skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

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

Q: I'm currently trying to diversify my RIF account for 2021. I've trimmed some over weight holdings to free up some cash. I have NA covered with stocks in Canada and a couple of ETF's for the US but, nothing for the rest of world.
How would you currently rate the above now, hopefully for the coming recovery post COVID. I note, South America is not represented. do I need to consider it separately?
I'm inclined to go with 2 positions @ about 6% ......your opinion please!
All the best to you and everyone at 5i for the new year!
Read Answer Asked by Henry on January 04, 2021
Q: Hi, You already mentionned here that ZEM was more "tax efficient" than VEE, since "there is no US withholding tax" with ZEM. From what I can observe,VEE is only including emerging market stocks (and no ETFs or US stock), could you explain to me why VEE would be less "tax efficient" than ZEM ? Regards,JY
Read Answer Asked by Jean-Yves on December 28, 2020
Q: Hi 5i! I have the above noted 5 ETFs in various dollar amounts in 5 different accounts. Average weight in each is less than 3%. The results have been varied with IYJ and VXUS beiong the strongest recently. I am thinking of consolidating 5 into 2 holdings, probably IYG and VXUS which would give me apporoximately 5% in each ETF. These 2 would complement each other since one is all US and the other non-US. Your thoughts please.

Read Answer Asked by Michael on December 21, 2020
Q: Hi 5I,
Have been looking at XEC.CA to diversify my portfolio from mainly US and Canadian Stocks. What is your opinion of XEC for a long term hold? Do you have other suggestions?
Thanks,
Earl
Read Answer Asked by earl on December 14, 2020
Q: I would like your recommendation and reasoning for 2 ETF's

Firstly, a Global ex North America USD ETF with a Good Dividend

And Secondly, an Emerging Markets (preferably CAD) ETF with a Far East bias

Thanks, Hugh
Read Answer Asked by Hugh on December 10, 2020
Q: ETFs
Can you suggest your top 1-2-3 ETFs traded on the TSX for Canadian, USA and International markets that should perform well (after fees) over the next 1-2 years and have good trade volumes? Also, would this be a good time to purchase hedge or unhedged ETFs?
Read Answer Asked by David on December 10, 2020
Q: Thoughts on XEC and another recommendation in this investment area? Thanks...
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on December 01, 2020
Q: In f/u to my earlier world ETF question, I should have stated I'm looking for CAD $ ETF's
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Henry on November 25, 2020
Q: If one is only invested in North America, would now be a good time to buy VEE, or if you have a better idea for emerging markets? Also, if one has built a conservative portfolio for elderly parents using only VBAL and VCNS, would adding VEE be a good compliment, or would it add significant risk ?
Read Answer Asked by Charles on November 23, 2020
Q: I am considering investing in South east Asia stocks - China, India and other Asian countries.
Do you have any recommendations?
Read Answer Asked by Lorraine on November 04, 2020
Q: Need more foreign exposure ex-Canada and ex-USA. I already own VEE and ZDI, should I just add to these or does 5i have additional suggestions? Looking to cover all bases here. Thanks Ron
Read Answer Asked by Ronald on November 03, 2020
Q: After scanning 5I questions for the best fit for my daughters LIRA which she will not need for 20 years and will not be contributing to it, we settled on VFV,VEE,and VUN. That leaves room for a tech ETF for the remaining. Considering:
XIT.TO but the MER is high at 0.61% vs. TEC.TO which is a TD ETF
product with an MER 0.35%. Are there any others to consider or which
would you choose and why?
Read Answer Asked by Don on October 30, 2020
Q: Hello 5i, I am a new DIY dividend investor (switched from mutual funds from various industry advisors). My spouse and I have TFSAs and RRSPs which we have invested in companies traded on the TSX (banks, utilities, etc many of them reference in the portfolios). My question is how do I get USA and international exposure and still stay within the Canadian market; we are not ready for US$ accounts or other international exchanges. I assume the answer is ETFs but I am overwhelmed with the number of choices. Investment timeline is 20+ years and want to focus on dividend growth. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Patrice on October 27, 2020
Q: In recent questions, you have recommended VEE as a Canadian emerging markets ETF. In the past, you often recommended ZEM. Is this observation correct? If it is correct, why do you now prefer VEE to ZEM?

For a TFSA account, would you still prefer VEE to ZEM? If I am reading the company information correctly, ZEM appears to be more tax efficient and has had a higher return over the last 5 years.

Your advice is most appreciated. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Dale on October 20, 2020
Q: For international exposure in taxable account, what is your thought on:

EUFN: playing on european banks. pretty depressed but room to run with rebound?
EWT: a play on taiwan rebound?
EEM: emergering markets.

any other thoughts on CDN $ equivalents?

Should be aggressive in taking position now or buy in over time?

Read Answer Asked by Chris on October 15, 2020
Q: While Canadian dividend stocks are my preference due to their favourable tax treatment, etc. some emerging market exposure can't be all bad, especially if you can get a reliable dividend. Is BBVA an example of a suitable emerging market dividend payer to your mind? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by David on October 07, 2020
Q: Hi,

I use these two broad ETF's to get exposure outside N.A. I'm in my late 30's and a growth investor. I know you can't give personalized advice, but what would be your suggested allocation towards these four buckets, VEE, XEF, Cdn, and US stocks? I have a spreadsheet to keep track of my holdings and allocate my holdings based on where they trade, although many companies may generate revenue in other countries. Is this too simplistic? I'm just trying to keep it easy to manage.

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Keith on September 23, 2020
Q: Hi 5i
I am looking to add international exposure to my portfolio and would like your recommendations
Read Answer Asked by Peter on September 21, 2020
Looking for more? Sign up for a FREE 14 day trial! No credit card required

We invite you to sign up for a 14 day free trial of 5i Research!
Experience all the benefits and tools we have to offer; stock research, model portfolios, Q&A with our experts, and so much more. Join a community of like-minded investors today!