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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 on using VCIP as a 'slightly riskier than cash' investment vehicle for a holding period of 6-12 months? It is obviously riskier than HISAs/GICs/PSA, but do you think it is riskier than XSB/VSB/HFR? There is an equity component to VCIP, but given its greater diversification compared to XSB/VSB/HFR, I wonder if, paradoxically, it might actually be 'safer'. I note that when the pandemic hit, even VSB/HFR fell quite precipitously. Would you advocate a mix of VCIP/VSB/HFR instead? If so, how would you weight the three? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Walter on August 28, 2020
Q: Can you help us understand the value of holding an ETF such as VEE for foreign exposure and why it is highly recommended to own this ETF? Returns are low with high volatility. The ETF remains below 2018 levels when BABA and Tencent were ~30% less and they make up 12% of the portfolio. Maybe we are nuts but something seems amiss. Why not just buy BABA and Tencent instead? Are there other recommendations for capitalizing on Asian growth outside of China as we do not believe VEE is going to deliver returns for the expected growth in those regions.

Thank you for the great Service
Debbie and Jerry
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on August 26, 2020
Q: I am thinking of adding the following positions to my portfolio at about 2.5% each, would like your opinion on prospects for the following companies: bidi (Baidu); SONO; Mu (Micron); AMBA (Ambarella);; espo (VanEck e gaming etf); find (global fintech etf). These are all a play on the 5G rollout/stay at home revolution/play at home, your comments would be most welcome
Read Answer Asked by John on August 26, 2020
Q: Morning 5i team,
I'm looking for a few suggestions on an ETF that covers consumer staples in the NAM? Some that came to mind were XST and STPL, but they seem to lack US exposure?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Phillip on August 26, 2020
Q: Good morning 5i. I am considering "parking" about 10% of my portfolio in "cash equivalents". Are CVD and CPD your preferences in this case as I see they pay out roughly 5% which seems a reasonable risk/reward scenario? Are there other options or recommendations that you might consider? Thank you in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on August 25, 2020
Q: Retired dividend-income investor. Sitting on 6% cash. Looking to add some gold exposure. Do you think there is more upside to gold over the next couple of years? For the most part, I am a buy-and-hold investor, not a short term trader. Is there an ETF that a) pays a dividend > 3% and b) that contains both the miners and bullion? If not, what would be the best route to get sector exposure, leaning to the conservative side? Thanks...Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on August 25, 2020
Q: Will there be a correction before the election? Will it be as bad as the March one? No one knows for sure however many like me believe that a correction is coming and I was hoping you would have advice on where to park equity investments that I will have turned to cash. I do not intend to put it under my mattress or buy GIC’s. What are your thoughts on bond ETF’s like ZTL or so called sleep at night ETF’s like ZZZD. I would appreciate your advice on the above and suggestions on where to invest this cash in a safer investment until after the correction please. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Norm on August 25, 2020
Q: TD Asset Mgmt. recently introduced two new ETFs. Symbols TGED and TUED.
Both described as "Enhanced Dividend". "G" is Global, "U" is USA. Described as
actively managed blend of growth and dividend equities with various derivatives
overlaid to enhance yield. Comments/opinions about these please and cost/risk/benefits associated with the non-domestic components.

Thank you
IslandJohn
Read Answer Asked by John on August 25, 2020