Investment Q&A

Q: What etf (s) do you like US small cap for a USD account

Q: Hi Team,
What would be some of your best ideas in the small/ mid cap space today either US or CND that you see having the best potential over the next decade (medium risk). Or alternatively if I wanted to play it safer what US based etf would be suitable to play the theme here assuming small and mid caps will show outperformance in the next few years? I am leaning towards the US sector as outperforming canada at least in the next few years.

Shane.

Q: Seeing that the outlook for small caps is more positive what would be your choice for Canadian and US ETFs in this area? Thank you.

Q: CALF (81 %) has led IWO (50 %) and IJT (59 %) in 5-yr returns, yet has fallen behind the other 2 in 1-yr returns (about 11 % vs 30+ %). Can you please provide a reason for that and also comment on which might do better in the next few years? Thank you.

Q: good morning - I have done well adding to VOO over the past two years. I recently took a position in IWO, anticipating a broader economic increase. What do you think about pruning VOO and adding to IWO? Or adding to a different US ETF?

thanks

Q: Donald Trump is causing so much uncertainty in both Canadian and US markets. Canada might even go into a recession.

I know that you mentioned that we should not react to the Trump threat.

However, if I had to sell all my stocks and ETFs ($400k) and start from scratch today, what would be the top 20 stocks/ETFs ( US and/or Canadian) that that you would invest in.

Would you just buy SPY/ZSP.to/ VGT/ SCHG ETFs in the USA market for safety?

Fyi, I don't like bonds.

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.

Q: What are your 3 favourite U.S. small and mid cap etfs?
Philip

Q: Good day,

I am setting up TFSA and FHSA accounts for an 18-year-old with a 15-25 year investment horizon. The goal is to contribute the maximum annual limit each year, which is $7,000 for the TFSA and $8,000 for the FHSA in 2024, and continuing at those levels in subsequent years. From an aggressive growth perspective, without restricting the investment options to Canadian markets, what would you recommend? Also, do you recommend making an lumpsum investment or spread the purchases over time? If so, how do you suggest I spread the purchases.

Thank you

Q: With the U.S. election behind us, and the increase in stock markets, what would you purchase today ? IWO or IWM ? Would you start a full position today ?

Q: What are your thoughts on the philosophy of a 3 etf portfolio (growth, dividend and foundational) from a retires point of that has the basic expenses covered by pension income. And some etf's you would consider candidates if you were to agree with this philosophy?
As always thanks for your point of view.

Brian

Q: What is the difference between these two and which do you like better?

Q: My son moved to the USA a few years ago and has opened a Roth IRA upon which I am advising him. He holds the ETFs listed above. I have two questions upon which I would appreciate your advice. In which order of preference would you add to the existing holdings? And can you suggest two additional ETFs to complement the current holdings?

Q: Hi,
I recently heard a suggestion to broaden out of the S&P 500 given its large run up. the presenter suggested value small caps. I hadn't heard of them before. what are they?
what do you think of this presenter's suggestion?
how do they differ from the Russell 2000?
if there an ETF based in CAD?
how have them done in comparison to IWO or IWM?
thanks
Mary

Q: good morning - I'd like to increase my US ETF exposure and already have IWO and VOO. Do I just add to one of these (which?) or add a third? Thanks for your ongoing good work. Al

Q: On September 24 you answered a questions in which the person asked about a RRSP but in your answer you mentioned RESP so not sure if the answer is for a RRSP or RESP but would IWO or IUSG be better for a RESP. Money is not needed for 10 years.

Thanks

Q: Hello- a few months ago I took a full position in IWO and am currently about break even, I'm a bit concerned about the possibility of recession and wonder if there's a US ETF that would not suffer as much in a drooping economy in which the smallest companies get impacted earlier. I'm wondering about VO, for example. Thanks

Q: Hello 5i,

We have a little cash to add to our equity bucket. We have a 1/3 positions in IWO, IJT, and IJH. Would you recommend we add to those positions or do you see more value in a new 1/4 position into XSMO or GSC prior to the rate hike?

Are small caps too risky for a TFSA?

Thank you
D&J

Q: Hi there! Long time subscriber here, and love your platform!

I'm currently developing a plan to align with my goal of purchasing my first home in about eight years, alongside a long-term investment strategy. I’m seeking your insight on how a person in this situation could responsibly proceed (I understand that nothing here is considered actionable financial advice).

I'm currently contributing $400 biweekly to my FHSA, aiming to reach the $16,000 contribution limit this year. I also have approximately $5,000 in my TFSA, with all funds currently held in cash in both accounts.

For the FHSA, I’m considering investing in a high-growth American ETF, such as VFV, IUSG, or IWO, to balance growth and risk over the eight-year horizon. However, I would only like to invest in CAD (I'm not sure which ones only allow USD). Could you provide guidance on which ETF might be the most suitable for this approach, and why? If you have other recommendations, I would appreciate your insights.

For my TFSA, I'm interested in an aggressive investment strategy, potentially utilizing one of your growth or balanced portfolios. Given my exposure to cryptocurrency, I aim to diversify into equities for greater stability while still pursuing substantial growth over the next 45 years. I'm comfortable with higher volatility during this period. With $5,000 currently in my TFSA, would you recommend specific securities or a strategy that balances high growth with diversification?

While I’d prefer to follow your portfolio exactly, my current funds are only 5% of the $100,000 needed to follow it exactly. As an alternative, I'm considering selecting stocks from your portfolio and eventually investing evenly across the entire growth portfolio when my TFSA grows to an appropriate amount. Given my current $5,000 and my $100 bi-weekly contributions, which companies would you recommend selecting from within those two portfolios? Should I allocate $1,000 each to five different stocks or focus on three stocks with an initial $1,600 investment in each (the more I diversify on such a small number the less the potential return)? Your advice on which equities to select for both approaches and your opinion on the most responsible approach would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance! :)

Q: Hello Team,

I am setting up a TFSA account for my son, he would be saving this money for a house down the road (at least 5-7 years away).

I was thinking maybe purchasing 3-4 stocks and 1 ETF for him to hold, can you let me know what you would recommend. We are going to deposit the max he can deposit which is 19.5K.

Looking to maximize growth.

Thanks.