Investment Q&A

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU

Q: Peter; My bad - I meant VIU and XAW. Thanks.
Rod

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Rodney on April 13, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU $50.05)
  • $50.05 P/E (TTM): 18.08X Cap: $21.85B
  • View XIU Profile
  • View Questions on XIU

Q: Peter; Would owing both be doubling up ? Thanks
Rod

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Rodney on April 13, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF (VXC $78.40)
  • $78.40 P/E (TTM): 27.35X Cap: $3.23B
  • View VXC Profile
  • View Questions on VXC

Q: Good afternoon.

Would you consider XAW a good quality core holding for a TSFA.
Please provide a couple of other ETF that would compare to this.
Thanks.

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Stephen on April 09, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF $48.88)
  • $48.88 P/E (TTM): 23.12X Cap: $20.20B
  • View XEF Profile
  • View Questions on XEF
• iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU $50.05)
  • $50.05 P/E (TTM): 18.08X Cap: $21.85B
  • View XIU Profile
  • View Questions on XIU
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU
• Vanguard Global Dividend Fund Series F (VIC200 $17.01)
  • $17.01 P/E (TTM): 11.5X
  • View VIC200 Profile
  • View Questions on VIC200
• iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM $30.59)
  • $30.59 P/E (TTM): 35.63X Cap: $5.85B
  • View XSEM Profile
  • View Questions on XSEM
• iShares ESG Equity ETF Portfolio (GEQT $81.24)
  • $81.24 P/E (TTM): 21.53X Cap: $235M
  • View GEQT Profile
  • View Questions on GEQT
• F (FEQT)
  • View FEQT Profile
  • View Questions on FEQT

Q: Could you give me your opinion on which you prefer out of this list ? If one was to combine 3 or 4 of these what would be a good combination ? You may take more than 1 credit if you wish.

Upvote 7

Read Answer Asked by Pierre on February 11, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $54.11)
  • $54.11 P/E (TTM): 18.19X Cap: $28.74B
  • View XIC Profile
  • View Questions on XIC
• Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT $57.36)
  • $57.36 P/E (TTM): 11.01X Cap: $13.45B
  • View VEQT Profile
  • View Questions on VEQT

Q: Hi Peter and 5i,
For someone starting out in an RRSP with $13K to start and then monthly contributions.
I'm looking at one of the following:
1. XAW ($10K) and XIC ($3k)
2. VEQT
3. Other suggestions from 5i.
4. Once it reaches >$50k then start adding individual stocks.
Thank you for your answer and other possible suggestions.

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Dennis on February 02, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF (XUU $71.86)
  • $71.86 P/E (TTM): 24.32X Cap: $4.27B
  • View XUU Profile
  • View Questions on XUU
• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $54.11)
  • $54.11 P/E (TTM): 18.19X Cap: $28.74B
  • View XIC Profile
  • View Questions on XIC

Q: Would have any concerns or recommendations for a retired senior with a employment pension. Having a total portfolio consisting of xuu.ca, xaw.ca and xic.ca?

Thanks

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Brian on January 29, 2026

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU
• Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV $174.29)
  • $174.29 P/E (TTM): 26.01X Cap: $30.35B
  • View VFV Profile
  • View Questions on VFV
• Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT $57.36)
  • $57.36 P/E (TTM): 11.01X Cap: $13.45B
  • View VEQT Profile
  • View Questions on VEQT

Q: I have US stocks and CAD stocks but also want to keep a large portion of my portfolio in indexes. I have VFV and similar for trakcing S&p and have added VEQT in the last few years for world diversification. I have a small amount in XAW, but does it make sense to have more in XAW since i have a bunch of individual canadian stocks? or do you have a preference for canadians to own one of these over the other?

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Danielle on November 09, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU
• Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE $48.18)
  • $48.18 P/E (TTM): 6.04X Cap: $4B
  • View VEE Profile
  • View Questions on VEE
• iShares MSCI ACWI Ex US Index Fund (ACWX $73.65)
  • $73.65 P/E (TTM): 0.84X Cap: $11.13B
  • View ACWX Profile
  • View Questions on ACWX
• Vanguard Total International Stock (VXUS $82.97)
  • $82.97 P/E (TTM): 10.89X Cap: $146.93B
  • View VXUS Profile
  • View Questions on VXUS
• State Street SPDR EURO STOXX 50 (FEZ $65.99)
  • $65.99 P/E (TTM): 60.62X Cap: $4.44B
  • View FEZ Profile
  • View Questions on FEZ
• Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU $80.81)
  • $80.81 P/E (TTM): 9.77X Cap: $63.92B
  • View VEU Profile
  • View Questions on VEU

Q: I need to add more global allocations to my portfolio. Can you suggest three Canadian and three U.S. ETFs?

