Stockchase Opinions

Daniel Straus iShares DEX Short Term Bond XSB-T TOP PICK Jan 22, 2020

One of the largest and cheapest bond ETFs in Canada. The duration is just over 2 years. He thinks the short term duration are much lower risk. MER 0.17% Yield 2.38%
$27.560

Stock price when the opinion was issued

E.T.F.'s
It's the ideal tool to help you make quicker, more informed decisions for managing and tracking your investments.

You might be interested:

BUY
A short-term bond ETF, low risk? XSB is fine, though it pays only a 2.3% yield. It's okay to park cash in this, holding government and corporate bonds. But you can go long to get a pick-up, as long you don't see rates rising. Also consider AGG-T.
BUY
XSB is a basket of mostly investment grade corporate bonds. 44 basis points expense ratio. Vanguard and BMO also both offer strategies.
BUY

Some bond ETFs. Can invest $50K It's fine. It holds quality short-term bonds. both federal and provincial. He's owned this many times. He doesn't know ZCS. Also consider ZAG which holds short-, mid- and long-term bonds. If rates stay flat or decline, ZAG will do well. If you have $50K, buy two or three of these ETFs to spread the risk. Check the duration and credit rating of each.

BUY

Some bond ETFs. Can invest $50K Also consider ZAG which holds short-, mid- and long-term bonds. If rates stay flat or decline, ZAG will do well. If you have $50K, buy two or three of these ETFs to spread the risk. Check the duration and credit rating of each.

COMMENT
XSB, ZUB, NRGI. For the U.S. he recommends a more integrated portfolio approach such as XUM. Seek a low volatility portfolio in case of growth shock which is bad for banks and oil and gas
TOP PICK
The Canadian short-term bond index, really. A very old ETF. It holds investment-grade bonds from the government and large companies and the companies won't default. Safe. This plays defence. It won't make a lot of money. Yields 2%, MER 1%.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 22/20, Down 1%) Not the best returns, but better than pure aggregate bond exposure with its 7-8 year durations.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 15/22, Up 0.3%)

Last November it was about being cautious and taking advantage of short-term rates. We're in a new world, getting 4-5% in safe T-bills. This was about being safe and getting cash while sitting and waiting.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 15/22, Up 4%)

Look at your portfolio and make sure you're balanced appropriately. Do you have enough fixed income? If a 20% decline in the TSX or S&P, how does that make you feel? Still likes it as first line of defense in portfolio diversification.