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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: In your answer to John, yesterday, on how to play the bear market (if it is one) you stated: "One other option is to own VXX, an ETN (different than an ETF) that is based against the VIX Volatility Index. "

What is an ETN, and how is it different from an ETF? How would this benefit the current situation? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Sylvia on January 07, 2016
Q: Could I please have an update on XHB, Blackrock's Hybrid Corp Bond Index. I asked about this ETF last August and it has since fallen in value quite substantially. On the other hand, the laddered Corp Bond Index from Blackrock, CBO, has held up rather well over the same time frame. Would CBO be preferable over XHB? Or should bond funds be avoided at this volatile time? I am currently sitting on 30% GIC's and 70% cash - no equities whatsoever. Thanks for your opinion.
Read Answer Asked by Paul W on January 07, 2016
Q: I have held VIG since our dollar was at par with US and it has appreciated over 10% since I purchased it.
I'm thinking of selling to take the profit on the spread between US and CAN currency, what would your opinion on this be?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by John on January 07, 2016
Q: What do you think about Kevin O'Learys ETF,s
OUSA .. which I believe in hedged against currency and is supposed to be a high dividend ETF with low volatility.
Wonder if you think it's a good and stable investment and also, as its dividend paying ETF, if it's good for Canadians ... given withholding tax and our devalued dollar?


Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on January 07, 2016
Q: Happy New Year! Thanks as always for this service, it is the first place I go every morning. I invest through RBC Direct, and I am wondering how ETF's take their fees from me. Thanks very much.
Read Answer Asked by Kim on January 06, 2016
Q: the recent data seems to suggest that the markets,reflecting the average stock,is in a bear market with growth slowing, and recent interest rates seem to be going lower to reflect that. If we are in a bear market, how does one make money, as opposed to preserve capital?
Read Answer Asked by john on January 06, 2016
Q: 2 questions:

I have done very well with ABBV, but wonder how much of an impact is likely when Humira comes off patent in 2016. Have you heard of any company plans that would offset the loss? Do you have a hold or sell suggestion?

How much and what kind of a difference is VEF’s transition from the FTSE Developed ex North America Hedged CAD Index to the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Hedged to CAD Index? How is it likely to affect my returns?
Read Answer Asked by Blanche on January 06, 2016
Q: Hello I am interested in how I could get some exposure to Samsung; perhaps through an ETF here or one in the US. A top ten holding would be preferred, but not necessary. Is the Mawer 102 or 150 likely places to start? Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 06, 2016
Q: IOWN THIS IN A RRSP AND WAS THINKING OF SELLING AND MOVING THE MONEY TO THE OTHER ETF ZUB WHICH IS HEDGED OR DOES THE US DOLLAR STILL KEEP GOING UP. ANOTHER POSSABILITY WOULD BE TRICON (TCN). THANKS
Read Answer Asked by John on January 05, 2016
Q: I'm underwater on a position in XBZ. Wondering what your thoughts are on the Brazilian economy?
Read Answer Asked by Brian on January 05, 2016
Q: HAPPY NEW YEAR
PROS AND CONS FOR THESE 2 BONDS FUND AS A PART OF BOND PORTION OF PORTFOLIO.THANK YOU.EBRAHIM
Read Answer Asked by ebrahim on January 04, 2016
Q: I am interested in purchasing some bonds for fairly high yield with an approx. 3 year term. Your recommendations would be appreciated. and possibly some advise on the do's and dont's of holding them
Read Answer Asked by kenneth on January 04, 2016
Q: Hi 5i, I have been ex Canada for about 4 months. I am wondering if this is the time to get back in and what ETF you would recommend for the next 12 months Jeff
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on January 04, 2016
Q: My experience with these funds in the last few years is that at maturity I have received about
3% less than what I paid. I assume that the interest paid makes up for the 3% and then some, but the damage such as it was was done and I didn't bother to reconcile it.

I was trying to keep a 3 year ladder for withdrawals from a RRIF. I have since moved on to HFR and CBO. This year I may put a year's worth of withdrawals in an ISA
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on January 04, 2016
Q: Can one construct a portfolio based on beta. In other words can you structure it in such a way that if the overall market declines say 1% you portfolio would go down .3% therefore a beta of .3. Just wondering if this makes sense. Thank You
Read Answer Asked by roland on January 04, 2016
Q: My strategy for TFSA's differs from most because of age and income needs. Would you consider CYH to be a good choice for a monthly income or would you have a better choice. Thanks for guiding us through the most difficult of years (2015) and good investing to all 5i members and staff in 2016.
Read Answer Asked by Alan on January 04, 2016
Q: I have some money to invest that I may need in 3-5 years as income but would like some up side other than the amount the bank pays. I have been thinking of putting it into a bond fund but with rising interest rates do you think that the potential capital loss will be offset by an overall gain in this time period. My overall holdings is mostly in equities and I would like to start to increase my bond holdings. Also do you think PH&N bond fund is a well run fund. What do you think a neutral interest rate for today is. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Jerome on January 04, 2016
Q: I am considering zwu for income with utility exposure - an area rather beat-up last year. Could you comment on the asset mix in the fund and if you consider the dividend sustainable? I can't find any payout ratio listed, and would appreciate this number if you can find/calculate it.

Thank-you
Read Answer Asked by grant on January 04, 2016
Q: I've been a member for over a year and have been super pleased with your service. Just wanted to thank you for your exceptional service.

I've noted that when answering members' questions about investments you quite often will finish the answer about an equity or etf by writing "it's one of our favorites". So, as we move into 2016, without any sector restrictions, what are your favorite equity/etf ideas for the new year? (hopefully ones that would be safer investments yet have good growth potential).
Read Answer Asked by Les on January 04, 2016
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