Investment Q&A

Q: I prepared a question on EWJ but when I hit “submit” your website logged me out; I will prepare it again but if you see the first one of course please ignore this.

A couple of questions. First, what is your outlook for this investment going forward? The ETF is based on the Japan index; does the market in Japan seem favourable? In particular, there has been a suggestion that the “carry trade” will be winding down as interest rates begin to rise; will this affect the investment prospects? Or does the ETF being in US currency shield it from any effect?

Second, what is the expected yield going forward? Different profiles for the fund show different rates. 5i I has it at 1.9%; BMO shows it at 4.53%. However, in December, I received a payment that was probably just over 4%, but that was a semi-annual payment. Can you see what it might be going forward to the next one in May? And can you explain why the December payment seems so high, especially compared to distributions in the past years?

Many thanks for your excellent service.

Q: Wanting to diversify my holdings to include international markets.

Could you please recommend an ETF for India, Japan, Europe and emerging markets.

What percentage do you recommend to be outside North America?

Thanks Dave

Q: Do you have a preference between DXJ and EWJ for Japan equity exposure? DXJ has outperformed historically—largely due to currency hedging but this may not continue. I would value your detailed view —and reasoning on:
• attractiveness of hedged vs. unhedged Japan exposure in the current reckless debt levels,
• fundamental index differences (TOPIX-based vs. WisdomTree dividend/quality tilt),
• concentration risks and sector biases of each,
• DXJ is already held and I could add to it but I wonder what you think of how each ETF fits into strategic vs. tactical allocations,
(whether holding both funds offers diversification? Or would that be unnecessary overlap?)

Q: With the TSX & US markets being over valued today, can you suggest a few ETF's or stocks that would benefit from international momentum, countries of interest Japan, Mexico or Indonesia.


Thanks for all you do and provide.

Q: I believe in international diversification, but I am currently regretting the high weight I have put on US-dollar-denominated holdings in my portfolio. Given Trump's policies to date, his career record of welshing proudly on past debts and the years remaining in his term, I want to lower the weight substantially and invest in more European, British, Japanese, Australian and New Zealand assets instead, assets not denominated in US dollars. What ETFs do you suggest for this purpose?

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, I would appreciate if you can suggest an ETF for investment in Japan. Both Hedged & Unhedged options.

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: I am presently considering investing outside of America….I want to stay away from trouble areas like Europe, UK, China, even Australia……I am warming up to Japan, any thoughts??? Thank you!

Q: Good afternoon. I have $20K in an unregistered US account to invest in an ETF that would track either European or
Orient dividend growers. What would you recommend,? I could split it to accommodate both jurisdictions if you think it's prudent. Thanks David

Q: Please recommend your preferred Japan etf or etfs. Your thoughts on a currency hedged etf is also appreciated. Thanks

Q: Hello 5i Team
Do you think that investing in Inda and Japan ETF is beneficial for diversification and growth. Are there any ETF that you can recommend?
Thanks

Q: Can you please recommend 5 US or Japanese ETFs that will have a revenue of about 10% or more annually, including dividends and capital appreciation, for a conservative investor?

Q: Good Morning,

Knowing that you don’t follow Japan Index in a big way and also the run these ETFs have been on, what are your thoughts on holding one of these for minimum 3-5 years? If so which one? Still lots of upside, room to grow?

Looking to diversify a bit.


Thanks!
Robert

Q: Hi, There has been a lot of talk about Japanese stock market witnessing a strong recovery after almost a lifetime. In your view, what are the factors causing this rebound ?

Many portfolio managers on CNBC and BNN have recommended to have an exposure to Japanese markets. Mr Buffet, for one, as always, started early, taking sizable positions in some well known Trading and Industrial companies. Over past 2-3 years, they have also issued many tranches of Japanese Yen denominated Bonds, with interest rates higher than usually offered by Japanese issuers, once such large issue just announced.

What is your view and if you concur, is EWJ a decent investment vehicle to invest at current levels ?

Thank You

Q: Japan is showing some recent economic recovery. What are the factors responsible for that and is it sustainable? If yes than is it a good idea to add some exposure via an ETF?

Q: Hi, If I want exposure to Japan, should I buy Toyota or an ETF or something else?

Q: The Japanese yen has been week for 3 years and Japanese corporations are apparently starting to be more shareholder friendly. Supposedly many Japanese corporations are sitting on lots of cash and finally they are starting to buy back stock and start/increase dividends. At least that is what I can glean from the business mass media. Does 5I agree with this appraisal of the situation? If the answer the answer is yes then I assume you agree that some exposure to the Japanese market would be prudent? Then what ETF would you suggest? I think something unhedged would be better in case the yen starts wakes up and starts to appreciate.

Q: Hello 5i,

As always, thanks for your sage advice.

I am light on international exposure. I am thinking of adding an Indian and Mexican ETF as both economies are robust and likely have a long runway.
Firstly, would you agree? and if so, could you suggest a go to fund for each.

And if no, could you advise what you think would be a better path?

Much appreciated,

Ralph

Q: Do you still think right now is a good time to invest in Japan? If so... How do you compare these ETFs? Which one are best for a long term investor? Thank you.