Investment Q&A

Q: I currently hold XMC in my unregistered account as I want exposure to the S&P Midcap 400 index. However, as you pointed out in your response to a recent question, the MER at 0.61% is quite high. Do you recommend an equivalent ETF that trades in the US that I could buy instead? Are there any disadvantages to replacing a Canadian listed ETF with a US listed ETF in an unregistered account (other than realizing tax on the capital gain upon the disposition of XMC)? Thanks as always.

Q: I am looking for an etf that addresses small-mid cap US stocks in a cash account, but can be bought in $CDN. I stumbled across TQSM which is a little small for my liking and has a higher MER than I prefer, but otherwise seems to cover the field I am interested in.
What is your opinion of TQSM and do you have other suggestions for this area?

Q: How would you rate XMC to buy especially after a $3.75 rise in the past 3 month?

Q: Do you have any recommendations for TSX listed ETFs that invest in US mid caps (preferably are unhedged)

Q: Could you recommend US mid-cap ETFs, I want to replace TDB3093? Hedged or unhedged?

Q: I bought ZEC, ZEM & XSU Dec. 24 . They have all done very well & amount to about 7.5% of my portfolio. I wanted to add XAW &/or XMC. Should I replace XSU with XMC or keep both? Will there be too much duplication with these ETF funds? I'd appreciate your comments on these changes.Thanks ,as always. Really enjoyed your "battle of the ETF funds".
Dave

Q: Hi Peter
I hold ZSP in my TFSA account. Is it a good idea to add XMC to compliment ZSP? The US equivalent of XMC is rated gold rated by Morningstar. Can you comment on XMC and if it is a good core buy for a long term hold?

Q: Which would you consider buying for a U.S. Mid-Cap ETF, XMH or XMC or would have another recommendation?

thanks

Kim

Q: Hi,
Could you tell me what you think of I Shares Hedged Mid Cap ETF XMC ? Would you have a comparable one that can be bought in C$ or might be more stock specific ?
Thanks
Larry

Q: Hello Team,
For US mid cap exposure, do you prefer IJH or XMC. The Canadian ETF appears to be have a market cap of only 38 Million. Is that a liquidity concern? Any other thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Barry

Q: Hello 5i
Have allowed MAW150 to become a heavy weighting in Portfolio.
Are you able to comment on potential sources for its lack of performance through 2016? I am a little surprised to be down on the year.
A recent article on MAWER indicated they have likely run out of good investment ideas and their previous choices have run out of juice.(Top award winners in Mutual Funds regressing to moderate performance)

Would you just let them do what they are paid to do (MER= 1.74%) or would you choose to reduce (MAW150: 74% International allocation-Oct 31) by shifting capital to US oriented ETF - XMC?

Portfolio Geographic allocation for International vs USA are about equal currently.

If something else comes to mind as you consider this questions please feel free to add.

Thanks
Dave

Q: There is currently a plethora of ways to invest in the US Market without touching sector funds. Would you use any of the above ETFs and if so in what proportion or would you suggest using any other US ETFs as well. High conviction US Mutual funds are also an option; but the fees are somewhat higher. I currently have no US coverage and am looking at establishing a 15-20% position. I know timing is a bit of a quess; but with the recent run up would you please suggest a strategy?

Thanks and
A very Merry Christmas to all