Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i Could you comment on XBAL as an investment and as a long term hold for someone about to retire and what is the current yield and is it a monthly payout. Thanks

Q: Where would you put $500 of annual contribution to RESP account of 2 years old grandchild. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Q: About a year ago, someone asked you about a new ETF, BHAV, which buys or shorts stocks that are mispriced for various reasons ("New ETF leverages emotional sell-offs" was a Financial Post headline). At the time, you replied that the fund was too new, and to check again in a year. I wonder if you can comment any further on it now (I've not been able to find out much of anything about it).

Q: Hello 5i,
When using the ETF Sector Balancing Tool for the Bond ETF's I just put in another category of Fixed Income instead of trying to break out Corporate bonds as well as Government bonds. Does this appear to be a correct procedure? Also does it matter if ETF's are International, European, Canadian or US or just use the sectors as if there was no geographical difference?
thank you
Stanley

Q: Can you give a current view on this ETF-SOXX

Q: PAVE. Do you think this is a good investment to capitalize on infrastructure build out in the US??
Compared to WSP??

Q: Same question as Yvonne today however asking for top US ETF that doesn't have Apple as top 2 holding.

Q: Recently n January bought 5150 shares pmif.my brokerage showed a yield of 3.5%on a monthly distribution of .0230.your site has same monthly rate and a yield of 2.7. I have just received my first Monthly payment of 118.45 on book value of 100126$ . this would be a yield of just 1.42%.can you analyze and confirm what yield I can count on?And any suggestions for any other options in fixed income to yield 3%?

Q: I'm interested in Cyber Security ETFs. I checked out Evolve's ETF ( CYBR) but it looks rather small. Which are the best ones in your opinion?

Q: Hi 5i: Am considering SCHD .. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (symbol not in your database) for a medium to long term hold in my non-registered account. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 index. Seems to have a good track record and 5 star rating from Morningstar with a low mer of 0.07%. What is your opinion of this ETF ? Would you prefer VUN or VGG ? Any other suggestions appreciated.
Thanks as always for your great advice !
Steve

Q: Hello: I have been reading the last ROB and the Invest like a legend article. I find it interesting most of those interviewed mention broad index funds. You have mentioned these many times but hope you might address these funds again with a portfolio of index funds. Thank you in advance. Barbara

Q: I have been reluctant to invest in the cannabis industry as there did not seem to be much understanding of the industry as a whole or little (if any) rhyme or reason as to valuations. While acknowledging that things are still far from stable, I do sense that a greater understanding of the industry is developing since legalization in Canada occurred. I am now seeing some thoughtful reports on potential annual demand, analyses of corporate cost structures, critical discussion of common industry issues and a separation of the better companies from the laggards

Would you agree with this assessment? If so, do you feel that enough solid fundamentals and information are now in place to warrant investing in this ETF?
It is up over 50% in the past month so are we witnessing irrational exuberance and a probable bubble or reasonable expectations based on real growth prospects?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: I purchased these ETF's a little over a year ago as my first outside of North America holdings. Just wondering what your thoughts are about these. I do have a long time frame.

Q: GREETINGS:
Barry Allan was on Berman's call Jan 28. He has launched a new ETF
FGO, which is designed to outperform in times of recession. Only 125 mil
now, mer .60%. They are targeting 5-6% return after fees if we have a recession and 3-4 %, if not. He says that he is very cautious on prep
shares and floating rate instruments at this time. please comment.
Thanks, BEN. I would appreciate as much criticism of the ETF as you
will offer.

Q: I have a question about XRE and the real estate stocks in general

I noted that the above has been going up recently
is there a fundamental reason for it ?

I have REI.un, I am thinking of selling it and putting it in XRE

thanks
Michael

Q: Hi,
I want to increase my US and International equity exposure by using $US ETFs (VIG and VXUS respectively) but the Canadian dollar is pretty weak right now (improving slightly lately). Does it make sense to convert to $US for this investment (long-term horizon) when there could well be significant headwinds if the Canadian dollar continues to strengthen. Also, valuations are higher in the US than in Canada, but International looks to be relatively cheap. Thoughts on how to proceed?
Regards, Michael

Q: A while back you stated you preferred a S&P 500 etf over VUN because the s&p 500 etf had more concentrated holdings ie 500 companies vs several thousand holdings. Yet I notice many instances where you recommend / suggest VUN. I hold VUN and am somewhat confused wondering if I should trade VUN for a s&p 500 etf. Thank you.

Q: I would liked to switch the focus of my investments from equities to ETF's. Could you give me some broad parameters for guidance.
Could you suggest 10 ETF's for starters. Mid to long term with medium risk.
Thanks for your help.

Q: Which US$ denominated ETF would you recommend today for US exposure ? Do you recommend a Midcap or Large cap ETF?

Q: Is there an etf that can be purchased in Canadian $$ which gives an investor broad international exposure except to Europe? Thank you, Bill