Investment Q&A

Q: Would you buy US banks today, and why or why not. If yes, do you have a couple Canadian ETFs you would recommend?
Thank-you

Q: I am beginning to shift out of specific technology stocks and into technology ETFs simply out of personal preference from a diversification and risk allocation perspective. I presently own EARK and read with great interest the Morningstar article you posted last week (No Room for ARK) which presented some other perspectives on the ARK funds in general (going forward) including some of the challenges very successful actively managed technology funds eventually face when they become so large. Which brings me to a few questions. 1. Do some of the go forward challenges the US ARK funds may encounter also apply to the much smaller Canadian versions offered through Emerge, such as EARK? 2. Can you comment generally on technology ETF alternatives such as ZQQ or TEC? I am interested in particular about understanding the comparison of a more actively managed technology focused ETF vs. a more passive index tracking ETF or one (like TEC) that seems to be a hybrid in that it tracks an index but periodically rebalances. This can all be a bit confusing so any general explanations of pros/cons would help immensely. Thanks.

Q: "Asked by Jerry on March 25, 2021
5I RESEARCH ANSWER:
It is hard for us to comment on the specific strategy, as it does sound a bit like market timing if we understand it correctly (go to cash, CMR, then switch to financials/income, FIE). CMR is far less risky than FIE as CMR invests in money-market instruments. In turn, the yield is 0.24%. FIE has more equities, and in turn more risk, but also yields 6%. Due to the different risk profiles, it is hard to compare. If stability of the capital is less of a concern, and the income stream is more of a focus, we would be fine with FIE. But if stability of capital is the focus, CMR likely is the better choice. "

I just wanted to add a little comment to Jerry's question earlier on CMR. I used to hold CMR, but it hasn't paid a cash distribution since September 2020. So, aren't you taking the risk of holding without any benefit? (No return, no CDIC insurance, market risk. I sold my units because of this.)

Q: Looking for suggestion of a proxy for potential tax loss selling of ICLN in clean energy space.

Q: As a follow-up to my question, for point #1, I just meant from more than one ETF company. It is my thought that spreading the risk of owning an ETF to more than one provider is prudent in these uncertain times. For example: One etf from ishares, one vanguard.

Q: Hello again would you consider buying UTF at this time. Or would you recommend a different fund
Thanks again

Q: Hello,
Can you recommend high or dividend oriented etfs that fall under the following category:
1) From at least more than one ETF company
2) Focuses on dividend payers and moderate growth
3) Covers CDN,US and the rest of the world (not necessarily in one ETF)

I like to pick and chose and change as needed. Not a huge fan of asset allocation ETFs at this point.

Q: Tech has been correcting and I recently read an article in the G&M that professional portfolio managers had reduced tech exposure by 24%. This led me to wonder if index ETFs adjust their portfolios continuously throughout the month or at the end of the month. If the latter, I would expect pressure on tech shares to continue until the end of the month with no opportunity for a rebound until April. Am I correct? Thanks as always.

Q: I currently own half my bond holdings in ZAG. I put the other half in ZST as I was looking for something that wouldn't go down as much as interest rates go up. But ZST is a mix of govt and corporate short term bonds and Ive been reading that short term corporate will be less affected by interest rates than govt bonds. Would you recommend another ETF for very short duration corporate bonds that I could replace ZST with?

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

Back in 2014, Larry Berman said: " CMR-T is a money market fund. FIE-T is a multi holding income strategy holding all kinds of assets, so there will be more volatility. When markets are up go into CMR-T and FIE-T when they are down."

I'm asking this question to see if Larry's thesis is still valid. Our broker is Scotia iTrade, and both CMR and FIE are "commission-free" for both buying and selling. What we've been doing is to deploy dividends in our RRIF's into CMR, so that we can generate cash for the compulsory RRIF withdrawals. I was wondering if FIE could also be used, following Larry's advice, while realizing that FIE is more volatile than CMR. Thanks for providing such useful advice and insight.

Q: Please give me your thoughts on the above. The first two are ETFs , and that to me means covering more than one crypto currency ? Could you elaborate on this and what they cover as an ETF ? Their mer's = 1%. What is the diff. between QBTC and QBTC.U and is there an mer on these ? If you were to buy Bitcoin in a TFSA, would it be one of these or would you recommend another one that might have lower management fees. Looking at these 4 on the stock market today, QBTC is up 2.76% while the 2 first ones are up less than 1% ? I certainly like a 2.76% daily increase ! Thanks for any info.

Q: Good morning,
I mostly follow the Growth, Balanced and Income ETF portfolio's and was thinking about adding some VEE for international emerging markets. Would now be a good time in preparation for a world economy recovery.
Cheers
Carl

Q: My fixed income portfolio currently consists of HBB, XBB,XCB and XSB. Is this diversified enough or do I need some international and US bonds?

Q: As a follow up to my question on fixed income, would you suggest I hold both XBB and CBO or pick one and if so, which one please? Similarly, hold both SHY and TLT or choose one and which one?

Thanks.

Q: What are the potential downfalls/risks in starting a position in ARK Innovation ETF today, and are there other alternate ETF options in this arena that are worth considering

Q: I have reviewed these two ETF for Healthcare sector allocation using CDN funds and wonder what 5i’s preference would be between the two and why your preference. My Healthcare sector currently is made up with small caps GUD and WELL and the 13% or so of VFV and VIG ETFs

Q: Could you point me to Canadian ETFs that hold significant (1) Value equities and (2) Growth equities? Or are ETFs too diversified to meet this goal? Thanks.

Q: Hi 5i
A question was recently asked concerning the "return of capital" required to support the high distributions of FHI.

What percentage is required for HHl,and LIFE ?

What is long term net effect of "return of capital" on the share price of these funds? Does it continue to fall?

Does it ever get to a point where all or most "capital" has been returned ?
Just looking for very general understanding if return of capital is good or bad.... or maybe not an issue?
Thx
Jim

Q: What are your views on investing in Bitcoin ETF.

If it is a good idea, then please suggest a ETF

Q: I plan to retire in the next few years and have in mind to replace employment income with dividends. I have moderate to high risk tolerance. What dividend generating index funds or ETFs do you recommend to be in each of the following. My funds are split as noted below.
RRSP: 70%
TFSA: 10%
Cash account: 20%