Investment Q&A

Q: There have been a number of comments recently on your site concerning Warren Buffet's advice to put 90 per cent in an etf which follows the broad U. S. market and 10 percent in an bond etf. There has also been a considerable amount of concern on the site that the American market may be over valued at the current time and something like emerging markets might be a better bet currently. If that this worry has substance, is there some portion of the US market which might be a good bet at the mement--for instance a small cap etf? What would a US small cap etf be a good one? Also what bond etf might be appropriate. There are probably a lot of questions in here. But, I have just shown my confidencein5i by renewing for a couple of more years. So I have lots of ammunition in my questions bag.\t
thanks

Q: My daughter has approx 10000.00 in cash in her TFSA and no other investments. Could you suggest a carefree long term growth oriented equity ETF(s) as a basis for future investments.
Thanks for your service.
NA

Q: I am very heavy on Canadian equities within my corporate investment account. My personal accounts are all a bit heavy on Canadian equities as well. Plan to purchase ETFs to balance. Which of your current ETF portfolio names would you add right now and is there any advantage to doing so within my INC., TFSA, RSP or personal unregistered account. Would invest a 5% positon in the next few weeks. Balanced equity portfolio is the target, 10 year horizon.

Q: I’m looking for US small cap exposure and would like to know the differences between IWO and IWM?

Thank you

Q: Happy Holidays 5i!!
If you were to pick one or two ETFs or two to four companies which are expected to be show very good growth in the USA in 2018 which would you choose. I am not concerned about sectors and I realize you don't follow US companies closely. I do, however, respect your overall knowledge and welcome your comments.
Thank you
Dave

Q: I currently hold VTWV, and notice that you recommend IWO generally when picking a Russell 2000 ETF. Should I sell VTWV, which hasn't done very well, and replace it with IWO, and if so, why? It seems that IWO is doing better but I don't understand why, as I would think the two are comparable.

Thank you for this wonderful service. The new design is super.
Elizabeth

Q: Hi, for my US exposure, I hold the following 3 US ETFs at the following total percentages:

VTI - 50%
VIG - 20%
IWO - 30%

I have $10K USD to add and I'm wondering whether VTI and VIG are too similar or whether I'm fine to add to all 3 and keep the same rough percentages.

Thanks
Robert

Q: In response to a recent question you said that VXUS is a very attractive possibility for stocks outside the US. I already own VWO and was wondering whether it would be a compliment to that, or whether there would be redundancy? Isuppose I could ask the same question of a European ETF?
thanks for the great help

Q: Looks like the new U.S. tax bill is going to be passed! I'm thinking of taking a large position into IWO as I believe small caps will do best regarding this initiative....can you provide any advice, thank you?

Q: Hello, One of kids just turned 18 and I would like to start a TFSA. What would you recommend to invest in as a long term goal so that they can also learn about investing. The money will not be required for next 5 years at least
Thanks
Ravi

Q: What would you pick as the best handful of etfs to own to build a beginner, well balanced portfolio for building up investment dollars? At what dollar amount would you see it to be more beneficial to split the money among 20-30 individual stocks rather than a few funds?

Q: 5i Team,

I notice that you have IWO tagged as a financial stock in the growth portfolio, however, when I check the sector break down for it (here: https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239709/ishares-russell-2000-growth-etf), financials are only stated as 6%. The 4 major sectors (Info tech, Health Care, Industrials & Consumer Discretionary) make up 80% of the ETF.

Any specific reason for that classification in the growth portfolio? Should I be tagging IWO as a financial in my portfolio? Thanks.

Q: I have a question about IWO. ( GROWTH PORTFOLIO). How Would you compare it to Mawer Global small cap. Which one Would you prefer ( considering taxes, fees, performance, expected return). I would like to know this in context of growth portfolio. thanks

Q: After building a portfolio in a TFSA account from a mixture of your portfolios I would like to broaden my exposure with these three ETF's. Is their any considerations when purchasing a fund like IWO that is not sold on the tsx?

Q: Hi team, I have a small LIRA with only 40K in it which will not be touched for at least 15 years. The rest my portfolio is balanced so no need to worry about sector allocation, etc. I am looking for some growth stocks that I could buy and leave for this time period. I would prefer more medium risk growth stocks versus higher risk US or CAD. I'm thinking of a 10K allocations. You thoughts?
Thanks

Q: I have US$ in a US account and I am looking for how to best allocate the money. I am a little light in industrials, but was thinking about adding NFI and CAE in CAD accounts, or is there a better US company to add to my portfolio.

Other options are:

Healthcare I have about 5% in GUD and CSH, but I could add a US company or ETF

Or just keep it simple and add IWO.

As always thanks for the guidance.

Q: My portfolio is in need of US and global exposure. Currently I only own two US stocks FB(3%) and BAC (2.8%) I also own VEE(2.4%). Can you recommend how I can add to my US and Global exposure. Also what percentage of a portfolio would you make them? I'm 38 and a rather aggressive investor.

Q: The Russell 2000 has had a nice run up and now appears to be descending. I need US$ and would like to realize my profits in US$ while the Cdn$ is strong. As I have Loss carry forwards for tax purposes there will be no tax payable on this transaction. I would consider buying back in to IWO if you feel the Russell 2000 will reverse and start to rise again. What do you think at this time about investing in IWO? Mike

Q: what is your favourite ETF or growth stock that is outside Canada. Is it a good time to buy it now?

Q: I hold the above in a RIF and have weighted to cover the required withdrawal amount with dividends. Does this sound appropriate and if not, would appreciate your thoughts. Do you see a major loss of principal if markets continue its downward trend. Thanks for all your help.