Investment Q&A

Q: My current allocation to International markets go as this: EEM 5% XEF 5% EFA 3%. I would like to raise my exposure through CAD. What level of International exposure do you suggest for 2026 and what ETF would you use? Would you buy China? India? Europe? Asia? or stay the course with the current geography?

Thank you for your advised opinion.

Yves

Q: My portfolio by region is Canada 58%, US 37%, International 5%. It is recommended that I put my international to 25%. What are 5 stocks/ETF's that you would recommend that would increase my international exposure? Industry-wise, I am heavy on financials and energy already, and I prefer a balanced portfolio. Thanks!

Q: Wanting to diversify my holdings to include international markets.

Could you please recommend an ETF for India, Japan, Europe and emerging markets.

What percentage do you recommend to be outside North America?

Thanks Dave

Q: I currently have only limited representation in my portfolio of International markets (a few ADR's and a few ETF's). In an uncertain world, I understand it is difficult to have a high degree of confidence in what economies may do well or poorly at present, however I would appreciate your best efforts!

I am interested in 3 ETF's that you believe would show growth >5% over the next 5 years; ones that would be suitable in a "balanced" portfolio verging on a "growth" portfolio. I already own VEE and XEF.

I would also appreciate 3 specific foreign publicly traded stocks (accessible to Canadians via ADR's or markets) that fit nicely in the "growth" category. I already own ING, RACE, ASML and NBIS.

Thanks very much for your insights.

Dave

Q: I currently hold these 4 ETF's in a RRSP account. Is there any other ETF that you would add to this list?

Q: I would like to increase my international exposure to the stock market. Can you suggest some ETFs that meet that criteria. Moderate risk level.

I have seen VXUS recommended a lot, so I am considering that. Just want to have 2 more choices so I can compare before buying one of them.

Q: Good morning.

I have a sizeable amount of US dollars in my TFSA and RRIF accounts and intend to add international investments with that money. I can either just purchase the XEF.u with the US money or go thru the Norbert Gambit process to convert to canadian dollars and then buy the XEF ETF. My question is which would you recommend and also buying XEF.u in my TFSA which I believe is a Canadian listed ETF would there be a 15% US withholding tax on the dividends.

Many thanks.

Q: Have both in my rrif and looking to add to one. Which would you recommend? Thanx.

Q: Using DRIP is new to me so please explain in simple words.

First let me ask :How often do XEF pay distribution?
Second question I see it on my statement as being interest is it not supposed to be dividend?
For a third question, in a drip situation I see a - sign for say -$1000 and a + say $1100. What does that - operation mean in term of tax application. What amount is beeing taxed?

Thank you to continue educating us DIY investors

Yves

Q: Greetings 5i,

I'm looking to decrease some of my US investments and want to sell XUS (I also own VFV). I'm looking at either VIU or XEF as a replacement for XUS. Does this make sense and if so do you have a preference for either of these ETFs or would you recommend something else as a replacement?

Thank you.
John.

Q: Hi,
Is there a Canadian economic equivalent for the US IEFA ETF in Canada? Would either XEF or XEF.U qualify?
Thank you, Michael

Q: It is rare that I ask this question coming from an 84 year old senior, but all the above equal weighted ETF's are presently in my TFSA and can't decide how to invest for the 2025 contribution. Which ETF I should I be adding to the above list or should I be adding a new one that is not in the portfolio?
Also are any of those listed that do not belong in a TFSA?
Thanks for your usual great service.

Q: Can you recommend some global ETF's in both USD and CAD?

Q: Which of these three ETFS do you prefer if I was to pick one? I have 25% of my portfolio in USD Equity ETFS so already have some currency diversification.

Q: I’m wondering which type of account would be best for these ETFs. I assume they would not all be best in the same account. The choices of accounts would be personal taxable, RRSP, TFSA, and corporate.

Thanks.

Q: This is a follow up question to my previous question about using ETFs instead of stocks.

You mentioned that ZEM was “fine,“ whereas your comment on XEF is “solid,” XUU “we like it quite a lot,” and XIC is a “go-to.”

Do you have an alternative to ZEM that you would consider to be better? If so, please explain why.

Q: Should I hedge my EAFE ETFs considering that their holdings are from multiple countries? I am considering either XEF or ZDM? they seem pretty much the same except one hedges to CAD and one does not.

Q: As I’m running low on time to spend on investing, I’m thinking of selling all of my equities and buying ETFs instead. I’m considering the following ETFs in a 1:1:1:1 distribution.

XIC
XUU
XEF
ZEM

Could you please give me the pros and cons of these ETFs, and alternatives if you feel there are any that are better.

Thank you very much for your service.

Q: I currently own a 3% total portfolio in international markets. I plan to raise my total international exposure to 10% from new money available. Do you think it is safe to do so. My U$ exposure is at 42%. No bonds, 7% in money markets.

I currently own XIN and ZWE for distribution. Is there overlap between VI, XEF and XIN? How would you proceed? Can you rank and propose what my options are among these ETFs with the % you would allocate to each 2 or3 ? I don't want EMs.

Thank you for your precious help. You've made me wonders since I use your services.

Yves

Q: What do you think of AIM1517 for international exposure?

I have a couple of mutual funds left in my RRSP that I bought YEARS ago. I’m trying to decide if I should keep them or replace them with an ETF(s)? I currently hold XEC and XEF for international exposure. Is it worth keeping AIM1517 for international exposure, it’s 60%+ US stock so not sure how international it really is. Would something like XEC and XEF make more sense and provide better overall results? Is there a better ETF(s) I should be looking at for that goal?