Robo-advisors aim to put investors in suitable ETFs

Generally, robo-advisors offer a set number of investment portfolios largely composed of ETFs. They then use a client’s investment profile—factoring in their needs and risk tolerance—to determine which of those portfolios is best suited to the individual investor.
Robo-advisors claim that their exclusive algorithms take the… 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

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