Investment Q&A

Q: Hello,
I am quite new to the investing world and just looking to get much more involved. I currently have some mutual funds through a balanced portfolio in a TFSA that I have discussed with my financial planner. I have a TFSA open through Manulife and RBC. I am looking and hoping to get into some index funds and passive investing as well. Looking to just get average returns with low fees. Any suggestions on the best way to start this and go about this on my own? Recommendations on which ones I should start with through the TFSA accounts I have? I seen some through RBC, but just find it tough to get answers from financial advisors as I always feel pushed toward active investments (which I am open to down the road as well).

Thanks from a early and trying to learn investor,

Matt

Q: Considering purchasing CGL as a disaster hedge, portfolio diversifier and future inflation hedge. I like the way it increased in value back in 2009 to 2011; more so than XGD. I also like the idea of avoiding the specific company risk of purchasing a gold company. If you like my thesis, what percentage of my equity portfolio would you suggest to provide the protection I am seeking? Thank you.

Q: Hi there,

I currently have a blend of your Balanced and Growth portfolio - mostly switching out the large, higher yielding names with small to mid cap growth names (which were suggested to me by your team in an earlier question). It has performed well in 2017 and I am happy with the results - however, my entire portfolio is TSX based. I am looking for diversification but don't want to sacrifice the growth tilt, which sometimes ETFs tend to lead to. Based on my existing holdings, which ETFs would you recommend that would be more growth tilted and add a broader global exposure? Also, what weighting would you consider making these holdings?

Thanks for your great service!

Q: Good day...I am in the process of moving money to the u.s as currency seems to be at the proper spot and also I have all of the balanced and income portfolio now, so my question is would I be better using etfs - MXI - SOXX - XLV and IYF or using ICHR - NVDA - ISRG - HD - JPM - V - HD AND DIS...my thoughts are this will give me diversification that I cannot achieve with 5i stocks...your direction has made a huge difference to my portfolio but I feel I need some geographic diversification ....I look forward to your answer and thanks...gene

Q: I am wondering if these funds since they hold 50 % US stocks if they are hedged/ unhedged against the currency risk. Or is this an active decision they can choose to turn on/off based on their opinions on currency?
Thank you

Q: I’ve been very impressed with you guys on bnn as as well as direction and opinions to questions asked here. Very pleased with your suggestions and commentary. I just sold vee at a substantial profit.
I’ve moved in a more conservative direction. Really don’t need to make a lot of money just keep what I’ve got. Maybe some additional income to supplement my pensions etc. I now have over 30% of my portfolio in cash. I can’t seem to find a good value play. I have enough preferred shares. Don’t like gics or bonds.

Q: In your opinion, what would one use to short the SPX indexe. As things seem to be a little stretched, and getting more so. On the US and Can side
Thanks

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Just read your answer to Stuart. We keep a spreadsheet on Google Sheets that automatically "captures" price data from Google Finance, and unfortunately Google Finance doesn't provide Aequitas prices. Any ETFs or stocks listed with Aequitas have to be manually entered. :( Other than that, I suppose that Aequitas is "okay".

Q: Hi 5i team. My RIF account has only ETF's except for ENB which is 8.8%. I have 15%EM, 21.3%INT, 21.3%US, 31.5%CDN, and my Fixed Inc. at 4.6% in Pimco PMIF. I am thinking of selling half (or more) of ENB and increasing PMIF or should I put into Pimco IGCF (not in your database) or some other you suggest.
As usual I appreciate your views and suggestions. I am 80, healthy and fully retired. Thanks.

Q: To be truly diversified should one hold commodities in a growth portfolio? If so can you suggest an ETF that would meet this requirement?

Q: I am curious if you are aware of a high yield Japanese market ETF that is available in Canada? Thanks. Peter

Q: I would appreciate your opinion on ZIC.U as a "safe" investment for yield. Thanks. Peter

Q: Good afternoon team
I’m looking to add to the income side of my portfolio and already hold 10-15% of ZPR and CPD.
I’d like to add another 5% to the income side of my portfolio so which one or two options do you advise?
I’m looking for more income with little or no growth as my equity weighting is fairly high in dividend paying stocks as well as growth stocks already?
Thnx in advance!

Q: My daughter (aged 30) has just opened a TFSA and I'd like your recommendation as to what company (s) to invest in with an initial contribution of $3,500.
Your service is much appreciated.
Thank you
Deborah

Q: Hi 5i: Can you suggest some US$ ETFs that are the equivalent (more or less) of CLF and CBO? Many thanks.

Q: Hi guys
I see under the Blackrock website for CJP it states "BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited anticipates that the units of this fund will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange at the close of trading on February 21, 2017 and will be listed on the Aequitas NEO Exchange at the open of trading on February 22, 2017. Please click here for more information."
Is that something I should be concerned with? Would they be doing this for reasons of saving costs?

Thanks

Stuart

Q: Given the positive outlook for the U.S. economy could you please give me your detailed evaluation for xmh for a 1 to 2 year hold?

Q: The Q & A is now saturated with ETF related queries. There has to be a macro message here. I am assuming this is a major contributor to the overvaluations in all markets. Your comments please.

Q: I am 70 years old, retired, with a small company pension (not indexed), and rely on investment income for expenses. I am also a conservative investor with 85% of my portfolio in laddered GIC's. For the remaining 15%, I would like a balance of income and growth, combined with maximum geographic diversification. What do you think of this remaining 15% being divided into 30% FIE (which I already hold), 30% XIN, and 40% XAW? I have been with 5i since your inception and greatly appreciate the advice you offer. Thank you.

Paul W

Q: Iteq- israel tech etf
Hi,

Israel has a lot going on for it on the tech front. A lot of interesting start ups as well. Would ITEQ be a good way to invest in this growth? Would you suggest other etfs or individual stocks? Thanks.

Shyam