Investment Q&A

Q: Hi
in regards to the Balanced ETF model portfolio, which ETFs that trade in USD would you recommend in place of VGG and ZSP?
I assume that both of these ETFs provide dividends and would best be held in an RRSP - is that right?
thanks

Q: Hi 5iTeam,

I wish to setup a long-term equity portfolio for my child consisting of the following:

QQQ - 30%
SPY - 30%
XIC - 10%
VEA - 30%

Rebalancing will be done annually.

Do you have any suggestions on how to improve the risk-return profile of this portfolio? For example, should additional ETFs be added to incorporate "value", "small-cap", "emerging markets" and "frontier markets"?

Your comments are most appreciated.

George

Q: Just bought a position in SOXQ. This appears to basically have identical holdings as SMH. SOXQ is not charging a management fee until December and subsequently are only charging a fee of 19 points which is almost half
of the fee for SMH. Is it likely that they will increase this charge in the near future or can I expect it to stay the same for some time. What is your long term outlook for the chip stocks? ( I should have asked this question before
purchasing) and is this a cyclical product?

Q: Couple questions--do you have a preference among the ETFs linked solely to Ether? I saw the CI one has the lowest fee (or so the marketing says) and 100% cold storage.

Second, what's the difference between the ETHX.B (CAD "unhedged") and ETHX.U (which I guess trades in USD)? Just want to make sure that there are no hedging costs.. are both unhedged?

Thanks!!

Q: I would like to own some simple diversified US equity both in my RRSP and a non registered account.

#1.currency exchange aside does it matter TAX-WISE (dividend withholding tax) which one is in the RRSP

#2. considering currency exchange costs, do you recommend going with VOO or sticking to VFV in a non registered account. (factors to consider , amount invested will likely be upwards of 100 000 and long term hold)

thanks

Ernie

Q: Cybersecurity Question: Morningstar Canada suggests these three equities as candidates in the expanding cybersecurity sector. Your comments on these, please. Are there ETFs with similar sector exposure, but with more diversification?
1. CHKP - Checkpoint Software
2. OKTA - Okta
3. PANW - Palo Alto Networks

Thank you
IslandJohn

Q: After reviewing your response to my question on Porsche, I also looked up VW. I understand VW is expected soon to become the world’s largest maker of EVs. I then stumbled into the ETF "CARZ First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund" (not in your data base). CARZ includes Japanese, German, and American automakers ( unfortunately not not parts and other suppliers).

I am light on industrials. Would CARZ be an attractive addition? If capital would be better used elsewhere, I would appreciate your alternate suggestions very much.

Q: Morgan Stanley just issued a warning that the “commodity-type” semiconductor companies (DRAM and other) have entered late-cycle. MS adds that earnings going forward for such companies will be challenged. I hold more than a full allocation in semis once I include semiconductor securities held directly.

My question is on SOXX which is held in a taxable account. What components in, and what percent of, SOXX would be considered DRAM and other commodity-type companies? Would I be correct in thinking if the percentage of the said commodity-type companies is higher than 15% , it would be best to trim? (I would not be trimming securities that are held directly).

Q: EWY iShares MSCI South Korea ETF seems to be losing much ground in the last month. I am wondering if I missed something significant on her economy or the related geopolitics. Would you care to comment on what is going on that affects EWY much more adversely than SPY:US. It does not appear that exchange rate was part of the reason, but I may have miscalculated Forex.

EWY has a heavy concentration in Samsung and Samsung-related entities, companies that one would likely be happy to own— or would you disagree? Would this be a good time to add? If yes , would you add to EWY or buy FLKR instead (and why please). Thanks.

Q: I bought this late 2018 when working with a Nesbitt Burns advisor. I have been very happy with the 2019 and 2020 results (gains of 44.68% and 92% respectively in those years). Fund focus and holdings seems to have changed this year and I am not impressed. Gain of 0.53% year to date. MER is high. Is it time to sell this one in 2 accounts and move on? One is held in RESP with a short horizon now. One is in a non registered account. Do you have replacement suggestions for growth, either equities or ETF.

Q: Hi Guys
Can you comment on the ETF " FRDM"
this etf seems interesting, in their unique approach in terms of the countries that are selected .
Thanks!

Q: Do you any recommendations for a "safe" dividend paying equity or ETF in USD? Also, are there any tax efficient options? Thanks.

Q: Hello Team. What is your assessment of this etf as part of a fixed income allocation for a RIF. It has a 3.9% yield and with the threat of inflation it sounds good but would rising interest rates negate its inflation protection best regards gary

Q: If one wanted to add some exposure to Bitcoin or crypto currency in a portfolio what would your suggestions be?

Q: Investing in high yield securities involves assuming the accompanying risks of course ... One can own an individual stock like ENB, a covered call ETF like QYLD or even a mortgage backed security company like NLY . Looking on RA's website it appears the major holdings are 40% global infrastructure and 38% real estate with a mixture of investments to make up the balance . I recently read an article on Seeking Alpha which called it a " Widows and orphans " security which kind of shocked me for such a high yielding stock ..... Could you give me a comparison of RA's price movement in comparison to the S&P 500 since inception ? An assessment of the risks in comparison to the three securities I have mentioned ? As well as a breakdown of how 5I views their investment strategy ? ...... { in the normal font size if possible }

Q: Why the strong differences in type of assets (cash) held between ZPAY and ZWC? Are they not trying to do much the same thing?
And would you remind me of the tax implications on ZPAY dividends when held in a RIF
With thanks

Q: FRDM-NYSE - FREEDOM 100 EMERGING MARKETS ETF

I like the looks of this ETF.
It seems to provide a good compliment to my VWO.
However, do you have any opinion?

Q: I'm wondering which of these two ETFs you would recommend for a TFSA
Thank you

Q: Please rate these Europe ETF's in order of your best choices. VGK; ZEQ; XEH; XEU; VE.

Q: Hi group I am light on Health care + Manufacturing stocks what are your top 3 recommendations in both stocks / ETFs and why Thanks for your guidance