Investment Q&A

Q: For my TFSA, I am hesitating between VBAL and XBAL. Which one do you prefer? Because of the U.S. and international component of these ETFs, will there be withholding taxes in a TFSA or other tax considerations we should know about? Thank you for your guidance

Q: Could you suggest an “all in one ETF”? This means investing in one ETF and that is all. Would you recommend doing this? I’ve seen these being pushed in private pension plans.

Thanks.

Q: What are your thoughts on the philosophy of a 3 etf portfolio (growth, dividend and foundational) from a retires point of that has the basic expenses covered by pension income. And some etf's you would consider candidates if you were to agree with this philosophy?
As always thanks for your point of view.

Brian

Q: We have about 1/3 of our portfolio in a HISA earning about 4%. This was done since at our age ('50's) we decided that was the approximate amount we should have in "non-equities". But we'd like to target a low-risk return on this portion of about 6%, and HISA rates are also coming down. So we want to move this to other "non-equity" areas. What is your best suggestion on this? Bond ETF - of so which ones are best right now? Or other ideas?

Q: Hello Peter,
For a 30 year old that wants to invest for the long term and not have to worry about following the markets constantly, what is your opinion on investing on the 5 ETFs: 40 % to VBAL ( as it contains bond portfolio) and 60 percent to the rest of the 4 ETFS. I know there is some duplication but wanted your opinion.. thanks for the service.

Q: Which one do you like more for a 3-year hold?

Q: Hello 5i,

Could you recommend 3 ETFS that you would consider for a 70 years old retiree. My portfolio is currently 95% in Equities both in Dividend ETFS (VDY, ZEB, XEI and XDIV and individual shares (ENB, RY, TELUS, and BMO.)

Thank You,

Q: Hi, retired 68 and living off my investments. No pension except CPP. Cannot collect OAS. Portfolio is stocks and fixed income about 70/30. Getting tired of worrying about individual stocks. Spouse not familiar with managing investments and simplification would be good if I passed. So was thinking of selling all and buying VBAL or similar. Leaning to XBAL due to better yield and returns. Questions:
1. in one of your posts you said you prefer to limit exposure to single ETFs. Please elaborate why. Would some protection be obtained with a 50/50 mix of VBAL and XBAL?
2. With North American markets at all time highs would this be a good time to do this or would some other time, such as a market downturn be better. Most of the funds are in registered funds so tax is not really an issue.
Thanks

Q: On Aug 21/24 you answered a question and suggested that investors start analyzing better the "downside risks" associated with any of their particular investments.

If we assume that "risks" range from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest) and that individual stock choices occupy categlories 5-10 I am looking for your suggestions in categories 0-3 - one a USD denominated suggestion and one in CDN.

For my 0 category I currently use RBC's savings accounts RBF 2010 and RBF 2014 (USD) . I assume that some of your favourites from answers I have reviewed will be in categories 1-3 such as HISU.U, UBIL.U, HBND etc.

In any event if you can provide me with your analysis of the nature of the varying downside risk levels on a rising level and a suggestion for each I would be very grateful.

Regards,
Terry

Q: Hi 5i
I'd like to add to a small TFSA investment, which today is 100% in VGRO.ca.
I will add funds so that 25% will be in VGRO.ca and the other 75% would be spilt between 2 to 3 of these: ZMMK, VFV, ZSP, ZDI, XIU. Timeline is 2 to 3 years and thinking to be more conservative because already have VGRO for growth.
What would be your ranking highest to lowest. Are there other ETF's that I should consider?
Thanks!

Q: Up to this point I have been a growth investor. Recently retired, I am converting some RRSP into a RIF and want to lower the risk profile. I am 60 y/o.

Kindly advise some ETFs that you would recommend in Canada or US.

Thanks a lot,

Q: I have a good mix of stocks and ETFs and cash and I want to keep a good portion of my portfolio low maintenance. What do you suggest as a good ETF to set and forget in which I can put some funds into when I'm trimming my winners.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages for an investor to put all their funds in a "balanced ETF", i.e. Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL.TO) or iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL.TO)?

Q: Currently this fund makes up approximately 21% of my portfolio and is my only diversified holding. It at 7.6% yield makes up 40% of my monthly income and pension makes up balance.The mer.is 1.05% and of course a good % of yield is roc. Would you suggest any better alternative or ? Thanks Larry

Q: Hi,
I’m trying to help my friend organize her investments. She has minimal understanding of investments securities and had to move her pension to LIRA and RRSP 15 years and told Canada Life mutual funds that she was conservative profile. Fast forward 15 years her mutual funds have made her minimal money with back ended fees. The funds range in MERS from 1.6% to 2.5%. In looking at her holdings the portfolio make up is approximately
Fixed income - 22%, Balanced income %11, Cnd equity 62%, resources/specialty -2%. Retirement is still 10-15 years away. (Her husband has a pension)What ETF’s would match this asset mix to help get her started independently and move away from the high fees? I was thinking VBAL … But it is conservative. Any suggestions would be great to provide choice on where to invest her money. Please take as many credits as you want.
Thanks so much!
Kerri

Q: As an older investor, I am considering a gradual move from mostly individual stocks to a fully ETF portfolio. My thinking is to allow management simplicity for my wife in the event of my death or disability. Seeking dividends predominately but also a representation of growth. Can you please suggest an array (portfolio) of ETFs that I could begin migrating towards? As always, your advice is appreciated. thank you

Q: Which ETFs would you recommend for 40 year old with limited income
Thank you.

Q: Hi.
Looking to replace RBC 2025 retirement portfolio fund with an ETF in my RRSP. what do you suggest? I won't need the money for 8 or more years.

Thanks.

Q: Can you suggest 10 best (sleep at night) low risk, monthly/quarterly income, tax efficient, Canadian etfs. Monthly preferred but not essential. Held in non registered account.

Q: Greetings 5i
I have a couple of follow up questions to yesterday’s question regarding a US replacement for vbal. You suggested a combination of spy and a bond fund. What would be an appropriate bond etf for this strategy? I imagine you would be indifferent between spy and voo for stocks? Is there any way to calculate the tax hit in a non registered account. Currently I have non dividend paying stocks in this account to avoid withholding tax. But, i guess if you follow this strategy you have to take the tax bite as part of the package.
With appreciation