Investment Q&A

Q: I have transitioned a substantial part of my own RRSP from mutual funds to individual stocks & other investments, with the help of 5i (thanks! Done quite well), over the past 3 years.

My wife is still reluctant to do the same, so we are transitioning her RRSP from mutual funds to ETF's, with only one purchased so far. The specific ETF our advisor put us in was BMO ZDV. At the time, I specifically wanted an ETF with lower exposure to the energy sector.

Unfortunately, we bought in at the August 2014 peak, and are underwater by 20%, even after distributions. Moreover, the distributions have been steadily dropping since we bought in.

Is it time to bail out of this ETF, and if so, what would you replace it with?

Thanks.

Q: Peter and team:
In my kid's RESP, I am trying to transition away from individual equities into ETF's as we approach the time that it will be required.They currently hold ZWB, ZRE, ZLB & ZLU. I was thinking of adding ZDV to this. Would this be redundant, or help in diversity along with increased yield.

Thank you as always.

Phil

Q: I would like to divide $100,000.00 into 4 ETS of equal weights. Preferably high yield but still conservative. I have been trying to do it myself but I am overwhelmed by the choices. I currently have the two above but they may be too much the same.

Thanks for being there!
Bryan