Q: Hi 5i,
I have a few of questions about a few tech ETF's - please deduct as many points as you think appropriate.
In comparing XIT to TXF.B I note that XIT has a better 5 year annualized return (16.03% to 7.87%) but TXF.B has outperformed XIT over the past 3 year annualized period by 10.23% to 8.38%. In addition, TXF.B pays a very healthy distribution (over 9% annually) while XIT pays none. And then finally, XIT is all Canadian and has over 75% of its NAV wrapped up in 4 names - CSU, SHOP, CGI and OTEX.
All that being the case, I wonder:
Is XIT too dependent on just a few names that are all in one geography to have the safety one expects (hopes for at least) in an ETF, both looked at in isolation and also when compared to a name like TXF.B?
XIT obviously hit it big with those 4 names (and especially CSU I'd think) but is its good return likely to continue into the future with so much reliance on so few contributors, all of which are in Canada?
Is there a site that does the hard work of comparing the actual returns of ETFs by analyzing the combination of capital gain combined with the contribution of distributions so that it's possible to get a true idea of the performance of an ETF like TXF.B with its 9% /year distribution compared to XIT's zero payout? and finally:
Between a hedged ETF like TXF vs an unhedged ETF like TXF.B which have identical holdings, which would you expect to do better over the next 3 years or so, and why? I note that unhedged TXE.B has outperformed hedged TXF over the past number of years, and I wonder if you think this trend will continue.
Thanks 5i, I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Peter

Q: I have in my wife's TFSA: BIP.UN, SIS, SPB, STC and ETF XIT. First 3 holdings for long time. STC down 78% - ouch, XIT about even now but holds two dogs LSP and SHOP. Was thinking of selling STC and XIT and buying AD.UN and KMP.UN. We are holding $72K in cash as well. Ideas/suggestions appreciated. She already owns GSY and GRT.UN in RRSP - purchased last year. A lot of stocks are up a fair bit - so, do not see any bargains.

Q: If you were to consider 5 sector ETFs based on current price and future prospects, what would they be?

Please recommend your favourite ETF for each on the TSX unless it's only available in USD.

Would the beaten down USA sector (eg. XUU) be part of your thinking?