Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i
I am completely new to the world of ETFs but, according to Portfolio Analytics (and I did know it was a good idea before being told, really I did) I need to add US and International exposure to my portfolio. I think the only reasonable way for me to do that given I don't/can't follow non-Canadian equity markets is through ETFs.
I would like to place 55K in US ETFs and 45K in International ETFs and this will, for now, comprise the entire non-Canadian portion of my portfolio.
I am not adverse to some above average risk and while I'd like income I'm more interested in growth.
In researching where to place this money I've concluded that I might not have the candle power necessary to make rational decisions about ETFs because of the distinct possibility of purchasing ETFs that hold the same or similar underlying equities from the same or similar geographies in the same or similar sectors (assuming I'm not just concentrating on discrete sectors). Left to my own devices I feel that I could very possibly purchase a little bundle of different ETFs that are all essentially but unintentionally quite similar.
My question is two-fold:
1. Is my concern about concentration valid or have I misinterpreted the lay of the land, and
2. Could you suggest 4 or 5 US ETFs and a similar # of International ETFs that I can consider and that won't have the type of overlap I'm worried about.
I realize this is a broad and general (and perhaps rambling) question - so please deduct as many credits as you think is warranted.
Thanks a lot!
Peter

Q: Hello,

Portfolio analytics is suggestion that I go 75/25 equity to income and from the 75% equity to allocate 35% into US, 35% in International and 30% into CND. Suggested ETFs for US and International are VUN, VIU and VEE. How would you view instead of holding three funds I go with one, either VXC or XAW? Or do you feel that is too much into just one ETF Also, which one is better suited for an RRSP account.

Thank you.

Q: I need raise money from my cash account.
Current dividends have been paid.
What would you sell first, second, third,4th, etc.?

Thank you ian

Q: What are your thoughts on the discretionary sector at this point of the cycle, specifically XCD?
I considering a sell on a smallish XCD position to top up XAW.
Thank you.
Mike

Q: Hi 5i,

A portfolio construction question. I've selected a mix of XTR (36%), XSB (7%), CDZ (17%), XAW (19%), and then a mix of laddered GIC options (17%) and a small cash holding (4%). This is for a family member's portfolio, retired, needing income, security, and modest growth (in that order).

This ends with an allocation of approx. 55% equities and 45% fixed income/cash, and 69% Canada, 22% USA, and 9% Global.

This mix also generates distributions/dividends almost dead on 4%/year, so following the 4% withdrawal rule more or less allows for not needing to sell anything to cover cash flow needs.

Wondering if you could comment on the ETF selections and overall structure with the understanding of course that its always a highly personal decision. More just want to know if you have better ETF or security selections for this scenario...

Thank you so much!
Ryan

Q: Hi, could u tell me if there is much overlap between these two funds, XAW and VGRO, if not, do u think they would compliment each other, thanks?

Q: Trying to get a bit more geographic diversification in a TFSA account that is, at present, all Canadian equities. Would you suggest something like HXS for US diversification with the swap arrangement to limit tax implications? Or would something like VGRO make more sense with greater geographic diversification and a little fixed income?

Thanks for the great service,

Doug

Q: Hi,
I want to increase my US and International equity exposure by using $US ETFs (VIG and VXUS respectively) but the Canadian dollar is pretty weak right now (improving slightly lately). Does it make sense to convert to $US for this investment (long-term horizon) when there could well be significant headwinds if the Canadian dollar continues to strengthen. Also, valuations are higher in the US than in Canada, but International looks to be relatively cheap. Thoughts on how to proceed?
Regards, Michael

Q: Hi,

I am trying to choose between these 2 ETFs for global coverage ex-Canada. They seem pretty similar but XAW invests in US ETFs while VXC invests directly in companies. Is there a fiscal disadvantage in XAW (to be held in cash account)?

Thanks

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan and team,
Could you provide me with your top 3 ETF's for the US, listed in Canada as well as the US for an RRSP & LIRA accounts as well as 3 International/World ETF's for the same accounts, taking into consideration any withholding taxes that may apply or not.
Thanks as always for your great service, much appreciated
Ivan

Q: Good morning - I'm in the process of re-structuring my TFSA into ETF's. I want to achieve a balance of exposure to domestic, US and International markets. Would you recommend use of the TD e-series or the Vanguard and iShares combination?
Thank you

Q: What Canadian listed ETFs that are invested more so in growth stocks would be suitable for a TFSA with a mid to long term horizon? I wish to have geographic diversification through one or more ETFs and one or more ETFs investing in small to mid-cap stocks. If there are mutual funds that have better performance, after fees, please list as well.

Q: Hi there, I asked a question a little while ago about the BE Portfolio and diversity. Another member asked a follow up question where you suggested this breakdown:

"Allocations need to be highly personalized; a suggestion might be: 35% BE, 15% XIC; 40% VFV, 10% VXUS."

Is there a TSX listed ETF that would be similar to VXUS?

Thanks!

Q: Hi 5i,
The majority of my portfolio (70% - i.e. everything non-Canadian) is invested in XAW & XUU, which I add my savings to regularly to keep my geographic allocations where I want them.

I will shortly be receiving a sizable (to me) lump sum from the sale of a small business and will be putting most if not all of it into my portfolio. My question is about currency hedging on ETFs like the ones I use. I don't have any hedged investments now. I've read everything I can find on the subject and it seems smarter money, especially with long term investment horizons, stays away from these hedged options.

I know that fact alone probably answers my own question. But, with a sizeable one-time contribution, I cant help wondering if our current 75/76/77 cent dollar might be hovering at its lows, and maybe hedging should be considered? Looking for your opinion on that subject, and also how you feel in general about the two ETFs noted above. Any better suggestions?

Thanks so much!

Q: Is there much duplication between xaw and vee? I'm aiming to be properly diversified internationally. I hold both as well as cdz as a part of a balanced eft equity portfolio. Thoughts?

Q: I'm a new DIY investor who is 15 yrs from retirement with a full DB pension.
I will be transferring my big bank mutual funds into an online brokerage and borrowing a lump sum to invest within TFSA and non-registered accounts.
Currently, I'm considering XIC, XAW, and QQQ with, say, a 30/50/10 allocation. The remaining 10% would be for 'conviction' stocks.
Is this a reasonable approach? How would you improve on it?
Thanks!

Q: Your recommended etf list has xwd. It has a higher mer than xaw and is somewhat smaller. The return of xwd is better. What would you consider the more conservative etf?

I will pair one of the above with xic for my total equity exposure. I want to keep things simple. Can you buy into this strategy?

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