Investment Q&A

Q: I’m investing for a parent who is currently 100% in cash, is nearing retirement and has never invested. They will not actually need income for another 3-5 years, but I would like to generate some dividends, so they can see actual cash coming off their investments (this may be reinvested). I think dividends will help psychologically if the equity portion declines as they will at least “be paid to wait” while the market recovers.

I am considering constructing the portfolio as follows:
30% Cash – PSA
50% Bonds – ZAG
10% Equity – International Dividend – PID
10% Equity – International Broad Index – XAW
10% Equity – Canada Growth – 5i

Can you provide 5i’s 2 or 3 highest conviction calls right now. I’m looking for growth at a reasonable price. Not looking for yield, but would like it to at least pay a modest dividend.

I would also be interested in any views you have about the suitability of the portfolio and any alternative / additional suggestions you may have.
If there is a correction in the equity markets in next few years or one of 5i’s A companies slips on a banana peel, I may look to put some of the cash to work and increase the equity potion.

My tactical views are: interest rates will rise with the US leading the way, the US broad equity markets are looking very expensive, Bonds are generally not a good investment and at low rates they will get killed by inflation over the long run (but they reduce volatility).

Also, in terms of allocating these investments between non-registered and TFSA, how should I generally be thinking about this? International stocks and bonds into the TFSA until it’s full and cash and Canadian stocks in the non-registered account? I don’t think they will be making any new contribution so perhaps there is no way to use the RRSP.

I look forward to your thoughts and apologise for asking a multi-part questions. If you start to run out of steam, don’t worry about the tax questions.

Thanks

Q: For portfolio diversity using ETFs. what do you think of simply buying VGRO instead of an XAW/PMIF type combo or would you recommend another equity/bond mix?

Q: I would appreciate your views on this fund AGF 808 Serie F for my RRIF.
This is a switch from CI Canadian Investment CIG 7425, about 3.5% / RRIF

Thanks
jean guy

Q: Hi Peter and 5i:
In my grandkids (ages 3 and 2) RESP I currently have as core ETF's:
XIU - $14,000
XAW - $11,000
I have this years contribution of $6,000 to invest.
My plan is:
1. Start doing some individual stocks.
2. Reduce XIU by $7,500 and buy TD.
3. PHO - Invest $3,500 (or might you suggest ZQQ)
4. XAW - Invest $2,500
Does the above portfolio approach look reasonable to you? Look forward to your suggestions and always valuable feedback.
Thanks so much.

Q: Hi there, I am a balanced equity investor with a tilt towards growth and have about a 20 - 30 year outlook. I currently own all Canadian equities in my portfolio and am thinking to add a 15% position in the broader market. For a balanced, growthy investor, which ETF listed on the TSX would be best? Or is there a better alternative you could suggest? Thank you!

Q: I am 70 years old, retired, with a small company pension (not indexed), and rely on investment income for expenses. I am also a conservative investor with 85% of my portfolio in laddered GIC's. For the remaining 15%, I would like a balance of income and growth, combined with maximum geographic diversification. What do you think of this remaining 15% being divided into 30% FIE (which I already hold), 30% XIN, and 40% XAW? I have been with 5i since your inception and greatly appreciate the advice you offer. Thank you.

Paul W

Q: I own pretty much all the stocks in your model portfolio (other than GC, PKI, SJ, and SYZ) and about 1/2 of your growth portfolio. I also own a number of ETFs, including VXC, VCN, VAB, CDZ, SPY, XAW, and VXUS. I was doing a review of my portfolio and noticed that the ETFs above now make up 20% of my portfolio. A couple questions:
1) Are some of these ETFs redundant in my case?
2) What sector allocation would you suggest for 2018?

Q: I have opened an RESP for my 5month old with 3K in it (2500 plus 500 from govt). I know its small the first year, but I don't want to add a Canadian ETF as they are too oil and gas and financial focused.

I would like to own some good Canadian growth names that will hopefully be worth a lot when she heads off to school in 18 years and would like to keep it small since it is a small account to start. My idea was the following 7: GUD, SHOP, SIS, T, TD, AQN, PBH. I would like your opinion on them. Would you do anything differently?

Once I own all of the Canadian stocks my plan is to add XAW for world diversification.

What do you think of this idea? Which stocks would you add to the account first? I was thinking of starting with either 3 of 1K each or 4 of 750 each. I pay 7 dollars to buy them which isn't too bad.

What order would you add in?

With only 3K per year in the account it would take 3 years to get the stocks and ETF. I could just add another 2500 to the account now so that I can buy more of it now and be instantly diversified. I would not receive the grant on it but would I still receive future grants?

Q: Hello,

I am considering buying a CAD-listed ETF such as XAW or VXC. Could you advise which account (RRSP, TFSA) I should hold the purchases to avoid or minimize withholding U.S. taxes on any dividends? I recall reading that buying a CAD-listed ETF of US/International stocks would not be sufficient to avoid US withholding taxes on any dividend. I am not sure if this statement is indeed accurate.

Thanks

Q: Hi there,

A few weeks ago you had suggested to maybe add XAW to my portfolio (which follows your Balanced Equity Portfolio) for outside Canada exposure. In a portfolio of 100% equities - how much would you recommend being put towards the Balanced Equity Portfolio and XAW?

Thanks!

Q: Hello,

I am looking to get some exposure in emerging markets. I currently own only Canadian and US equity. I am looking into ETFs, more specifically; XAW, XEF, VEE, amongst others. I'm looking to invest moderate to long term.

Doing you have a preference amongst those, or other suggestions? Secondly, do you think the timing is right, especially with respects to China? And finally, which countries/continents would you have a preference for?

Thank you

Q: Someone suggest XAW (iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF ) for 50% of the investment portfolio. This ETF includes 54% US stock and the remaining in International stock excluding Canada. In your opinion, for a large investment amount, will one single ETF work well for the investors? If not, what other ETF should be added to benefit from the better US economy? Please comment and suggest.