Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What do you think about the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF? Is it a good way to play energy stocks (Suncor, Cenovus, Imperial Oil, etc.)? What do you think? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF, $12.97, symbol XEG on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 70.3 million; Market cap: $911.8 million; ca.ishares.com), aims to mirror the performance of the S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index, which is made up of the largest-capitalization energy stocks on the Toronto exchange. The weight of any one company is capped at 25% of the index’s market capitalization. The fund’s MER is 0.60%, and it yields 1.8%. The ETF’s top 10 holdings are Suncor Energy, 21.3%; Canadian Natural Resources, 15.6%; Cenovus Energy, 7.2%; Imperial Oil, 5.1%; Crescent Point Energy, 4.9%; Encana Corp., 4.7%; Talisman Energy, 3.5%; ARC Resources, 3.3%; Husky Energy, 3.2%; and Tourmaline Oil, 2.6%. We still think most investors are better off investing in individual companies as part of a well-balanced, diversified portfolio rather than in funds that focus on narrow market sectors. As well, indexes that cap their holdings at a certain level can cut your return by reducing top performers’ contributions if they rise to make up…