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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 been wanted to diversify my portfolio and I was wondering if this is a good list or a bit of overkill. I have recently bought some XBB. I want these for fairly long positions, my concern is that I might be over paying for these as everyone is fearful and flocking to bonds as a safety net. Would it be wise to let things settle or buy partial positions in these etfs. Also would it worthwhile also owning some us long term treasuries. I am looking to try to cover all possibilities so I am not chasing in the future when market conditions change. I would like diverse group to cover inflation, rising market, recession. I know that I cant take all risk off but I would like have some safety net and not hold all equities.
Read Answer Asked by Geoff on July 07, 2016
Q: I have transitioned a substantial part of my own RRSP from mutual funds to individual stocks & other investments, with the help of 5i (thanks! Done quite well), over the past 3 years.

My wife is still reluctant to do the same, so we are transitioning her RRSP from mutual funds to ETF's, with only one purchased so far. The specific ETF our advisor put us in was BMO ZDV. At the time, I specifically wanted an ETF with lower exposure to the energy sector.

Unfortunately, we bought in at the August 2014 peak, and are underwater by 20%, even after distributions. Moreover, the distributions have been steadily dropping since we bought in.

Is it time to bail out of this ETF, and if so, what would you replace it with?

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Lotar on July 07, 2016
Q: Hi there

I wanted some feedback about putting about 5% of my portfolio into Preferred shares for income purposes for over a 5 year hold. I know I could buy the preferred ETF CPD but have been hurt before in ETF bond funds so feel better buying two or three individual issues where I know up front what I will be getting in return for at least the first few years. Would it be possible to provide three preferred issues that you would recommend for income?

Thanks so much
Read Answer Asked by Stuart on July 07, 2016
Q: I have no US exposure and am thinking of buying VGG or VGH to eventually switch into TFSA Jan 2017. I don't understand the difference between hedged and unhedged in these circumstances. Can you give me some advice? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by M.S. on July 05, 2016
Q: I have a question about XGD. I believe you like this fund and I've been keeping an eye on it, with a view to purchase. It keeps going up and I haven't had to guts to purchase. I have this feeling that once I purchase it, the downward trend begins! What is your view of the current price and when the party might stop?
Read Answer Asked by Brenda on July 05, 2016
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.
Read Answer Asked by Jen on June 29, 2016
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.
Read Answer Asked by stephen on June 29, 2016
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 ;)
Read Answer Asked by Michael on June 27, 2016
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

Read Answer Asked by Allan on June 27, 2016
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
Read Answer Asked by Jean on June 24, 2016
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