Investment Q&A

Q: I've owned IQLT for a few years now. I've noticed that the VEA top holdings are quite similar to IQLT, but at a significantly reduced MER. Is it really worth paying that much more to continue to hold IQLT? Maybe you have better insight on the differences between the two than I do (?)

Q: Is there an ex-Canada ETF "acceptable to 5i Research" similar to VXC, but perhaps a bit less U.S. exposure. I already have IQLT, so I don't need an ETF that is necessarily ex-North America.

Q: What are your thoughts on IQLT in this current environment? It does have a heavy weighting in Europe. Are you presently concerned about further deterioration of the European economy ?

Without trying to make this a question about market timing, would it be best to wait to add to one's current holdings? I am close to the desired weighting, but would like to top it up when things appear to be close to being at their worst. Wouldn't we all like to buy at the bottom ?!

Q: Hello 5i,

I am looking for a Canadian dollar etf alternative to the above international quality factor etf. IQLT has 1% USA assets. Could you suggest two CAD etf alternatives: one with some USA assets and one without? I suspect the mer will be higher, but that’s ok.

Many thanks,

Q: I was listening to a podcast recently interviewing a highly-regarded market analyst. Among other things, he highlighted the importance for retirees to invest carefully in the current environment. He does like gold and China, but also recommended a "high quality company" ETF. In other words, an ETF that invests in "companies that tick all the boxes" - eg. excellent balance sheet, no dividend cuts, etc.

Would IQLT be a good recommendation? I don't mind that there are no FANG stocks, or for that matter any US stocks in that particular ETF. I do own some US stocks, but I believe the next decade will be more favourable to Asia / emerging markets anyway, (currently lower PE's for example). Just my opinion.

Do you think that the expense ratio seems a bit high for IQLT ? If you don't like this one, do you have an alternative ?

Thanks.