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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: I'm looking for a world-wide ETF to invest in long-term, without exposure to Canada. I came across XAW. It seemed like a wise choice. I like it because it's world-wide, but doesn't include Canada, and has no bond holdings.

I am currently saving for a downpayment and have about 30% of my portfolio in XBB (which will be used for the downpayment). Plus a bunch of money invested in Canada already.
1. What do you think about XAW?
2. Any other ETFs in a similar space as XAW I should consider?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Michael on September 09, 2019
Q: I am looking for an ETF recommendation to increase my international exposure.

I currently own 15% in VIU and 12% in VEE. Income is not my primary objective at this time. I was thinking XEF but through there would be too much overlap with VIU and didn’t think that made the most sense. I am ok with going mid-small cap and thought an ETF like SCZ may diversify my current holdings. What are your thoughts of this fund and do you have any other suggestions?

Also, so you have any recommendations for an international small- mid cap value ETFs? Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Aaron on September 06, 2019
Q: Thank you for answering my past questions so clearly.

All the ETF's below mirror the S&P 500.

BMO S&P 500 INDEX CAD UNT ETF Symbol ZSP (not currency-hedged)

VANGUARD S&P 500 Index ETF, Symbol VSP (currency-hedged)

iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF, Symbol XSP (currency-hedged)

Over the last decade, as expected, XSP and VSP have appreciated as much as the S&P 500 has -- a little over 100%.

ZSP has appreciated about 180%. Likely, that is a function of the currency hedging/not hedging.

Please explain.

In your opinion, will ZSP continue to outperform?

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Milan on September 06, 2019
Q: I read the recent CMS article about ETF TER. I found it interesting and useful to know, but I have not been able to find TER information at iShares, Morningstar, TMX, etc. Do you know where I can find information about various ETF TERs? For example, XEF, IEMG, XLB, etc
Read Answer Asked by Federico on September 06, 2019
Q: Good Morning,
Putting some cash to wok in my wife's TFSA, long term (20+) year hold. She is a buy and hold long term investor, looks at her portfolio once or twice a year type. Would you suggest ZRE or would you buy 3-4 REITS? I like the equal weighting of ZRE. It would be approx 10% weighting in her TFSA. Thanks again.
Read Answer Asked by Darby on September 06, 2019
Q: I am looking to invest in what could be broadly described as some 'green' companies. These could be involved in power generation, carbon recapture or post consumer recycling to name a few options.
Would you be able to direct me to any funds, etf's or specific firms that may meet (or partially meet) these requirements?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Kent on September 06, 2019
Q: Hi 5i team,
Among the 'actively managed' bond ETFs , what are your top picks and why for Canadian bonds, for US bonds and for Int'l bonds. Would prefer canadian listed if available. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Willie on September 04, 2019
Q: To park my cash, I have been using the TD Investment Savings account TDB8150 (CDN) paying 1.6% and TDB8152 (US) paying 1.45%. I just saw your answer about PSA and PSU High Interest Savings ETFs that pay in the range of 2.25%....I assume these returns are net of fees?. On the surface, it seems a no brainer that I should move into PSA and PSU, however, I wanted to check to see if there was any downside (increased risk, lower liquidity, etc) that I should be considering. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Scott on September 04, 2019
Q: Just a follow up on the XEF. Would the 37%(mostly japan) Asia component be adequate for an emerging market exposure or would you want a true ETF like the ZEM you mentioned to go along with XEF?
Read Answer Asked by JEFF on September 04, 2019
Q: I have been investing in ETFs for several years, using a simple 5 ETF portfolio which includes VCN (27%), XUU (27%), XEF (19%), XEC(7%), and ZAB (20%). When I use the portfolio analytics, the suggested ETF portfolio includes about 15 ETFs. Just wondering what if the added complication of the additional funds is worth the effort. I assume that yours has better downside protection as it reduces some of the concentrated sectors and perhaps has better returns? My portfolio has grown in size over the past years so I am ok with the additional work to manage the portfolio, just wanted to better understand why.

Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Everett on September 03, 2019
Q: I have the following ETF's in the noted ratios and dividend yields %: HDV (3x) 3.32%, ZDV (2x) 5.37%, XTR (1.8x)5.88%, ZWU (1.7x) 6.60%, and CDZ (1x) 4.66%. I'm a dividend investor and good for 3-5 years. If we hit some hard times which of these would be hit the hardest? Any duplication? Should I drop one or more and add to others?
Read Answer Asked by Graham on September 03, 2019
Q: The exchange-traded fund Invesco S&P 500® (Symbol RSP) and SPDR® S&P 500 (Symbol SPY) both track the S&P 500. Their historic charts are nearly identical, as one would expect.

SPY units trade at about $300 while RSP units trade at about a third of that.

Why the difference?
Read Answer Asked by Milan on September 03, 2019
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