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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: In the past I have had very good results from investing in Mawer Equity Funds. In world markets, I have found that they typically outperform the comparative benchmark. I have virtually no exposure to emerging markets so thought that I would invest a small percentage of my assets in the Mawer Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Currently, because it is a small fund, the MER, all in, is in excess of 1.9% and at mid year they were underperforming the emerging markets index; however, I believe they have outperformed since that time. I understand it can be a very volatile area of the world to invest in but thought I should be there so hopefully have picked the fund that will perform best over a 10 year or so period of time. I recognise that this fund has a much higher MER than an ETF but thought that this may have value in this area of investment. I appreciate very much your comments. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by ED on December 10, 2018
Q: Hi Peter and Ryan: Thanks so much for your calming responses to the current volatility in the markets. This is my third time through a downturn since retiring in 2000. It isn't much fun, but intellectually I know that the market doesn't go constantly down as well as it doesn't go constantly up. Your well thought out reasons helps to remind me of this.
My first question is: in what sector do you place Csh.un.? It works best for me in Income Trusts, as that is why I have it. The TSX places it in Real Estate.
My second question is; is this a good time to purchase an ETF such as VEE and or FEZ? I am overweight in Canada and the U.S. and underweight in Emerging markets and Europe.
Thanks so much. Your advice is wonderful for a small investor such as myself.
Cathy
Read Answer Asked by Cathy on November 26, 2018
Q: Hi
My portfolio is mostly made up of canadain stocks. I do have approximately 20% in US and international etfs to diversify (split evenly). My 2 US ones have done ok over the last 5 yrs. the international, not so much. I’m not sure I’m in the best one/ones for either location. What would you recommend for long term etf/s hold. I have at least 15 yrs before needing the money for retirement. Thanks
Michele
Read Answer Asked by Michele on November 07, 2018
Q: Hi 5i team,

I am 65 and want to invest my TFSA money into 3 equity ETFs, one for US, one for Int’l and one for emerging markets. I am prudent investor that prefer companies with some growth but decent valuation, strong balance sheets and stable business. Nothing too aggressive. Could you please suggest ETFs for TFSA that suit my needs and are traded in C$ and hedged? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Willie on October 31, 2018
Q: Is there much duplication between xaw and vee? I'm aiming to be properly diversified internationally. I hold both as well as cdz as a part of a balanced eft equity portfolio. Thoughts?
Read Answer Asked by Seamus on October 24, 2018
Q: My target allocation for International Equity is 20% and is made up of just two ETFs (VE and VEE). Do these two holdings provide adequate and broad enough international exposure or would you recommend any additional (or different) ETFs? How would you recommend splitting the 20% total between these holdings?
Read Answer Asked by Steven on October 20, 2018
Q: Just sold mutual funds and want to transition to low fees ETF's for the portion of my portfolio outside of Canada. It is for my RRSP, 15 years from retirement. I was thinking SPY / XEF and VEE for the equities side. Do you have something better to propose? I would need help for the fixed income portion, 1 or 2 ETFs please. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Jean-Bernard on October 10, 2018
Q: Hi Guys: . . Thank you for this great service; I am learning new things frequently. Two questions: I hold VEE and ZDM at about 6-7% each in my registered accounts. The share was higher, but I trimmed it recently in favor of individual stock holdings. Q1: With rising oil and US dollar prices, would you say that VEE is likely to remain stressed for another year or more? As per Vanguard it does have large India, Brazil, and South Africa components, countries I suspect might be more vulnerable to these stress factors than perhaps China & Taiwan, the biggest components. Q2: With Brexit approaching fast would you consider ZDM rather risky at this point with a 17% UK component? Again, what's the outlook in your opinion for the next 1-2 years.
Read Answer Asked by Bilal on September 26, 2018
Q: Hi 5i - I have some new money to put to work and would like to round out my Canadian portfolio with some US and International ETFs. Currently I have some XSP and nothing else outside Canada. Can you provide some suggestions and an example weighting for an investor looking 20 years out with tolerance for risk? Thanks, Neil
Read Answer Asked by Neil on September 25, 2018
Q: My question is 2 part.
I am a long term investor, ok with risk and fluctuations and no need for the cash anytime soon.
Ive read a few of your comments regarding some hesitation towards emerging markets. Would you sell out of VEE or do you see it doing something positive soon?
What do you think about buying into one of the trillion dollar companies now? I was hoping for a dip on Amazon, but that doesnt seem likely to happen. Do you have a favorite? Would you reccomend using the proceeds from VEE to do this or keeping VEE and using new money?
Read Answer Asked by david on September 06, 2018
Q: What is the difference between these two ETFS? I own XEC but noticed that VEE has a much higher dividend. Would it be worth swapping as I do like getting income while I wait for growth.
Read Answer Asked by Carla on September 06, 2018
Q: Transitioning my mutual funds to a self managed ETF portfolio of near equal weighting of ve, vee, spy,vig and iwo for all USA and international exposure. I am due for another block of buying. Which of the 5 above would be best to add now. VE and VEE are down so average out my loss? On weighting I was due to add mostly VEE and IWO. Just starting the transition so can add pretty much any of them.
Read Answer Asked by Tom on August 29, 2018
Q: Gentleman,
I am looking after my mothers investment account which is currently valued at 400K. She is 75 and does not currently require the funds. I have 40K invested in each of the following ETF's - VFV, XSP, VVL, VGRO, XWD, VEE, XIN and 100K in VBAL and 20K in cash. Would you make any changes to my current ETF allocation? Will also be adding 100-200K to portfolio what would you recommend?
Always appreciate your advice,
Steve
Read Answer Asked by Steve on August 23, 2018
Q: Hi,I want to diversify my RSP which i already own a large position in Turtle Creek US Fund ,Barometer Global Macro Pool,and Edgehill International Advantage Fund and am thinking of adding the ETF's mentioned to this mix.
I am wondering your opinion on this group as a whole and if you would not endorse any of the additions i am planning.
Thanks,
Brad.
Read Answer Asked by Brad on August 17, 2018
Q: I need to beef up my foreign holdings. What is your recommendation on emerging markets ETF
Read Answer Asked by GRAHAM on August 09, 2018
Q: I currently own the following ETF's/ Funds. Canadian- ZCH ZSP FLI CJP COW VE VEE XGD ; U. S.- IWO AWF BBH FEZ XLRE XLF KRE XLK. In your view, are there any which should be sold to reduce duplication or for other reasons? And which are worthwhile adding to in this market? Thank you in advance for your usual well-considered reply.





Read Answer Asked by Harold on July 31, 2018
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