Investment Q&A

Q: FDD - First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund isn't listed on your site but I hold some of it and am thinking of getting more. It has a high yield but hasn't done much the last few years, up until this year, when it's shot up nicely. What do you think of it and it's risks?

Q: Peter and His Wonder Team
SAN has been on a positive run this year hitting a new high. I know you do not follow European Banks. However any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Apparently they are selling their Polish Bank. So do you think all the good news has been baked in? Do you think it has any more up side or will it plateau soon and maybe retreat? Thanks for your insights!

Q: Peter and His Wonder Team
I have read that some analysts are predicting a 90% chance of an economic slow down or some type of recession later this year. If this were to occur how do you think it would effect large European banks or insurance companies in general? Thanks for your insights...they always help!

Q: I would like to hedge my US Investments from a falling US dollar. I have USD cash to deploy and I am looking at IGOV the IShares International Treasury Bond ETF and BWX the SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF. What do you think of these ETF's as hedges to the USD, and do you have any alternative solutions? Thank you for your assistance.

Q: I believe in international diversification, but I am currently regretting the high weight I have put on US-dollar-denominated holdings in my portfolio. Given Trump's policies to date, his career record of welshing proudly on past debts and the years remaining in his term, I want to lower the weight substantially and invest in more European, British, Japanese, Australian and New Zealand assets instead, assets not denominated in US dollars. What ETFs do you suggest for this purpose?

Q: Could you recommend a couple of European market ETFs that would capture the overall bounce being experienced in Spain, Germany and more?

Q: For past several weeks, International markets have been outperforming US markets. Europe, Emerging markets and Japan seem to be the standouts. Financials, particularly have done very well. MSCI Europe Financial Index is up 25% compared to -2.5% for XLF. Do you believe that this trend is not going away soon and it would make sense to diversify a portfolio with addition of European Equities ?

If so, would be your preferred route ?

What is your view on Banco Santander and ICICI Bank and whether these will be good options and serve as good proxies for these economies and markets ?

Thank You

Q: I realize that it is located more than a little outside your usual bailiwick; however, what is your current opinion of KENON Holdings stock as a reliable dividend producer with some growth potential? Thanks!

Q: I used to own a REIT called INN . A play on the Canadian tourism industry . I did quite well on it and sold it for a tidy profit when they were bought out . With our southern neighbors rapidly approaching " Most Hated Nation " status coupled with their currently well publicized Gestapo tactics at the border resulting in travel alerts in at least five countries ..... I am curious in what ways I can invest in the Canadian tourism industry ? On social media I am reading a lot of European and Aussie tourists are planning trips to Canada instead of the U.S. .... Any suggestions of an approach to investing in Canadian tourism ? I am looking for Canada " only " options . If there are no " Canada " options how about Europe ? Not interested in any company that even uses U.S. airspace..... I'm an " Elbows Up " Canucklehead .....

Of course one other concern is Trump throwing the world into recession and the travel industry suffering as a result. Could 5i comment on that thesis as well ? ..... Thanks for your terrific service .....

Q: Good morning, I am looking for an alternative to big American tech. Hopefully in Europe or perhaps Asia. When large Canadian pension plans are moving away from US investments, I think this is worth exploring. Would appreciate your thoughts.

Q: Which is the better long term etf choice?

Q: Can I get recommendations for the following:


Best Europe ETF (cad listed)

Best Emerging Market ETF (cad listed)

Just vanilla etfs, though would like a dividend

Q: Retired investor can wait, not ready to leave risk assets.

My current allocation is 9% International markets, 38% US, 27% Can and 27% Cash and bonds.
Would like to start dipping some Emerging markets. For long term hold, how would you proceed and in what % in can$ ?
I just sent a question regarding ZEM, actually if we need to reduce the US allocation than us$ can be used to buy EM. Please make the necessary correction to the previous question if need be.

Thank again.
Yves

Thank you
Yves

Q: Dear 5i, If one were interested in investing in Japan using a TFSA for a long term hold. Which would you prefer between FLJP or EWJV ETF on the US exchange? FLJP has approx. 500 holdings and EWJV has a value tilt. with approx. 100 holdings. EWJV's 100 holdings are a subset of FLJP's holdings.

Q: Dear 5i, FLEE is a Europe ETF incl. UK and FLEU is Eurozone excl. UK.
For a long term hold which one would you prefer for a long term hold?
Can you please help explain your reasons.

Q: What are your thoughts on Marex Group, please, thanks.

Q: With the current downturn in the market, could you please recommend 5 global ETFs (not US based equities) and rank them from 1st to 5th.

Q: Hi, I would appreciate if you could suggest a best ETF to invest in China. Also, if you can suggest an ETF for Emerging Markets with less focus on China.

Q: Hi, I would appreciate if you can suggest an ETF for investment in Japan. Both Hedged & Unhedged options.

Q: Recognizing that you don't necessarily follow NVO, do you still consider this a better long term investment compared to PFE with it's attractive dividend? I know that the company's recent trials have not been great, but do they have a better pipeline than PFE?

NVO's revenue and free cash flow seemed to have consistently grown looking in the past, and it appears to be at an historically attractive valuation. But now maybe the most important question going forward is has NVO lost it's "moat" ?