iShares S&P/TSX Gb Base Metals (XBM-T)

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Gold is the cheapest it has been by historical standards. A good choice for general exposure. Good value and provides global exposure to base metals. The sector is highly cyclical. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

Likes base metals, as they're cyclical and sensitive to the economic upturn. Fee is 60 basis points for a diversified mix. Holds BHP, Rio Tinto, First Quantum, and FCX. Volatile, so a 5-10% swing either way is very normal. He owns MXI, in US funds which he prefers, and is only 46 basis points. Great area with the recovery, inflation, and commodity prices moving higher.

(A Top Pick May 15/19, Down 18%) It got hit severely. All base metals are basically four companies. We haven't had a metal cycle in quite a while. The catalyst will be when the US dollar stops being so high and also shortages occur.

(A Top Pick Nov. 17/17, Down 4%) This is set up for a nice little double bottom. This is about risk to reward. If we break $11.90 then there is something more going on.

We are right at the inflection point. You get a lot of good names. The risk reward is really good. He would buy this for clients coming in.

(Past Top Pick on Sept 21, 2017, Up 6%) We're currently at the trend line, and it's getting hit now with U.S. trade issues. So, if there's positive news about U.S. trade, this will shoot up. He bought this at $11.

(A Top Pick July 20/17 Up 21%). It has been losing some value lately, but thinks the risk-reward near $13.50 looks good and this is a previous area of resistance back late last year. He expects to see a test again of $15.50 and would still suggest this as a buy at these levels on a technical basis.

Late cycle, so want deep cyclicals, which are going to react the best. Global base metals are probably the #1 sector to play late cycle. Dominated by all the great base metals companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. Good exposure to copper and zinc. Zinc is part of the theme of electric cars, and batteries are moving from cobalt to zinc especially in China. New money hasn’t gone into this area, and continuing global growth needs these metals.

(A Top Pick September 21 / 2017, Up 16%) Nice trend up and to the right. If it can’t hold the trend, would be a bit concerning. At heart of pro-growth theme, but if see erosion, probably would book some profit, and put money in the defensives. If the theme is changing from pro-growth from the last year, you’ll see it in the base metals first.