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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: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@
Read Answer Asked by James on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi,

I have no bonds in my portfolios and am interested in picking up some laddered corporate bonds, specifically convertible debendetures (unrated) from smaller firms. Pays about 5% and after purchase bonds would comprise about 3% of my portfolio.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, and if there are other options for getting some exposure to bonds (ETFs for ex.).

Cam
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on August 18, 2017
Q: Good Morning: I am thinking of increasing my position in ZWH and have been reading your responses to past questions on this etf. You note that approx. 50% of the dividend is in US dollars and therefore is susceptible to the US govt. withholding tax (in a non-registered account which is where I would be buying it). However, I assume that this amount would be recovered at tax time since that is the normal process for withholding tax on US dividends. I want to buy this fund with Cdn. dollars because the Cdn. dolar is up recently and it seems to be like buying US equities at a reduced rate. Am I correct in both these regards?
In the same vein, do most brokers automatically exchange the dividend payouts into Canadian dollars (no doubt charging their clients an exchange fee) and is this negotiable with your broker? Many thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on August 16, 2017
Q: Hi 5I, I have sold AQN and RNW with profit, but holding FTS. Sine they dropped in price, I am thinking of rebuying one or both or adding to FTS. I would appreciate your advise.
Also, has some US $ and thinkin of buying VRP or PSP or if you can recommend a better one.Thank you for your advise. J.A. P., Burlington
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on August 16, 2017
Q: Currently I have CBO, CLF and XHY in my RRSP acct and they represent my entire fixed income investments. I am looking to add CPD to my Non-Registered Investment acct to add to the FI component of my portfolio. CPD provides a good yield which is tax advantaged. I will be adding to this overtime as I rebalance my portfolio. Basically taking from my growthier winners with lower yields. I am retired and looking to add yield and reduce risk to my portfolio.
Given the proliferation of ETFs would CPD still be your choice for Preferred Share ETF if designing your Income portfolio today.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on August 15, 2017
Q: I am thinking of purchasing these ETF's and wondering if you might give me your thoughts?
Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Colleen on August 15, 2017
Q: Hello, I'm looking for broad market exposure to emerging market equities and emerging market debt. Can you recommend any ETFs that are unhedged? so far I came across LEBM on the debt side and XEC on the equity side that seem ok. thanks for your time. Matt
Read Answer Asked by Matt on August 10, 2017
Q: Hi. My portfolio has no US ETFs. I have some individual US technology, financial and industrial stocks. (total 10% weight). Now, I'm planning to sell some of my Canadian stocks and to increase US stocks to 25 to 30% weight.

I'm in the process of adding more US stocks into my well diversified portfolio. My questions are 1) Do I need to buy into every US sector? If not, what US sectors should I concentrate into buying and what other US sector should I ignore? For instance, I assume I don't need US energy and US material stocks. 2) In my US portfolio, I have GOOG, ADBE, VISA, AIG, CGNX. What others US stocks should I also add?

I'm still unsure how to incorporate US individual stocks into a portfolio. Please give guidance... Have a great day.. Thank you in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Esther on August 09, 2017
Q: Hello
Need some advice please. 62 and recently retired. RRSP's are almost maxed out but only a few k in TFSA account.
As my income is now at its lowest point (CPP),I'm
thinking I should start moving some RRSP funds to my TFSA?
I'm considering a mix of ETF's such as VAB,VCN,XAW or perhaps some of your Income stocks and funds such as CPD,XHY,BCE and BNS.
Note that I do hold most stocks in the balanced portfolio.
Thanks for your great service.
Gary
Read Answer Asked by Gary on August 08, 2017
Q: Hi 5i. In an answer to Joel today you said "to make sure he has his US PF in place." I have 25.5% of my well balanced PFs in US and am interested in VXUS or VEU. However I have 4.85% in US financials, 9% in US I.T, 4.7% in US Cyclicals and 7% in US Industrials. Should I have all US sectors? before I buy International? Must i go to 5% in one of these ETFs? I have no International. I;m looking to hold for a long time in my RRIF. I am a young 67. Please deduct credits as you see fit. I've been a member since April 2014 and still "lovin it". Thanks so much!
Read Answer Asked by El-ann on August 04, 2017