Investment Q&A

Q: ASML reported last week and said it expects strong growth going forward due to AI. ASML has a nice niche business. But they also said they expect demand from China to drop significantly in 2026. China accounted for around 40% of the current quarter orders. Plus, China is restricting exports of rare earth materials which ASML needs for their machines. ASML said they will feel the impact in a year or so. I have a smaller position in ASML and a nice return. I was prepared to hold ASML but now am wondering if next quarter and 2026 results may be disappointing. Would you continue to hold or sell? Thanks.

Q: Good morning, I currently use ETFs for foreign investments and I now have a large position in ZDI. I like it's growth and dividend. I have been looking at VIDY recently for diversification. I like it's growth rate of the last 5 years (does not have 10 year history). Can I have your thoughts on both these etf's and any other growth oriented ex-north-america etf's. Thank you.

Q: Emerging markets sure seem to be emerging from the doldrums. What do you see as the short and long term futures here? What ETFs to you recommend in both CAD and USD? Are there any particular parts of the world you would focus on & is there a specific index that covers the emerging markets?

Thanks

Paul

Q: I have owned MAW120 for almost 10 years, and upon looking at its recent performance, I can't find any reason to continue owning this fund. Can you?

As per Mawer's web site (https://www.mawer.com/funds/performance) it shows results as of June 30, 2025 versus its benchmark:

MAW120 1yr: -0.9%; 3 yr: 9.8%; 5 yr 7.7%
Benchmark: 1 yr: 15.8%; 3 yr: 19.6%; 5 yr 13.7%

For the one year period ending June 30th it lost money! It's benchmark earned 15.8%. It has > 50% invested in the US market. I don't see how they could lose money over that time period. Can you explain how it could lose money when markets in US, Canda and Europe over that period were generally good. Even their International Equity fund made 23.3% over the same 1 year time period.

I will be "firing" them. I have sold 1/2 today, and will sell the other 1/2 next week. I would like to invest in the benchmark for this fund, or something as equivalent as possible. Can you suggest 3 ETFs for me to buy for global equity exposure that have significantly better performance than MAW120.

Thanks,
Paul

Q: hello 5i:
regarding the proposed "drone wall" for Europe: can you tell me which companies would be leaders in this field?
thanks
Paul L

Q: Could you please explain the advantages of owning Banco Santander using these 2 different ways.

Thanks
Mark

Q: Hi 5i,

MELI has had a sharp decline in its share price the past two days and I can't seem to find any news that would explain it.

I know.... I cringe when I see a question about "why did this stock price drop" and usually the answer is "because the market is crazy and doesn't have to make sense short term".

I am asking this question because when I take a look at what I would consider MELI's competitors/similiar business, like AMZN and SHOP, their stock prices are moving in a positive or at least stable direction. Can't help but feel as though I am missing some key info.

I have held the stock for over 5 years and intend to hold it for at least another 2-3years. Still have confidence in the Business model going forward.

Maybe I'm just letting the market noise finally get to me.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thank you,

Greg C.

Q: May I have your thoughts on this stock. It has been moving up steadily.
Are there others that you would prefer?
Thanks.

Q: With the TSX & US markets being over valued today, can you suggest a few ETF's or stocks that would benefit from international momentum, countries of interest Japan, Mexico or Indonesia.


Thanks for all you do and provide.

Q: In a letter today Bespoke investments describes how TIGO has improved its operations in several of its Latin American companies , including some businesses it acquired from Telefonica. Bespoke just added TIGO to its model ‘Dividend portfolio’. TIGO pays over 6% in dividend. I assume TIGO shares are undervalued due to perception of political uncertainty in Central and Southern America (?). I would appreciate your analysis , insight, and opinion. (Or should I just go back to being shy?)

Q: Good morning,

I am concerned about US debt levels and US instability and am worried about a currency crisis which would negatively impact both the US and Canada. I am looking into investing into etfs of specific countries that I believe could whether the storm well. (I am current looking at NORW as an example) Can you please recommend 3 foreign country etfs that would be relatively insolated from a currency crisis for the US and Canada?
Thanks

Q: Read NIO's plan to issue $1B-US of ADR's into the market expecting this to drive the down the share price but the opposite has happened? Actually stock is still climbing since the announcement, would you have any insights to what is driving the price up?
Appreciate all your excellent advice. Ted.

Q: Good day. I would be interested in your opinion of the Chinese EV company, BYD.

Q: Thoughts on RNW ? Thank you.

Q: My stock allocation for Canada and US combined is close to 90 per cent.
I’m very pleased with my portfolio growth and I have your team to thank for the advice and suggestions. In my portfolio analysis, your suggestion is for me to have 30 per cent allocated to international stocks. Since the vast majority of your advice and reports pertain to Canadian and to a lesser extent American stocks, how do I gain the expertise and suggestions having to do with international investing? Is it really a concern or can I accomplish steady growth without the full 30 percent international diversification? Thanks

Q: Considering buying SBUX because of its new leader. But I find LKNCY very attractive as well. - with good momentum this year.

What would your inclination be here? ….or both?

Thanks.

Q: This utility company seems to have the volatility of a tech stock,do you think it could get back to its high of $25
Also anything you could tell me on why their dividend is so low for a utility and any info on growth,debt ,management,and ROE …Thanks as always

Q: Good Morning - I'd like some exposure to China. Can you suggest an ETF or two? If there's a specific company you consider worth while, please advise. Thanks, as always.

BTW, great early call on NBIS. Very ahead of the curve on that one.

Q: Which international ETF do you like the best for a RESP account ? Money not needed for 10 years.

Thanks

Q: Hi,Please recommend global healthcare etfs(ex North America) that you like.
Thank you