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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: Greetings 5i,
I am retired and typically don't have much in the way of fixed income since we have decent pension income, dividend income from a non-Reg account and some income from our RRIFs (started early to postpone CPP).

However, there is likely opportunity now for short-term bonds (higher yields as bond prices have fallen) and long-term bonds (capital gains when interest rates start to fall). Could you please identify two Cdn bond ETFs that would satisfy this rate dumbbell scheme?

Thanks as always for your excellent service.
SP
Read Answer Asked by Steve on January 23, 2023
Q: I’m looking to put a fairly large cash position to work (my portfolio is 30% cash) over the short term and would like to atleast gain some income (while I wait for a short-term recession scenario to play out) but limit large equity exposure. Can you give some short term bond etfs or some liquid traded products that would serve that purpose. I own a large position in zwb already but realize I’ll still get dinged in a pull back (at which point I’d shift that position back into underlying bank equities for a recovery). And also what kind of yields would I be looking at? I also would like to be paid out atleast monthly. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Scott on January 10, 2023
Q: Hello,
Many experts are predicting a downturn in the market for at least the first half of 2023 and possible even longer. With that in mind, and if the Feds and Bank of Canada pause in Q1,... the market will stabilize and GIC rates may pull back. In fact RBC GIC's short term rates are about the same as longer term. Therefore, is this a good time to start buying Bonds ETFs with the hope that as rates start coming down the stock price will start moving higher? Am I correct in this assumption? And, which ones would you suggest? short, mid, or long term.? As well, what are you thoughts on Prime Linked Cashable GIC's ( offered by RBC)? Finally, would you buy a 1 year GIC currently at 4.65% ( by RBC) ?
Thanks
CR
Read Answer Asked by Carlo on January 05, 2023
Q: I completed the Portfolio Analytics Tool and uploaded my own holdings. It suggested I should invest in 30 percent fixed income - I’ve spent my investment years in the equity market - any suggestions for this asset class such as which bonds, what terms, etc… ?
Read Answer Asked by Gary on January 04, 2023
Q: Hi Gent, For balancing purposes I’m looking for taxe efficient bond ETF for non register account. Looking for short term bond ETF and international exposure.

Thx

Luc
Read Answer Asked by Luc on November 24, 2022
Q: Back in June I asked about moving some XSB to XLB and you suggusted stick with XSB for another 3 to 5 months. I think I should start to switch some XSB to XLB. Does this make sence or is there another long term bond fund that would be better? Holding period of 5 years or longer.

Thanks Greg
Read Answer Asked by Greg on November 01, 2022
Q: Great October Market Report. I notice that in the 2008 and 2020 periods, job opening numbers began to decline only after higher rates had plateaued for a period of time. Today, job opening numbers have started to decline before higher rates have begun to plateau. Does this suggest the FED has gone too far to fast...and is poised, or could be forced, to quickly pivot? I'm just looking for a good reason to step into ZAG, or XBB for some decent yields and opportunities for capital growth. Thanks as always.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on October 20, 2022
Q: In the present interest rate environment and going forward 6- 12 months, which ETF is preferable i.e. XHY, PFIA, MFT, ZHY, XSB,XBB OR PYF? Would you choose 1 or a combination?

Thanks for your service!
Read Answer Asked by Ozzie on October 12, 2022
Q: I am currently down on the following stocks and etf's and am considering buying more in order to average down. Are there any of the following that you would not purchase at this time?
Read Answer Asked by James on August 11, 2022
Q: Hi 5i,

Looking for your top 2 or 3 fixed income recommendations for the market we're in, and where you feel we may be headed in the next 12-24 months. Looking for some bond ETFs, preferably Canadian listed.

Criteria is primarily capital preservation with some return to blunt the impact of inflation, and of course liquidity. I want to hold dry powder for buying opportunities I believe will come with recession, but I hate the idea of sitting in cash.

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Ryan on July 27, 2022
Q: For a ultra conservative retired income based investor can you please give us your 10 best portfolio building blocks starting a new portfolio?...many thanks...
Read Answer Asked by adam on June 10, 2022
Q: I am currently managing my TFSA/RRSP funds and some money outside of registered accounts, which are largely individual stocks. With the market volatility, potential recession and war in Ukraine, I am finding it more difficult to keep on top of the individual stocks and am therefore considering going to ETF's. I am a year away from retirement but would be ok with more risk in the TFSA/RRSP's.
Could you please suggest 5 ETF's for the registered accounts and 5 ETF's for the non-registered accounts.
Thank you,
Jacquie
Read Answer Asked by Jacquie on June 02, 2022
Q: What is your suggestion for bonds or a bond fund in this market climate? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Gary on April 25, 2022
Q: Hello Team.. As interest rates climb my strategy is to slowly buy into bond funds (now in cash).. maybe ZAG or XSH. For example at 3.48 % for ZAG, that's a reasonable dividend and the rate hikes have barely begun. My question is -although the unit price of the fund will decrease "is the payout stable or increasing" as maturing bonds are replaced at higher yields.Steady buying at lower unit prices (and higher dividend)could help kill the pain of the early buying-what do you think.( 71 year old income investor soon to be starting RIF withdrawals) Thank you yet again..best regards Gary
Read Answer Asked by Gary on April 12, 2022
Q: I recognize this is a timing question so apologies in advance. My portfolio is 100% equities (no bonds). As I approach retirement I am thinking of moving 20-25% of my RSP/LIRA into bond ETF's. With rising rates and high inflation am I best to wait this out until we get closer to the end of the rate hiking cycle? If I was to time it perfectly (I know, I know) would it be to buy the bond funds at the interest rate peak? Please recommend a few ETF's to achieve a balanced bond portfolio and any thoughts you have on timing this.
Thanks
Rob
Read Answer Asked by Robert on April 05, 2022
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