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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: I currently have 8% of my portfolio in VFV and VUN to achieve direct US exposure. Would you agree that I should aim at 30% US equities? Is VFV and VUN a good way to achieve this goal?
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on March 30, 2017
Q: Just a clarifying question on the ex-dividend date. I understand as the seller I am entitled to the dividend if I sell on the ex-dividend date. Can you clarify what the sell date is - the day I enter the trade or the day the trade settles. So if stocks settle in 2 days do I need to sell 2 days prior to the ex-dividend date to ensure I still get the dividend.
Read Answer Asked by kelly on March 30, 2017
Q: Greetings 5i,

I was reading an article on MorningStar regarding TDs recently launched ETF based "Portfolio" Mutual funds all with "low MERs" of 0.08%. I was interested in your thoughts on these funds, positives and negatives, confirmation of MERs, as well as where I would be able to find a list of each funds holding as information seems a little sparse.

(http://cawidgets.morningstar.ca/ArticleTemplate/ArticleGL.aspx?culture=en-CA&id=799062)

TDB3175
TDB3176
TDB3177
TDB3178

Cheers!
Read Answer Asked by Duane on March 30, 2017
Q: Hi,

When holding various ETF's in your portfolio, should you account for the sector weighting within the ETF towards your sector allocation of your total portfolio? For example, VDY, sector weighting is tilted mostly 62% financials and 21% energy. So lets say VDY is 10% of your portfolio, would you add 6.2% of this towards financials, 2.1% energy, etc..?? I see that RY, TD, and BNS make up the top three holdings, so would you still even consider buying individual financial stocks if this allocation made up your full financial sector weight in your portfolio?

I understand that for specific sector ETF's, like ZUH that focus on healthcare or ZBK that focus on financials, you can count 100% towards that sector allocation in your portfolio. I'm just wondering if I should be doing this with those ETF's that hold more unequal sector weights within the ETF and how to account for those so I'm not too overweight in a specific sector in my portfolio. And how about those ETF's like VCN, where you have four sectors that make up 80% of the weight. Am I overthinking this?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Keith on March 30, 2017
Q: hello 5i:
2 questions.

I am interested in the fund above, and the question asked by Robert yesterday. One thing I can't quite understand: how is the fund generating a (greater than) 6% return. How is the fund able to do this with present interest rates? Through leverage?

Could you give me your opinion on the CEF WEC (Western Asset Premier Bond Fund), and would you consider this a viable holding in a TFSA?
thanks
Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 30, 2017
Q: Hi. I would like to add 2 to 3 stocks to the growth part of my portfolio. What US/Canadian suggestions do you have? My portfolio is well balanced so I am not too concerned about sector. Currently I have SHOP, CSU, SJ. thanks, J
Read Answer Asked by John on March 30, 2017
Q: Hi guys, my 21 year old sons TFSA presently consists of: Crh, Kxs,Gud,shop, and Syz. We are considering adding PBh, Zcl, mx, or pho. Leaning towards PBH or ZCL. What would be your preference or is there another recommendation?
He is up over 20% on all positions and 50% on KXS. Can't thank you enough for starting 5I.
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on March 30, 2017
Q: I was wondering if you could add anything to my understanding of this company whose share price has stagnated over the past year. The takeover of Jarden was well received by analysts and the quarterly results afterward seemed to suggest things were progressing well. A number of analysts recommend the stock so is it just range bound at this time for no particular reason or is there something else at play?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 30, 2017
Q: Over the years I have tried to compare myself to indices to determine if my portfolio performance compares favourably. Basically if it does not I always consider 'firing' myself. Your service has allowed me to increase my overall performance I believe and stay 'employed'. Came across a service (from article in National Post) regarding a free service called ARC Private Client Indices. It would appear to provide a real nice comparison indices based on my portfolio makeup. Are you aware of this and do you have any comments on it?
Read Answer Asked by Greg on March 30, 2017
Q: Hello 5i team,
I have only one entry for healthcare (GUD) and was wondering if it is a good idea to add another security seeing as this sector is beaten down? If so do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Andrew
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on March 30, 2017
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