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Roy on October 30, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP $107.61)
  • $107.61 P/E (TTM): 25.58X Cap: $22.44B
  • View ZSP Profile
  • View Questions on ZSP
• iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF $48.88)
  • $48.88 P/E (TTM): 23.12X Cap: $20.20B
  • View XEF Profile
  • View Questions on XEF
• iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XQQ $67.59)
  • $67.59 P/E (TTM): 32.77X Cap: $5.02B
  • View XQQ Profile
  • View Questions on XQQ
• iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH $72.81)
  • $72.81 P/E (TTM): 19.82X Cap: $115.58B
  • View IJH Profile
  • View Questions on IJH
• iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR $137.44)
  • $137.44 P/E (TTM): 17.5X Cap: $102.46B
  • View IJR Profile
  • View Questions on IJR

Q: I currently hold these 4 ETF's in a RRSP account. Is there any other ETF that you would add to this list?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked on August 28, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF (VXC $78.40)
  • $78.40 P/E (TTM): 27.35X Cap: $3.23B
  • View VXC Profile
  • View Questions on VXC

Q: Is there any daylight between XAW and VXC? Any difference in hedging? I see the fees are similar and XAW has slightly higher distributions.

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Matthew on March 04, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI $355.29)
  • $355.29 P/E (TTM): 25.59X Cap: $591.54B
  • View VTI Profile
  • View Questions on VTI
• Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT $57.36)
  • $57.36 P/E (TTM): 11.01X Cap: $13.45B
  • View VEQT Profile
  • View Questions on VEQT
• iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio (XEQT $42.41)
  • $42.41 P/E (TTM): 12.45X Cap: $16.67B
  • View XEQT Profile
  • View Questions on XEQT
• Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT $32.99)
  • $32.99 P/E (TTM): 25.68X Cap: $320M
  • View HEQT Profile
  • View Questions on HEQT

Q: From a tax perspective, which of the above ETFs are best suited for:

1. TFSA
2. RRSP

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Paul on February 12, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO $362.46)
  • $362.46 P/E (TTM): 19.77X Cap: $13.97B
  • View IWO Profile
  • View Questions on IWO
• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP $107.61)
  • $107.61 P/E (TTM): 25.58X Cap: $22.44B
  • View ZSP Profile
  • View Questions on ZSP
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU
• Vanguard U.S. Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VGG $105.72)
  • $105.72 Cap: $2.35B
  • View VGG Profile
  • View Questions on VGG
• ISHARES TRUST (IUSG $178.58)
  • $178.58 P/E (TTM): 30.94X Cap: $30.26B
  • View IUSG Profile
  • View Questions on IUSG

Q: Looking for investing suggestions for someone in there mid twenties that has a very good job and are just starting out investing, I was thinking buying a few ETFs that auto buy every paycheck through a big bank brokerage arm kind of set it and forget till they figure out if they want to learn more about investing. Also what would be a good basic investing book that teaches how RRSPs and TFSAs work? Is Gordon Pape still around, lol.

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Mark on January 27, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO $362.46)
  • $362.46 P/E (TTM): 19.77X Cap: $13.97B
  • View IWO Profile
  • View Questions on IWO
• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC $54.11)
  • $54.11 P/E (TTM): 18.19X Cap: $28.74B
  • View XIC Profile
  • View Questions on XIC
• Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV $174.29)
  • $174.29 P/E (TTM): 26.01X Cap: $30.35B
  • View VFV Profile
  • View Questions on VFV
• Vanguard U.S. Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VGG $105.72)
  • $105.72 Cap: $2.35B
  • View VGG Profile
  • View Questions on VGG
• BMO Nasdaq 100 Equity Index ETF (ZNQ $121.67)
  • $121.67 P/E (TTM): 32.59X Cap: $2.05B
  • View ZNQ Profile
  • View Questions on ZNQ

Q: I hold these ETF's in a RESP account and just wonder if all these ETF are different enough to own? Also would be be good to own XAW in the RESP account. Money is not needed for 10 years.

Thanks

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked on January 21, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG $13.68)
  • $13.68 Cap: $12.24B
  • View ZAG Profile
  • View Questions on ZAG

Q: I use ZAG as fixed income ETF for my RRSP following standard recommendations. am i missing out by only using a Canadian ETF? Is there an ETF in CAD that would include US or global content?

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Matthew on January 15, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO $45.11)
  • $45.11 P/E (TTM): 10.85X Cap: $9.61B
  • View VGRO Profile
  • View Questions on VGRO
• Global X All-Equity Asset Allocation ETF (HEQT $22.50)
  • $22.50 P/E (TTM): 23.5X Cap: $355M
  • View HEQT Profile
  • View Questions on HEQT

Q: I'm looking at portfolio style ETFs for my RRSP like VGRO. I find these Canadian based ETFs are overweight Canadian equites. My aim is to reduce the number of ETFs that i own in my RRSP. Is there any CAD ETFs that you recommend that cover global equities, including US, that doesn't overweight Canada?

