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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

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.
Read Answer Asked by michael on December 18, 2017
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
Read Answer Asked by Elaine on December 15, 2017
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
Read Answer Asked by Rob on December 07, 2017
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
Read Answer Asked by Peter on December 07, 2017
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
Read Answer Asked by Stuart on December 07, 2017
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?
Read Answer Asked by Peter on December 06, 2017
Q: Hello, I would like to put some money into an ETF or mutual fund. Would be in for the long term +5 years.
Would these three be acceptable for dividend, stability and small growth? I’am retired and need income, but not interested in U.S. tax filing.
Would you invest in all three? Or do you have a better suggestion with one or two ETF’s ?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Brad on November 29, 2017
Q: Hi 5i, I am looking for a relatively safe environment in view of future interest rate increases. Please rate the above list, also can you tell me if there are any withdrawing charges in the Mawers. Perhaps suggesting other ones you prefer. I am 85 year young and like to have safety with some income. Like the new changes, many thanks for your help. J.A.P, Burlington
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on November 10, 2017
Q: I’m assuming that the holdings of PMIF are identical to PMO005, which are 48% securitized; 38% government; 22% corporate; 13% other.

Question 1: what is meant by ‘securitized’? Is that a good thing in a bond fund?

I’ve spent a day researching C$ bond ETFs and the more I research, the more confused I become.

Question 2: Is PMIF about as good as any other bond ETF out there?
I’m not too concerned about fees or yield, as what I’m looking for is low volatility, preservation of capital, with a reasonable total return.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Irwin on November 08, 2017
Q: Hi, I am helping my in-laws manage their retirement savings, and I would like to have suggestions for investing the remaining balance in my father-in-law's RRIF (about $7000). The rate of withdrawal is fairly high as he is now 92. I was thinking the best way would be to invest in a balanced, dividend or bond mutual fund, to avoid commissions. This mutual fund, composed of various ETFs, is managed by Larry Berman. It seems to generate a decent and constant dividend, without much volatility. The series D has an MER of about 1.17%. What do you think of this fund? Would you have other suggestions? The overall portfolio is very diversified and of course fairly conservative. Thanks for your service.
Read Answer Asked by Bernard on November 03, 2017
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