
TSE:XEG
This summary was created by AI, based on 9 opinions in the last 12 months.
The iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF (XEG) is acknowledged as a top choice for Canadian oil exposure, particularly in a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Experts note its potential for outright growth, contrasting it with ENCC which employs a covered call strategy that can stabilize income but limit upside. Many analysts advocate for temporary allocation in XEG while navigating market volatility, suggesting that further sell-offs might present better entry points. There is a general agreement that structural changes in Canadian oil policy are necessary for long-term benefits, yet the current conditions, especially with geopolitical tensions, may keep oil prices elevated in the near term, making energy investments attractive. Overall, the ETF's performance could lead to considerable returns, especially with expectations of a bull market in energy in the coming years.
XEG widely diverges from the price of oil. Why? The large caps take more time to come back. There's mass selling in Suncor, rumoured to be the Saudis, but this should be over. He expects SU to rally. Divestments and general confusion about peak demand impacts fund flows into large caps. It's faster to make the small-caps rally because they need less money. It's very difficult to find mass supply of shares of small caps.
Challenge with buying US ETFs that participate in MLPs is that they're not favourable to a Canadian investor. Withholding tax of 15-30%. Be very, very careful on the MLPs. If you want gas exposure, think about XEG or ZEO. Most bang for the buck would be the HED, with small cap exposure. Small caps have more operating leverage if you're confident gas prices will rise. HOG is a bit more conservative.
The composition of this ETF has become highly concentrated. Five names account for 78% of its value. CNQ and SU account for most it. Both of those names have rallied well compared to their peers as buyers in the US have been stepping in. However, their hedge books are naked to oil prices right now. He would prefer to own small cap names with good hedge books, if you select the right ones he thinks.
Prefers this over ZEO, as he likes the market weight of the likes of Suncor. Both are baskets of Canadian energy companies.