Investment Q&A

Q: It was mentioned that these ETFs use a "synthetic call option strategy". I don't know what that is. Can you explain in more detail

I don't like to own something I don't understand as I wouldn't know when to sell it. What would be a trigger to sell these ETFs?


Can you also explain the risks associated with owning something like this. Is the high yield (11%) a red flag?

And which account (Non-registered, TFSA, RRSP) are these best held in.

Q: I have CSU in my TFSA, down 40% I am looking at buying ZWU instead or should I hang on. Thanks

Q: I own only 1 ETF (XQQ @ 10% of my portfolio). I'm looking to move to owning 3-5 ETFs to cover the broad market and then pick away at a few individual stocks for some extra growth.

Which few ETFs would you recommend to hold for 'adequate' and 'broad' market coverage. Note that I'm looking to hold 40-60% of my portfolio in these ETFs.

Q: If you were to create a portfolio of USA stocks or International ETFS for lets say a 68 year old person with $$1 million, what would buy for growth and safety protection in todays market. % would be helpful.
Thanks Again

Q: What is your opinion of POWR as a buy here

Q: Thanks Garth
My T.D. Waterhouse account only shows my profit/loss position without taking into account the dividends paid into my account . Could 5i tell me my total profit/loss including dividends for the following purchases of GDXY . A total number is fine as of whatever date you select..... I just want to know if I'm winning or losing and how much with this investment ..... Thanks for your terrific service .....

Purchase dates and prices { in U.S. dollars } are the following

200 shares on Mar. 28/25 for $15.90 per share

200 shares on May 2/25 for $15.95 per share

200 shares on June 9/25 for $15.52 per share

200 shares on Aug. 1/25 for 14.55 per share

Q: Please advise which fees should I look on ETF ie Management or MER fees. Ex: BMO ETF website FCCM shows .10 as management fees and .38 on MER fees or total fees ( Management + MER)

When I look at the charts does it includes dividends or price only. Is there a website where we have option to exclude / include dividends.

Thanks for the great service.

Q: What would your top 3 ETFs be, that cover
1.domestic,
2.international,
3.trending stocks,
that could be held in long term accounts to buffer individual stock volatility and provide peace of mind ?

Q: When do we get back in to digital currency? Seems to have bottomed out and gaining some traction again.

Q: I asked a question about these holding in February. I noted on CNBC this morning that they had an article entitled "Jamie Dimon warns of ‘some kind of bond crisis’ ahead as global debt risks build".

If we do get some form of Bond crisis/alert what will be the impact on these 3 ETF's? I have held them for several years and I'm up maybe 5% overall over that time. Probably 2% on an annualized basis. In total, they represent about 14% of my holdings. Given I've held them so long I am fearful I would be selling just as they could possibly turn around. Any thoughts on the outlook for the balance of 2026 for these 3? Factoring in all the geopolitical/debt issues in the world, If you owned them would you be a seller? Would you sell all of them or simply reduce by XX% across the board. If selling, in what order would you sell and why?

Q: Does the ETF ZWB with its covered call structure have an advantage if banks hold flat or very slow growth? Wondering if trimming my straight Canadian bank stocks and rotating to ZWB should present an advantage.

Am I missing something?

Q: Best 3 covered call ETFs in a non registered account and tp 3 in an RSP

Q: Can you please give me the names of ETF's that just include the big five on the Nasdaq.
Thanks you very much for your help.
Dorothy

Q: I owned IWMY and sold for tax loss in December, and am considering buying it back. I'm curious why when I look at the chart on IWMY's 5i profile, it shows that a year ago the price was $15,54, so an increase in value to today's price, but when I look at the same position on my RBC DI site, I see 23.74 as the price a year ago, decreasing to today's price. It's a considerably different picture. Thanks!

Q: Hi Peter & Team,

In our combined portfolio, we own the following International ETFs: ZEM, VEF, VA, and VIDY. Please list which ones to keep if you think there’s too much overlap.

As always, many thanks for your perspective.

Q: Peter recently answered a question about the number of positions which makes for good diversification and in answering I believe he said he personally holds about 15 stocks and 3 income oriented ETFs. All my holdings are stocks and I know nothing about ETF's. Could Peter share with us what 3 income oriented ETF's he holds and why he chose those. I am a long time subscriber to 5i and you and your team have taught me so much over the years, allowing me to achieve WAY beyond what I could have done on my own.

Many, Many Thanks
Scott

Q: While I have always believed in the saying “The markets climb a wall of worry.” I think we’re in a usually worrisome situation and I have little confidence that the current US government can competently manage the war, inflation or the US debt. The most likely scenario seems a global recession and/or higher inflation. Because of this I have pulled back on my US stocks and would like to “ride out” the next while. My primary goal is to preserve capital, but I’m not a fan of just holding cash; I’d like some income as (at least partial) protection from inflation. I’m wary of bond ETF’s (inflation would reduce their value). What recommendations do you have, assuming I want to keep the funds in USD? Thanks.

Q: It's rebalancing time, for me. I need to augment our fixed income positions and would appreciate your thoughts on best current options. I already have short and long bond positions at present, not doing much but paying the payments. I'm not keen on pref shares. I am perplexed by the interest rate regime by and large. Are rates going to lower, as I assumed prior to Trumps Iranian caper are will they rise, to counter inflation which may be lurching from the grave. Laddered GIC's? I would rather not carry all the cash I'm generating from trimming equities but have a bit of analysis-paralysis. What would you suggest, Obywan-Kenobi?

Q: I am thinking of adding to my defense sector exposure. I own SHLD which is 60% US stocks. With Europe's desire to purchase more defense equippment at home would it make sense to start a new position in EUAD (100% European stocks) instead of adding to SHLD? SHLD has performed better over the last year and the US will have to replenish the armaments it burned in Iran, but US firms might expect fewer orders from Europe.

Q: I'd like to increase exposure to markets outside of the US and Canada. I currently have VEE and VIU.

Would you add to these or are there other ETFs that would complement these?