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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: What is your opinion of investing in bonds vs GIC's or stocks with high dividends for Fixed Income? I'm looking for security, and given the current bond yields and little room for interest rates to drop, bonds don't look too promising. What do you think of a combination of bonds, GIC's and blue chip dividends?
If so, which bond ETFs would you recommend, for both Canada and the US? I have some USD cash, but mostly Canadian.
Read Answer Asked by Camille on October 27, 2020
Q: Hi,
if you were putting a fund together comparable to VGG, but for Canadian equities, what might be your first 5 top picks assuming the same criteria for the ETF? Also, what would be your 3 honorable mentions?
When comparing CDZ and VGG what are the main differences in terms of the stocks that make up these two ETF's?
Many thanks,
Dan
Read Answer Asked by Daniel on October 27, 2020
Q: Hello 5i, I am a new DIY dividend investor (switched from mutual funds from various industry advisors). My spouse and I have TFSAs and RRSPs which we have invested in companies traded on the TSX (banks, utilities, etc many of them reference in the portfolios). My question is how do I get USA and international exposure and still stay within the Canadian market; we are not ready for US$ accounts or other international exchanges. I assume the answer is ETFs but I am overwhelmed with the number of choices. Investment timeline is 20+ years and want to focus on dividend growth. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Patrice on October 27, 2020
Q: Good day and happy Friday 5i team. Please give your opinion on TGED. It seems more weighted to large cap technology which interests me. Concern is small assets under admin. In a registered account, primarily for income and safety, a good call or are there better out there?
Read Answer Asked by Harry on October 27, 2020
Q: I/we have held XEI for some years across 2 TFSA accounts and 2 RRIF accounts (a holdover from a past full service investment service at a major bank). Based on original costs we are down 16.65%. This fund has performed badly this year despite some market recovery. I am considering selling a good part of these positions to purchase individual Canadian dividend paying stocks, growth stocks or other ETFs even though we can't realize any tax losses here. Is taking this loss a good idea? Should we hang on? Ideas and comments please. The good news is that, at the same time, we established positions in XSP and IVV which have done well. We are mid stage retirees with good cash flow and aiming to leave a nice legacy for family.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on October 27, 2020
Q: What are your thoughts on this balance fund? Do you feel the returns will be any better than a normal 60/40 balance fund.
Read Answer Asked by Eric on October 26, 2020
Q: I have a taxable corp account, 94% equities,(28% US, 6% cash. Just read an article that bonds even at 0% expected return would help off set losses in this and upcoming volatile market, even though interest would be fully taxed.
Would you suggest;
1. sell some winners or tax loss some losers and buy a bond fund, ?CLF. ?CBO-or another one you might recommend. What weight percentage would you suggest?
2. use the cash to buy the same bond fund or a combo of the above two or your alternative
3. buy a preferred corporate share or shares? suggestions or preferred ETF ?HPR or another suggestion
4. Would you suggest a US Bond fund, ?suggestion
5. do nothing
Thanks and deduct what you see fit
Read Answer Asked by JEFF on October 22, 2020
Q: You have referred to some stocks and ETFs as CORE. What percentage of portfolio would you recommend as core (relative to satellite holdings) and what would be the number of core stocks and ETFs for diversification. What core stocks and ETFs across all sectors would you recommend?.
Read Answer Asked by sam on October 22, 2020
Q: Further to my question on Oct 20 regarding switching from stocks to a more passive investing into ETF's that someone with little knowledge of investing could manage. I was wondering why you did not mention ETF's such as ZEB-banks, ZUT-utilities, ZIN-industrials, telecoms, bonds etc that would cover the different market segments. The dividends appear to be within the 4% range. Based on this would you recommend this type of etf and if so which etfs would you recommend for each of the Canadian market segments. Do you have any concerns re this strategy.
Thanks
D
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on October 21, 2020
Q: To avoid dividend withholding tax in an RRSP, the best solution from a tax perspective is to hold US ETFs that hold securities directly, such as VTI. This was your answer to my first question. Is there any downside for a Canadian RRSP investor to own a US listed ETF such as VOO? Thanks again.

Answer:
From a tax perspective, no.
Further question to this conversation. Is there any downside to a Canadian RRSP investor owning a US listed ETF from any other perspective than taxation? Any downside from any perspective. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Terry on October 21, 2020
Q: Hi 5i team,
What is your favourite top pick for India ETF and your top pick for China ETF (preferably in C$)? Or would an emerging market ETF be a better investment approach? Which emerging market ETF you prefer that has a larger percentage invested in China and India? Thanks for you advice.
Read Answer Asked by Willie on October 21, 2020
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