Investment Q&A

Q: Hi Peter and Ryan,

I am wanting to invest in emerging markets and I am been comparing the mawer fund for emerging markets with a mer of 1.60 to VEE the etf, with a mer of .23.
Is the high mer worth it for the active management?
Other aspects of these options that I have been comparing is the holdings, Maw160 has 36 holdings and VEE has 4726 ,tracting the index.
Do you have any other suggestions for emerging markets?
Thank you for this valuable service,
Susan

Q: At present my TFSA is composed of MAW120/MAW150 at a 60/40 split.
I can keep this and add 1 stock this year. If that is the case which growth stock would you recommend?
Or should I sell and buy a 5 growth stock portfolio? What 5 stocks would you recommend?
The reason for the MAW funds in the first place was to increase my international exposure since I was mostly in canadian funds overall. I have now rebalanced my portfolios and have my international exposure needs met elsewhere.
As always your help is greatly appreciated.

Q: What is your opinion of the mutual fund Dynamic Power Global Growth fund (DYN014) . I see it is 45% invested in China. With emerging markets doing so well I hesitate from a timing basis to invest now. Are you familiar with the managers?

Thank You

Paul

Q: At year end do some fund managers sell some of their better equities to realize capital gains, thereby increasing the annual gain on their fund?

Q: I have a relative who is fully invested in this Fund and I am suggesting that she changes to something with less MER - ETF or Mawer fund. Do you agree that she could do better than this fund?
Thanks!
Paul

Q: Re: Peter's question about MAW150

GlobeFund shows that they paid $0.6483 distribution on Dec 20.
http://portfoliodb.theglobeandmail.com/gishome/plsql/gis.price_history?pi_fund_id=67540&pi_fund_name=Mawer+Global+Small+Cap+Series+A&pi_universe=PUBLIC_FUND&product_id=

Merry Christmas everyone!

Q: It seems that MAW 150 lost 5.46% yesterday, which strikes me as very unusual for a globally diversified fund. Can you explain please.
Otherwise seasons greetings and a prosperous new year to each and everyone.
Many thanks for your continued excellence.
Peter Milner

Q: To establish a more passive approach for my Canadian holdings I am considering investment in the following ETFs. VCN 25% (core), MAW106 25% (core). MKC 30%, and HEW the remainder. Would you consider any changes to the above selections or allocations?

Thanks to a dedicated team
Merry Christmas to all.

Q: Is there any difference between the etf and the mutual fund pm005? Would a combination of pmif and cpd make sense for the fixed income portion of a portfolio? What percent of each would you suggest?

Q: Capital preservation and sustainable growth at reasonable cost is key for us . Not looking for income . Long term timeframe . Don't do momentum . Have portfolio of Canadian large caps that have significant operations outside of Canada . For more diversification , we need exposure to U.S. large caps (not financials or commodities ).U.S. estate taxes major consideration for us. Directly held U.S. equities would be U.S. situs assets . Current U.S. deliberations re Federal Estate Tax will not eliminate this concern in the longer term . We plan to add a portfolio of sustainable U.S. large caps that have significant international operations .Mawer U.S. Equity Fund (MAW 108) is a possibility. The 1.19% MER is a factor, given the amounts involved . Could you identify one or more "Canada-Domiciled " ETF/s that would reasonably align with our objectives ? Could you also identify pertinent sources we could access . Thanks.

Q: I own NBC7603 - Meritage International Equity Portfolio - which represents ~4.5% of my cash account. I am thinking of replacing it with MAW102 as the MER is lower ( 2.8% for NBC7603 vs 1.43% for MAW102). I would have a good capital gain which I could offset with a large contribution to my RRSP (I haven't made any contributions in a couple of years).
Instead would you suggest a Canadian ETF which would have a similar exposure and a lower MER such as XAW( World except Canada), VEE (emerging markets) or XEF (MSCI EAFE)?
Season's greetings to the 5i team !
Elaine

Q: I'm seeing your previous response to CI Signature High Income not being a favorited fund can you recommend similar funds that you consider in higher regard.

Thanks

Q: Would you prefer the Pimco Monthly Income Fund (ETF version) or the PH&N Total Return Bond Fund as a satellite holding to an existing fixed income allocation composed of VAB, CBO, XIG (30% each), and XHY (10%)? Thank-you.

Q: I’d like your opinion on Investors Group and the financial planning services they provide. Is the consultant commission consistently applied on all products (e.g., mortgage, investment, insurance)? Are the various products available at competitive rates.

Thank you for the great service you provide!

Rob

Q: I presently own CI signature high income mutual fund for income. I am considering a switch to pimcos etf pmif or igcf. Could you please comment on such a switch. Thank you.

Q: Good morning!
I have a large position in this mutual fund, about 8% of my portfolio! I have owned this for many years, since it was SDT.UN. My adjusted cost base is probably close to zero due to ROC distributions. I could use some past losses to sell up to 25% of my position...the question is, do you like this fund, should I hold, sell, or ? Thanks very much!
Peter

Q: Hi there
I have followed this closed end fund for quite a while and like its history, set-up and performance. Was thinking of invezring part of my funds in there versus passive ETF. Just wanted your thoughts on fund, backers, and performance.

Thanks so much

Stuart

Q: Just a comment in reference to Steve's question on December 4th.
One mutual fund that might be comparable to MAW104 is Manulife monthly high income fund managed by Alan Wick. Often rated above MAW in Moneysense's annual ratings. I know a financial advisor who recommends this fund as his 'little old lady' fund, stable and reliable. Do you have an opinion on this fund?

Q: I work lots of hours and am an emotional investor so I prefer to own funds in my portfolio.I want some international exposure and want to either invest in the Lorne Steinburg equity and junk bond fund or invest in the Edgehill Advantage funds both North America and international versions.Can you give me insight and your spin on this . Thanks

Q: Can you recommend a Canadian mutual fund provider that mimics the Mawer funds excellent performance and metrics? I have an rbc direct account that does not allow Mawer funds. I am looking for a global balanced fund with a reasonable mer. Thanx.