Investment Q&A

Q: Can I have your opinion on the risk/reward for Small Caps in general right now? Some analysts are suggesting Small Cap valuations are currently low based on their historical position relative to larger cap companies and should “revert to the mean” in the medium term. If you were to invest in this theme what ETF would you use? As always your insights are greatly appreciated.

Q: Dear Peter et cal:

Two part question. You may dedut as many credits as you feel fit.

1. There are a few experts who predict 60/40 portfolio is finished for several years! I was a subscriber to Portfolio Analytics for a while and it repeatedly told me that given my answers to your algorithms , I have to stick to 60/40 split.
What do you think about 60/40 portfolio in general,, especially for the many in the pre/semi fully retirement stages. No need for personal answer. Just a general overview answer would be fine.

2. If you were to construct an ETFs based portfolio TO-DAY from scratch, would it be different from the one that we see in Canadian Money Saver? What would it look like ,if it is different? 80/20? or 70/30?

As you have indicated that you can give personalized answers, please feel free to answer in general/overview/big picture terms.

Thank you in advance
Mano.

Q: I own an Ishares all in one ETF to round things out. I just found out they hedge the currency on the non Canadian holdings. I tried to find out the cost to hedge but was unsuccessful. After doing more research I found the costs to hedge can be 1-2% a year. When doing a back test between IVV and XSP the hedged EFT lagged by 1-3% a year over 20 years. From 2002-2012 the lag averaged 2.1% a year but in the last 10 years the average lag was 1.1% a year. Do you know any all in one Canadian ETF's that don't hedge the currency?

Thank you.

Q: I have sold my European ETF because it has been doing so poorly.
The war has taken a toll.
Do you have a suggestion for ETF with more potential which would invest in companies outside of Canada?

Q: Hi, I appreciate the great work you have been doing to share knowledge.
I am considering the smith manoeuvre and would like to invest about $100K for a start in an etf vs Canadian dividend stocks. I would appreciate if you can share your thoughts on any ETF or ETFs that would be ideal considering the issues with ROC and ACB at tax filing time. I am also considering the importance of geographic diversification, hence the reason that I am not too convinced on going the route of Canadian dividend stocks. I am on the 50% marginal tax bracket and would also like to invest tax efficiently perhaps more towards growth than high dividends.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks

Q: Hi
I am considering the smith manoeuvre and would prefer to invest in an etf rather than individual stocks because of the benefits of diversification. I would appreciate if you can share your thoughts on a few ets that would qualify and would also be less of a hassle in reconciling the ROC and ACB during tax time. I would appreciate your insight in smith manoeuvre using and etf rather that dividend paying stocks. I am in the 50% marginal tax rate. Thanks

Q: Hi.

My portfolio analytics says I'm low on Consumer Defensive. Can you give me 1-2 Canadian stock suggestions and maybe 1-2 ETFs in the US and Canada.

Thanks,
Robert

Q: Peter,

What etfs would you recommend for consideration that would cover equities outside of North America, in Canadian dollars. I am looking more towards the more established economies rather than emerging markets.

Thanks

Paul

Q: Hi , which index fund do you recommend that follows the S&P 500
Thanks

Q: Hi there, what do you think about buying this ETF for broad defensive exposure in a diversified portfolio? Do you think it has room to run up over the next 1-2 year or so? Are there any other cons staple etfs or specific stocks that might offer better growth and dividend?

Thanks very much

Q: is there a low cost ETF money market fund, or short term bond fund that you could recommend, that would be a place to hide out for a few months that is fairly liquid and pay 2-3% if that is possible or maybe im dreaming or something close to that thanks

Q: Hi: I have a small amount of VWO and I just noticed there does not seem to be any dividend associated with it. Has there been a change? Thanks very much
Marilyn

Q: Any Canadian alternatives to JEPI?

Q: Is it worthwhile to own both Etherum and Bitcoin? Are they really different or one of them is enough to be exposed to the crypto sector? Etherum seems to fare a bit better. Thanks again.

Q: Hi, TRP and ENB had a bad day with both stocks declining 2.5%, by close. There was no specific news for either company. Oil was weak today and price dropped about $2.50-$3, during course of the day.
My understanding is that movement in oil prices has no direct impact on these stocks, in a meaningful way. XEG, on the other hand was down just less than 1%. Was TRP/ENB drop unusual ? Thanks

Q: Hi, I own some HYLD and see that it has dropped more than 10% over the last 2 weeks. It now yields over 13% based on the last payout. Do you think the payout is safe given it's holdings? Also, Would this be a good time to average down? Thanks.

Q: What are your thoughts on index funds and if you were to buy a few which ones would it be, following the Canadian and US exchanges?

Thanks

Q: Hello, would you be buying VFV or VSP for a long term hold for a passive investor? Does it really matter? Would you own one right now and rotate to the other in the future ? Thanks.

Q: Do you like this for income? And how is the income taxed? Is it interest or capital gains? Would it be ok in a non-registered?

Q: Hi

I refer to the question from Ian concerning XYLD.

In our RRSP accounts EQL represents 17% of our holdings.

As retirement is fast approaching I am thinking of splitting our EQL holdings with XYLD, for the dividend.

Would this make sense?

Thank you for your time

Mike