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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: Peter, I'm interested in some US and/or international exposure to cyber-security companies. I'm aware of the HACK ETF, but believe that it's had some internal business issues (not sure if that makes a difference from my standpoint). Would you suggest HACK as the best/simplest way to get a diversified exposure to that sector? Do you prefer another ETF for this purpose. Or, given the 0.6% MER, perhaps splitting the investment money between, say, three individual companies would be a preferred course. Please advise, and if the latter option is what you would do, please suggest the three companies.
Read Answer Asked by James on November 16, 2017
Q: I have a fairly significant position in XBB, but I am not certain exactly how bonds work. I took the position as an alternative to cash. The price has dropped, but with the yield I'm probably about even. I noticed you said at in one answer that there is a broad shift from bonds to equities underway. I wonder if XBB is the best place for me, as I think the bonds held are longer duration. But I understand they are high quality. Maybe I should switch to a laddered bond ETF if you recommend that, to be participate if we see rising rates. If the stock market corrects, do you think the XBB share price will rise, or will it just go down with the market correction? If my XBB will rise in a market correction, maybe I should just stay put, as long as I don't keep losing on the share price too much. Sorry for the somewhat convoluted and confusing question. Any comments will help. Thx
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on November 16, 2017
Q: I am holding all of these ETFs in fairly equivalent amounts in both TFSA and Cash accounts. I will need to sell some to pay my 2017 tax bill, as the sale of an investment property has me realizing some significant capital gains.

Do you have a recommendation for which ones to sell over others, or would you maintain an equal weighting? These will be long-term investments.
Read Answer Asked by C Shane on November 15, 2017
Q: When I try to trade securities listed in Exchanges in Japan, UK, other Europe, bank-owned brokers (RBC-DI and iTRADE) have a hard time giving me a quote. Even if when I get a quote, the have trouble handling my trade. And if they do, the trades incur very high commissions. I understand there are brokers in Canada who do handle international trades, but I do not know who they are.

I am therefore looking for a Japan small-cap ETF of companies that:
- are small or mid-cap (i.e. prefer to avoid the large Japan cartel type orgs); and
- whose sales have a significant export component; and
- which holding a modest number of securities, say 50 or 75 although I suspect I would have to be flexible as to number of holdings given that I am seeking small-caps
- trades in the US or Canada
I skipped currency hedge as requirements (although that would be great)

I have checked online resources but didn’t see ETFs of Japan-based exporters.
I would be thankful if you are able to tell of any ETFs you are able to find.

Read Answer Asked by Adam on November 15, 2017
Q: Hi, Looking at HMF for some exposure to Managed Futures for diversification and for an alternative asset somewhat uncorrelated to equities. Wondering your thoughts on this ETF as an option for getting Managed Futures exposure?

My concerns are it has underperformed the benchmark it tracks, net assets appear low and total expenses including trading fees appear high (2.6%).

Would there be any other Mutual Funds or ETF (Canada / USA) you could suggest to get access to Managed Futures? Or alternatively provide your thoughts on Managed Futures strategy in general.
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on November 13, 2017
Q: What is your opinion on QYLD for US tech exposure. Management fee is a .60% with a 7.4% yield. I know I'm capping the upside with the covered calls but if there is such a thing as a " Sleep at night " stock in the " tech " sector. Would this be one ? Also for a one stop shop for the rest of the US would VIG be a good choice or do you have another preference ?
Read Answer Asked by Garth on November 13, 2017
Q: What would be the Pros and Cons to invest in a new ETF such as DGRC with a total asset of 1.3m?
Would you rather invest in VDY or CDZ?
Really enjoy the new website
Well done
Sylvain

Read Answer Asked by Sylvain on November 13, 2017
Q: Hi,

I'm a medium risk investor who needs more world exposure.

1) Can you recommend two CDN and two US ETfs focusing on Europe for the next few years.
2)1) Can you recommend two CDN and two US ETfs focusing on Asia?China for the next few years.
3) If you had to bet on whether Europe or Asia has the advantage in growth and stability for the next few years, which would it be?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on November 13, 2017
Q: good day thanks for the great service....we have taken profits for the year and moved those to the u.s. side of our accts...we are retired and this amount is approx. 10% of our portfolio...we do not have any bond exposure nor fixed income of any kind and thought we may invest in a vanguard u.s. bond etf...does this make sense to you or can you suggest any other instrument that would secure these profits for future income...we are currently sitting on two years of income on the Canadian side of our accts...thanks for your input and sage advise..gene
Read Answer Asked by gene on November 13, 2017
Q: Hi everyone at 5i! I need a clarification about bonds. I have heard that bonds are facing head winds with the anticipated increase in interest rates. I have a portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% fixed. My fixed component consists of GICs, bonds, some preferreds and ETFs of XHY, CBO and CPD. These ETFs pay me a nice dividend monthly. My strategy is to invest my monthly dividend into the ETF that is lagging to get the greatest value for my dollar. Considering that the value of these ETFs may fall ( hopefully just in the short term) would you consider this an ok strategy or would you refrain from putting more money in bonds and preferreds. Cheers, Tamara
Read Answer Asked by Tamara on November 13, 2017
Q: Hello 5i,
I have recently made some changes in my portfolio and have some U.S. dollars to invest and was wondering the best positioning, considering that I have a fairly balanced portfolio. I follow Barry Riholtz and have found him to be pretty good. He says basically that the US may be in for a slower growth for the next little while, while emerging markets would be best. Here is his post, if it is of interest:
https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-how-to-invest-10k/
He suggests VWO. I was wondering what your thoughts on this thesis would be?
Also, another question. If you were going to invest in US etfs, the great investor Warren Buffet, says the best thing is to just buy a vanguard etf for the S&P and forget about it.
I notice, however, that you often suggest other options like VIG, which I believe is a dividend appreciation etf for the American market. Do you think it is worth the extra trouble to diversify from Buffet’s original suggestion?
Thanks again
Read Answer Asked by joseph on November 10, 2017
Q: Hi 5i, I am looking for a relatively safe environment in view of future interest rate increases. Please rate the above list, also can you tell me if there are any withdrawing charges in the Mawers. Perhaps suggesting other ones you prefer. I am 85 year young and like to have safety with some income. Like the new changes, many thanks for your help. J.A.P, Burlington
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on November 10, 2017
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