Investment Q&A

Q: 5-I,
I am looking at a managed portfolio of a friend who deals at Wood Gundy. They are comparing the performance of the portfolio to the "Value Balanced Index". It says it is a blended benchmark comprised of 40% DEX Universe, 20% S&P/TSX composite and 40% MSCI World. What would be the closest ETF to this index that I could follow on an exchange ?

Thanks

Paul

Q: Hi 5i. FI = Fixed Income

My (6) FI holdings with rough total returns (including MER & dividends) for period held (average ~ 1.5 years): CBO -1.3%, CPD +15.0%, HFR +1.7%, XBB -2.2%, XHY+5.5%, LQD -0.6%.

NOTE: LQD not selectable, so picked HYG for question above.

Question: I understand the reasoning behind having the above FI holdings in my portfolio, but holding CBO & XBB seems like a sure way to lose money. So why not move CBO & XBB holdings to HFR (and possibly also XHY) which at least returns me ~ +1.7% pretty reliably? Your opinion on my FI mix would also be appreciated.

Thank you for continued solid wise advice.

Q: Hello 5i:
We currently hold about 4% of our portfolio in CSU.DB; bought first about 3 years ago with subsequent additions. It's been a very good and stable performer (thanks for the tip as in addition to the excellent dividend, we also have capital gains). Can you provide another name, possibly A ranked company that would have a similar fixed income contribution? Or, should we merely increase our weighting in CSU.DB?
btw, we also hold CSU (the regular equity) at about 3% of our portfolio.

thanks
Paul L

Q: I currently hold this Bond Fund. I'm looking to add a bit more fixed income. This fund is well below NAV right now, has declined about 2.8% in the last year (most of this in the last month or 2), but has a nice yield of close to 6%. I am up on the year by 3% which seems fine to me, considering savings accounts pay .05% these days. Should I add to this one or are there others that might grow a bit in this environment? It seems most of them are well below NAV at the moment. Thank you!

Q: I keep reading the traditional fixed income portion of a portfolio that has been allocated to bonds in the past, is a bad idea as a long term investment going forward. With that being said, what type of investments/products would you suggest the average investor allocate the fixed income portion of their portfolio going forward?
Thanks

Q: Do you recommend buying individual bonds through a discount brokerage account or simply an etf for fixed income ? Would it generate about the same return ? Would you know about the fee through discount brokerage account (it seems to be hidden in the YTM)? I d also be interested in members tips or comments if any. Thank you !

Q: Hello Folks:
My question is most basic re: bond and equity market price relationships.
I understand for bond yields to rise; either bond prices must trade lower or new ones issued with higher yields.
Commentators advise because of higher bond yields, people hesitant about equity market risk are moving money into the bond market.
With fewer people chasing stocks I can understand this could somewhat dampen stock prices.
What I do not understand is the reverse in the bond market.....more money from stock sale proceeds chasing bonds in the fixed income market should increase bond prices depressing yields.
I would appreciate if you can help with this basic finance 101 question.
Thanks for everything
brian

Q: Can you recommend 2 or 3 bond funds in Canadian $ that would be the least volatile and offer a return for a 3 to 5 year hold? I would prefer one Canadian and one U.S. or international. This would be my sole fixed income holding. Thanx

Q: I have owned these Bond ETF's for the last few years and have seen the unit prices drift lower with the rising rate environment. If I had bought the bonds directly the maturity date would restore the capital. Does the same thing happen within the ETF's to the same effect? How doe s it play out over time?
Thanks
Paul

Q: In the current interest rate environment what bond ETF would you recommend as a core bond holding in an RRSP. Time frame would be long.

Q: 1. In a rising interest rate environment is a convertible bond fund better to hold than other bond funds like xbb, cbo or clf?

2. What would you suggest for the best combination of protection I.e safety and income?

Thanks.

Q: Good morning 5i
I can identify with Neil, who wrote about buying bonds at this time and finds them going down and also looking for an alternative. I have no bond allocation, either, and a couple of months ago bough BSV:US, just putting my toe in to test it. Like Neil, I am also down a little, even after the payouts.
So, I have been wondering whether it would be a reasonable strategy to wait this period out. Would it make sense, for instance, to buy something like FLOT in the US in order to do this? If so, is there anything similar in Canada, as well?
thanks

Q: I have never held bonds only equities. About a month ago bought xbb and xhy, now 15% of my holdings in my portfolio. I'm down about 2.12 % in XHY and about 0.7% in XBB in a very short time. Please tell me why I'm holding these bonds. When I can typically expect them to gain or lose; What sort of insurance/protection they offer me if that is the right word.

Q: I am contemplating selling some or all of my position( $17k, 8% weight in my RSP) In XBB in hopes of climbing the ladder a bit in yield & the possibility of some growth, while keeping the risk factor somewhat the same or perhaps a tad higher. My RSP is reasonably well diversified. Could you recommend a couple of ideas, or just stay put?
Thanks,
Ted

Q: Hi & thank you for continued sound advise.

I'm a Balance/Growth Investor with ~ 30% Fixed Income.

- Current Fixed Income: XBB (30%), CBO (40%), CPD (15%), XHY (15%).
- Planned Fixed Income: MMF659 (70%), CPD (15%), XHY (15%).

Reasons for change:
- Tired of poor returns of CBO, XBB.
- Want more diversifies (USA, INT) fixed income securities.
- The ~ 1% MMF659 MER seems worth it based on 6.23% compound return since inception [2005-11-25].

Haven't held a Mutual Fund in 8 years, but... Yours thoughts would be welcomed here. Thank you!

Paul

Q: Good morning from the West Coast.
Merry Christmas and a Profitable New Year to all the staff at 5I.
My question : Is there a CDN ETF that has a monthly payout please?
Thanks
Rick

Q: given current markets, what percentage of the above etf's would you hold for fixed income...thanks.

Q: Which of these two would you recommend for an investors fixed income portion of an overall balanced portfolio?
What second fixed income ETF would be good to pair with it?

Regards,

Robert

Q: I have a fairly significant position in XBB, but I am not certain exactly how bonds work. I took the position as an alternative to cash. The price has dropped, but with the yield I'm probably about even. I noticed you said at in one answer that there is a broad shift from bonds to equities underway. I wonder if XBB is the best place for me, as I think the bonds held are longer duration. But I understand they are high quality. Maybe I should switch to a laddered bond ETF if you recommend that, to be participate if we see rising rates. If the stock market corrects, do you think the XBB share price will rise, or will it just go down with the market correction? If my XBB will rise in a market correction, maybe I should just stay put, as long as I don't keep losing on the share price too much. Sorry for the somewhat convoluted and confusing question. Any comments will help. Thx

Q: Hi 5i
I am heavily in financials 32% am working to diversify in my portfolio. I have listed a number of my invested companies. Investments are in Can. Cash, TFSA & RRSP heaviest in (RRSP)
I would like to re-invest in divided stocks and 2 ETFs. can you advise which would be best replaced and list a few that are in your top considerations.
Thanks,
Scott


Thanks, Scott