Investment Q&A

Q: Hi,

Could you please compare and contrast the risk, rewards and performance of these two funds? Which do you prefer and why?

Many thanks. Michael

Q: I own ZMID, and like its holdings and its exposure to mid-sized American companies, but find it a little illiquid.

Are there any other ETF's that cover the same market cap of American companies that is a bit more liquid? I know of XMS and it is much more liquid but it is hedged...know you prefer unhedged when possible...

Q: Opinion on Direct Indexing by Wealthsimple ?
Worth it for after-tax returns ?

Q: What's your opinion on these two for someone in their 70s? and right now are they a buy at current prices?

Q: What is the best way to play Utilities in Canada & US? Stocks or ETFs? Which ones? Thanks!

Q: Hello team, could you please give me your thoughts on XLV and IXJ.

Interested in how they compare and if you prefer one over the other. A good entry price would also be appreciated.

Thanks as always for your advice.
Paula

Q: Good morning,
What are your thoughts on this relatively new ETF in the Financial sector and are there better alternatives that you would recommend?
Thank you.

Q: If a new Canadian investor wanted to get into the North American market and use low cost index investing to achieve both diversification and simplicity what would you consider for such a portfolio. And if international exposure was desired what could be considered as additions for that.

Q: I see Longpoint has started a 2X leveraged EFT specific to CSU. Can you explain how this ETF works, and where it might be appropriate in ones portfolio.
Also being a new Etf will significant conributiona / withdrawals have any effect on the price of CSU regular shares.
Thanks John

Q: Hi,

You have probably answered this before so apologies if you have.

In general, can you please briefly compare and contrast the following fixed income alternatives?

GICs
Directly held bonds (corporate or government)
Bond ETFs
Bond mutual funds

Thank you so much. Michael

Q: I'm anticipating a short term market correction. What Canadian listed ETF would you recommend to for an inverse or short position on the TSX as a hedge again a market downturn.

Q: I am under weight in utilities and consumer defensive could you please provide your top picks for each category including stocks and ETFs

Q: How close does this fund track the price of gold? While writing this gold was down 1.36 % but PHYS was down 3.26 %. Clarifications?

Q: Hi 5i,

Looking to start an RESP for a newborn. Any recommendations in how to configure an ETF portfolio? If you had to limit yourself to a selection of 3 ETFs, which would you choose and why?

Q: please suggest 3-5 Canadian etfs for an 18 year old's first TFSA portfolio - something to keep him interested in the concept of growth through investing, including stability and risk. My thoughts are S&P, Nasdaq, Russell, large-cap and crypto. But please use your own judgement - thanks!

Q: Looking for you thoughts on index investing for portfolio diversification. Thanks Bob

Q: I have owned all 3 for a few years. I am wondering if I do just as well or better with moving the money to non covered call investments ? I also own ZWU which you like. Please deduct appropriate credits for a comprehensive answer. Thanks Steve

Q: This question will likely apply to any of the covered call funds. In your answer to Greg on Oct. 21, you stated that the yield on this fund was 14.02% but the one-year return was only 4.15%. The fund cost approx $13.06 a year ago and now sells for approx $13.70, which means that your capital has grown by 4.15%. But over that year, dividends totalling $1.92 per unit were received (for a yield of 14%). Doesn't that make the total return on this fund closer to 18%? I assumed that if the unit was worth the same or more than I paid for it in a year, the monthly dividend would not result in any decay and that this amount should be added to the increased value of my purchase. If this were a single stock paying 5% and the stock increased 5% isn't my total return 10%? Is a covered call fund calculated differently?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F..

Q: Thanks for your reply on my " honking big dividend " question .... Bought one ETF already and GIAX is the next one I am considering ..... I like the idea of a global ETF ..... { Getting away from the U.S. } .....However looking at their website I'm having a little difficulty deciphering just what they consist of and just how " Global " they are ...... Could you break down just exactly what I am considering buying into it's components { It looks like there is some U.S. in there as well } ..... Specifically what percentage of their portfolio is foreign securities and where they are { Europe , Asia, etc. } ? And what percentage of the fund is credit call spreads ? ..... And if you could explain the meaning of the following statement in simple terms ...... " The Fund will sell credit call spreads on one or more Indices to generate income from the options premiums. The Fund will typically sell Index Call Spreads on U.S. Indices. " .... Thanks for your terrific service ......

{ Also GIAX is not in your data base }

Q: I have been asked by a 23 year old to provide suggestions for when she initiates her FHSA.

I immediately thought of the banks , which I believe is the premium Canadian sector for long term growth, growing dividends , and safety. I would also recommend a more Canadian diversified security (UMAX ) for her next purchase. Of the above banking securities ( all owned between my cash, tax free, and registered accounts ), which would you start with ? Would you be comfortable with UMAX as second pick ( admittedly hasn’t done much but provides diversification into large cap companies and a good distribution yield). I am only interested in Canadian securities at this point. Should I be comfortable with this approach? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks. Derek .
Any