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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: Hi 5i
"Rock Bottom" and "staying lower for longer" are the phrases being assigned to interest rates.
I hold pref shares (min rate reset) that seem to be benefiting from income seeker buying.
I also hold Canadian dividend paying stocks that have not recovered due to fears of more dividend cuts and poor economic performance ahead. (ET, FSZ, BCE, BNS, PPL, IPL, ENB.......)

With increasing emphasis now being put on very low rates, are there advantageous investments today for income with growth as investors realize they need more income and gravitate to income producers? (and high interest accounts continue to pay less and less interest)

Does a diversified Canadian ETF like ZWC (Covered Call Canadian) or ZWH (Covered Call US) make sense going forward?

Thanks
Dave
Read Answer Asked by David on July 20, 2020
Q: Hi Guys
I just use these 2 ETFS to cover the World it keeps it simple, I was told Canada only represents 3% of the World so that is the weighting i use, would you find that an acceptable weighting. Also. VXC has Japan at 8% and China at 4.5% would this be acceptable or would you add another ETF to compliment the 2 listed above, to get a higher exposure to China and other countries, and if so at what percentage weighting.
Thanks Gord
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on July 17, 2020
Q: Basically this is a follow-up to a healthcare question asked by Sean July 6. My only healthcare position is the steady eddie medical devices ETF IHI. I would like to diversity in this sector using another ETF or two that has similar potential returns to IHI. Candidates are:
ARKG Genomic Revolution
BTEC Healthcare Innovators
PTH Healthcare Momentum
Are any of these worth considering? Or is it best to purchase a few individual stocks? Pros and cons please. Thanks - James.
Read Answer Asked by James on July 17, 2020
Q: Hi 5iTeam,
I noticed that when the markets pulled back in early to mid March this year, both bond ETFs: XLB (approx. -28%) and XSB (approx -9%), pulled back as well although there were no movements in interest rates. I would think that these bond ETFs are a good proxy for cash, then what would investors' reason be for selling? Your comments on this would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Read Answer Asked by Harry on July 17, 2020
Q: I am planning to increase my bond exposure in my RIF and have looked at VBU. I already have Canadian bond exposure. This is a hedged fund. Is this, as a hedged fund, appropriate for my RIF? Is there an unhedged equivalent? Do you have other funds I should review?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Ronald on July 17, 2020
Q: Prospectus was received indicating IPAY ETF is being acquired by ISE Mobile Payment ETF run by ETC. Prospectus indicate ISE Index have the same investment themes as the index followed by IPAY. Specific constituents and weight may be differ. MER of ISE ETF will be .60% which is lower than IPAY (.75%).
1) The proposed reorganization is expected to be a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purpose. Would this be applicable for Canadian shareholders too? Or do we need to wait from a ruling from CRA?
2) What are your thoughts on this reorganization? Any red flags?
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Karen on July 17, 2020
Q: I am looking for basic material exposure in either ZMT XBM XMA XLB or VAW. What would be your pick for a comeback in basic material.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by James on July 16, 2020
Q: Hello 5i Team.
Point of clarification on your reply to Leonard yesterday regarding ZPAY. My understanding is that any dividends from this ETF will be subject to the with holding tax, which is then recoverable upon tax filing. If this is the case, then does it matter if this ETF is held in a RRSP or cash account, if the tax is recoverable?

Due to the options strategy of the ETF, what tax implications are there on any capital gains the ETF may incur?

Please deduct as required. Many tx for the continued help.

Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on July 16, 2020
Q: I have $40K in RESP with 8-9 years horizon. the money is presently divided equally between Canadian index fund, US Index Fund, International Index Fund and Canadian Government Bond Index Fund.

Any suggestions on how to improve returns? Should i change strategy or simply continue to add to the same index funds? OR sell and invest in individual stocks (if so which one) or choose more risky ETFs?

Thanks in advance
Read Answer Asked by Bruno on July 16, 2020
Q: Could you offer an opinion about the Wisdom Tree cloud computing etf. How would you compare it to AKRW. It would seem to me that disruptive technologies are awarded high values and are the future. AKRW seems to be a bit more diversified eg includes Tesla as a tech stock. What % position would you be comfortable with in an otherwise diversified portfolio.
Thanks Peter
Read Answer Asked by Peter on July 15, 2020
Q: Most major North American indexes have recovered to within 5% to15% of their previous high. However the ETF "XDV" is still 22% below its high. What is your opinion for that lag?
Secondly, at a current dividend yield of 5.7%, do you recommend it for income and a long term buy and hold at this price?

The same question applies to DVY, the US equivalent which is 25% below its high and yielding 4.5%
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Ron on July 15, 2020
Q: I recently subscribed to the etf and mutual fund newsletter. Is there going to be rates of return posted for the 3 portfolios as there is for the 3 5i portfolios?

Thanks, Mike
Read Answer Asked by Michael on July 14, 2020
Q: Hi
In my cash account I want to replace part of my CDZ holding by 4% and increase my US and International by 2% each. I also want to capture the CDZ capital loss. In addition I like the 5.23% dividend.

Would you have any suggestions I was looking at ZSP and VEE as possible replacements and am willing to replace some dividend loss for gains.

I thank you for your time.

Mike
Read Answer Asked by Mike on July 14, 2020
Q: Hi,
I would like invest some money in to Gold sector. Instead of putting money in to one gold producer, I would like to invest money into DEUTSCHE Bk AG/DB GOLD DOUBLE LONG (DGP). Please advice this is a good stock to invest or you prefer another stock,
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by vipin on July 14, 2020