Q: Hello, Pat. What is your opinion on holding a Canadian-focused small-/mid-cap fund such as the Fidelity Special Situations Fund. Do you think it’s a good idea to hold more aggressive Canadian small and mid-cap stocks?

A: We generally feel that most investors should hold the bulk of their investment portfolios in conservative securities from well-established companies. This means holding a total of 15 to 25 well-established, dividend-paying stocks, chosen mainly from our “Average” or higher ratings, and spreading your holdings… Read More

Two ETFs may be the best choices in bonds

Two ETFs may be the best choices in bonds

The Bank of Canada cut its benchmark interest rate in March to 0.25% from 1.75%. The move was meant to spur the economy after COVID-19 hit. Whether the bank holds that rate steady, or cuts it even further, depends on the country’s economic growth and… Read More

Q: Thanks for your ongoing guidance. Could you please offer your view on the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV)? Does it complement the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG), which you recommend? Thanks!

A: The Vanguard Value ETF, $106.79, symbol VTV on New York (Units outstanding: 475.3 million; Market cap: $51.1 billion; www.vanguard.com) focuses on large-cap value stocks, using the following ratios to identify value: book value to price, forward earnings (estimates) to price, historic earnings to price,… Read More

Q: COVID-19 seems to be benefitting Internet-based firms ready to capitalize on any sharp rise in demand because of our social distancing efforts. Pat, can I get an opinion on The First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund ETF? How does it compare to the broader Nasdaq-focused Invesco QQQ ETF?

A: The First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund ETF, $145.22, symbol FDN on New York (Units outstanding: 56.1 million; Market cap: $8.1 billion; www.ftportfolios.com) aims to track the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index.

For a stock to be considered for a spot in the index,… Read More