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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: For an RESP with withdrawals starting this year, ending likely 10 to 11 years out for youngest child:
Largest holding is the ETF VUN (US) at 43% followed by BN and AC at around 12% each, then TOI, DOO , ATZ, SU, BAM in the 3-10% range each. Not included is the unfortunate loss of about 8% of the RESP due to failure of XBC.
So the focus remains on growth for the next 4-5 years to keep withdrawals mostly funded by growth.
Thoughts on keeping VUN as is? What about a higher-yielding ZWB in lieu of the individual stocks? Any concerns / risks that you know of for the stocks listed or maybe can offer some lower-risk substitutions?

Big thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Marilou on April 27, 2023
Q: the above are my healthcare holdings in my RRIF. I need to add but am wondering about eliminating individual stocks for an ETF with a higher income component. Any suggestions both on the move and the ETFS

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Tom on April 26, 2023
Q: Can you please give us your recommendations on Nickle, Cooper and Platinum stocks and ETF for both Markets.

I heard above will be key in EV and green energy. Supply will be low so prices will go up. What are your thoughts.

Can you also provide your recommendations on Mining, Chemical Processing, Battery Component Production and Battery Cell Production stocks and ETF in both Markets.


Thanks for the great service you have been providing to small investors at reasonable price.
Read Answer Asked by Hector on April 26, 2023
Q: I'm considering starting some positions in lithium companies. Do you think this is an good time to take positions in LAC, ETL, and SGML? If so, please suggest the order in which you would buy them - best to worst. If you have other suggestions that you feel have more potential I would appreciate it if you would share them. Thanks as always for you"re support.
Read Answer Asked by Les on April 26, 2023
Q: Good afternoon,

I am starting a RESP for our grandsons: one born in 2021, the other born in 2023.

To maximize the CESG grant I contribute just over 2500$/year.

How would you suggest to invest the funds ? 2 or 3 index funds?
Would you include a NASDAQ -100 index fund such as XQQ, ZQQ or HXQ or even XIT (Canadian tech ETF)?

I would appreciate your guidance.
Kind Regards
Read Answer Asked by Elaine on April 26, 2023
Q: Thank you for providing a great analysis of the historical performance of LC, MC, and SC stocks after a 20% decline on Apr. 18. In a previous question asked by a member you recommended IJT as a way to buy the S&P SmallCap 600 growth stocks. What symbol do you recommend for the S&P MidCap 400 group? Thanks again for the amazing service you provide.
Read Answer Asked by Judith on April 26, 2023
Q: Hi 5i
Wondering if you know of a US equivalent of vbal, that a Canadian can buy. From my own search, it seems like there is onlya US mutual fund equivalent, which Canadians can’t buy. But maybe you have other information.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by joseph on April 26, 2023
Q: In Portfolio Tracking and Analysis you suggest a portfolio allocation of 35% in international stocks.
I currently hold ZDI for 5% and need an additional 13% according to your recommendation.
At 18% (if I stick with ZDI) this seems like much for just one etf. Should I split between 2 or 3 etfs? Which ones do you recommend?
Please take credits as needed.
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Roger on April 25, 2023
Q: Retired, dividend-income investor. I hold the Evolve ETF called LIFE. It is my proxy for the Health Care sector and have 7% of my equity portfolio in LIFE.

I just read the April 21/23 question by Michael regarding the Cease Trade Order on 11 Evolve ETFs.

The article did not specifically mention LIFE, but I wanted to check with you that there was 0% chance of a spillover impacting LIFE. In other words, I wouldn't need to flush my LIFE holding and buy a similar product, like HHL.

Thanks for your help...Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on April 25, 2023
Q: If the unthinkable happens and the US doesn't raise the debt ceiling leading to the US government defaulting, how would this affect holdings in each of HSAV, HSUV.U and ZMMK? Secondly if an investor held both such an opinion and such holdings, would it then be prudent to sell the holdings before the limit is reached? Please define the risks to these holdings if any actually exist.
Read Answer Asked by Ken on April 25, 2023
Q: So after listening to Josh Brown interview Ric Edelman this ETF was discussed and seems timely. Would appreciate your views on Mr Edelman who sounds plugged in to what the future may deliver (he does however predict the downfall of Alphabet which isn't the base case of many - you included). That aside wondering about this ETF and your current opinion on whether it's buyable. Given the possibilities of AI, robotics, potential developments in medical science and treatment - all things that may fascinate but about which many of us have very limited understanding or vision about - might you characterize this holding in an appropriate portion as a smart piece of an overall portfolio that provides investors with exposure to future areas of potentially exponential growth - and perhaps your take on this ETF vs the ARK ETFs re valuation, risk and holdings comparisons - appreciate your viewpoint.
Read Answer Asked by Ken on April 25, 2023
Q: Can you shed some light on these fixed income vehicles offered by Bank of Montreal and BNS respectively.

BNS and BMO Canadian Banks (AR) Index Callable Contingent Coupon Notes. (indicated return of up to 10.08%)

Are these index related or linked to the TSX equity index?
Not sure how they can pay out so much, hopefully you can explain if these are a good option to use for income in a retirement portfolio.


Thnx 5I
Read Answer Asked by David on April 24, 2023
Q: Hello 5i
I am a Canadian citizen and resident. I want to avoid US Estate tax on US stocks.
Which are the Canadian ETF providers that have ETFs containing US stocks?
Should I assume that Canadian branches of US ETF providers would still be vulnerable?
Do you have specific recommendations?
Many thanks for your ongoing great service !
Read Answer Asked by David on April 24, 2023
Q: I keep hearing about the 60/40, 40/60 ratio of what you should be invested in with regards to Stocks and Bonds...

- I have Never held Any Bonds of Any Sort...Just Stocks...

- Please recommend some sort of Bond Investment I can consider that is somewhat safe, but Not ultra conservative...

- I remember when my parents said that Canada Savings Bonds were a good and reliable investment...a vintage memory...

Have a good weekend
Thanks
M
Read Answer Asked by michael on April 24, 2023