Investment Q&A

Q: I own ZHY, XHY and ZEF bond ETFs. They do pay some income, but the capital is getting constantly depleted - I am 10% down on ZHY/XHY and 5% down on ZEF after holding them for many years. Is there a point of keeping these funds or should I get rid of them?

Q: Interesting question on PKO recently. Is there a comparable fund in Canada? Also, if I were to buy the fund, what factors might cause it to lose money? In other words, what danger signs should I watch for?

Q: Hello 5i Team
I want to invest in an Emerging Markets Bond Fund or ETF. My preference is to invest in Canadian Funds. Choices I have found are:
iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) – Symbol XEB.CA
BMO Emerging Markets Bond Hedged to CAD Index ETF – Symbol ZEF.CA
RBC Emerging Markets Bond Fund Series D – Fund Code RBF1097:CA

Questions I have are:
1 – It is not clear from BlackRock’s website, but is XEB 100 % invested in BlackRock’s US ETF EMB:US ?
1 – XEB and ZEF net assets are $97M and $380M, is the lower net assets a concern?
2 - XEB and ZEF average trading volume is 1,707 and 2,664, is the lower daily average volume a concern?
3 – Although the MER for RBF1097 is 1.07% is this a better choice than XEB/ZEF whose MER is 0.54% and 0.55 % as the net assets for RBF1097 is approximately $1.7B?
4 – Any other ETF/MF that I should review?
Thanks

Q: What do you think about the Etf’s ZEF and EMLC at this time. If you had to pick one, which would it be or both.
Thanks

Q: Have a limited amount to spend and wondered how you view ATCO considering the Kitimat deal. I currently hold ZEF and have noticed that you like VEE. Would I be best off changing to VEE?

Q: Looking for Int'l ETF bond or other wise for income and some growth for my Wife's RIF acc. Your view on ZEF or any other preferences.

Q: Your thoughts on buying ZEF as an income security? I currently have few bonds and low international exposure. If you have an alternative suggestion for s similar security, that would be great too. Thank you.

Q: Hi 5i,

I need to create a fixed income allocation in my LIRA. Would you recommend an equal allocation to the following ETF's: CBO, XBB, ZEF, CPD and ZHY? If not what would you recommend for a fixed income etf position.

Thanks,

Q: Hi 5i,

Need to create a new fixed income/bond position in my portfolio. Looking to allocate holdings (equally?) across the following ETF's: CBO, XBB, ZEF, CPD, and ZHY. Would you recommend this as a good long term strategy or would there be a better ETF combination you'd recommend.

BTW loved your May issue in ETF Fund Update (etffundupdate.ca) on balancing sector allocation.

Q: Would now be a good or bad time, to take a position in ZEF, looking for some income and growth, not worried about time frame, I have never invested outside of Canada. Thanks.

Q: Hi,

I am looking for a good emerging markets ETF. In my screens there are so many to choose from and many with high Dividends, along with very strong gains, which of course I like. Since I know nothing about which countries and sectors to look for, could you recommend 2 or 3 good Emerging Market ETFS, preferably with a solid dividend and high growth potential, and also at a value price if possible. I am not overly concerned about risk and have no exposure in this area. Thank You.

Q: I'm switching from mutual funds to ETF's and making a portfolio makeover. I have 3 years to retire and wanted to make sure I chose the correct Canadian Fixed Income ETF (at 40% bonds and 60% equities). I'm looking at HAB, ZCS, VSB, ZAG and ZEF. Of these 5 ETF's which one should I go with?

Q: What are the your favorite High Income Bond Funds (Canadian, USA and International) - Best Management and volitility

Q: Hello,
I recently subscribed to your ETF/MF newsletter. I have looked over the site but I didn't find a section there for asking questions (might have missed it). In viewing some of the ETF performance tables I did not see a column to indicate whether the income is paid out on a regular basis or reinvested in ETF units. My fee for service investment planner has advised me to use more fixed income vehicles to reduce income slightly caused by the gross up of Cdn. dividends in my equity portfolio but I would still like to get the income on a regular basis.
In regards to this perhaps you could comment on VSC or suggest a similar short term laddered bond ETF and a similar emerging market income ETF(with adequate liquidity).

Thanks in advance ..... Larry

Q: I am interested in a small position in zef and I am wondering what a rising U.S. dollar might have on this etf. Would you recommend this etf for an allocation in an rrsp for income? Thanx.

Q: Hello Peter, I am looking for safe investment with dividends, I have ZEF in my portfolio, I would appreciate your help to rate the above, perhaps suggesting a couple better ones. Also, how would future interest rate increases effect their prises.
Many thanks, J.A.P. Burlington