Investment Q&A

Q: Although not a question just a kudo to 5I for your recommendation to Phil on the MAW105 Global Balanced Fund. I moved 1 third of my self directed LRIF into this fund at the early beginning of Covid-19. Although it's not lighting up the heavens I am in the + column (barely). It sure is boring but that's what their selling.

Q: Peter and team
I am looking to re-enter the market in a non registered account with minimal input from myself.
I have considered both VBAL and MAW 105 ( tax effective balance).
Could you please compare these two options.
Thanks
Phil

Q: Hello,
How have mutual funds performed during the corona virus sell off. Can you name some mutual funds stand out in its solid performance in the fixed income side and equity side. Which have outperformed due to active investing by smart mangers at reasonable MERs? I currently do not own any mutual fund but I am willing to consider a good bond fund and a good international equity fund. Thanks.

Regards,

Shyam

Q: Hello 5i: Thank you for holding our hands during this difficult time, it is much appreciated. I ask about the Mawer funds, in particular 104, 150, 102. I hold these funds in a RRIF and as all above purchase price I ask if you would keep these funds or are there vehicles that have more potential upside? Thank you Barb

Q: Dear Team,
Of all the Mawer funds, which one or two would be your preferred choices?
And yes, your information and services have been excellent in these uncertain times!
Thank you for that!

Q: which gold mutual fund would you recommend?
of Dynamic or Mckenzie which do you like best?

Q: Hello 5i Team
Thank you for guiding us thorough these challenging times , i read all the Q&A everday
to keep in formed .I would like your opinion ,why the Mawer New Canadian has over 11% in Cash which is their top holding and their other Canadian Equity fund has 4.4 % in Cash. Why do you think there is such a wide range allocated to Cash ?
Thanks
Claudio

Q: Hello 5i,

I have about 30k in some terrible mutual funds (don’t ask) but would like to keep it simple and put this into one ETF without concern to sectors or risk. I know they are very new but are you able to comment on DXN or DXW? I’m also looking as DXG and DXF. And an advisor recommended moving some money into DYN800 – is there any good reason for an investor to put money into this fund? Please take as many credits as you see fit.

Thanks for this great service.
John

Q: Canoe Financial commented about a new product

"We believe, that coupled with our award-winning fixed income teams, it creates a balanced solution that will reward investors regardless of market conditions," concluded Hulston."
Is it really possible for the product they are referring to

"Apr 13, 2020
Canoe Financial Launches New Defensive Global Balanced Solution With Enhanced Risk Management"

to reward investors regardless of market conditions?

Q: I currently have a 45% equity, 35% bond, 10% preferred and 10% cash portfolio. Was waiting to allocate the cash the market when the virus issue clears. Corporate bond spreads are insufficient to cover the inherent risk. Should I consider the alternative income fund arena as a place to invest? I have noticed even pension plans are moving into this space.

Q: A friend tells me she has a mutual fund that attracts a capital gains tax every year even though she hasn't sold any units. I understand how that happens but I'm wondering: are there any equity mutual funds out there that won't attract capital gains tax (or losses) every year?

Q: ETFs
- is it correct that net asset value is determined once daily based on the closing price for the day?
- if correct, shouldn't the trading price reflect changes during the day, disregarding the NAV at close of the previous day?
- if the trading price doesn't reflect changes during the day, I suppose, in the case of a big change in underlying securities during the day, one should postpone a trade decision until the NAV for the previous day is published
- when will the NAV for the previous day appear in the quotation services? By open of trading on the following day?

Q: What do you think of this fund? Would you be a buyer today?

Q: About the Pimco Monthly Income Fund. I have read some commentaries over the last week. With oil prices tanking, some are saying that this will be the beginning of significant losses for bonds, beginning with the non-investment grade bonds in the US shale companies, but then causing a re-rating of lower-tier investment grade bonds into junk status that will need to be sold by pension funds, but with essentially no buyers. I understand there is an enormous amount of investment grade corporate dept that is in this BBB category, just above junk. What are your thoughts, and if that was to happen, what would happen to this fund in particular? My elderly parents have quite a bit of their portfolio in this fund. Thanks for your help.

Q: What is your opinion on the POLAR U.S LONG/SHORT FUND & the Canadian fund as well.

Thank you!
Nick

https://polaramp.com/long-short-fund/

Q: I'm interested in somehow purchasing shares or ownership in SpaceX which is privately listed at the moment. I know that Baron Partners Fund (BPTRX) has ownership in the U.S. but I haven't found a way to purchase Baron Funds from my current self-directed TD account. Do you know of any Canadian brokers or ways to buy into Baron funds?

Q: I have my registered accounts with a broker RRSP and TFSA. They have suggested Manulife Global Balanced Fund, managed by Mawer. Please give me your opinion on this fund. I am not sure that is what I want, but would like your opinion. Could you suggest something better for both a RRSP and TFSA.
Thank you so much, Shirley

Q: Re: Question concerning recent performance of EDG180, Feb 11, from John.
I note that EDGPOINT came about toward the tail end of the 2008 market shock and that they therfore had an excellent starting point for their funds to perform. Is it possible that this serendipitous beginning might somewhat explain their longer term results and that perhaps their more recent performance which "has indeed slipped" might actually be the norm?
Steve

Q: Hi, just to add to your response to Pat's question, PGF 210 is a F Class (MER 1.40%) fund and is available only on Fee Based accounts. For a standard Self-Directed account with no fee, the option would be PGF 200 (MER 2.40%). I think. Thanks

Q: Can you please comment on this fund.. Performance over the past 12-15 months has slipped from its long term averages, and ,according to Morningstar, has been in the bottom quartile of comparable funds.over this period. Based on its holdings and asset mix and performance would you continue to hold this fund? What would be your rationale for your recommendation. If you think that the fund should be sold what would be a good replacement. I currently have a position in the Mawer Global balanced fund so would be looking for another name, Thanks.