Investment Q&A

Q: What would your top 3 ETFs be, that cover
1.domestic,
2.international,
3.trending stocks,
that could be held in long term accounts to buffer individual stock volatility and provide peace of mind ?

Q: I am looking to simply my portfolio by transitioning part of my portfolio to broad market etf.

I have a few concerns with the often mentioned Xeqt and veqt.

With Canadian assets around 25% of holdings, is the Canadian market over represented?

Secondly, if I were to split my ETF holdings between a VEQT (or Xeqt) and a second, growthier ETF, which ETF would you recommend for some added torque?
Would the default choice be a QQQ. I ask because I am worried about the long term prospects for SAAS.

Your advice please.
Thank you

Q: Long term holder of XIT. It is my proxy for the Tech sector. While using your "total return" charting, I am noticing a recent divergence when comparing XIT to QQQ. Over many different timeframes you could lay one chart over the other and they compared very very well.

Recently the XIT showed a decline, which I believe is due to the potential impact of AI on the software subsector. Lately there appears to be a bit of a software-related recovery. Please correct me if you believe there is another explanation.

If I am correct, this leads me to consider adding a Tech ETF that is heavier into AI. I'm looking at trimming some of XIT and adding a new ETF to my relatively concentrated portfolio of 20-ish ETFs and stocks.

The "AI" ETF I am considering is CIAI. Would you agree with my thought process and the ETF that I have selected?

If so, do you have a suggestion on the relative weighting between XIT vs CIAI? Both would be held in my TFSA. I know you can't comment on individual asset allocations....I'm just looking for ballpark numbers 50-50, 60-40 or 75-25-ish.

Thanks.....Steve

Q: I've been burnt in the past by not trimming gains and having stocks crash and burn so I'm trying to diversify out of individual stocks when I get huge gains and let only a portion of it run. Can you recommend some ETFs to diversify into (CAD and USD), I'm 30s so long horizon and risk tolerance. I currently use XEQT, XSU, VIU, VFV for cad, VT, VTI for us. Let me know if there's any other good options, or if I should just stick to a specific one and why- take more credits if need

Q: Good morning, I am looking to invest about $60,000 for about 7 years that will be put towards a child’s down payment. Can you suggest some stocks and/or ETF’s that you would consider as a starting point. Happy to include a mix of Canadian/US names. Also would you suggest DCA in over the next few months or invest all at once in today’s environment. Thanks!

Q: Does QQQ provide sufficient exposure to AI and AI build out stocks ? If not, what are some ETFs that generally cover tech stocks as well as AI and AI build out ? Are any such ETFs listed on TSX ?

Q: I am just starting to do the Smith Maneuver. I am planning on "deploying" about $200k to start and then CDA monthly and then, if and when there is a market drop, buy more.
My time horizon is at least 10 years but maybe more, if all works out.
Please recommend stocks and/or etf's; both Cdn and US.
Thanks for your knowledge and help.
I appreciate being a member.

Q: I have the above 3 ETF's. in various portfolios. On review it appears all 3 have quite similar top 10 holdings. Would like to reduce to one, any suggestions as to which one should be considered a hold. Yield is not important.

Q: I have a fairly diversified portfolio, except for tech/AI. Can you recommend four or five ETFs for that sector? Thanks

Q: What option would you suggest to pursue to gain additional exposure to technology within a portfolio? I currently only own QQQ in USD registered account.

1) just add more to QQQ at the current exchange rate
2) diversify and add XIT
3) diversify and add both XIT and CSU at 50/50 (understanding XIT owns approximately 23% of CSU already)
4) none of the above, try an alternative (e.g. QQQM)

Q: Retired investor with no new money coming in. I have a larger position in QQQ and a small position in VMO. I would like to sell QQQ and move the funds into VMO. I also hold large positions in VFV and RSP and understand there is some overlap with QQQ. Would you endorse such a move or would it be prudent to split the funds equally between the two?

Q: I've owned XIT for a very long time and it has performed extremely well. Using your charting system, I have tracked it against QQQ and it is amazing how you can virtually lay one on top of the other over multiple time frames (especially 3 years and 10 years).

It is only in the last month that there is an obvious change. XIT has plummeted since the start of 2026, while QQQ has roughly held it's own.


XIT is comprised of 10 stocks, with SHOP at 25%, CLS at 24%, CSU at 23%, GIB.A at 12%....totalling roughly 85% of XIT.

Reading up on these four, I think I can paraphrase the 5iR answers as: SHOP-no major concerns, CLS-no concerns at all, CSU-should be ok in the long terms (unless AI is indeed a major disruptor to the software subset of technology, GIB.A-should be ok, but not exciting. My apologies if I got this wrong.

For asset allocation purposes, I added funds to XIT in late December and early Jan around the $80 level (this is after trimming at $86). So if I liked XIT at $80, I should really like it in the $60's. I have more funds available to add to XIT, but I am very proud of my latest action this week or so....just sit on my hands and do nothing.

I like buying when the proverbial "blood is running down the street" and could easily top up now. However, we may now be looking at some capitulation...not sure? I also look at the old expression that after a parabolic rise, the stock could easily settle by 1/3 to 1/2.

Do you have any advice as to when to deploy new funds into XIT? Should we wait until CSU reports in late-Feb? Are there other factors to consider.

Thanks.....Steve

Q: Hi 5i, I have a family member who has retired and is interested in buying a growth portfolio of ETFs that is US currency based. They have bought an annuity that will support their lifestyle for 10yrs. If you were building this portfolio what ETFs would you chose and what percentages would you allocate to them?

Q: Can you share your top US ETF picks for each sector? Thanks!

Q: Hi I’m 37 years old, considering myself a moderate risk investor. Can you recommend your top 5 ETFs in order? (CND or US) I prefer to buy and forget.

Thank you

Q: I have just started an RESP for my grandson and will be contributing the max $2500 per year. What would you recommend as my first stock purchases.
Thank you

Q: Are there any listed international ETF like QQQ.us and XIT. Canadian ?

Q: Any suggestions for a technology EFT that covers United States, Canada and Global

Q: My current plan is to add to my XIT holdings in my TFSA with this year's contribution.

By the way, XIT tracks very well when compared with QQQ...using multiple timeframes on your charting system. They overlay each other very closely....surprises me.

This is actually a "timing" question. Usually I just contribute the money and then buy according to a well laid out plan weeks in the making. However, with the big run up last year and the slide in stock prices lately, I can't help but ponder whether I should just sit on my hands for a bit?

My full plan was actually to buy the first $7k tranche sooner (early Jan), then create some cash from the other holdings in my TFSA and buy a 2nd tranche later...Feb?

Your thoughts?

Thanks for your help throughout the years....been with you from virtually the beginning....love the service!!! Steve

Q: Hi,

I have $50,000 to invest in my TFSA for 2026.

Could you provide your top 5 ETFs to invest in for US/Canadian, Top 3 foreign ETFs. and Top 3 dividend ETFs.

Holding for approx. 10 years. Risk level Moderate to high.

I have an ETF in SMH that has 108% ROI in the last 2 years. Would you advice on putting more cash into SMH?

Thank you