Investment Q&A

Q: Happy New Year
I was thinking of diversifying into the US and was thinking about using etf's. Can you give me your thoughts on this and which ETF's I should consider at this time?
Thank you

Q: Hi> The time of year to review TFSA. Wondering about cdz. The dividend of 6.9 percent looks great. Is the a fee to own & how is it paid. Other ideas for growth stocks would be appreciated. Thank you. Keith

Q: Hi and happy new year. I am a new member and love your service. Just renewed at the discount rate even though I have only been a member for 3 months. I am impressed with your dedication, I recently asked a question at 6:30 AM and you gave a great answer by 7 am. The Early bird gets the worm. Now to the question: The Vanguard corporate bond ETF "VSC". What do you think. Seems like a small fund but mer is only about .18 per cent.I need to rebalance my stocks which have done very well in the past 4 years and buy some bonds. Corporates still seem the only way to go at this point.

Q: could you please give your take on phn total return bond fund i am down 4% and it is app. 5% of portfolio held in tfsa.i am considering adding this years contribution to it but also wondering a better allternative. your gratefully Larry

Q: Hello Peter and Team,

Happy New Year. This is not urgent. I've been following your comments on EEM (emerging markets stock ETF) and VXUS (all markets stocks except US) for foreign stock ETF holdings. I was wondering if you could compare/contrast them with EFA-N (developed markets stocks in Europe, Australia, Asia & the Far East). If you had to choose only one, which would it be and why?

Many thanks. Michael

Q: Hi Peter,
Ishares has 3 Russell 2000 ETF's, growth, value, and not focused. Is there growth and value in small cap? What are they doing here?
Thanks, Mark

Q: Peter - I like the Technology and healthcare sectors in 2014 and long term (+5 Years). Rather than selecting stocks in these sectors, I am looking at IYW (US Technology) and IYH (US Healthcare), however I am concerned at the low daily volumes. Can you provide your thoughts on these two ETF's and can you recommend any alternative ETF's in these two sectors? Thank You and Best Wishes in 2014!! Thank You for providing us with an excellent service.

Q: In your answer to Behrouz re a Mining and Metals ETF, you mentioned CMW and XME. I, too, have been looking for a decent ETF in the sector in Canada. The problem in this country is that there are no ETFs in the Mining and Metals sector, just Global Base Metals. XME is listed as having about 9% in gold and another 10% in Precious Metals. I'm sure CMW and a second iShares entry, XBM, have considerably more than that in gold (I can't find out how much). If you wish to avoid gold in a M&M ETF, it's difficult. And besides, both Canadian products are thinly traded. There is a third Canadian entry, this one from BMO, ZMT. Surely one of them could be a more pure M&M play.

Q: In a previous response you mentioned that Brazil could see a recovery this year. Is there an ETF you can recommend that is either a pure play on the Brazilian market or at least one with a heavy weighting in Brazil?
Separately, I would like to also diversify into Europe. You recently responded that for Europe FEZ is “hard to beat”. In previous responses I believe you have at different times also recommended both IEV and VGK. What is your top ETF pick for exposure to Europe (long term) for new buying at this time?

Q: HTD
BEST WISHES FOR ALL IN 2014
Recently Jaime Carrusco recommended this ETF which is a bearish play on US 30 year treasuries, designed to double the daily movement. The basic ideas confirms my view of where the US long bond is going, but is there a catch. I am prepared to accept the risk of being wrong on the direction of the long bonds, but am afraid I don't understand the mechanics of the ETF. Is there a daily reset? Can I just buy and watch or does this need to be day traded.........something I can't do. Thanks. Robert

Q: Hi Peter and Team, Happy new year. For my TFSA account I was going to buy Horizon ETF. Trades on the S & P 500 symbol HXS. Is this a good idea? What are your thoughts or recommendations. Thanks. Ed

Q: Hi

I have been reading through you past answrrs to questions and seems you have been anticipating a recovry in metals

If you were to pick one or two, or three ETFs to play any metal recovey, what would you choose?

Many thanks

Q: What are your thoughts on the etf "uxm" by Morningstar for US exposure.

Thanks, and all the best in the new year to you and your staff.

David

Q: Can you recommend an emerging markets mutual fund?

Q: Peter; I have read your comments on EEM and VXUS. Is buying both a double -up? Thanks. Rod

Q: Happy New Year, Peter and staff!!
I am a relatively new subscriber to 5i but have been with Money saver for a long time (I love that magazine). And I really like this 5i service!
I look after the affairs of my mother who is 81, we have a bunch of GIC’s / bonds coming due in a non-registered account. The fixed income portion of her portfolio is about 50%. The rest is in dividend paying blue chips such as banks, telecom’s, insurance, energy. These have been held for quite a while and have been serving her very well.
I am looking at a few ETF’s for the income portion, I am interested in short term laddered government as well as corporate bond funds. Analyzing ETF screens, I have been looking at CLF, CBO, ZCS, VSC and ZCM. I am thinking of perhaps splitting her fixed income to 2 or 3 of these or similar accounts.
I would really appreciate your thoughts on these and other ETF’s that I should strongly consider.
Thank you, Dale

Q: I have a large holding in Yield Plus(yp.UN)and am wondering if you could give me an ETF name that would give me better growth together with dividends. Thanks. Ernie

Q: I deal just on the canadian markets. can you suggest an etf one for us and one for europe. thanks and all the best in the new year. vic

Q: happy new year;great job 5i; hyi seems to have a high pay out would it be safe at this time?short term corporate bonds. brian

Q: Happy New Year to the 5i staff
Do ZWB represent a good alternative to Financial income long term investment.I'm 71.

Thank You