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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: Historically small cap index fund outperforms S&P500, but last couple years small-cap lags, I am thinking it might be a good time now to start to invest in samll caps...do you think this logic is justified? If so, which small cap etf do you suggest? Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by David on January 18, 2022
Q: Hi Team I have not invested in Bitcoin but I am interested in BITI as a hedge as I see Bitcoin falling off and suspect it may the winner on a race to the bottom. I placed a small order and was flagged that there may be MER charges. So 2 questions. Is an inverse Bitcoin pure speculation or a plausible hedge. Are MER charges on ETF's normal? I would also like your recommendations on hedges that may be soflen a downturn....up to 3 questions now!
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 18, 2022
Q: I have been a holder of this ETF for many years. It has done well. However, I note the recent sell off is quite violent. There was a previous correction early fall last year and, of course, it fell with the market in spring 2020. But this recent selling is somewhat unsettling given that I cannot understand what may be the reason, if any, for it. I can’t see how interest rates or any of the plethora of current concerns could affect a water based etf so significantly.
Your advise as to your thoughts on the recent weakness would be much appreciated. I am thinking that if there is no apparent reason for the draw down, given the etf performance history, this may be a good time to add.
Thank you
Neil
Read Answer Asked by Neil on January 18, 2022
Q: I'm looking to add a US Equity ETF that trades in Canada for a non-registered account with a 1-3 years hold. I like the profile of VTV (.04% MER, low volatility, holds large US value companies with $95 billion total assets, pays a high yield 2.15%). I'm unable to find anything that trades in Canadian dollars that fits that same profile. What would you suggest? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Richard on January 18, 2022
Q: Can you say which of VEE and XSEM you prefer and why? I recognize one is ESG and the other not, but I'm mostly interested in financial considerations for this question.
Read Answer Asked by Chris on January 18, 2022
Q: Hello 5i,
Thank you for your excekkent service and advice.It appears that 5i does not have concerns about holding SDIV for revenue. As a 76 year value investor with emphasis on dividends, some growth (LSPD, LNF) for the next ten years are there any caveats to buying this at about $12.62? I realize that there is little growth with a history of returns much less than peers but with much higher dividends.
Stanley
Read Answer Asked by STANLEY on January 18, 2022
Q: Can you recommend Canadian based etfs that tracks American banks and/or insurance companies. Which would you recommend? Any with covered calls? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Steve on January 18, 2022
Q: My question is regarding the posted returns of ETFs and Mutual Funds. I thought I read, years ago, that MF returns included the dividends for anything over 1 year...for example, for 3 and 5 year returns. For the posted 1 year return or less, they were without the dividend.

In my RBC Direct Investing, it is quite clear....it states the "unrealized capital gain". So I take that number, divide by the time I've owned the security...then add the annual dividend to get the Total Return/Year.

So, can you please clarify whether the standard practice is to include or exclude the dividends in the posted annual returns?

Thanks....Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 18, 2022
Q: Thanks 5I team for helping us make better decision every day. With a long term Horizon of 3 year plus what is your number 1 ETF recommendation for International exposure (Ex Canada and US). Looking for value and growth, not much concerned about income/distributions. In the same line the top recommendation of International stock. As per Portfolio analysis I am very low on International.
Read Answer Asked by Nimish on January 17, 2022
Q: I have full positions in banks: Scotia, TD, and a US bank, European bank and South American bank. They all pay generous dividends, and are doing well.
I worry about fintechs ultimately eroding their strengths. Can you recommend an ETF focussed on fintechs?

John
Read Answer Asked by John on January 17, 2022
Q: I am extremely low in International and US stocks, I would like to have an ETF for each that I can put in either my RRSP or TFSA. I know you have mentioned in the past that you like IWO for small caps, is that still the case or is there a better choice.
Thanks for all the excellent help
Read Answer Asked by James on January 17, 2022
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