skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hello 5i
I have CLF at 6% weight, the highest of the portfolio. I am tired of seeing it constantly dropping over these many years. Would it be of a benefit to exchange this for XLB with the higher dividends and what appears to be an up trend over time? I am 73 with a 60 /40 split, value investor seeking dividends holding some growth equities among the blue chips.
Thank you
Stanley
Read Answer Asked by STANLEY on November 13, 2019
Q: Hi,

Looking for a long term hold, preferably lo-volatility and some growth. I own the banks, AQN, BAM, and ZQQ. Can you recommend your top two picks and why?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on November 13, 2019
Q: Hi 5i team: I am looking to add to my portfolio an International ETF ex Canada (in US dollars), I want to get more ex-Canada diversification. Am leaning toward XAW:U (shares Core MSCI All Country World ex-Cda) as it seems to get high marks from the research I have done. Could you suggest another 2 or 3 as alternatives in US dollars. What do you think of VT ? Thanks as always for your guidance.
Steve
Read Answer Asked by STEVEN on November 13, 2019
Q: RE: Nov 12, 2019 Q: I found your response to Leonard’s question regarding which accounts international ETFs are best placed quite interesting.

When both (a) VWO's extra withholding tax and (b) VEE's better return than VWO (longer term - 7 years) factors are considered together, which has produced the best 'real' return (and be likely to in the future)?

VEE vs VWO Performance (approx):
- VEE: Dividend: 2.8% 7-Year: +36.9% YTD: +9.2%
- VWO: Dividend: 2.7% 7-Year: +5.5% YTD: +7.6%

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Paul on November 13, 2019
Q: I've read some comments posted about CCL and it being a dog. Even with the drop today the total return YTD is north of 8%. Not a home run by any means like BYD, AAPL, CSU or some others but in the grand scheme of things 8.5% is not what i would consider a dog. Now if you want a dog just mention Concordia Healthcare or Advanz Pharma as they are known as now. at pretty much a 100% loss that is what I consider a dog. Compares to that I'll take CCL's performance any day. Just my perspective
Read Answer Asked by Richard on November 13, 2019
Q: What is your opinion on newer ETFs that are basically high interest savings account? I'm referring specifically to Purpose High Savings Interest ETF and CI First Asset High Interest Savings ETF. Is there any risk here or do they pay such low interest rates that just holding cash or a cashable GIC would be preferable? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Paul W on November 13, 2019
Q: Hi,

If I understand correctly, 5I isn't very bullish on the oil and gas sector now; however, it seems like you have high expectations from QST. I can see the appeal that QST can have regarding environmentally conscious needs, but wouldn't the companies they serve have to start doing better before QST would see huge growth?

thanks as always for your insights,
Brad
Read Answer Asked by Brad on November 13, 2019
Q: There have been a few questions lately about dividends paid in USD into USD denominated accounts. In my experience with RBC, the USD-denominated dividends of BEP.UN were first converted to Cdn dollars at the official exchange rate by the company that distributed the dividends and then converted back to US-dollars at RBC's exchange rate. As a result, one gets less of a dividend than expected and, in my mind, this defeats the purpose of collecting the dividend in the USD-denominated account. Buyer beware.
Read Answer Asked by richard on November 13, 2019
Q: Hi, I have been increasingly hearing that after a long period of growth stocks significantly outperforming value stocks that the tide may be turning and a major shift to value stocks may be underway and in the early stages. Time will tell if this is correct but meantime would you be able to recommend some value oriented Canadian ETF’s that would most benefit frommsuch a rotation? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Gary on November 13, 2019