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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,

A portfolio construction question. I've selected a mix of XTR (36%), XSB (7%), CDZ (17%), XAW (19%), and then a mix of laddered GIC options (17%) and a small cash holding (4%). This is for a family member's portfolio, retired, needing income, security, and modest growth (in that order).

This ends with an allocation of approx. 55% equities and 45% fixed income/cash, and 69% Canada, 22% USA, and 9% Global.

This mix also generates distributions/dividends almost dead on 4%/year, so following the 4% withdrawal rule more or less allows for not needing to sell anything to cover cash flow needs.

Wondering if you could comment on the ETF selections and overall structure with the understanding of course that its always a highly personal decision. More just want to know if you have better ETF or security selections for this scenario...

Thank you so much!
Ryan
Read Answer Asked by Ryan on February 19, 2019
Q: Hi 5I,

Could you please rate the following bond ETFs.
VAB, ZAG, XBB.
I'm thinking about XBB because I can trade it for free on my itrade account.

Thanks.
Steve

Read Answer Asked by Stephen on February 19, 2019
Q: Good morning. My daughter is working in the US and is looking for low to moderate risk, low fee, ETF funds or fund families in which to invest her 401k monies. What would you recommend. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by alex on February 19, 2019
Q: In your view, what are a few of the best ways for me to make investments in A.I. part of my portfolio over the next 15-20 years? This pertains to specific A.I. companies, but also indirect avenues of investment like ETF's, banks, etc, that have a stake in A.I. technology. I realize that this area is in flux and that you have no crystal ball here, but any guidance would be appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on February 19, 2019
Q: I still have a large portion of my investment portfolio in mutual funds. I am disappointed with the returns and am thinking about the following change:

sell all mutual funds, move proceeds into my online trading account with the following allocation:

70% in ETFs covering:
- Canadian Market (50%)
- US Market (25%)
- International developed markets (15%)
- Emerging markets (10%)
30% in higher growth stocks (5i favorites)

I have a 15 year time horizon.
In the summer I liquidated my TFSA mutual funds and moved proceeds into the 5i balanced growth/income model portfolio.
Please provide some comments on this strategy. Is it too conservative, too aggressive? Generally, do you recommend any adjustments.
Read Answer Asked by Darrin on February 19, 2019
Q: I am wondering about the appropriateness of your Balanced ETF fund being held in either RRSP or TFSA from a tax perspective.
Read Answer Asked by Steven on February 14, 2019
Q: Greetings,

I am currently reviewing holdings as i have taken over management of my own US 401K. I generally prefer to hold the individual stocks over paying management fees, however, as I research this fund, the fees seem to be worth it in this case and i certainly like the monthly dividend as i head into retirement in the next couple of years. Your thoughts on this one?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by kelly on February 14, 2019
Q: Hi 5i team,

I have 817k in a LIRA to invest. This is a portion of my retirement money that I will rely on for income. I still however would like some growth too. I was thinking 50% in VFV and the balance in a high yield dividend paying etf. Your thoughts and could you please recommend a high yield dividend paying etf. Thanks for your amazing insight!

Glen
Read Answer Asked by glen on February 14, 2019
Q: Thinking of buying a cyber security company or ETF representing the group. Which do you like? Are there any in Canada?
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Steven on February 14, 2019
Q: What do you think of DVYE the Ishare emerging market dividend ETF. Well rated by morningstar in its categorie. I know you recommend VEE / VWO in US version which is what i want. Any red flags, should i stick with VWO for market cap exposure ? May i have your analysis and comments.
Thanks !
Do you think you're going to do some buying in the income portfolio which I was kind of waiting for to get new prospects ?
Read Answer Asked by Denis on February 14, 2019
Q: Hello 5i...The preferred share space took a real hit from which it has not recovered. I am thinking of adding one of the above as part of my fixed income allocation but to my non registered account. All of my fixed income and GIC's are in my RSP. I am conservative age 68 and need 4-5% long term. The recent volatility however does concern me. I value your opinion ..thank you Gary
Read Answer Asked by Gary on February 13, 2019
Q: My sons who are in their 20's currently hold TXF in their TFSA's. Do you think OTEX would be a better fit in a TFSA as they will not need these funds for a very long period.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on February 13, 2019
Q: Could I get your opinion on the potential for VIGI. I am looking for safety with modest growth in my RIF. Is it dependent on Brexit or mainly just the European economy? I also hold MAW102 and VIG which have both performed better than VIGI. I have considered selling VIGI and investing the proceeds 50/50 in the other two. Comment and suggestions appreciated
Read Answer Asked by Doug on February 13, 2019
Q: Recently, I have invested, albeit cautiously,in this compounding financial ETF. These types of ETFs don’t seem to be covered, but it would be of interest to have your assessment.
Thank you, Team!
Read Answer Asked by Sigrid on February 13, 2019
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