Investment Q&A

Q: Hi, I have a small position on Coty ( previusly held P&G). But this transfer has not fared so well down 20%. Wondering if I should hold onto to this or move to a small cap etf like IWO or IJR. Thanks. Shyam

Q: Hi 5I Team,
My question is regarding US ETFs. Could you list some well balanced US ETFs that could do well under a Trump presidency? And if you had to only pick 1 of these ETFs to invest in, which would it be?

Thank you.

Q: Hi guys,

I'm to mirror the growth portfolio. Within the growth mandate, what are good growthy CAD$ substitute for IWO? I don't have enough $$ for it to be worthwhile to convert to USD.

Thanks,

Elliott

Q: I have not been as successful with my wifes TFSA as my own; currently have T 11%, AX.UN 6%, HR.UN 19% POW 29%, CDZ 18% and FN.PR.A 5%. Can you suggest a better mix? We are both in our early 70's and have RRIFs, trading accounts also with about 25 equities, plus about 150K in laddered GICs

Q: Questions and answers often refer to "positions" half or full. Can you define that please.
Also what ETF's would you recommend for muscular gains. I see some resource units have year performances of over 60%

Q: I know 5i often recommends IWO for US small cap exposure, but what are your thoughts on IJH (Ishares S&P Midcap 400)? This etf caught my attention just before putting in an IWO buy order. By comparison over 1, 3, 5, & 10 year periods this midcap ETF has consistently outperformed, has higher volume, a higher dividend, and appears less volatile. Am I missing something, or could it possibly be a better option than combining 2 small & large cap ETFs for US exposure. Thx again as always.

Q: Hi there
What would be a good compliment etf to VIG for us growth exposure
In u.s. Dollars
Thanks for the help
Sam

Q: My portfolio closely matches you balanced equity portfolio. As it looks like the US will outperform Canada over the next year I am thinking of picking up some US ETF's for about 20% of my portfolio. What do you think of this strategy and if you agree, what ETF's would you suggest?

Ray

Q: Hi great team!
Know you do not cover US stocks specifically but you may be able to assist me.
I have a 4 yr. old grandson leaving in the US. His Mom would like to have me help her start a long term saving investment plan along the lines of the "Lazy Investor", with mthly contributions ( not too large) in preparation for his future education.
Would you have any suggestions as to the stocks she should invest in,those having a DRIP and OCP and with good history of dividends. This would be done in the US so no complications re Canada.
Many thanks for this and all the great work you do for us!

Casey

Q: I am interested in increasing my exposure to the US through ETF's. I currently hold some IWO and VIG. I am wondering if I should just add to those or are there 1-2 others that would round out my exposure. I am wondering about industrials and banks for example. Thanks

Q: Good morning,

Looking to clarify with regards to the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation etf's for an rrsp- if one wishes to have a currency effect( vis a vis US: Cdn dollar)they should purchase "VIG, or if looking to hedge and only feel the effects of the equity movements then purchase "VGG"? Also is there an equivalent for the IWO? Looking to add both to my portfolio and looking to see if they are a good complement.

With thanks,
Brad
Brad

Q: Hello: If you were to pick ETF's today for an RRSP, one to cover Europe and another the US, what would your choice be? Large-medium-small cap at this point would make very little difference. They would be for a long term hold.

Thanks, Brian

Q: Hello Peter, I have some US cash to invest in an RRSP. Can you please suggest four US 'growthy but somewhat conservative' stocks for a long-term (10+ years) hold. There is no need for current income. Also, I know you've suggested IWO as a US growth ETF. Would you be inclined to favour that for an investment now, or do you think that, with current near-highs and the upcoming election, it makes sense to wait until closer to year-end. Thank you for the terrific service!

Q: Hello.
Thanks for the ongoing investing commentary.
Given the results I have experienced with a few individual investments over the past 8 months, it is clear I either do not have time to keep up with small cap growth stocks' activity, do not know how to make buy sell decisions, do not have the stomach for the ride or just completely outside my sphere of investor ability. In reviewing my experience with buy sell of Phm, I was up 8000 and ended up selling at loss of 6000. Ad recently up 7000 and end d up selling for 3000 loss. Painfully sitting on a 35,000 loss in Cxr.....largest loss ever in 16 years of direct investing. Can not make money this way. Clearly I should be handing over small company decision making to someone else.

The question.......what Canadian and USA mutual fund or strategy would you have me consider to help capture some of the growth available through small company / special opportunities investing ........ Without being directly involved with the buy sell decision?

I am okay with long term but long term with current results will land me in the poor house.

Appreciate your thoughts on this topic.
Dave

I already own Mawer global small and global mutual funds but they are not invested like 5i portfolio

Q: I invested in a 'Global Small Cap' fund about 18 years ago. Incredibly, my return AFTER 18 YEARS is NEGATIVE 16%! (I guess this is lesson in the effects of both high mutual fund MERs and picking a lousy fund company!) Can you please suggest an ETF that would be good for the 'global small cap' space. Or another 'small cap' ETF or strategy, if you don't think a global small cap ETF is the way to go. Thank you!!

Q: Hello 5i: Can you provide me with two Canadian ETFs equivalent to VIG and IWO.
I believe the foreign exchange rate + 15% withholding tax (clipped at source) + CAD dollar uptrend (It could happen), are sufficient reasons not to go US-bound
Thanks

Q: why prefer IWO over IWM for US small cap ETF? Also what are the best US stocks for a concentrated portfolio?

Q: Hi 5i,
I have 200K invested on these ETFs as follows:
XEC: 10% VUN: 25% XQB: 35% XEF: 10% XIC: 20%

My time horizon is 5 years, How can I change my current setup to make it more rewarding, These are outside RRSP.

thanks
Fernando

Q: Hi, I am considering replacing my IWo by IJR or SLY ( S&p 600 small cap growth). I was reading David Swensens book "unconventional success". Brilliant book. He talks about how Russell 2000 is not a well structured index as compared to S&P 600. Which has a better structure and therefore results in better performance. What are your thoughts on this. Also what portion of a portfolio would you suggest for small cap growth based ETF like this. This is for an otherwise diverse and aggressive portfolio. Your advice is most valuable. Cheers, Shyam

Q: Currently 25% of my portfolio, is in individual US Stocks.I have recently sold some positions and I am wondering the best strategy on re-allocating the money.

Should I look at US stocks as part of my total portfolio and add in sectors and areas that I need more exposure too? (in stocks)

Or should I be looking at trying to get total portfolio diversification in US funds?

I was thinking IWO would add diversification with growth over time. At the same time I think Google may do better than IWO; however it isn't as diversified.

Also have 18% of my portfolio in tech, so should I pass on Google? I believe Google is becoming a stock that you can buy and hold for a long time and do well.

As always thanks for the advice. Cheers.