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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 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 have no exposure to silver. Only a little to gold and is it to late for gold ?
could you recommend a Canadian ETF for silver?
do you think silver will play 'catch up' to gold ?
would a precious metal ETF be wise. Which one?
Read Answer Asked by JOSEPH on July 16, 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
Q: Hello 5i team,
Could you give a few ETFs and/or Mutual Funds about Science and Technology and one that tracks the Nasdaq in CAD$ or US$
Thanks,
Antoine
Read Answer Asked by Antoine on July 14, 2020
Q: Retired dividend-income investor with minimal healthcare exposure (2% of equities). If I wanted to increase my health care exposure via an ETF and receive a dividend, which ETF would you chose? Which type of account would you buy them in...RRSP, TFSA or Cash (I'm thinking about income tax implications and USA withholding issues)? In a previous comparison, you indicated you preferred LIFE over HHL, although in another question you preferred XHC overall. I am sitting on roughly 8% cash and currently think I may wait for 2nd Qtr earnings to unfold, or possibly wait until the USA election...I know this is market timing, but I just don't trust where we are at right now. Once Q2 earnings are in, I might invest the $/month over the next 6 months strategy.

So, which ETF would you choose and would you wait for Q2 earnings to be done?

Thanks...Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on July 14, 2020
Q: I currently have a half a position in XGI and 65% are holdings in the USA.

Can you recommend similar industrial ETF's with more European /Global exposure and less USA

Thx

Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on July 14, 2020
Q: I am thinking of purchases of these 6 ETFs (or some of them). Would you see ZPAY, FCIQ, and FCUQ as being defensive? And back to the "where should I hold" issue: where would these 6 best be held for tax or other efficiencies: Cash account? RRSP? TFSA? Corporate account? Many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on July 13, 2020