-3 transactions per year) should this be purchased on the US or CDN side of our RRSP.
4. if we are to purchase an ETF that pays a dividend in US funds should this be purchased and held in US funds?

Thank you for your help.
Debbie and Jerry

Q: What is your opinion on this fund? With their high MER, do you suggest another fund or ETF with comparable or better,
Thanks

Q: I have about $18000 in U.S. funds that I would like to invest in an etf...
Can you recommend the sector that you would select for investing over the next
12 months or do you consider that amount of time too short for your planning?

Q: I own all of the above in roughly equal weights in my TFSA. I am attempting to replicate your Balanced Equity Portfolio. I am also trying to get more defensive. I think I am overweight in the Info Tech sector. I am looking at a 5 year hold. I have cash to buy another position. What would your advice be - hold the cash or make a purchase. If purchase what would be your recommendation for defensive position?

Thanks for your help.

Q: Hi Just a follow up on my question re ETF's in Tax Advantaged Accounts
I neglected to add VGT and XLP and are in my non registered account or taxable account.
Would you have any suggestions to change and to what to make them more tax friendly.

Q: I have VGT $5500 to fund vacation in US this winter. Would like your views to switch to the best US growth options for a 2 month gain before cashing out of my TFSA or leave as is. Your best guess of 3 investments, thanks.

Q: Given the recent declines in prices for these two ETF's, would this be a good time to buy in? An which would you prefer?

Q: Facebook and Google have been moved out of this ETF and moved to the Communications Services ETF as a result of their industry reclassification. I still like the companies in the Tech ETF but Apple apparently makes up 20%. Would you move some cash from this ETF to the Vanguard Communications Services ETF? How do you handle such a change? (Amazon was moved as well). Is this one possible negative factor of ETFs in that a reclassification actually change your portfolio?

Q: Good Afternoon
Can you recommend any Canadian ETFs that cover the US and Global Technology besides QQQ, hedged and unhedged and preferrably being actively managed with low fees?
Thanks
Ron

Q: Hi ? I have done well with RBF1030 (RBC Life Science & Technology).
Do you see a net advantage to replace it with one or two ETFs ? If so, which ones ?
Thank you so much for your clear and concise reply to my recent question on US tech stocks. Most helpfull. Just what I needed.
JD

Q: Hi do you have any suggestion of etf that plays us technology. thanks.

Q: If this ETF ever owned Amazon, (sadly) it no longer does.

Q: Hi 5I,
Would like to find a technology etf for a long term hold that includes the likes of Apple, Amazon, Shopify, Google. and so on. What would you suggest?
Earl

Q: Could you pls. recommend a US$ ETF for tech. stocks?
Thks.
Tony

Q: Dear team,
Thank you for your valuable investment guidance that has helped me to invest prudently so far. I have around $10,000 to invest in my RRSP this year.Which one of the following three stocks/ETFs -BABA, VGT, ZQQ- would you recommend to add to my portfolio? I already own equal weight of stocks FB, NVDA, BRK.A in my RRSP account. Many thanks in advance .

Q: I am setting up an all ETF portfolio for a 20 yr plus holding period and I have a two-part question. The first part concerns the makeup of the Canadian/US component. Is it better to go with a combination of SPY and XIC or would including CDZ and VIG provide stability and perhaps a bit more growth to the mix (keeping in mind that I intend to hold at least 5% of each but don't need income yet)?

Secondly, I am looking for higher risk assets for my TFSA. I was thinking of IWO. I know that there are specialized sectors I could include but I looking for a fairly hands-off approach. Do you think this approach would serve me well - I know that it is only one asset type - or is there a better mix out there that would still be quite manageable?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: My TFSA is all in Can $. I have $12000.00 to add this year, so would like your opinion, on the US Tech sector, or the US Bank sector.
I would buy a ETF. At this time would you go hedged or unhedged?
Thanks for your continued support.
Shirley