Investment Q&A

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?

Q: I own ZMID, and like its holdings and its exposure to mid-sized American companies, but find it a little illiquid.

Are there any other ETF's that cover the same market cap of American companies that is a bit more liquid? I know of XMS and it is much more liquid but it is hedged...know you prefer unhedged when possible...

Q: Good morning,

Q1. With this year's high performance of US Large Cap ETFs such as VFV, would switching a portion of VFV into a best in class US Mid Cap ETF make sense at this point in time?

Q2. if so, I'm considering ZMID and XMC as potential candidates. Which of these two US Mid Cap ETFs would you recommend switching into and is there another US Mid Cap that you would consider preferable as the best in class?

Thank you and I'll await your sage advice.

Q: Watching Bermans call. He suggests the midcap space in the US will flourish with Trump.
I have done quite well with VUN. What is your opinion re the large cap space vs the midcaps in the next 4 years.
Do you think this is so and with extra cash in my RRSP, would you just stick with the large cap ETF or go with the small cap ETF.

Which of the large cap ETF would you choose, VFV with a lower MER over VUN?
Is XMC your choice for the mid cap ETF?

Thanks
Jeff

Q: Thank you for your precious advice you made me a much better investor VS trader over the years with much more success. Now is the time for a loooooong term view of my portfolio. I am retired and just need to allocate the right amount in the right positions. Within the US part of my investment what percentage would you allocate to each of the above?

Thank you

Yves

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