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iShares Global Healthcare Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHC)
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iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI)
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SPDR Biotech ETF (XBI)
Q: Greetings…I’ve taken a 10% haircut on this ETF held for healthcare exposure. I could book the loss, but if I replace with another healthcare ETF inside of 30 days in your experience does the CRA have a problem with that? Also, some of the other ETF’s on the TSX look like they have fared even worse. Any ideas? (Trying to avoid holding one or two US companies individually)
5i Research Answer:
On the tax side, it really depends on which ETF one buys. If it is too similar to XHC, a loss may be disallowed by the CRA. But, owning an ETF with a different listing, or focus, is likely enough. So one such as XBI (biotech) or IHI (devices) would be certainly different enough. But considering the market and sector, we would also be OK just waiting 30 days. The sector itself has struggled, with various concerns such as cost-cutting at governments and earnings outlooks.
Authors of this answer, directors, partners and/or officers of 5i Research and/or affiliated companies have a financial or other interest in XBI.