Q: Hello, Pat. I always look forward to your reports. Thanks. What is your take on the new Vanguard Asset Allocation ETFs—VCNS, VBAL, VGRO? Each is a collection of several different ETFs, some of those ETFs holding stocks and some holding bonds. Are the fees more? Thank you.

A: The Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio, $24.70, symbol VCNS on Toronto, holds roughly 40% of its assets in Vanguard stock ETFs and 60% in bond ETFs. This $27 million ETF started up on January 25, 2018, and has a 0.22% MER.

The Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio,… Read More

Q: Pat: Can I have your recommendation on these two mutual funds: Fidelity Income Allocation Fund and the Manulife Yield Opportunities Fund? Thanks.

A: We have moved away from recommending mutual funds in favour of lower-fee exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
However, some mutual funds are okay to hold if you own them.
The Fidelity Income Allocation Fund is a tactical asset allocation fund. These funds shift their portfolio allocations between stocks,… Read More

How to pick the best long term mutual funds

How to pick the best long term mutual funds

The best long term mutual funds hold well-diversified portfolios of high quality stocks—stocks you can hold for a long time.
The topic of how to pick the best long-term mutual funds came up at the office recently. About a month ago, a friend’s son was considering… Read More