Investment Q&A

Q: This is the bond portion of my portfolio. Would you recommend adding or swapping ETFs to enhance diversification and allocate funds to markets with optimal returns?

Q: I am looking for $US-denominated ETFs to hold within my RRSP/RRIF. I would be interested in both shorter and longer-term names. When I review the questions you have answered and the company's literature, it is not clear if the bonds pay US dollars or are simply US bonds bought in Canadian dollars.

I am assuming that any ETFs that fit my criteria would not result in US taxes being paid as long as they are held directly in my registered accounts. If this is not the case, please suggest ways to ensure no taxes are withheld at source.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: I notice that STIP and TIP have each stopped paying their previously excellent dividends. The prospect of their payouts returning, their low volatility and their low correlation with the remainder of my portfolio keep them somewhat attractive. However, can you recommend preferred stock or bond etfs (preferably with available option series) that can provide low volatility, low equity correlation and some yield?

Q: Hello,

Regarding your recent blog-very nice one!

Could you provide some stock/bond suggestions
For the examples provided,

-companies expected to grow at 50% over the next year
- solid growth companies
-small cap
-suggested corporate bonds long term.

Thanks very much.

Shyam

Q: Hi,
I find it useful for me to monitor certain ETF ratios as a way of seeing whether or not rotation is taking place - such as: IWF:IWD - to see if growth is being favoured over value, as an example.
I have a harder time understanding the concept of 'credit spread' with regards to the bond market and am wondering if there might be a pair of ETF's that could be used in a similar way to show a ratio that indicates whether or not corporate or junk bonds are being favoured - possibly LQD:JNK?
Is looking at a ratio such as this a good way to track it? Would it be better to just monitor the difference, as a percentage, between the two ETF's over time?
I'm open to your wise counsel, as this isn't an area I have any expertise in - and I am finding it hard to educate myself on it with any confidence in some of what I am reading on the wilds of the internet.
If you feel this is something to benefit others, feel free to make it public.
Thank you,
Dawn

Q: What are the best bond etfs to own in Canada and US in your opinion? Please provide several options in both countries. Thank You.

Q: Are there tsx listed etfs equiviant to TIP & LQD ? Thanks.

Q: HI TEAM
XHY IS APPROX 10% AND THE OTHER 3 ARE 30% EACH OF THE BOND PORTION OF MY PORTFOLIO, WHER WOULD YOU ADD FUNDS AS I NEED TO TOP UP MY BONDS

Q: My outlook on the market is that there is a lot more downside risk than upside potential. I am thinking to use bull and bear ETF's to reduce market risk in a pair trade of sorts. For example, go long NASDAQ (QQQ) and short S&P (SH). The other one I'm thinking about is long investment grade (LQD) and short high yield (SJB). What do you think of the strategy generally? Secondly, what is your opinion on my choices?

Q: With an outlook that there is substantially more downside risk than upside potential in the markets, does it make sense to set up some pairs trades to reduce market risk. I don't short stocks, so I was thinking to use bull and bear ETF's. I had in mind (1) long NASDAQ (QQQ) / short Russell (RWM) and (2) long Investment Grade Bonds (LQD) / short High Yield (SJB). First of all, what do you think of the strategy and second, do my selections seems reasonable? Thanks for your valued advice.

Q: hi there,

I have owned this for a long time in my US 401K. It has recovered very quickly. Where does it go from here - i was looking to add to my position but missed the opportunity as i was surprised it recovered so quickly. Thoughts on adding to this position in a well diversified portfolio.

Cheers

Q: Retired income oriented long term (10 year focus) investor.
Already own CPD, CVD and XPF.

In the process of rebalancing asset allocations with the objective of increasing fixed income, and given the current interest rate environment can a case be made for buying one or all of these stocks? Why or why not?

Any other thoughts also appreciated.

Thanks.

Q: I currently have 20% fixed income in my portfolio. 10% is laddered GICs and the other 10% is in ZAG ETF. I'd like to add another 5% to fixed income and was wondering if you think XIG would be a good source as it adds some US exposure and a slightly higher yield. How risky would it be? Or do you have other suggestions? Please note that I am not interested in junk bonds.

Q: I have had LQD for about 2 years and down 5%. I think I would be better of with a GIC. Thoughts?

Q: Please advise that LQD, as its a US etf is still a good fixed income etf to hold within a rrsp sheltered account, although it is in USD

Q: I have 25% in fixed income in the above ETFs. In my TD account they are all showing a small negative return. Wouldn't cash be better or a GIC. I would really like to understand the logic of holding these rather than say a GIC. Thanks so much.

Q: If you were to pick a bond ETF today which one would you pick and why.
Thanks for the info. Brian