Investment Q&A

Q: Hello.
I need some advice on ETF, one Canadian and one US. I was thinking Spy for US but not sure for Canadian ETF. I own 27 equities 65% CDN & 35% US. I have two accounts that I would like each one to contain an ETF. I would then twice a year take all my dividends and repurchase shares in the same ETF. Seeing that the ETF holds many equities in different sectors to my way of thinking I would not have to think of asset allocation nor the size of my position.? Or should I? Right now all my positions are below 5%. Good Strategy?

Regards.

Q: I've never had any interest in ETFs until yesterday a friend told me the error of my ways. He gave me two names ZSP and ZWB that both have annual combined returns (yield & growth) exceeding 20%. It was a real eye opener for sure.

Do you know where can I find reports on line that rate the performance of most Canadian traded ETFs? As well, do you have other ETF names that are comparable in combined returns with ZWB and ZSP that you can recommend?

Thanks.

Q: I sold CEF.A because of the takeover. I don't want the sprotts fund.

What can I replace it with bearing in mind that I'd like it to be bullion in Canadian dollars?

Q: 5i

I am 75 years old, retired and do not have any funds in my portfolio. Am looking at ZDV,ZRE,ZWH,ZPR,HPR. Looking at income and safety. How would you rate these funds for income and safety in today's environment and the environment you percieve in the next year. Any other suggestions appreciated.

Read your Q&A every morning, great info is generated through readers questions and your response.

W

Q: Can you recommend a Canadian ETF (cdn dollar hedged?) that focuses on US banks that would be suitable for a long term hold?

I hold ZUH already so can you recommend a US ETF, focusing on healthcare, again for a long term?

Q: Hi, I'm looking to build a portfolio of only fixed income positions. Would you only use ETF's and, if so, what ETF's would you recommend?

Q: I am a 69 year old investor. I am wondering about the suitability of XTR-T as a moderate term investment(3-5 years)? I am dripping the generous dividend and am looking for some capital growth as well. If this is considered risky(Especially the dividend) for that time frame could you suggest a better alternative? Many thanks/

Q: Looking for your opinion on the management team at Hamilton Capital Partners Inc, and your opinion on the growth prospects for their ETFs, HBG and HFY.

Q: Hello 5i. I currently have no exposure in Gold/Silver market. With a rising U.S. dollar should I wait for possible entry and would you recommend your top 2 gold and silver stocks or should I go with an index fund?

Q: Hello Team 5i, I'm scared about a possible Trump Dump, not knowing what he will say/do next.....so staying away from Single Stocks, but do not want to stay out of Market. Hence looking at ETFs, and would appreciate your Ranking of these.

Q: Which ETF would be your preference? Vanguard VFV or Horizons HSU.
Why the preference and what the difference?

Andrew B.

Q: Hi 5i Team: In an anticipated rising rate environment I am leaning towards adding more ZPR in my preferred share segment of my fixed income portfolio. Am I correct in thinking ZPR is (no pun intended) preferable over HPR at this time? Or should I take HPR as a little diversification as I only hold rate resets in my preferred share portfolio at the present time.

Q: if one thought that Canadian bank shares were overbought and expected them to decline in value over the next 12 months what shares/equities could be bought to profit from that opinion?

Q: Have a moderate position in XGD-T and plan to keep it as long term insurance on the general condition of the stock market Good idea?

Thank you.

Q: Would this be a good etf (ptb)to hold for bond exposure it has been showing weakness as of late and if not could you suggest another alterative.

Q: My Father has finally caught on that paying the RBC +2% for their mutual funds is eroding his returns and asked for some help. He doesn't have the knowledge or temperament to jump into stocks so I am suggesting he move some investments to ETFs. He is 70, has a teachers pension and 250k of RSP "fun money" to play with. Since I view his pension as his fixed income portion of his portfolio I dont see any reason to get him into any fixed income ETFs or match your model ETF portfolio. I plan to suggest he move about 25k each into xwd, cdz and vgg for a start to get his feet wet. Then once he is comfortable move the rest into those same 3 funds ( assuming they are still on your suggested list at that time).

Any recommended adjustments to this approach in terms of ETFs or my equal weighting.

Q: Hi, a friend mentioned these etfs may be a great place to start a small position ~5%. I would like your opinion on DBA and JJG, to play agriculture in US dollars. Thanks.

Q: I am currently leaning towards Gas, as opposed to Oil. Can you recommend 1 or 2 good Gas ETFs?

Many thanks! Austin

Q: Hi 5i, I'm moving money from my broker (40+ stocks, 500K) to a few ETFs (Equal Weight) , I'm considering the following ETFs: XIC, IWO, CDZ, SPY, FDN, and FIE; would you please help me choose four or five ETFs from the list, I'm looking for moderate growth, and of course preservation if capital.
Thanks

Q: I'm trying to get my wife's rrsp some international exposure with an ETF that pays a decent dividend for income.Aside from it's small size[ 11.42 M ] but a nice 6.02% div, is there any down side in your view. If so, your alternatives?It currently has XHY and 22 other income and some growth stocks each about equally weighted.
Secondly, a suggested CDN ETF with US large cap/financial exposure that as pays a 3+ % div.