Investment Q&A

Q: I am building a small non-registered portfolio to provide income with modest capital appreciation. Your thought on these 4 ETFs or other suggestion.

Q: I have a portfolio of 25 individual stocks (diversified among most sectors) with no ETFs. Within this portfolio I own companies that trade in CAD and the US but have operations and/or varying degrees of revenue in other countries such as CLBT, AXON, TOI, VHI, UBER, BKNG, WSP, TRI, BN and some of the MAG 7 with their worldwide reach such as GOOG. I often wonder if this is adequate international exposure for a healthy portfolio or should I have a specific international ETF?
I have not been a fan of ETFs due to the often wide exposure that can include "the best along with less than the best" (and they are boring, :), haha). But for long term growth and healthy diversification I often consider opening a position in an international ETF such as VIU.
But then I face my conundrum. In the past 5 years the return on VIU has been 41.4% (Yahoo Finance). Perhaps my expectations are out of line, but I would not be happy (and I would be bored, :), ) with the same return from VIU in the next 5 years. Even a conservative Canadian bank with some international operations such as RY has done 90% in the past 5 years (Yahoo Finance). It seems to me that I must give up too much possible growth in order to achieve a healthy level of international diversification through the instrument of an international ETF.
Perhaps this is a conundrum that need not be solved, but do you have any thoughts that may lead to a wiser investment perspective or a needed tempering of my expectations?
As always, thank you for your excellent service.
Cal

Q: Hi 5i,
With reference to your response to Les's question July 08 you say :"The criteria is pretty intense if one is looking for 4% dividends and 10% appreciation. There is nothing in this category that would not come with significant equity risks. VIU qualifies on historical numbers, trades in Canada, is international, and has a yield of 5.02% indicated and five year return 10.22%. "

How do you calculate or find these numbers?
My broker shows dividend at 2.39 % (.95 cents)
Does the annualized 5 yr return of 10.22% include dividend or reinvestment of the dividend.?

thx

Q: I'm seeking to buy 3 or four ETFs that would give me stable dividend distributions in the 4% range with the possibility of capital appreciation yearly at about 10%. I also seek global diversification and I would like to pay for my investments in Canadian dollars. I am interested in return on capital not return of capital. Please advise if you have ETF's that you can suggest.

Q: I would like to help my 12 year old granddaughter with a RESP. Can you recommend a few choices?

Q: WHICH ACCOUNT SHOULD VIU BE HELD IN?
Thanks.

Q: Is Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North Amer Idx ETF
VIU the best ETF for the international exposure ex amrerica of a portfolio?

Q: Hi team. A few months ago I asked about the best stocks and/or ETFs for my 32 year old son to invest $12K of RRSP $. We didn't get to this yet.... In the past you recommended a few ETFs. What would you recommend today. I'll help him get this invested through a self directed plan next week. Thank you!

Q: I switched jobs and am looking to convert my pension into a lira. Want to put into a low maintenance type of portfolio of ETFs or one balanced growth etf. What would you recommend I consider for a balanced portfolio with 20+ year horizon.

Q: I'm looking for an ETF that excludes Cdn and the US but focuses on mid to large cap in other countries. Would you have some suggestions?
Thanks,
Murray

Q: If I were to buy VIU, then what benchmark would you suggest???.....tom

Q: For the listed stocks above, in what order you purchase them....the top being the first/? Also what would be a suggest purchase price?....Thanks for your insights....Tom

Q: Hi, I'm looking for recommendations for ETFs to complement HXS and HXT in TFSA, for recurring biweekly purchases. What are your top two picks?

Q: Emerging Markets, Developed Markets, Europe or Bonds. Which represents a buying opportunity now? Which does one need to wait for a pullpack before buying ETF in these areas?

Q: Hi! Thoughts on best international stock ETFs for TFSA using Canadian dollars. They are at all-time highs. Do they still represent value or should one wait for a dip? Thank you!

Q: Could you suggest for a RSP portfolio, starting from a cash balance of 150K, an array of 5 ETFs, covering Canadian and US/International sectors.
Would VGG selling in CAD qualify for the exemption of US taxes, or does it need to be a US traded ETF to qualify.
Take as many questions credit as needed.
Thank you.

Q: How would you suggest a 76 year old who has been retired for 15 years invest $500K+ from selling his family home? Living expenses are paid for already.

Q: Do you like these equally? Goal- growth, safety, income in TFSA for exposure outside Canada/US. Thank you!

Q: Hello, I saw your answer on VIU (May 29th), suggesting not to buy it in a TFSA. Is there an alternative for a TFSA in CDN$? Looking for an equity ETF ex-NA. Thanks

Q: looking for an ETF that covers non-North American securities. I need to increase my international exposure.
Also do you suggest to hold it in a non registered or registered account?
TIA