Investment Q&A

Q: How are management expenses calculated when the holding(s) of an ETF include one of more other ETFs? For example the single holding in VGH is VIG. Does the MER for VGH include the MER for VIG?

Q: Interested in placing direct investments in China, Japan & possibly India. Trading market must be US. Primary interest is Technology & Space.
This will be completely separate from our current traditional investments as reviewed occasionally with you over the years. Aside from established players in the above markets, I would consider vertically specialized ETFs that have a strong Bloomberg rating. Please deduct accordingly. Thank you.

Q: Recently came into inheritance of ~£100,000 and looking to purchase a basket of 5 - 10 global ETF's (minus Canada) on the LSE with the proceeds. Currently well diversified within Canada through RRSP, TFSA accounts etc. Seeking growth and income and mindful of MER's, would very much value your recommendations.

Thank you

Q: Would appreciate your comment on this ETF. For example, is the thesis sound to you and are there similar ETFs? Thank you.

Q: Hello I am looking for a "one stop" etf that covers everything but US and Canada, which I am adequately invested in. I have checked the Vanguard Canada products such as VI/VIU but they seem to have a heavy concentration of investments in Japan (21-23% of holdings). Are you aware of another etf that may be appropriate? In the alternative should I consider one covering Europe and one covering emerging markets? Your thoughts would be most helpful. Thank you, Bill.

Q: The recent issue of the ETF & Mutual Fund Update discussed two ETF’s in the U.S. Technology Sector, ZQQ and XQQ. In your opinion would BST:US be as good as or better than the above mentioned?
Thank you for considering my question.

Q: Peter,
RESP first needed in 3 years with ~equal amounts of BNS, GUD, OTEX, PHO & T;
with cash for 2 more positions. What would you add or change at this time ? Thank you.

Q: Good afternoon,

I am looking for exposure to the US market, in my RRSP. According to your previous answers on this type of inquiry, an ETF would be the easiest way to go, since it automatically brings both diversification and exposure.

My time horizon is minimum 10 years and don't mind a medium amount of volatility, as long as the returns are there in the end. My plan is to invest into the chosen ETF each year, so that my exposure to the US market is taken care of.

I have been looking more closely at VGG, VFV and VUN, mostly out of the reputation of Vanguard products. The dividend growth orientation of VGG sure is appealing, but I am not primarly looking for income. Aside from that they all seem pretty similar.

I would like to know your point of view on these ETFs I mentionned and if there are any others that you consider that would fit better in a long term plan.

Thank you very much!

Q: Apparently PIMCO has introduced an ETF version of this fund. Which would you prefer and why.

Q: Good morning! Could you please give your choice of a Emerging Markets ETF. I have just looked at Goldman Sachs "GEM" which has been recommended. Do you like it or is there another that you would choose. Thanks, as always your opinion is so appreciated.

Q: I have taken a position in Goldman ActiveBeta Emerging markets equity ETF (GEM).It is actively managed with a low expense ratio. This helps me to diversify my portfolio. I have purchased it in my U.S. trading accounts.What are your thoughts on this ETF.

Q: I have 100,000 US to invest in RSP. would you recommend a mix of these 3 OR put it all into VWO? Suggestions?

Q: Hi team, I am looking to diversify a bit more out of North America and was wondering what you think of the above ETF's. What do you think of AIA for Asia or do you recommend a different ETF for this area. Also, at this time which European ETF would you recommend, currency isn't an issue.
As always thanks for your advice.

Q: What is your opinion on Horizons Total Return Index ETF's in general and the recently added Horizons Intl Developed Markets Index ETF (HXDM).

Q: In considering Vanguard and BMO ETFs for possible investment, my question is about the choices between CDN-hedged and, I guess, "non-hedged" variants of US and foreign ETFs. My impression is that the latter typically offer better returns. But does the risk of random currency exchange fluctation trump that advantage? Many thanks.

Q: Have done well on IGV. Thinking of adding Blackrock's BST. My portfolio is totally diversified so no big concentrations. What do you think of BSt ?
Thank you Team !

Q: Hi,
For some reason on the 5i site and on Globe Investor, I can't find the ISHARES MSCI EAFE VAL IND ETF (EFV). It trades on the US BATS exchange. I hold it in my TD Waterhouse account and I can find it on Google Finance. Is there something unusual about a BATS listing, as in, not all companies carry BATS holdings? Should I be selling EFV and replacing it with something more mainstream?
Many thanks, Michael

Q: Hi! I need to increase my Consumer Stock Sector and think the USA has some of the best stocks in this area etc., rather than trying to pick one or two to hold; I am looking at Guggenheim RHS EFT which holds 32 large cap stocks, what is your advice on this, good strategy? Thx Kim

Q: As a 70's plus senior, I love dividends. But would also like to participate in the tech stocks. What is your opinion of IGM ETF that has tech stocks and small dividend?
Thanks as always for your wisdom.
Lorraine

Q: Hello 5i crew..Do you have any recommendations on a dividend paying emerging market fund... thanks again...Gary