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Matthew on January 15, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF (XIT $71.21)
  • $71.21 P/E (TTM): 56.17X Cap: $726M
  • View XIT Profile
  • View Questions on XIT
• Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF (VCN $68.92)
  • $68.92 P/E (TTM): 18.1X Cap: $15.24B
  • View VCN Profile
  • View Questions on VCN
• Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV $174.29)
  • $174.29 P/E (TTM): 26.01X Cap: $30.35B
  • View VFV Profile
  • View Questions on VFV
• Vanguard Global Momentum Factor ETF (VMO $91.31)
  • $91.31 P/E (TTM): 26.01X Cap: $410M
  • View VMO Profile
  • View Questions on VMO

Q: I have these five ETFs in RESPs for my grandchildren: VCN, VFV, VMO, XAW, XIT.
This seems excessive, so I would like to consolidate: can you tell where there is overlap, and which three I should focus on for the future. Or should I sell 3 and add a new one? Or should I just keep all 5 and top up one of them? They have all done fairly well, but I feel more of a US focus going forward might be appropriate. If I'm gong to have a technology ETF, it should probably be USA? Thank you very much for all you have done for me over the years, much appreciated, and Happy 2025 to all at 5i.

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Gordon on January 02, 2025

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• BMO International Dividend ETF (ZDI $30.69)
  • $30.69 P/E (TTM): 18.13X Cap: $822M
  • View ZDI Profile
  • View Questions on ZDI
• BMO International Dividend Hedged to CAD ETF (ZDH $33.94)
  • $33.94 P/E (TTM): 18.13X Cap: $225M
  • View ZDH Profile
  • View Questions on ZDH
• BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ZST $49.04)
  • $49.04 Cap: $3.61B
  • View ZST Profile
  • View Questions on ZST
• iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF (XDV $43.92)
  • $43.92 P/E (TTM): 13.76X Cap: $2.40B
  • View XDV Profile
  • View Questions on XDV

Q: I have cash from a maturing GIC and am looking at options to reinvest it. I am considering evenly investing it in these 4. Time horizon is 2 to 5 years, low to medium risk. I would appreciate your thoughts on these or if there are other ETF's to consider. Thanks!

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by George on December 09, 2024

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU $46.80)
  • $46.80 P/E (TTM): 1.18X Cap: $9.80B
  • View VIU Profile
  • View Questions on VIU
• Global X Balanced Asset Allocation ETF (HBAL $17.97)
  • $17.97 P/E (TTM): 19.9X Cap: $172M
  • View HBAL Profile
  • View Questions on HBAL
• iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL $34.54)
  • $34.54 P/E (TTM): 15.47X Cap: $3.03B
  • View XBAL Profile
  • View Questions on XBAL
• iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR $67.77)
  • $67.77 P/E (TTM): 19.59X Cap: $3.48B
  • View AOR Profile
  • View Questions on AOR

Q: In an effort to minimize currency exchange costs, I am using separate all-in-one etfs for my CAD and USD accounts. The xbal for the CAD and the AOR for the USD account. I would be interested to know your thoughts and whether this merits attention. The xbal and others similar have huge Canadian weight which I would be happy to avoid. On the USD side they seem to have this sorted. My biggest beef there is that it is very US heavy and frustratingly, not visible in the 5i database. Could you please advise on option of xbal and aor, and also please look into integration of the AOR and comparable series?
Thanks
Peter

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Peter on November 28, 2024

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO $362.46)
  • $362.46 P/E (TTM): 19.77X Cap: $13.97B
  • View IWO Profile
  • View Questions on IWO
• Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV $174.29)
  • $174.29 P/E (TTM): 26.01X Cap: $30.35B
  • View VFV Profile
  • View Questions on VFV
• INVESCO QQQ Trust (QQQ $674.15)
  • $674.15 P/E (TTM): 33.49X Cap: $441.87B
  • View QQQ Profile
  • View Questions on QQQ
• Vanguard Total International Stock (VXUS $82.97)
  • $82.97 P/E (TTM): 10.89X Cap: $146.93B
  • View VXUS Profile
  • View Questions on VXUS
• Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT $57.36)
  • $57.36 P/E (TTM): 11.01X Cap: $13.45B
  • View VEQT Profile
  • View Questions on VEQT

Q: What are some ETFs that I can use to diversify my portfolio and have as a buy and hold strategy. 20+ year hold in TFSA. I want a portion of my portfolio that I don't have to look at at all. I currently have VFV and VEQT.

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Danielle on November 25, 2024

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW $54.59)
  • $54.59 P/E (TTM): 20.27X Cap: $4B
  • View XAW Profile
  • View Questions on XAW
• BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB $59.03)
  • $59.03 P/E (TTM): 0.71X Cap: $5.96B
  • View ZLB Profile
  • View Questions on ZLB
• iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (XUS $60.84)
  • $60.84 P/E (TTM): 26.09X Cap: $11.71B
  • View XUS Profile
  • View Questions on XUS
• iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (XDG $31.35)
  • $31.35 P/E (TTM): 20.54X Cap: $678M
  • View XDG Profile
  • View Questions on XDG
• iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF (XDIV $41.89)
  • $41.89 P/E (TTM): 16.22X Cap: $4.99B
  • View XDIV Profile
  • View Questions on XDIV

Q: Do you have any concerns with someone holding these ETF’s for a 3 to 5 year time period?

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by David M. on November 25, 2024