Investment Q&A

Q: What are the chances that an individual stock picker outperforms a mix of VOO, VUG, and QQQ over the long term (20 years)? What factors could influence one's ability to do this?

Q: My husband mainly holds ETF's in his TFSA - ZLB, VXC, ZNQ, and some BRK. ZNQ accounts for around 5% with the others split about evenly. Which one would you add new cash to today? Another option we have been looking at is adding VUG. I think there is a lot of overlap between VXC, ZNQ, and VUG. Of the three, which one or two do you like best? Thanks!

Q: Writing in again because I keep hesitating about how to start a high growth all equity portfolio..

For context, I am 39 years of age, with a comfortable income, and planning on working about 25 years. This would be for retirement money.

You previously answered you would be comfortable with an SP500 index fund as VFV of SPY as opposed to an all in one equity fund such as VEQT or XEQT, from what I understood.

Can you please suggest a porfolio of 5 to 7 all equity ETFs that you believe to be superior to the all in one variety. I don’t necessarily care about the truisms about absolutely needing to be geographically diverse. And I certainly prefer to avoid Canadian home bias.

Thank you.

Q: Hi team,

Could you suggest a growth portfolio of EFTs for a TFSA, with an indication as to the degree of risk for each ?

Is it a good idea to have a TFSA all in ETFs ? Or what kind of mix (ETFs and stocks) would you suggest ?

Gratefully,

Jacques IDS

Q: At 60 I suddenly find myself semi-retired. Although it's a few years earlier than anticipated, I'm actually pretty excited - I've used the CRA retirement calculator (an excellent tool) and have a solid plan. I do need to make a $150,000 RRSP account last until I am 70 when I plan on applying for CPP and OAS. I want to pull $18,000 per year from the RRSP account a so it does require some growth. Can you suggest a mix of US and Canadian holdings and or etf's (about 50% allocation each country) for such a scenario? Thanks so much.

Q: What do you think of Blackrock’s new Long-Term US Equity ETF (BELT)? It is actively managed so a higher fee but maybe a nice way to diversify the growth portion of one’s portfolio? Or would you recommend sticking with VOO and QQQ? I notice you have also recommended VUG lately. Thanks!

Q: HI Everyone,

My portfolios (Non-Registered, RRIF, TFSA) consist of only 100% Canadian equities and Cash. I am retired and would finally like to add some excitement and diversity to my holdings. Can you please suggest some Global/International or US ETF's and/or other funds that I could consider.

In my current mish-mash of holdings; I presently own: BCE, T, ENB, AP.un,H&R-un,BN, CSU, TOI, LMN, EDV, K, VET, WSP, LSPD, Anergia, Copperleaf, Softchoice, ATD, and WSP, etc.

Thanks very much,

Dean

Q: Looking at ETF SPYG for my $US Acct. Holdings are sub-set (about 228) of S&P 500 said to have better growth. MER=0.04%.

Appears similar to VOO, VUG, MER also similar. Looking for growth, not income. For 3-5 year hold, Please comment on SPYG and compare to the two Vanguard ETFs.

Thank you,
IslandJohn

Q: Hello 5i
Your answer to Brian on July 3 , you recommended VUG what would be the Canadian equivalent ETF or the closest to it.
Thanks

Q: Would like to add to my holdings a well diversified growth ETF for a long term hold (10 years+). Have $25,000 to invest in my current $2 million portfolio of equities (20) and ETFs (5)
I am considering FCUV . Your comments on this ETF would very much be appreciated. Also is there any other ETF you would recommend .

Q: Hi, I was looking for a US Growth ETF sold on the Cdn exchange that is the equivalent of VUG that I can buy with Cdn dollars.

Thx

Q: Hi, can you recommend the equivalent of VUG ETF, sold on the Canadian Exchange?
Thx Kim

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: What is your opinion of VUG vs SCHG? SCHG has a higher morningstar rating (5 stars) than VUG (4 stars). SCHG has lower MER, VUG has higher AUM. What do you think?

Q: VUG seems to have out performed VOO over the years. Is there an argument for VOO over VUG if one just wanted to own just one ETF.

Q: My daughter is just starting out with a RRSP account. She has some VDY and we would like a suggestion of 5 or 6 non Canadian Vanguard funds

Q: Can you suggest some growth ETFs (not necessarily healthcare ) which hold Eli and or REGN please?

Q: Dear Peter et al:

This is more of big picture and history based question even though I am old enough know that the past performance doesn't mean anything going forward!

Has there been a period when Small cap growth or value stocks outperformed the Large caps growth/value during deflation/stagflation, recession with with a capital R or a lower case r, or even in a nominal sideways market? Do you see such a scenario evolving in 2024/2025? If so what are the ETFs that one could employ to benefit from such a scenario? Lightening up the large caps and switching to small caps for a year or two , is this a good strategy going forward?
I have included some of the ETFs that you are fond of from your Q&A. However feel free to add or delete!

Many thanks.
Mano

Q: My son, 25, recently married and working in USA, has just begun contributing to ROTH IRA matched by employer and looking for advice on on initiating investment in top 4-6 etf's to achieve long term gains with appropriate market diversification. Also, could you please suggest weightings for each considering moderate to high risk tolerance? Thanks so much. Tony

Q: I am close to retiring and have all registered accounts maxed out, but have $200K of non-registered funds to invest, and wondering what recommendation would be. I am leaning for simplicity to spread across a few ETFs to get some balance of growth and dividends. Thoughts/recommendations.