iShares Canadian Long Bond ETF (XLB-T)

Commodities will be lower for longer, but we're in a global cyclical upturn. This will lift commodity ETFs including this one. It's a decent holding, but also look at emerging markets.

(Top Pick Apr 16/12, Up 5.46%)

(A Top Pick Feb 23/12. Up 4.83%.) Chart shows this is still basing at around $23 and has potential to go up. Risk/reward is pretty good.

Possible this is the worst investment for long-term hold one could make. When you factor in inflation, tax on distributions and MER, then you have no real return on your money. Shy away completely from it. Doesn’t mean you can’t trade it.

Long bonds are the only things negatively correlated to XIU-T

Bond prices have been flat for 5-6 months, locked into a trading range with no indications of a change.

20 year and longer bonds. If you are bullish on stocks short term then you don’t want to own this. Bond yields can only go so low. Good as a trading vehicle. You can use this from time to time to hedge equity exposure but it has volatility.