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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: My daughter has some holdings that need to be reviewed. What are your thoughts on dividing her capital between 8-10 ETFs that cover the US, CDN and the rest? Could you provide a list of your favs? Thanks again for your sage advice.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on May 05, 2026
Q: I own only 1 ETF (XQQ @ 10% of my portfolio). I'm looking to move to owning 3-5 ETFs to cover the broad market and then pick away at a few individual stocks for some extra growth.

Which few ETFs would you recommend to hold for 'adequate' and 'broad' market coverage. Note that I'm looking to hold 40-60% of my portfolio in these ETFs.
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on May 04, 2026
Q: I have the above 3 ETF's. in various portfolios. On review it appears all 3 have quite similar top 10 holdings. Would like to reduce to one, any suggestions as to which one should be considered a hold. Yield is not important.
Read Answer Asked by David on April 09, 2026
Q: Today you answered “probably not” to my question about whether ETFs that track the S&P 500 are more risky than mid-cap ETFs which are trading at their historical values. However, your reasoning — that the S&P 500’s valuation is not excessively high given expected earnings growth and potential lower interest rates, and that investors tend to favour large-cap stocks over mid-caps in uncertain markets — seems to suggest the opposite conclusion.

Could you clarify whether you meant “probably yes” instead?
Could you also indicate if your answer differs if one's time frame is 10 years+?
Read Answer Asked by Mary on March 25, 2026
Q: I keep reading how the S&P is trading at high values compared to historical values and because of that is risky. do you think that etfs that track the S%P 500 (e.g. ZSP) are more risky than a mid-cap ETF such as ZMID or XMC which are trading at their historical values?
Read Answer Asked by Mary on March 25, 2026
Q: I've been asked to help my 20 yo niece with her recently opened TFSA and hard-earned $21K contribution. Sticking with ETF's and CAD in these early days of her investing journey, I'm asking for your thoughts on best CDN ETF representations for SP500, Nasdaq 100, Dividend Growth (USA), Small Cap Growth (USA), TSX 60 and International developed large cap. I'm thinking a 70/20/10 allocation USA/CDA/INTL, would you find this appropriate? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Tony on March 20, 2026
Q: Hello! Thank you for all you do. Tax prep this year was an eye opener. I would like to simplify my life. I would like to simplify my US holdings for tax purposes by selling the individual companies an holding an ETF in Canadian funds which hold top blue chip US companies. I no longer want to keep record of exchange rates when buying and selling US stocks years later. Can you recommend some that have a low MER and a good yield?
Read Answer Asked by Lucy on March 19, 2026
Q: hello, wonder what you suggest for global diversification, currently my portfolio is about half Canadian (XIU, FCCM) and a third international (EWY,ILF,VEU, VA.TO, VIU.TO)
I had 15% in ZSP last year but was disappointed with the performance and FX hit.
I only have CAD$ left to invest would you suggest putting that into US funds in spite of the sluggish performance in the last year?
If so which fund would you suggest, ZSP, VFV, or perhaps an equal weight fund such as EQL.TO
Read Answer Asked by Rob on March 05, 2026
Q: Grandson has $2000 to start investing with. Looking for up to 4 possible ETF’s for him realizing he has a long timeline growth would be preferred.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Dale on February 25, 2026
Q: Goodmorning

what are your top 2 EFT that follow the S&P 500 and what are your 2 top EFT that follow the TSX?
THKS
Marcel
Read Answer Asked by Marcel on February 24, 2026
Q: Good morning.
I’m planning on setting up a RESP for my grandkids.
Could you guys please suggest a ETF or two that would be suitable, this would not be used for at least 12 years.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on February 18, 2026
Q: I am considering gradually switching from an all equity portfolio to these six ETFs at the following percentages: XGRO 20%, VBAL 20%, ZSP 15%, SPY 15%, XIC 15%, and VIU 15%. I have been happy with my returns but am thinking more conservatively.
1. What do you think about this mix, are there any you'd suggest a replacement for?
2. What would your educated guess be for an annualized return over the next 10 years?
Read Answer Asked by Lyle on February 17, 2026
Q: I was planning on adding some or all of these to an RRSP and /or an RESP.
Any issues or better ideas. I am thinking ETF's and one or two blue chip.Thanks,Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 22, 2026
Q: I have an incorporated business investment account. There will be no new money coming in and I will not need the money for five to ten years. Currently, I have roughly 5% in each of CSU, SVI, WSP, MELI, and TSLA, and 10% in ZSP. The remainder is split between EIT and FIE, whose distributions are primarily capital gains and eligible dividends. Would you have some suggestions on how to tweak the portfolio? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Kim on January 18, 2026
Q: I am a retired investor of 60 living comfortably off my pension. I have done very well with your advice over the years, but want to be a more passive investor.. I have read many of your answers regarding etf's. I am thinking of moving my investments towards etfs in the future. For US ZSP and VGG 40% XIC/VDY Canada 40% and International 20% VIDY. Thoughts on my choices and percentages. Any other suggestions? Thank you for your great service over the years. Also any thoughts or preference between BMO vs Vanguard. Thanks Stephen Deduct a few extra credits if needed.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 12, 2026
Q: Hello 5i Team,
I was looking at the performance of ZSP vs. SPY on the Google Finance site.
ZSP shows a 1-yr return of 13.33%, and a 5-yr return of 97.04%
SPY shows a 1-yr return of 17.67%, and a 5-yr return of 81.69%
Why are the returns so different if both are looking to replicate the returns of the S&P 500?
For a long term hold within my RRSP, would it be better to take a position in one vs. the other, or take a half-position in each?
Many thanks,
Brian
Read Answer Asked by Brian on January 07, 2026
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