Investment Q&A

Q: Is there a good ETF that covers the US large pharmaceuticals, either hedged or not? And if so which way is better right now?

Q: Okay Peter, I think I have an interesting challenge for you. As of today, including today’s market levels and all markets, if you could have only five holdings in an RRSP (just ETFs) for the next 5-10 years, which five would you choose. And if your answer would differ for a non-registered account, which five ETFs for that? (Assume you’re 55, that these accounts hold half your total investible assets, the rest being in government bonds, and that you are comfortable with reasonable levels of risk.) I look forward to your answer!

Q: I own HXH, which I presume would, generally speaking, track the TXS. However, it doesn't. The ETF seem to jerk upwards once in a while, even as the TSX moves steady upward. Can you explain why? Thank you.

Q: I would like to purchase a US broad market ETF similar to SPY in US dollars. The purchase would be for my TFSA so there would be a withholding tax on dividends. I know that there are some ETFs structured in a way so rather than paying out any dividends the fund would instead see a gain in capital. Can you recommend such a fund (in US dollars) that tracks the S&P 500? Does this strategy make sense for a TFSA or would such a fund incur higher costs or fees that would negate the savings from avoiding the 15% dividend withholding tax?

Q: If you wanted exposure to the healthcare sector, all caps and all facets, which ETFs would you consider?

Would you choose US based primarily or global?

Thanks, Mike

Q: Hello Peter & team,

Can you please provide your opinion on this ETF and where it might rank in your views? Is it a smart investment with approx $300,000?

I noticed it has a fee of 1.66% with a yield of 1.54%. Could you please provide me a comparison of these fees and yield with those applicable to XSB, CBO, XYH, XBB, VCB and where the BMO ETF might rank compared to these?

Thanks for all you do

gm

Q: Can you give me pros and cons of these ETFS, TLF, TXF, VFV, ZQQ. I'm looking for a long term hold without too much volatility. Can you recommend one or two? Can you also comment on the bizarre divide from TXF and its covered calls.

Q: I am resending this question. Hope this reaches you this time around.
Prior to asking this question I re-read your answers to my own question on VRIF(!!) in September and your answers to others as well. I read Barkha's excellent article on VRIF in this month's ETF&Mutual fund update. I read your answer to my question about asset allocation and read the articles you suggested but not the book. Difficult to get hold of it  in the library.
I also was intrigued by Gregory's question on ETFs based asset allocation in October and looked up ETF and Mutual fund newsletter and reviewed ETF based portfolios including Richard Morrison's excellent update.
Question: IF, I know this is a big IF VRIF is has a steady return of 4 % (it may have to dip into capital ROC some years, I understand and accept it), then can I invest most, say 60 to 70% of my portfolio in it and the rest in some other ETF (just one may be two) to enhance the return? Richard Morrison in ETF&MF update says most of the performance in Growth ETF portfolio comes from XQQ. Our smallish pensions plus minimum RRIF withdrawal in the future may well help us to retire with peace of mind. We are looking at our monthly needs and construct a portfolio accordingly and VRIF+? 1-2 ETFs+pensions may do the trick we feel. Instead of 10 to 13 ETFs what ETFs would you suggest to enhance a VRIF centered portfolio? 
Kudos to CMS November/December edition. It is as if you thought of pre retirees/retirees like us and published it! I read it quickly but it needs a more in depth study. 

Q: Hello, For my health sector holdings, I am wondering if it makes sense to switch from IBB to a high growth oriented ARKG? I also own IHI and full position in WELL. IBB, IHI and ARKG are 1/3rd postions. Thanks.

Regards,

Shyam

Q: Qtbc raised cash by selling at 24 bucks yet the shares did or drop to that price level. It seems to me that investing in cryptocurrency is based on some hysteria and FOMO. I’d like to invest but can’t rationalize- can you help me?

Q: I’m looking to invest in an etf or mutual fund with long term growth being the only factor. Is IWO still your favourite?
Thanks

Q: Hello,
I am not sure I understand premium/discount when buying ETFs..Is this a parameter I should consider when purchasing ETFs..Lets say the ARKG or ARKK etf? Are there any particular days for me to purchase etfs? How do I know if an ETF is selling at a premium or dicsount on a particular day is it shown somewhere? Thanks.

Regards,

Shyam

Q: I would like to know what do you think about BMO Nasdaq 100 Equity Hedged Unit (ZQQ) and Invesco DWA Consumer Staples Momentum ETF (PSL), and if you have better suggestions in these areas. PSL doesn't appear in the database of your Portfolio Analytics.
Michel

Q: Markets are a bit nuts right now but I'm wondering if you feel this etf is over bought or on the right track?

Q: what do you think of this ETF on marijuana ? Is horizon a serious player in the etf industry ? With Biden likely coming to the presidency, legalization of marijuana should accelerate in the US. Also this ETF provides passive income with a dividend of 13%. Can you explain how they achieve this dividend since no marijuana stocks gives dividends ? Should I wait to invest in it as tax loss season will begin soon ? Thanks

Q: Can you please comment on HHL. This ETF pays a dividend of about 9% and seems to be very stable. My only other healthcare holding is a small position in WELL. Should HHL be held in my RSP, TFSA or CASH account.
Thanks!

Q: Can you recommend a Materials (forest/mining) ETF for Canada and US?
Something with low or no gold weighing.

thanks,

Paul

Q: Greetings to all,

We wish to increase our Emerging market holdings within our RRSP account
and note that the 10 year chart has traded between $50 and $30. The yield at the moment is about 2.8%.

Q1: Therefore what kind of holding is VWO, growth or income? I suspect neither.
Q2: Is there an emerging market ETF out there with a generally ascending 10 year chart line?

Cheers!

Q: My International exposure has been identified as deficient. After reading the Q&A the above ETF's have been identified. My question is would the above as a50/50 split provide good international diversification or would adding another ETF help. If another is needed what would be your choice, and how would you divide the positions eg. 1/3's
Thank you,
Mike

Q: I am considering investing in South east Asia stocks - China, India and other Asian countries.
Do you have any recommendations?