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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 have noticed that, when someone asks about investing in Google, Amazon, etc., you have recommended one ETF or another. I don't believe you have ever recommended FDN, which I hold and like. Is there a negative to this vehicle that I may have overlooked?
Read Answer Asked by Peter on February 01, 2016
Q: I am looking to buy about $100k of Fixed Income for my asset allocation and I have a 12 year horizon. Do you think I should buy actual bonds in some sort of Bond Ladder? or Bond Mutual funds? I am quite sure interest rates will rise at least 2-3% in the next 12 years. Is there a better fixed income product.
Read Answer Asked by Ron on February 01, 2016
Q: I would like your suggestions for replacing the three interest income positions and the preferred shares position with dividend like equity positions. Thanks.......Tom
Read Answer Asked by Tom on January 31, 2016
Q: Hi Peter

I have no metals or materials exposure and was wondering if it would be appropriate to add some for portfolio diversification purposes? I was thinking about 2% of my portfolio for an initial position. If so, I am leaning towards an ETF rather than purchasing individual stocks. Do you have any suggestions for an ETF for this purpose?

thanks,

J
Read Answer Asked by John on January 29, 2016
Q: I’m mulling on using USD$ ETFs rather than a number of separate positions in a US$65.000 portfoilo. This would be a new venture for me. At the same time I monitoring about 40-50 TSX stocks. So US$ETF would make it easier for me. The objective is to hold US$, and achieve reason total return of 7% for a long term hold. I take it this would be a good way to go?
I just read your response about "If you continue to want the tech exposure in USD$, the ETF "IGM" could be used as well.” And following you suggestion that because TSX is thin in consumer discretionary, health care and industrials, what USD$ ETF’s would you suggest I consider for these sectors?
End result would be to hold 4 ETF’s, about U$15,000 each which would align with your other suggestion of holding that level, like 3 positions in value…..Again…thanks……tom
Read Answer Asked by Tom on January 29, 2016
Q: Hello PETER, Your suggestion please for sector etf like - health, media & communication, tech. Global and some dividend is better.
thanks
Read Answer Asked by RUPINDER on January 29, 2016
Q: Hi again,

I have some IBB biotech etf which has followed the sector down. Do you see any positive potential for this sector over the next quarter or so?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Gary on January 29, 2016
Q: I own SPB @ 7% of the portfolio. I plan on buying ZUT for utility holdings, but notice that SPB represents 8% of the ZUT portfolio. In looking at the other holdings in ZUT, SPB seems out of place. Would you hold both or divest SPB? Thanks











Read Answer Asked by Tim on January 28, 2016
Q: What are your thoughts on couple of BMO Mutual fund.
BMO Tactical Dividend ETF = GGF31734
BMO Tactical Balanced ETF GGF31222
Read Answer Asked by Hector on January 27, 2016
Q: I would like to invest 10% of my portfolio in an international ETF and was wondering what you'd suggest. I'm thinking developed might be better than emerging markets and less volatile? I'd also like to go hedged to the Canadian dollar because I currently have 20% in US stocks, and feel that adding 10% international unhedged would put me in a bad position when the Canadian dollar starts to rise. What would you suggest and do you think 10% is a good amount for an investor 17 years from retirement?
Read Answer Asked by Carla on January 27, 2016
Q: Hi all,

With the great market we are experiencing combined with regularly hearing from any objective individual that indexes are the best place for your money, should we not all be buying ETFs now? Really, why risk missing out on any recovery by playing specific stocks?

What ETFs would be your favourite right now, Cdn or US?

Thanks,

Cam
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on January 27, 2016
Q: Your thought on this ETF or any other suggestion for Asian pacific ETF with a Dividend?

Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 26, 2016
Q: In response to a question about CBO last fall you suggested that XLB should be considered as part of a fixed income allocation. It appears to be very stable, and moves somewhat opposite to the TSX. What are your feels about XLB in the current market environment, or would it make sense to just wait for an opportunity to buy it below NAV?
Read Answer Asked by Virgil on January 26, 2016
Q: What are your thoughts on holding these etfs
Read Answer Asked by Glenna on January 26, 2016
Q: Peter and Team:

Even as oil turns and heads lower again and the Saudis confirm they are not going to blink, there is a general consensus that oil will eventually find a "stable" level i.e price higher than it is now.(2016/17?)

I am looking for your opinion on parking 50k in either XEG or ZEO. They are paying a respectable approx. 4%, and I would think would realize a pretty decent capital gain if held over a two or three year term. Would you have a preference, if one considers cheap oil may be around for a while and some companies might fold?

Thanks as always

Phil

Read Answer Asked by Phil on January 26, 2016
Q: Both Canadian and american financials have taken a hit recently. I am looking to add to my financials/ insurance on both sides of the border. Which 3 Canadian stocks would you recommend and which US etf?
Read Answer Asked by Loretta on January 26, 2016
Q: WHich of these three etf ZUD, PUD or ZDY is better US diversification?

Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 25, 2016
Q: I am putting together an ETF portfolio for US and Int'l exposure. I am looking for ETFs with low mgmt fee and diverse holdings so the returns will not be influenced by a few holdings. I also prefer ETF that's hedged to C$, if available.
Please provide recommendations for the following categories. Many thanks.
- US broad market
- US dividend appreciation
- US sector etfs that are likely to outperform in 2016-17
- broad market European Developed countries
- Dividend appreciation for European developed countries
- Broad market Emerging Market countries
- Dividend appreciation for emerging market
Read Answer Asked by Willie on January 25, 2016