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Investment Q&A

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

Q: Hi Peter and group: I am interested in the above noted ETF for an approximate 3% holding in my RRSP. I think you touched on this ETF recently, but am wondering if you could shed further light as regards volatility, expense ratio, (seems very high at 2.2%) and overall risk. My risk tolerance is moderate and the hold would be for several years. I also currently hold ZWH, ( 6 %) in my RRSP for U.S. exposure .

Thanks for the great service

David
Read Answer Asked by david on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi Team,
Following a question about Canadian and US health care sector opportunities, I am trying compare and contrast IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) with XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF). I realize the former focuses on large companies and has more concentrated positions in top holdings while the latter focuses on small companies with a more even distribution of holdings. What are your thoughts about a risk/return trade off between the two ETFs and what timeframe would you be considering to hold either one for an investment thesis to pan out? If you had to pick one, which would it be and why?
Many thanks, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 18, 2017
Q: Have over 20 years until retirement. VVL has been a disappointment , seems to be holding too many stocks that underperform and has substantially low dividend yield compared to VCN/VUN.

RRSP Account
ZUH 10%
VVL 7%
ZGI 8%
COW 10%
XWD 6%
ZLU 7%
ZLB 7%
VXC 5%
ZID 2%
VUN 7%
CWW 9%
XGD 6%
XIT 8%
Cash 8%

What would be your top 5 etfs for a long term hold?
Read Answer Asked by Thomas on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@
Read Answer Asked by James on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi,

I have no bonds in my portfolios and am interested in picking up some laddered corporate bonds, specifically convertible debendetures (unrated) from smaller firms. Pays about 5% and after purchase bonds would comprise about 3% of my portfolio.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, and if there are other options for getting some exposure to bonds (ETFs for ex.).

Cam
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on August 18, 2017
Q: I've noted in the Q&A section you continue to support both CSU AND CGNX. I already own CSU and note that with all the 'noise' these days it seems to go about its business and is much more stable than some of the other tech. companies. Would you consider CGNX to be the same kind of company and do you think it would be a top American company to complement CSU? Are there 1 or 2 other tech. companies (Canadian or American) you could recommend that you favour that would help me to gain good diversification to the technology sector. As further guidance, I appreciated Mike's caution about the importance of being patient, but I must admit, I personally find it easier to maintain my patience when I'm invested in less volatile companies. As always, I appreciate your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Les on August 18, 2017
Q: Outside of Gold I only hold TV in the materials sector. Can you name a few equities that you would recommend that are not oil related? What weighting would you suggest for this sector overall? Thank-you as always.
Read Answer Asked by Alex on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello 5i. I'm overweight in CBI and have taken a big hit (35%). Stock sits in my Lira account which I'm unable to touch for 10 yrs. Would you recommend I sit on this and hope for bounce back with possible infrastructure bill to be passed or take my hit now and move on? if so, what would you recommend to replace stock with in U.S. or Can? Please offer 1 stock on each side of the border.

Thx Rob
Read Answer Asked by Robert on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi 5i,

As of today, which stocks would you purchase with a full position in an RRSP to hold for 3-5 years?

Which stocks would you consider value stocks to purchase today for 1/2 to a full position in an RRSP?

Thank you for your excellent service and advice.

Cheers,

Jerry & Debbie
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on August 18, 2017