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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
Is there a low volatility ETF traded in US similar to BMO's ZLU?
It is my understanding that if the Canadian dollar appreciates against the US dollar the increase in value of the ZLU will be eroded. Am I right on this?
Thank you for your ongoing assistance
Read Answer Asked by Terry on January 16, 2019
Q: Good morning 5i,
I want an etf to cover the US market in an easy to manage way. Given that objective, which of the above etf's would you choose and why? I noted in an earlier question that Vanguard had switched from VOO to VTI for its own pension plans, I presume because of the wider market: large caps, medium caps and small. Then we have RSP, which is similar to VOO but weighted differently. Once again, thanks for the great service
Read Answer Asked by joseph on January 16, 2019
Q: I read with interest the question from Richard about the Canadian Income Tax System. I was wondering how 5i would handle it. Not very well. My view is that it should have been immediately directed to a blog for those who want to discuss it. It has no direct bearing on 5i's reason for being, and what I pay an annual fee for, which is:

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But instead of doing this, you presented specific views on the tax system. You would prefer a flat tax system. You make a broad statement that "lots of time, money and effort is made by Canadians to lower their tax burden, which we think everyone will agree is too high on average". Everyone doesn't agree with this. I for one absolutely don't want a regressive flat tax system and I also don't feel the tax burden is too high, on average, for what Canadians get back in services from the government. Could it be more efficient and effective, absolutely.

I subscribe to 5i for good conflict free investment advice. I continue to subscribe to the service as, on average, I'm generally pleased with the results. But I don't subscribe for quick, superficial, one sentence views on very complex topics that have no bearing on my investment decisions.
Read Answer Asked on January 16, 2019
Q: Recently I have been in a good philosophical question with a close friend regarding the Canadian Income Tax system. Essentially, the question is why are there so my deductions/exemptions in our current Canadian Income Tax system? Is this something
our leaders came up with in order to promote a strong economy? The flip side of the coin is that I am wondering if this system is being abused and individuals are avoiding their fair share of taxes...both federally and provincially. What is your take on this question?
thanks,
Richard
Read Answer Asked by Richard on January 15, 2019
Q: To follow up Andrew’s question early December, concerning the resignation of Josh Crumb, today on Mene’s web site he is still listed as a director, and not on Goldmoney’s website. Do you know more about his departure from XAU ? As you know XAU owns 76 million shares of MENE, and during the earnings call last January 10th, Roy Sebag said that Mene could generate 50 to 100 million in revenue within 1 or 2 years. Last quarter revenue was 2 million. That caught my attention, what are your thoughts on taking a position in MENE ? Do you think this is a company you might produce a report on ?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Luc on January 15, 2019
Q: Hi there, I've held KL since around $10 and the weighting is now about 8.5% of my portfolio. The chart looks great and it continues to hit new all time highs. I know it is prudent to trim my position. What weighting of a portfolio would be good for a name like KL? This is my only gold position. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 15, 2019
Q: Hi 5i,

I'm looking to increase my current Financial Sector weighting from 5 to 15%. I currently hold BNS @ 2.2%, SLF @ 1.5%, and GSY @ 1.3%. What would you add too and/or too a new position? I don't like to have more than 5-6% of one holding, of course this would be risk adjusted down according to market cap/safety.

Last part, on sector weightings. I follow your general recommendation and I noticed you changed the following from Oct'18 to Jan'19 as follows:
Consumer disc. 10 up to 15,
Consumer staples 10 down to 5,
InfoTech 20 down to 15, and
Utilities 5 up to 10.

Can you add some commentary behind these sector weight changes?

Thanks, Chris.

Read Answer Asked by Christopher on January 15, 2019
Q: Good Evening
I have the ETF RBOT in my TFSA account and it is down 27%. I will appreciate your comments whether to hold it, sell it or average down.
Thank you as always.
Read Answer Asked by Terry on January 15, 2019
Q: Would you please help me understand how the preferred share TD.PF.B resets it’s new interest rate later this year. The prospectus states that the new interest rate will be equal to sum of the Government of Canada Yield on the Fixed Rate Calculation Date plus 2.27%. My two questions are 1) What is the present Government of Canada Yield as mentioned in the prospectus to be found on the Bloomberg Screen GCAN5YR page, and 2) What is the Fixed Rate Calculation date? Is it July 31 2019 as mentioned in various parts of the prospectus. Thanks ... Cal
Read Answer Asked by cal on January 15, 2019
Q: Given the uncertainties of the USA policies affecting China, North American tariffs, the shut down, etc., I am looking ahead as to how the Dem Congress, the GOP Senate and White House will be able to ratify the USCMA trade accord in 2019. Then too, Canada and the new Mexican government must ratify the trade terms. Would you share your thoughts on defensive sectors? I am a prudent investor. Thank you …. Martin
Read Answer Asked by Martin on January 15, 2019
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