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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: Trying to get a bit more geographic diversification in a TFSA account that is, at present, all Canadian equities. Would you suggest something like HXS for US diversification with the swap arrangement to limit tax implications? Or would something like VGRO make more sense with greater geographic diversification and a little fixed income?

Thanks for the great service,

Doug
Read Answer Asked by Doug on February 13, 2019
Q: Hi,
I want to increase my US and International equity exposure by using $US ETFs (VIG and VXUS respectively) but the Canadian dollar is pretty weak right now (improving slightly lately). Does it make sense to convert to $US for this investment (long-term horizon) when there could well be significant headwinds if the Canadian dollar continues to strengthen. Also, valuations are higher in the US than in Canada, but International looks to be relatively cheap. Thoughts on how to proceed?
Regards, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 05, 2019
Q: Hi Peter, Ryan & Team
In addition to my current 5i Balanced portfolio I want to build an additional RRSP ETF portfolio.Time horizon 3-5 Years and my risk level is moderate.
I am thinking to invest in the following ETF. Appreciate you advise on the distribution, concentration and risk level.
XMD 30%
VUN 20%
XIU 10%
VEE 10%
VXUS 10%
IXC 10%
IWO 10%

Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Yousef on January 29, 2019
Q: Hi there, I asked a question a little while ago about the BE Portfolio and diversity. Another member asked a follow up question where you suggested this breakdown:

"Allocations need to be highly personalized; a suggestion might be: 35% BE, 15% XIC; 40% VFV, 10% VXUS."

Is there a TSX listed ETF that would be similar to VXUS?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Michael on December 07, 2018
Q: From your answer on November 23rd:
No, an individual would still need to hold global exposure to the US, europe and emerging markets as well as fixed income. In terms of Canadian exposure, we would be pretty comfortable with the portfolio as a more growth-tilted proxy to Canada but an investor may want to overlay one Canadian broad ETF just to smooth out the volatility a little, depending on portfolio size. This, or adding a selection of larger company stocks, would help overall diversification.

Can you suggest % or guidelines on each type of exposure to have a well-diversified portfolio? (US, Europe, emerging markets, fixed income, Beport, one Canadian broad ETF or larger company stocks).
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Serge on November 30, 2018
Q: Which etf's or index funds would you use today to allocate $100k in a Canadian registered acct. for a longer term hold and in what proportion?
Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Tim on November 21, 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: What five ETF’s would be suitable to hold in an RRSP? I am interested in technology, healthcare, financials, energy and industrials. I am a moderately conservative investor, am looking at about a 15 year timeline and am interested in Canadian, US, global and emerging markets. Many thanks for your insights.
Read Answer Asked by Heather on October 01, 2018
Q: A friend father age 82 recently sold his residence and is looking to invest. Wants to be in the market. Can you suggest 3 to 5 ETF's for him to invest. Thinking Canadian and Us market , as well as a Bond ETF. Has a small registered fund & TFSA.
Read Answer Asked by David on September 07, 2018
Q: Hi,

For a long term position ~ 10% of total portfolio, with broad international equity exposure outside North America, currency not really a factor, was considering XIN vs VXUS vs XEF.
1) preference of three or worth it to purchase more than one?
2) other suggestions?
3) any concerns with 10% of portfolio in any of these single ETFs?
Read Answer Asked by John on August 14, 2018
Q: Hey Guys,
Would you buy these ETFs today?
Are there other ETFs you prefer today.
This is for a long term hold.
Thank you,
John.
Read Answer Asked by John on August 14, 2018
Q: About a month ago I purchased vxus & already it is down 7%. I believe I'm caught in a perfect storm of a rising US dollar & trade war rumblings of Donald Trump. EM countries often owe debt in US dollars which hurts them & causes further drops in stock prices.Your comments on this thesis & suggestions would be appreciated.On the positive side Bloomberg News feels China has hit a bottom.
Read Answer Asked by Dave on July 06, 2018
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