Investment Q&A

Q: Thanks very much for your recent reply. I’d like to get your opinion on the Active Beta ETFs from Goldman Sachs, particularly GEM (Emerging Markets) and GSIE (International). They charge a higher MER than Vanguard funds, but would you say it’s worth it because investors benefit from the expertise of top managers? Between VWO and GEM, which would you prefer and why? Thanks again.

Q: I'm interested in VGK, VWO and VPL. They've all been doing quite well for some time now. Would you wait for some weakness before buying, or do you expect that all these funds will continue to outperform? I notice that the first two funds are doing a bit better than their Canadian-dollar counterparts, VE and VEE. Would you attribute that mainly to the composition of the funds? Thanks very much for your advice.

Q: to invest in Emerging mkts, what is difference between VEE and VWO and which would you prefer? Or could you name 2 or 3 EM stocks that you prefer instead. thx. Helen

Q: Hello again. I’m interested to know how to consider currency when deciding between hedged, unhedged, and US dollar ETFs. In your answer to my last question, you mentioned that you prefer VPL over VAH; how was currency a factor in your judgment? Also wondering if you would approach European ETFs similarly, with respect to fluctuations between the Euro, USD and CAD (e.g. VEH, VE, VGK). Are there separate currency considerations I should take into account for each region, including EM? (e.g. VEE vs VWO)

When I hear professionals recommend CAD-hedged ETFs when the USD is falling, it sounds tactical but what if an investor has a long time horizon in mind? I’ve heard that unhedged ETFs yield better returns over time, say for a period of 15 years, but I’m wondering if US dollar ETFs are even more preferable, considering that I’ve already got some US cash ready to deploy.

Thanks for clearing up my confusion!

Q: I have owned the above US ETF's for several months in contemplation of the supposed TRUMP build out. It's not happening and I'm not satisfied. For a major change I am considering TJX, COST, V, DEO & AAPL. How would you rank & what other individual cos. would you recommend. Thank you.

Q: I have topped up my TFSA to the full allotted amount (since 2009) and am now ready to invest it in a simple way. What are your thoughts about an equal weighting in xiu, spy, vgk, vpl, vwo and xlu?
Thanks
Jan