John DeGoey is vice-president and portfolio manager at BBSL. His focus is ETFs and personal finance.
Top Picks:
BMO Global Infrastructure Index ETF (ZGI-TSX)
iShares Global Agriculture Index ETF (COW-TSX)
iShares Global Water Index ETF (CWW-TSX)
Past Picks: February 25, 2014
Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF (VCN-TSX)
Then: $28.50; Now: $30.07 +5.51%; Total return: +7.46%
Vanguard U.S. Total Market Index ETF (VUN-TSX)
Then: $29.11; Now: $37.51 +28.86%; Total return: +30.73%
Vanguard FTSE Developed ex North America Index ETF (VDU-TSX)
Then: $29.10; Now: $31.88 +9.55%; Total return: +12.55%
Total return average: +16.91%
Market outlook:
Growth is stalling and there is little indication that it will resume any time soon. There are only a few sectors that are likely to do well in this environment – water, infrastructure and agriculture – all three of which are represented in my recommendations. Equity investments are likely to produce comparatively modest returns over the next few years.