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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 am looking to move some cash after a year end portfolio clean up. I am considering 25% in each of VSC and VSB, 25% in PMIF, 25% in XHY. Would you recommend different ETFs and/or % allocations?

Thanks for you dedication
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: In order to build some exposure to the U.S. Market I am considering investing 30% in VUN, 30% in VGG and the rest in VGG. Would you consider any changes to the above selections and allocations?

Thanks to the team
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: hello 5i:
can you comment on the ETF above please? And, can you list the Canadian equivalent, assuming there is one. Would this ETF pursue a strategy you would endorse?
While many have expressed their satisfaction with the service (ditto for me), I'd like to commend Peter on the vision and drive necessary to grow what has become a top notch service. And looking back to the beginning, hasn't it been a fun ride?
thanks, and Merry Christmas
Paul L
Read Answer Asked by Paul on December 20, 2017
Q: My 29 year old son has $40,000 in a tfsa all in cash. So far, he has little interest in investing. I'm thinking as a possible way to get him interested (and to at least get some kind of return) of suggesting to him that he put $35,000 into a Cdn equity etf and $5,000 into a growth stock. (I would really like for him to just put it into say 4 growth stocks but if the whole thing tanks it will be "dad's fault".) He also has his employer DC pension plan (2 or 3 years in) in which he's invested in life-cycle funds.

Could you recommend an etf and stock for his tfsa? Or would you suggest some other completely or slightly different route to go with his tfsa? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by William on December 20, 2017
Q: To establish a more passive approach for my Canadian holdings I am considering investment in the following ETFs. VCN 25% (core), MAW106 25% (core). MKC 30%, and HEW the remainder. Would you consider any changes to the above selections or allocations?

Thanks to a dedicated team
Merry Christmas to all.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on December 20, 2017
Q: Good morning Peter and company,

In his will, for his wife's benefits, Warren Buffett has instructed the trustee to put 10% of the money in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund such as Vanguard’s.

Would that be a good practice for all retired individuals living off their stock portfolios by withdrawing 4% annually, if they are prepared to live with the market's fluctuations?

Bond values have nowhere to go but down as central banks raise interest rates. Would 10% cash be better than 10% bonds today?

Thank you for your considerate answers to my questions.

Milan
Read Answer Asked by Milan on December 19, 2017
Q: I am investing the 52000 plus whatever the amount is for 2018 in my wife's TFSA. With a 10-15 year time-frame might I be considering a couple of quality ETF's or would you advise the purchase of 5 or 6 quality stocks? What might you suggest to consider? She does like the Dollarama idea which you recently recommended. Also would you recommend holding off until the new year to get the ball rolling or invest now? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on December 19, 2017
Q: I believe we are due for a major correction - What do you think are the best ETF's that will hold up the best in
1) Cdn Equities, 2) USA Equities, 3) REITS, 4) Consumer Staples, 5) Commodities,
Read Answer Asked by Ron on December 18, 2017
Q: We have some u.s money in a RIF acct and would like to compliment our balanced and income portfolio and were thinking of VG - IYJ- XLF and VXUS. Does this make sense as we are also playing the currency and this is profit from 2017 thanks to you and your service....thanks...Eugene
Read Answer Asked by gene on December 18, 2017
Q: Capital preservation and sustainable growth at reasonable cost is key for us . Not looking for income . Long term timeframe . Don't do momentum . Have portfolio of Canadian large caps that have significant operations outside of Canada . For more diversification , we need exposure to U.S. large caps (not financials or commodities ).U.S. estate taxes major consideration for us. Directly held U.S. equities would be U.S. situs assets . Current U.S. deliberations re Federal Estate Tax will not eliminate this concern in the longer term . We plan to add a portfolio of sustainable U.S. large caps that have significant international operations .Mawer U.S. Equity Fund (MAW 108) is a possibility. The 1.19% MER is a factor, given the amounts involved . Could you identify one or more "Canada-Domiciled " ETF/s that would reasonably align with our objectives ? Could you also identify pertinent sources we could access . Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by michael on December 18, 2017
Q: I currently hold the above etf's, which totals 25% of portfolio. Equities held are US and Canadian and am invested in all sectors with financials@17%,Tech 10% and Utilities 8%. Remaining 40% equally allocated to the other sectors. Am looking at reducing ETF's and would appreciate your thoughts on which ones are good holds and which could be sold due to over diversification! Thanks for your valuable input!
Read Answer Asked by diane joan on December 18, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and team,
What do you think about these fixed income ETFs to make up twenty percent of my portfolio?
CBO 5%
CLF 5%
XHY 5%
XEB 2.5%
VBG 2.5%
Should I also add a real return bond ETF?
Thank you.
Pamela
Read Answer Asked by Pamela on December 18, 2017
Q: Happy Holidays 5i!!
If you were to pick one or two ETFs or two to four companies which are expected to be show very good growth in the USA in 2018 which would you choose. I am not concerned about sectors and I realize you don't follow US companies closely. I do, however, respect your overall knowledge and welcome your comments.
Thank you
Dave
Read Answer Asked by Dave on December 15, 2017