Investment Q&A

Q: What are your thoughts on HBG ETF(Hamilton Capital Global Bank ETF). Do you recommend any other similar ETF since this is new ETF.

Q: Hi Team,

Can you please comment on the strengths and weaknesses of TIP - iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund (ETF). It seems to be performing well this year so far.

Is it a good substitute for buying and holding bonds directly in a self-managed bond ladder?

Thank you. Michael

Q: One more question regarding asset allocation in my RRIF-- how would you rate a 50/50 split of XBB and CBO as the bond component? Given all other factors remain the same. Thank you!
PS - loved the question "what makes 5i so great?"
You provide fabulous service and take some of the angst and mystery out of investing.

Q: Peter, I am considering buying one of these ETF's. HXS is quite small vs XSP but it has had much returns over the past 5 years. I would have thought that the returns of both would have been quite similar as they are designed to track the S&P 500.

Q: Hi you recommended VGK as part of our portfolio review. What is you opinion now with regard to the results of Brexit vote.

Q: With the sharp drop in many European banks , are there any you would recommend at this point?

Q: Hi Guys

Do you think it is time to buy some hhl.un units at this time

Thanks Mike B

Q: Hi folks
Two questions.
I have held both these for some time in my wife's LIRA account. She can not access this for about 12 years, so a long term hold is very possible. Have held these for a couple years. Both are down about 10%, I have held on because I see the ETF as a long term play on our aging population, and ACHN (hopefully you have a little info with this) as a risky but likely takeout target down the road. I have trimmed this one down and made a bit of $ in another account with it, so it isn't as bad as it looks.
Looking back, which is always easy, there are better options, however I am in now and wondering if I should stay the course.
Don't mind volatility, actually kind of drawn to it. Any thoughts?
Excellent job btw, your cheap at twice the price!
Cheers ;)

Q: I did my Brexit Wed. and plan on staying about 50% cash untill after the US election. Would like some ETF's that pay a relatively safe div. Thanks Al

Q: Could you comment on bonds etc affect of UK's Brexit move ?

Q: I bought some HVU yesterday and of course it is up this mourning should I hang on for awhile or sell on the jump today. I realize no matter what this ETF is a short term trade. Also your short term on gold (which I am also holding)
Thanks

Q: The fixed income portion of my portfolio has been suffering for the last few years, what do you think of the above and what recommendations would you have, thanks, Jean

Q: Given yesterday’s UK referendum result, I expect there will be widespread panic and big declines on markets worldwide on Friday. I’m guessing your immediate advice will likely be “don’t panic, do nothing, wait and see how events unfold, etc”. In my specific case however, while I was expecting the “remain” side to win, I was also fearful and preparing for the worst just the same to the point that I am now 50% in cash. That is a lot of dry powder and I plan to start buying first thing Friday morning and into the coming days. What advice would you give someone who has been “doing nothing” for a while and is now looking to put sidelined cash to good use. Where do you think the best opportunities will be (both Foreign and domestic) to pick up specific names (or ETFs) that will get beaten up in the coming days worse than they likely deserve. Please provide a few names or ETFs for someone looking to be opportunistic on this occasion.

Q: Your thoughts on the following tentative plan will be appreciated:

Looking to tweak our equities some over the next year or two to provide for a bit more US exposure and sector diversity and less in mutual funds. We looked at about 10% of our equity holdings in yesterday's review with our IA and tentatively landed on this:

1. Cdn $ - Sell Dynamic Dividend Income Fund and (some of our) RBC Cdn Equity Income Fund tentatively in favour of iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF CAD-Hedged (XSP).

2. US $ - Sell CI American Value Corporate Class Fun and TD US Mid-Cap Growth Fund tentatively in favour of SPRD S&P 500 ETF.

PS. Our IA seemed to hesitate about us selling any of our RBC equity fund as he feels it well-managed and performing well again this year (11% ytd).

(Context: Retired. No pension. Conservative. 35% GIC, 30% preferred, 5% alternative, 30% equity, preferring blue-chip safe dividends.)

Thank you.

Q: Good morning Peter and Team, In your answer to Rod, isn't CUD another "equivalent" to VIG:US and VGG that trades in US stocks? Its one-year chart shows better performance than the two Vanguard ETFs cited.

Thanks as always.

Q: Hello, is their a US ETF which focuses on dividend growth like CDZ does? Either in CAD or which can be bought in USD accounts.
Thank you!

Q: The ETF ZEQ has a yield of 2.09%. If I understand, there are withholding taxes of 15% on foreign dividends. Is this included in that yield of 2.09%? If not, then what I get in my account is 1.77%?

Q: BDJ: Blackrock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust
What is your opinion of this fund for retirement income? What are the risks? The yield is 7.25% and pays monthly. I read an article that said it's currently selling at a discount.

Q: Hello Peter, I am looking for some bonds to add to my portfolio, I would appreciate your ranking the above for me. Also, your opinion of how would they react to upcoming interest rate increases. Perhaps can suggest a better choice. Many thanks, J.A.P. Burlington

Q: Can you please give me your comments on the ETF

Thanks