Investment Q&A

Q: I am looking to add some bond exposure. I had a look at TLT and XHY.

Here is my own personal view on the economy:

- Interest rates could eventually flatline or even fall later in 2023.

- The economy has a somewhat elevated risk of going into a recession.

- The interest rate hikes have a risk of causing "something to break", possibly triggering a black swan event.

Under the above scenarios I am guessing XHY is not a good option considering the individual ratings of the bonds within this ETF, correct?

I don't necessarily want to invest in preparation for a black swan event that may or may not happen, however I want to prepare a bit for that possibility. If that were to happen I would guess that investors would tend to migrate towards the USD. Would that be beneficial for TLT?

Are there better options?

Q: Hi Peter,

After the fed outlook for the economy and the fed rate 2023 what is your opinion of a near term price movement of TLT? Do you think the fed was setting the expectation of a hard landing / recession without acknowledging that the fed rate is restrictive enough already?
Regards
Rajiv

Q: Bond ETFs like ZAG and XBB look to be off 20% or more from highs 2 years ago. Do you see a path back to those highs? And over what period of time? The possibility of capital appreciation while collecting 3% interest has some appeal. Would interest rates actually have to decline, or could merely levelling off cause a bond ETF to rise? If you thought the stars might align say in the next 2 years, what ETF might you choose to play a capital appreciation theme (and maybe state a couple of the assumptions you are making)? Thanks,

Q: For price appreciation in the next 12-24 months, would you prefer a long-term ETF like XLB/TLT or an ETF with shorter duration like XBB/ZAG. Or a bit of both?
Thanks.

Q: I notice that STIP and TIP have each stopped paying their previously excellent dividends. The prospect of their payouts returning, their low volatility and their low correlation with the remainder of my portfolio keep them somewhat attractive. However, can you recommend preferred stock or bond etfs (preferably with available option series) that can provide low volatility, low equity correlation and some yield?

Q: Dear 5i
From what i`ve read over the years , it is my understanding that for every 1% increase or decrease in interest rates there is a corresponding 10% increase or decrease in bond prices . Is this generally accurate ?
If so would it be advisable , once it is believed that interest rates have peaked , to purchase a bond ETF ( with longer term holdings ) ? If so what would be your bond ETF of choice ? That being said if interest rates have indeed peaked it would also be favourable for stocks as well . As such i suppose the best scenario is the add to both with new money . Do you agree ?
Thanks as usual ,
Bill C

Q: Hello 5IR,
Do you know of any fund or ETF that invests exclusively in US T-Bills?
Thanks you. cheers

Q: Is it time to switch from STIP to TLT?

Q: In response to Jason's question on Oct 25th, you indicated that you like AGG and TLT. can you recommend CAD hedged versions of these?
thanks

Q: What environment would TLT perform the best? If the fed goes on hold will TLT effectively be flat, in other words does it take a decrease in the fed funds rate for TLT to have a significant move? What might it take for TLT to go from current price of $96 say to $125. Is a recession good for TLT?
Thanks
Rob

Q: hello 5i:
we hold some PFFD, but your system doesn't seem to recognize that ETF.
Question: would you expect TLT and PFFD to track very closely? Their charts look similar on a 5 year scale.
If so, and as the yield on PFFD is much higher than that of TLT, would not PFFD have a signicantly higher total return over almost any time horizon?
thanks
Paul L

Q: HI 5I,

I have been reading, listening to my financial advisor and seeing some answers on your question blog that there may be an opportunity with bonds. I like ETF's the last while, so can you give me your advice on some ETF's that incorporate a high level of bonds that may see some upside if bonds were to have some capital appreciation. Thank-you

Q: I am waiting for an opportunity to buy back into bonds
My preference was tlt as the go to investment.
Recently a new etf has been introduced UTEN which is a 10 yr us t- bill.
It’s present yield is about double that of tlt.
Would you expect both to react the same if and when interest rate increases stop and actually reverse direction

Q: Would you please suggest the names of several short & long term US Treasuries ETFs. Thanks … Cal

Q: what is your thinking about bonds right now.Can you explain how they work with their yields and resets.Are you recommending any bonds or bond funds right now?
Which ones if so.Do you think that the bonds have sold off too much right now?

Q: Hi 5i Team,

In your recent article you highlighted that it would be a good time to start stepping into purchasing bonds. I am in my late-30’s so I have a longer term investment horizon and a medium to high risk tolerance. I have never purchased bonds in the past so what would be the best approach to purchasing bonds (ie. is it best to buy an ETF or individual bonds) to capitalize on the current depressed pricing?

Do you see this as being a long term trade or a purchase that should be exited when the conditions begin to reverse?

Thanks in advance,
Jon

Q: Hi Peter,

Thanks for your insights at the MoneyShow last week. You mentioned Long Term Bonds as a viable investment option in the current market environment. Can you explain the rational? Also provide some recommendations for ETS (CAD currency preferred) or specific bond and or bond fund.

Thanks for your continued guidance during this bear market opportunity,
Angelo

Q: I would think that with todays cpi numbers , and expectations of at least a .75 increase in the fed , that tlt would react very negatively. As I type tlt is just down .19%
Why is it not down more

Q: do you recommend Canadians buying US bond ETFs? Is there a Canadian hedged version of TLT?

Q: If, as I believe the market is going to experience another large downturn, would TLT, ZROZ, or in Canada ZTL be a good investment in US Treasury long bonds, due to a possible flight to safety?