Investment Q&A

Q: In this ultra low interest rate environment, where it is maybe more likely for rates to climb than to fall, do you think the best place for the income component of a portfolio, aside from GICs, is in a bond ETF like VAB or a savings ETF like PSA?

Thanks.

Q: Hi 5i,
For a 3 to 5 years hold which etf VSB or ZAG would you side with and why
Thanks
F

Q: I own a small amount of FSL for revenue. I think they invest mostly in the US. They merged recently with FSD, unknown to me. The stock didn’t do much in the last few years and is illiquid. There are some other ETF and funds dealing with « senior loans ». Could you explain what they are and if they are worthed for income/diversification purposes. I also own PSB (laddered) and XSB (short-term) on the canadian side. If appropriate, would you suggest something for income in the US to replace FSL, if possible a canadian-listed ETF or fund. Thanks.

Q: Class F Capital Shares (the "Federation Capital Shares") . These are offered by caisse desjardins. We have some older "permanent" shares which Desjardins wants us to exchange for capital shares. I didnt buy these and i am not even sure what they are. They almost seem to be a kind of preferred share. Just wondering with your wide expertise whether you know exactly what these are. And more importantly, whether they are worth holding. I am thinking no.
Thankyou for any help and all the best in the new year

Q: Do corporate bonds perform well during recession? I am thinking of buying one of Chemtrade’s debentures, series B, C, D or E. Which one will perform better?

Q: I have noted that XSH and ZCS have outperformed VSB every year since their respective inception years. Do you expect this outperformance to continue? In what scenario would VSB outperform XSH or ZCS? Even during recent market downturns (2015, 2018), VSB has underperformed. Thank you.

Q: Is there a US-denominated ETF that is similar to XSH (in terms of liquidity, risk profile, income) that you might recommend? Thank you.

Q: When I compare MFT (that I own) and FRL.UN with ZFH and PGI.UN I don't understand why the former don't perform as well as the latter. What can explain that and what would be the best bond ETF (low volatility and reasonable yield) to own within a registered and non registered account. Also, do you know a bond ETF giving mostly capital gain for a non registered account to reduce the income in interest.

Q: Hello,

I want to add fixed income to balance my portfolio and will hold it in a cash account. I'm targeting 15% fixed income with > 10 year hold.

1. Are the ETF's in the income portfolio appropriate? or should I have more concentration? Or a different selection?

2. If > one ETF do you have a weighting suggestion?

3. Will these be taxed as income or dividends?

Thanks!

Dave

Q: Hi 5i Team,

This is not a question, but rather a comment. I often read in the Q@A that the insurance on GICs is $100,000. This is not entirely true. If you invest in a GIC at an Ontario credit union or caisse populaire, the insurance is $250,000. See the link below.
https://www.dico.com/design/1_1_Eng.html

Q: I hold 7% of my portfolio in CBO. It's performance over the last 5 years has been less than I thought it would been. I was wondering if you could suggest an alternative. I was considering switching 3% to something else with similar considerations. What about VSC?

Q: I bought a bond from S in 2015 that originally was to mature in 2018, but unfortunately was extended to 2021. In the meantime I have a 56% paper loss. I saw today that S stock price is at $0.18(!). Is there a more than likely chance that Sherritt will go under and if so, is there a way to estimate how much of my principal I can get back? Should I just sell this bond even if it’s in my RRSP? Thanks, Martin

Q: When I read/hear the phrase "GIC-like funds" what is being referred to? Can you provide a few examples if that phrase has meaning in the realm of investing?

Q: Hi Team, I have a small weighting in MFR.UN. Capitol loss of 12% over 5 years or so. The yield is high so is there value in holding on for medium term or longer. A few concerns. Manulife website figures. Management fee is stated to be 1.1% yet MER is 3.81%. weighting 147% U.S. , & negative (short presumably) 59% Cad. The holdings are short duration so I cant see capital losses unless they are trading losses. There should surely be some currency gain from the U.S.currency holdings. My premise is that both rates and currency average about todays, over the next 3-4 years. Do you see any hope of recovery in unit value? Are they eroding capital to keep up the payout. Is the payout at least safe? Is this fund performance worth the management fee? Thanks.

Q: Hello. Which one of these is a better place to stash cash in my Questrade account? PSA or CSAV. Is money in these protected by CDIC or something else. Is there anything better you would recommend? Thanks

Q: I start withdrawing from my RIF next year. At this point I have just under 6% in VSC, 5% in XBB, 2% in XHY and was thinking of adding some CBH for the longer term corporate bonds.

If you feel my thinking is correct what % limit would you set for CBH? I know there is more to my investments than what is listed here with BCE and ENB et al also held for their income stream but I want to get your thoughts.

Thank you,
Ron

Q: I am considering investing a small portion of my overall portfolio in "green" bonds and came across a company called CoPower that I believe is partially owned by VanCity Community Investment Bank. It looks like it has a return of around 5% but you must hold it for 5 years. Is that correct?
What can you tell me about the company and whether this would be considered a "safe" (relative term) investment similar to other corporate bonds.
Thanks!

Q: Is there a report or a blog on Bonds regarding which Bond ETF will do better in different economy cycle ie interest rate up or down. Recession or in good economy.

Thanks for your great service

Q: Good Morning: I notice that Laurentian bank is advertising a hi-yield saving acct. with a 3.3% rate. This seems unsustainable in the current environment. Their ad does not say anything about a limited term for this rate but does of course warn that rates can change without notice. Any comments?

Q: Wajax is currently offering 6% senior unsecured debentures with maturity in 2025. Do you consider the risk of default / bankruptcy of Wajax by 2025 to be significant?
Thanks!