Investment Q&A

Q: I have been adding to my holdings in the Income Portfolio and with the cost/share down I was considering ZRE at this time. In looking at the BMO site (http://www.etfs.bmo.com/bmo-etfs/distribution?fundId=80001 ) I note the following statement under 'distributions' -

" The distributions will either be paid in cash or reinvested in the BMO ETF at the discretion of the manager."

I am wondering your thoughts on how likely it might be that one would not get a cash distribution? If owning individual REITs could this be the case as well? Do you recommend buying ZRE at this time? We are looking for income.

Thank you ever so much for your insights.

Q: Hi, what are some of the Vehicles, in Canada or the US to play a rising $US. Given the exchange rates now I would rather stay with a Canadian ETF or Fund.

Thanks

Q: I'm looking at CDZ or PDF in order to add Canadian diversification to TFSAs for my children. Would you prefer one over the other for any reason?

Thank you.

Q: Re Sylvia's etf dividend question
Just my two cents but I think her question is a very good one. ETF dividends can be tricky. I hold a CIBC canadian index etf that I bought through a friend who is a broker. I didn't research the fund much other than note it has relatively low MER.
I learned though that the dividends are automatically reinvested in units (I was never consulted on this), and in any case are only paid once annually even though all of the underlying paying companies pay either monthly or quarterly. I never actually "see" any dividend. Seems like I am losing some compounding effect there, as the reinvestment occurs only once per year. Over a long period I think this may be significant. Anyway, suggest you research carefully before you buy. Email the fund directly and ask specific questions about the div.
Good luck fellow investors!

Q: Hi Peter and Team!!! It gearing up for a great weekend weather wise, Yay! I have 16,000 to deploy in my RRSP. I would like to buy one or two ETFs that cover the US market, broadly and perhaps dividend aristocrats. VUN and VGG...are in Canadian funds. I would like the equivalent listed in US dollars, paying out in US dollars as well. I asked my investment advisor, and she could not give me any alternatives except for the SPY. Could you suggest some ? And on that topic, is it a good idea to hold another currency (in this case US dollars) in the RRSP, or just have an ETF representing the US market in Canadian funds? Thank you, and have a great weekend!! Cheers, Tamara

Q: Hello Peter,
I have XHY and CHB as part of fixed income portfolio. However, wondering the benefit / role of these 2. Very volatile and the dividend not enough to offset the decline in share price ( net loss on year basis). Is it worth holding these with any specific purpose or would you recommend better alternate. My need is more stability and bit growth than pure income. Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter & Team: I have ZDV in both TFSA & non-registered acct, should I take the loss and get out as energy & financial are weakening? Thank you.

Q: Hi, this is a bit of a 30 thousand feet question and I'm trying to find investing idea's for the next 5 to 10 years. I am looking at three countries India, Iran and Ethiopia. What options do I have to play these markets now or in the near future. I'm just starting my search, any help would be appreciated

Thanks for a great site

Q: Any issues with these picks for my healthcare and tech allocations or would recommend better alternatives:
IBB
FDN
IYH

Also what would you recommend for exposure to the Nasdaq 100

Thank-you.

Q: Hi, I've owned this awhile, but I seem to be getting no "pop' due to the rising USD vs CAD. Is it hedged against a rise in the USD? What I was wanting when I bought this, was US Large Cap Div exposure with a USD exposure vs CAD. Can you recommend another US index fund that would participate in the continued CAD decline?

Q: Since my buy in May, 2013 ZPR is down 23% and continues to get beaten down as interest rates fall. Assuming the Bank of Canada reverses direction in response to the expected rise in US interest rates, is this a good entry point for ZPR as a long term hold?

Q: Hello looking for some energy exposure considering
XEG
OXF
HEE
ZEO
IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONLY ONE WHICH WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE i AM LEANING TOWARDS XEG
Thnks
Rod

Q: For some US exposure what are your thoughts for yxm.b, US Momentium Index?

Q: I currently hold 10% portfolio position in zlb and hold all of your balanced portfolio minus Enbridge and telus...the charts show that zlb has outperformed both of these two stocks since its inception...should I consider selling zlb and taking a position in each enb and t for diversification considerations or continue to hold zlb which has performed very well for us..thank you for the great service and advise.

Q: Hi Peter & Team: Your comments to Allen's question today: "but expect a flat to declining sector..." I own this in my Riff and in a loss position, should I let it go? Thank you.

Q: Could I please get your recommendation for both an inverse oil & gold ETF.

Thank You
Craig

Q: In your Updated news report July 18th you said to make sure you have international exposure. What do you recommend? I follow closely your investment advice and my portfolio consists mainly of stocks from your balanced model portfolio. I have a 5-10 year time frame.

Thank you so much,
Louise

Q: I have both which would you own?Thanks for your great effort! What would you replace if you think I should in the same sectorThaks Cliff

Q: I've been a member for over a year now and appreciate all the help you have given regarding individual equity choices. My wife and I are both 70 years of age. Our pensions provide enough money to meet all of our monthly needs so we are able to take on some risk. I am having some difficulty determining what percentage of our portfolio should be in each sector. I would appreciate it if you would suggest how much we should relegate to each of the following categories and one or two etfs (I like the Vanguard family for their low fees) that you think would provide the exposure we need.
1. Fixed income
2. Canadian equities
3. American equities - I'm leaning towards VUN
4. Global equities.
Thanks once again for your guidance.

Q: Hi Team,
Are you aware of any funds or ETF's that focus on sport companies, teams or anything sport related? Rather than pick a company like Nike, I'm looking for a managed basket.