Three international ETFs a good route to diversification

If you already hold U.S. stocks—and we recommend that Canadian investors have 10% to 20% in their portfolios—you can also diversify beyond North America without the risk of buying individual stocks. Foreign-sector ETFs give you broad exposure to international markets with tax-efficient portfolios and low… Read More

Diversify now with these two promising international ETFs

If you already have U.S. stocks—and we suggest Canadian investors have 20% or more in their portfolios—you can also diversify beyond North America without the risk of buying individual stocks. Foreign-sector ETFs give you broad exposure to international markets with tax-efficient portfolios and low management… Read More

How to Build a Balanced ETF Portfolio for Maximum Gains

To create a balanced ETF portfolio, focus on funds that hold the kind of stocks we recommend
The best exchange-traded funds offer well-diversified, tax-efficient portfolios with exceptionally low management fees.

ETFs, with their relatively low management fees (MERs), have in large part eclipsed interest in mutual funds… Read More

These ‘inverse’ ETFs carry special risks

Sometimes ETF investments can suffer wild, often punishing swings. Here is a brief look at some of the worst-performing funds over the past year. Their poor results highlight the risks associated with specialized ETFs. We don’t recommend them.
HORIZONS BETAPRO S&P 500 SHORT TERM VIX INVERSE… Read More

Pass on all three of these ‘balanced’ ETFs

In January 2018 Vanguard Canada introduced three new balanced ETFs with a mix of stocks and bonds. All three have low 0.22% MERs.
The Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio, $24.78, symbol VCNS on Toronto, holds roughly 40% of its assets in Vanguard stock ETFs and 60% in bond… Read More

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