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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: Hello 5i
I recently asked a question regarding US stocks and etf positions. You suggested that I could easily go with the stocks I have plus something like VTI. I currently hold RSP ( as I like an equal weight approach and it maybe more readily balances my overweight in technology) and IWO for small caps. Do you think that this would serve as well as VTI?
Read Answer Asked by joseph on January 31, 2022
Q: Hello 5i
I know that it is a good idea to either have a certain number of US stocks that are not represented in Canada, or an etf for the US market, in order to have a balanced portfolio. Fortunatly, or unfortunatly, I have both. And I am wondering whether I should either get rid of my stocks or get rid of my etf's. The above are the US stocks I hold. in pretty good percentages. If i were to hold only stocks what might you suggest to supplement these? I know that I am probably heavy in tech to really represent the US market and will probably have to trim here, maybe in percentages. any other suggestions appreciated. Most of these are held in tax sheltered accounts, so taxes shouldnt matter too much.
thanks as always
Read Answer Asked by joseph on January 30, 2022
Q: Hello. I have ~$50K cash to deploy for investing. Given current volatile market, I am thinking of investing all in ETF (which might be safer), unless you feel strongly about some undervalued stocks. I'd like expose to world economy including the US, Canada and perhaps others. The investment can be long term as I don't need these money right away. But in case of decent gain in a short term, I probably would take money out for real estate purchase. Can you please recommend 3-5 ETF? I understand you don't timing the market. But given the outlook for rising interest rate, would it be better just hold them as cash for now?

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Yiwen on January 24, 2022
Q: What are the Can ETFs that cover the main US ETFs, like SPY? And what are their mers?

What are the advantages of using these Canadian versions?

Do you still require W-BEN forms if you buy these?

Thanks for all your help.
Read Answer Asked by Mark on October 28, 2021
Q: I would like to invest using only 4 ETFs. One for short bonds, one for all Canadian stocks, one for emerging markets, one for the whole US market, and one for the developed world (as wide as possible) excluding Canada and the US.

Which ETFs should I use?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Federico on July 19, 2021
Q: Hello 5i team,

I'd like to say I enjoy this first class product. The questions obviously are one of the pillars of this service. Offering fantastic insight and vision for all who read.

Looking for confirmation and guidance.
Without specific weights etc is this a sound plan to stick to longterm?

Non registered account is now growing and will be holding CDN stocks.
Former holding was XIC

RRSP is in USD and holds VTI and VXUS
I like the currency diversification and funds. And norberts gambit reduced the cost.
I also pay into an employer matched pension.

TFSA growth stocks in both CDN and USD
I am looking at mid to longterm ETF'S for growth. Without regard to sector etc.
My portfolio is balanced.

My selections are:

SMH
VTWO
BOTZ
MTUM
IWO
QQQJ
ARKK


Could you please rank these in terms of your conviction on success. If one stands out and comes to mind that isn't here please add it.
I would like to add 2 funds.

Thank you very much.

Read Answer Asked by Adam on June 08, 2021
Q: Peter,

I am comparing VT vs. XWD.

VT- one yr return 44%- - U.S. $$
XWD- one year return 27% Cdn $$- measures MSCI

Both are global investments but huge differences in return. I am assuming the strengthening CDN $$ hurt XWD performance. My question revolves around VT. Their site says it is a passive investment but does not mention the indexes it actually duplicates. Is someone actually choosing the investments in VT or are they simply covering certain indexes? If so, what are they?

Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on June 08, 2021
Q: We are typically buy and hold investors. It has been suggested that we sell our Capital Market Weighted Index VTI (unregistered) and purchase RSP which is Equal Weighted (unregistered). Apparently, the larger companies in VTI are getting very expensive and have started to under-perform since November 2020. Other than capital gains from the sale of VTI what are the advantages and disadvantages of switching?
Read Answer Asked by Bradley on May 12, 2021
Q: Hi,

I'm a medium risk investor with a 5 year time frame.

Can you recommend 3 US ETFS to cover the whole US Market?
And 3 to cover the whole CDN market?
and 1 ETF to cover the international market?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on March 30, 2021
Q: What is your opinion of Invesco International Fund Series F or other Invesco International Fund Series?
Read Answer Asked by Donald on February 09, 2021
Q: I want to build an American ETF portfolio of 5-6 ETFs that pay a decent (4%-5%) yield. I have historically bought Canadian hedged ETFs for that purpose however I think there is a possible currency advantage to be had. I have looked at many many ETF questions in the 5i ETF folder and they seem to be very Canadian based. Would you be able to suggest 5-6 US based ETFs or more if you want to add a few more.
Thanks
Norm
Read Answer Asked by Norm on January 29, 2021
Q: Would this portfolio held in RRIF have withholding tax on dividends. Does this look like a good portfolio?
Read Answer Asked by Burke on January 15, 2021
Q: For US exposure which would you recommend for a long term hold? Or is a combination preferred?
Thanks for all your help
Read Answer Asked by Brent on January 06, 2021
Q: Can you please recommend a couple of ETFs for an RESP with a six year time frame? Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Susan on December 28, 2020
Q: My US exposer is very low and I would like to buy an ETF to cover that sector I presently have VEE ZEQ FPXI which other ETF would fit in this
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by James on December 21, 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: Ishares US REAL ESTATE ETF (not in your data base)
can you comment on this ETF for a diversified real estate play. Do you view this as a decent entry point.
What's your view of starting a portfolio of these 5 ETFS with a 20% weighting in each, then rebalancing every year back to the original 20% weighting. Im hoping maintaining the 20% cash position will help smooth out the portfolio in these uncertain times, maybe it will outperform the more popular 60/40 portfolio.
thanks Gordie
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on October 28, 2020