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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: I have positions in several ETFs trading on the TSE. I like to keep up to date on major holding changes and weightings within each ETF. Is there a good (one stop shop) source of updated information, other than going on to the separate ETF company websites?
Read Answer Asked by Edward on August 05, 2020
Q: Dear 5i,
Do you think the CRA will have any concerns with Horizons change from a Total Return Swap structure to a Total Return Corporate Class structure implemented in Nov. 2019?
I understand that Horizons changed all their Total Return Swap ETF's to this new structure late last year. I would like to avoid any future CRA tax issues if I purchase one of these Total Return Corporate Class ETF's. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Ian on August 04, 2020
Q: Currently have 25% of my portfolio in XUU. I am interested in increasing my US exposure up to 30% though. My question is do you have any problem with 30% XUU or would you possibly split it in to two? Eg ZSP and something else? Note - I would prefer a Canadian listed ETF but if you think there is a better American option I'm willing to listen.....
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on August 04, 2020
Q: Dear 5i,
I would like to spice-up my portfolios with small allocations to some small/mid-cap/thematic/sector ETFs. The Active ETF's can be sold on a US or CDN exchange and the holdings can be in any country. Can you suggest as many as you can so I can do some further research. (ie ARK products look interesting to me)

thanks for your suggestions
Read Answer Asked by Ian on July 31, 2020
Q: I listened to a commentary where the analyst was suggesting one have a bond fund, in this case US, which receives income in a foreign [non-US] currency and then the fund converts that to USD. As the USD depreciates from QE relative to other currencies [if this happens in reality] the inflow to the bond fund will be worth more in USD. Is that a logical approach and would Vanguard’s BNDX be an appropriate? Even if the above is a stretch would holding some of one’s bond allocation in BNDX be prudent?

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Ronald on July 31, 2020
Q: FENY, XLE, IYE I am looking to add to my small investment in energy stocks. I have zeroed in on these 3 candidates. Using the RBC Direct Investing site, there appears to be little difference between these stocks looking a both short term and long term out to 10 years. MER’ s are also comparable.
But FENY has almost a 12% yield while the other 2 are around 6%. Given the otherwise very similar performance metrics is there any reason NOT to buy FENY. And for a decking dividend and significant upside potential is there another energy etf that I should consider? Thanks for your help with this decision,
Read Answer Asked by Donald on July 31, 2020
Q: Hello,

Thank you for your very prompt response to my question concerning how this ETF is able to pay such a high distribution. I now however have a few follow-on questions.

Since you indicated that a vast percentage of the distribution the ETF paid in the past year was simply a return of investors capital, wouldn't that make the likelihood of the ETF being able to continue payment of the current high yield very suspect over a rather short period of time? If investors are predominantly receiving a return of their own capital back to them, over time, then at a rate of 9% plus per year, won't the fund simply run out of funds to make these payments with over a period of 10 or so years? How would this differ from putting one's money under the mattress and simply withdrawing 10% of it each year?

Does the Evolve Global Healthcare (LIFE) ETF also engage in this practice, in order to support its roughly 6.75% yield?

If ETFs are supporting high yields by returning investor's capital to them and if that practice is inherently unsustainable, then I imagine that including information of that nature in the answer to any and all inquiries about such ETFs, would be very beneficial to all your members.

Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Richard on July 30, 2020
Q: Could you please suggest a replacement for these mutual funds. I have been told these funds have a high MER and I should investigate other options. A switch to ETF's may be an option too.
Read Answer Asked by Terry on July 29, 2020
Q: Hello 5i,
I'm currently holding a 2.44% position in XGD etf. I would like to add 2.5% to either a junior gold etf or gold bullion CGL.C.T. My concern is has gold climbed to rapidly. Should I wait for a better entry position. If you have other gold buying suggestions or not, please add. Thank You. Walter
Read Answer Asked by Walter on July 28, 2020
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