Investment Q&A

Q: Can you suggest an ex-N.A. ETF that would be complementary to the above holdings, i.e. diversify in some meaningful way, or would I be better to just add to the above two? I appreciate any thoughts or ideas.

Q: I want to increase my exposure to Non North American ETFs. I have a lot of VXUS, VIU and VEU and would appreciate your advise on other ETFs (preferably US dollar and not Vanguard) that are ex North America.
Thanks. Peter

Q: I’m looking to increase both US and international exposure in a TFSA account, which is focused on long term growth. Knowing you can't provide specific advice, I'm curious: In today's volatile market, is it wiser to slowly add to each investment or commit to a full position all at once?

Q: I want to simplify my RRIF investments by buying the index.
I have narrowed it to two bond funds and these etfs.
XSB, VSB. For bonds
VFV ZSP XUS XIC ZCN for equities.
Looking at $250,000 to invest.
How would you allocate funds for maximum return over five years?

Q: Which do you prefer and why?
VIU versus MAW104?
BNDX versus IAGG?

Q: I've been asked to help my 20 yo niece with her recently opened TFSA and hard-earned $21K contribution. Sticking with ETF's and CAD in these early days of her investing journey, I'm asking for your thoughts on best CDN ETF representations for SP500, Nasdaq 100, Dividend Growth (USA), Small Cap Growth (USA), TSX 60 and International developed large cap. I'm thinking a 70/20/10 allocation USA/CDA/INTL, would you find this appropriate? Thank you.

Q: Hi, I’m starting to slowly invest outside of North America because Canada is a little too layed back, and government is not very aggressive, they would rather just tax us.( my opinion), and the U.S. is what it is right now, and markets do not like uncertainty.
I started with VIDY for now, but I see that about 20% is in Japan, I don’t think this is bad but it is quite a bit.
My question for future buying, is country specific that important? And could you list 5-6 countries outside NA that are your favourite to invest in.
Thanks

Q: Hi, I’m looking for 2 ETF’s suggestions, that is mostly out of Canada, as all my stocks are on the TSX. ( RY,ENB,BN,CSU,etc.) Looking at a mix of U.S. and other countries. Retired so has to be somewhat conservative with a 2%+ dividend while I wait. Could be a balanced etf for a little growth and safety. I was looking at TGRO, as an example, but maybe it is too much risk? your thoughts, thanks

Q: Good day 5i,
I am trying to shift away a percentage on my portfolio from the broad US market towards specific high-conviction themes and international diversification. What are my best options?

Q: Grandson has $2000 to start investing with. Looking for up to 4 possible ETF’s for him realizing he has a long timeline growth would be preferred.
Thanks

Q: Hello, can you please confirm these 2 ETF would not be subject to Withholding Tax? Also, can you please recommend 2 diversified stock ETF for exposure outside Canada which would not be subject to Withholding Tax, with decent dividend and buy and forget type of security. Thank you.

Q: I'm moving away from 30 equities to and few ETFs. What do you think of a portfolio made up of SPY 30%, XIC 30%, VIU 20%, and VAB 20%? Or would you rather XEQT 80% and VAB 20%?

Q: I am considering gradually switching from an all equity portfolio to these six ETFs at the following percentages: XGRO 20%, VBAL 20%, ZSP 15%, SPY 15%, XIC 15%, and VIU 15%. I have been happy with my returns but am thinking more conservatively.
1. What do you think about this mix, are there any you'd suggest a replacement for?
2. What would your educated guess be for an annualized return over the next 10 years?

Q: I have around 35% cash to deploy in my TFSA, with a long term time frame in mind. I currently have positions in XIC (16%) and VFV (10%). Looking to add and diversify with another 2-3 ETF's. Could you list a few suggestions?

Q: Could you give me your opinion on which you prefer out of this list ? If one was to combine 3 or 4 of these what would be a good combination ? You may take more than 1 credit if you wish.

Q: I have U.S. dollars to invest and am looking for an ex- North America fund like VIU which you often suggest. How about VXUS? Can you suggest a better option? It has a 3% divided yield and an mer of .05%?

Thank you during these times of tumult.

Q: What percentage of a portfolio do you think should be non North American? Does that change if portfolio size is 500k, 2 mil, 5 mil?
Do you recommend fund or etf or individual stock, for someone with no knowledge and only buy stocks based on your recommendations? Which fund or etf?

Q: This fund has done well over the last few years but historical really up and down. It shows a 9% dividend -is that correct? Could you let me know how high risk it is, and if you would recommend it as part of a basket of international ETF's? Is there others you prefer that you think would do better over the next few years and any in Canadian dollars? Currently I only own ZDI.
Thank you!

Q: I have a LIRA account and don’t plan to make any withdrawals for the next 15 years. I’m looking for “buy-and-hold” stock and/or ETF investment ideas that would suit this long-term timeframe.

I’m open to a mix of individual stocks and ETFs, across both Canadian and U.S. markets. Given the long horizon, I’m comfortable with experiencing periods of market volatility.

Any additional suggestions on how you would approach this situation if it were your own account would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Q: Hi, I was made aware of a gap (The "Korea Gap") in my international ETF strategy based on your ETF Update model portfolios that I believe is worth sharing.

The "Korea Gap" occurs when an investor mixes ETF providers that use different index benchmarks (specifically MSCI and FTSE). Because these two providers categorize South Korea differently, an investor can inadvertently end up with 0% exposure to the world's 10th-largest economy.

MSCI (Used by iShares XEF): Classifies South Korea as an Emerging Market. Therefore, it is excluded from XEF (Developed Markets).

FTSE (Used by Vanguard VEE): Classifies South Korea as a Developed Market. Therefore, it is excluded from VEE (Emerging Markets).

The result is if you hold only XEF and VEE, South Korea effectively disappears from your portfolio!

In 2025, this meant missing out on the massive "HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory) Craze" led by Samsung and SK Hynix, which drove the KOSPI to record highs.

Portfolio Combo | Provider | Where is Korea? | Avg. MER
XEF + VEE | Mixed | Missing (0%) | 0.24%
XEF + XEC | MSCI | XEC (Emerging) | 0.25%
VIU + VEE | FTSE | VIU (Developed) | 0.24%

I'll personally be replacing my VEE with XEC to hold the MSCI Blackrock combination.

In the XEF + XEC combo, South Korea makes up about 12-13% of the Emerging Markets (XEC) slice. In the VIU + VEE combo, it makes up about 5-6% of the Developed (VIU) slice. This means the iShares combo actually gives you a "heavier" bet on Korea.