Investment Q&A

Q: I am having difficulty finding out about fees associated with CDRs. On the one hand I see the answer 'there are no fees'. On the other hand, I see this on CIBC's website: "The notional currency hedge includes a spread earned by CIBC which will on average not exceed 0.60% on an annualized basis." Is this 0.6% paid for by owners of the specific CDR? If so, is there a similar expense at every bank or brokerage through which one might buy a CDR? This would severely hurt the value of buying CDRs would it not? You are still taking all the equity specific risk, you would still be charged the withholding tax, and unlike an ETF, you are not gaining any diversification for your fees. Thank-you.

Q: Hamilton ETFs have a new ETF trading called HMAX to begin trading January 23, 2023. In order to generate such a high yield, they will need to write call options "at-the-money" instead of "out-of-the-money" which will result in a higher call premium. Would I simply be expecting just a high yield with a stagnant or declining share price? What is your opinion of this new ETF, and do you think this strategy will work?

Q: Peter,

A while ago I asked about a non market weighted ETF that follows the S&P 500. You mentioned RSP. Is there one that follows the S&P 500 , but in Canadian dollars?

Thank you

Paul

Q: Hi

Thank you for your reply below.

We will not be selling our BRK,B.

We can not afford to buy a worthwhile position in CSU without selling BRK.B.

Another factor is that BRK.B is in our RRSP accounts, and the capital gains becomes an issue if we go to our cash accounts.

Would it make sense to add to XIT as CSU is its largest holding.

Its a situation of having champagne taste on a beer pocket book.

Thanks again

Mike





Question:
Hello I am low in Tech and high in Financials. Thinking of selling my BRK.B and buying CSU. Your comments or your suggestions are most welcome. Thank you Mike

Answer:
We would consider both of these to be very high quality stocks, and would be fine with this switch if it matches one's sector goals. Because BRK.B is so solid, though, we might consider swapping something else if there are other financial stocks to choose from.

Q: I haven't seen any recent comments on FXI. I would appreciate your thoughts on its current trend. Also, I didn't see the MER on this fund in the profile so could you please tell me what it is. Finally, are there any issues I should be aware of of holding this in an unregistered account? Thanks!

Q: your thoughts on harvest group of funds for income

Q: Are there any other ETFs in Canada that are structured in the same way as this where one gets no cash distribution at all but pays a capital gains tax only when sold. Thanks

Q: My question is about SVOL. It appears to be an interesting way to hedge against volativity but I cannot really get a grasp on it. Can you please add it to the list of stocks/ETFs so I can track it. Right now it is overbought and pays an almost unreal yield. Finally can I have your opinion....seems risky.

Q: Please commend on these two Consumer Defensive US EFTs – XLP & IYK (iShares US Consumer Staples ETF). If one has to choose one for long term hold, 50/50 balance on growth and yield, which one would you recommend?
Thanks,
Roger

Q: Hello Peter,
Can you please comment on Salona Globals's results yesterday and whether it is good buy at this point ? Also, any idea what drove Greenlane higher yesterday and thoughts about the company ? Can you recommend a good etf for India exposure in canadian dollars and is this a good time to initiate a position in India? Thanks very much.

Q: Please recommend four industrial sector EFTs, one for each of Canada, USA, International, & emergent market, to invest with an about equal good balance of growth and dividends, for say 5 years and up.
Thank you,
Roger

Q: I am interested in your ideas for ETF that cover semiconductor stocks. For RRSP. Would prefer non-US-situs ETFs, if good ones exist (estate planning reasons); however, you can suggest US-situs ETFs as well. Can be either US or CA dollar-denominated.
Ted

Q: Good evening

What are your thoughts on these two ETF's ? I see you have answered a few questions on these already. I am thinking of buying ZSP.U for a long term hold. Do you prefer one over the other or does it really matter?

My main question is with US holding tax. Back in 2017 if I am understanding it right you answered that in an RRSP ZSP.U would still be subject to the taxes. Is that still the case? I am a bit confused as all my other US holdings in my LIRA and RRSP have no taxes held back on dividends. Before I buy I want to be sure my dividend on ZSP.U will not be taxed inside my LIRA.

Thanks Jimmy

Q: Apparently, there are 11 major sectors in the S&P (Global Industry Classification Standard). Could you please list one ETF to best represent EACH major sector of the S&P? For example, would IUIT best represent the entire Info Tech sector of the S&P? It seems the SPDR funds are much more specific than the 11 GICS sectors:
Information Technology
Health Care
Financials
Consumer Discretionary
Communication Services
Industrials
Consumer Staples
Energy
Utilities
Real Estate
Materials

Thank you very much.

Q: Where did you get the yield on these ETFs being 4.6% and 4.8%? My TD webbroker shows yields of 2.29% and 2.26% respectively

Q: In reference to Paul's question yesterday. That ZWU from 2017 to 2021 of that nice dividend 1/2 to 1/3 was a return of my own capital, Considering that, I'm surprised that 5I has recommended ZWU. What I thought was a very nice dividend is not. Now I'm wondering how many other covered call stocks are doing the same? The underlying stocks don't give a return of capital, right. Next I'm going to find out there is no Santa.

Q: hello 5i:
can you tell me how much Return of Capital has been for ZWU dividends over the last 5 years?
thanks
Paul L

Q: Portfolio analytics suggests that I need more international exposure. Can you suggest some ETFs that would provide me with broad exposure to international markets (non-US markets)? Perhaps lower-, medium- and higher-risk options? Thank you.

Q: To full fill RIF withdrawal obligations, I am seeking high yield vehicles and found HYI, ZHY and ZJK, they all have above 6% yield. HYI is called active high yield bond ETF even has 7.33% yield. Does active high yield more risky than other two? What do you take on these ETFs if you are a yield seeking investor? Thanks. Lin

Q: Hello,

What is the difference between PSA and CASH?

Also, I own ZCS and CBO and was wondering if I should increase my allocation to CASH and PSA while reducing my allocation to ZCS and CBO considering the higher rate (better yield) on the short end of the curve. It seems to be higher income / lower risk strategy. Can you please provide your comments. Thank you.