Investment Q&A

Q: hello 5i team: i am trying to decide between active verses passive for global equity in my rrsp. this would be 15% of portfolio. comparing xwd for etf and mawer global equity also for small cap. 5% weighting of xsu or xcs to mawer global small cap. your input is greatly appreciated. thanks Larry

Q: I would appreciate your views on preferred
ETFs in general and US PFF and Canadian ZPR in particular

Q: I own a 2.5% weighting inside an RSP of ZUB (CDN Hedged) and have enjoyed a 25% gain to date. I see BMO has introduced a New non CDN hedged ETF named ZBK covering the same equal weight US banks.

Would you recommend selling the ZUB to buy the new ZBK ETF?
I'm assuming for the next 12 months Canada will see a 90 cent dollar to the US.
Thanks in advance. Greg.

Q: Hi Peter,
I wuld like to diversify my portfolio away from Canada and the US by adding a European ETF. The problem is there are not many choices in the Canadian market. I was looking at XEF (ishares not hedged) and ZDM( BMO hedged) but now I am considering the new EUR from First trust, which is a more pure play on the European market. Also, if recovery is starting in Europe it would seem to me that an Alpha ETF might have a superior gain over an index not to mention the pure play in Europe. What do you think of this new ETF and do you know if it is hedge or not and is that important when investing in Europe?
Thank you for your insight.

Q: Currently approximately 16% of my stock portfolio is in international stocks with the largest percentage being large banks (Santander, ING, JP Morgan, HSBC and Bank of America) at 28%. The remainder typically are large American and European companies (pharma, agriculture, metals, tech, industrials and telecommunications) . I recently sold some MacKenzie mutual funds. I am planning to take the proceeds and purchase Mawer Global Small Cap Mutual (MAW150) thinking that this will increase my international exposure to approximately 20% plus balance the weighting a bit more to smaller companies. I would appreciate your comments about my thinking and would like any advice for alternates. I very much value your thoughts. Thank you very much.

Q: Hi Peter,
Which gold and silver stocks would you recommend. Or do you prefer ETF.s? Also do you have a favorite junior miner? Thanks Clare

Q: Looking at Chevron. Read your answer that mentioned you would suggest a sector EFT rather than the individual stock. Do you have a recommendation for a good EFT in this sector?

Thank You

Q: I only hold Cdn stocks but wud like 2 take advantage of European recovery. Have MG & ATD.B. Any recommendations, please.
Thanks, B

Q: Hi folks, new member here with a first question !

I am a Quebec resident investing inside a corporation (holdco). I currently have cash to deploy and wondering if i should invest in Horizon "Tax-Optimized" ETF (HXT/HXS).

For the US holding, I already hold VTI but I want to avoid purchasing more USD denominated securities to avoid US estate tax liabilities in the future. So my pick is between VUN and HXS.

For the Canadian holding, I already hold VCE. My pick is between VCN/VCE and HXT.

I understand how Horizon ETF works but i am wondering if they make sense in my particular situation (holdco, quebecers, etc).

Thanks for helping ! :-)

Q: Hi Peter and 5i Team,
My only material exposure in my RIF is 5% in Silver Wheaton. I would like to initiate a new 5% position in XMA. Your view please on the timing and the opportunity of my thinking.
Thank you all for the excellent service.

Q: My parents are getting close to drawing funds from their RRSPs and I want to start shifting their portfolios into safer equities. Can you recommend any lower volatility ETFs? Is ZLB fine or too illiquid? Thanks, Rob

Q: ZHY has been a stellar performer over the past few years. Do you think it is still worth holding?

thanks

Q: Hi, i am considering vsc and cbo for income is there any over lap between these two etfs would you recommend using both? or would one be better off with pimco monthly income fund series f.{mer .86} thanks

Q: Hi,I have had HNU eft for quite a while,and have not done so good. I would like to switch into a more mainstream eft or stock.I think gas will do well in the next 4-5 years and would like a good growth idea.
Thanks, Brad

Q: ..oops I forgot to add I also own BMO Dividend Fund (146)-GGF70146 thanks

Q: What is your opinion of VDY?

Q: Please recommend stocks or etfs to create cash flow in TFSA for healthy 90 year old. In addition he has laddered bonds and some income from pension and family business.

Q: Question on portfolio weighting.
I have 25% in financials - BNS 5%, NA 4%, CM 3%, HCG 3%, HR.un 3%, CSH.un 3%, MIC 2%, GS 2%.
I only have 2% in health care with ZUH etf.
I am thinking of reducing financials for more health care, specifically switching CM for more ZUH.
Your thoughts on this portion of my portfolio and the possible switch are appreciated. Your thoughts on ZUH as a health care sector investment is also appreciated.

Q: Hi folks. Thanks for all the great advice. Could I have your thoughts on gold ETFs, particularly HGU?

Q: I have held some XRB in my daughter's RRSP both up and down in price. Would it be an idea to add to this position for her? (her age is 31)
Thanks