Q: I read a lot about how the West need rare earth minerals. One of the leading ETFs in this space appears to be Van Eck's REMX. It is down year to date, and down over most time periods in the last 10 years.

Why is this ETF down so much when there is apparently such demand for the products? Do you feel this is a good time to buy with a 2-5 year hold? What could cause the ETF to break out of its current funk?

Thank you for your valued advice.

Q: Dear 5i team.

Can you update your viewes on REMX please? What is your assessment of:

1) up/down part of the cycle?
2) co's trading at decent multiples?
3) Does this pay a dividend?

Do you still see this as a good part of a diversified portfolio?

Appreciate your help.

Q: Hello Folks:
We are interested in purchasing Mercedes Benz (New York Stock Exchange): perhaps a 5 %% weighting.
Merc stock appears having decent upside in addition to a 7% dividend.
We are considering selling perhaps some Visa, REMX, Johnson Controls, Manual Life, or reducing some energy companies etc. to raise funds for this purpose. We could also thin down big Tech however feel these Tech stocks will have some wind in their sales.
How would you compare outlook for Mercedes Benz with industrials such as John Deere, Cat, Cummins etc. We are Merc fans, however don't wish being over enthusiastic.
Thanks again for all you contribute!!!
brian