Investment Q&A

Q: Presumably ZSP and ZSP.U are identical except for the currency. Does ZSP.U also pay its distributions in USD? I currently own ZSP. Do you if it is possible to directly convert ZSP to ZSP.U or do I have to through the process of selling ZSP, converting the cash to USD and then buying in ZSP.U using USD? Thanks as always. Your service is great.

Q: Hoping you could suggest an ETF portfolio for an RRSP account with a minimum 12 years until withdrawals are made. The account is starting from scratch.
Thanks

Q: Do you prefer HXS or VFV for a FHSA with a timeline of 3-5 years? and what would be your reasoning?

Q: I've got 5 years left before retirement, and I want to slowly roll my RRSP from equities to etf's over the 5 years. This year I'd like to buy a few that will have growth over the coming 5 years, thinking of beaten-up sectors like telco's and banks - do you think they have a runway for a 5-year plus hold (also thinking they have a good dividend, jumping in now), and what which etf's would you suggest if you agree with these sectors, or in other sectors. Thanks!

Q: In my taxed investment account I’m looking to increase my USD monthly income. I have Canadian banks, utilities, telecoms in USD so I receive their dividends in USD’s. What do you think about adding a covered call like HYLD.u or other? (prefer to avoid withholding tax). Thx!

Q: I've read your most recent questions on ZSP.U and you stated that this ETF was exempt from US withholding tax but it is a Canadian listed ETF so I'm not sure, could you please clarify. Also could I journal ZSP to ZSP.U. Thanks

Q: Has Horizon simply changed its name or has it sold to a new company?? The above funds are now called Global X.... If sold, can you please tell me about the new company.
Thanks!

Q: Hello,
The announcement today of Topicus's CEO taking on additional roles have any longer term impact? Also, the shares are not moving much after the results. What is your overall view? You had recommended RSP as the symbol for equal weight ETF tracking 500 companies in US (to diversify from SPY which has lots of tech exposure). Is there a cdn equivalent for RSP. i cannot seem to find one. thanks very much

Q: I have a sizeable position in one and would like to exchange it for the other (this is a margin acct).

Any suggestions on how to go about doing this?

Q: Hello Peter and staff:
Each of the above mentioned have incredible yields, that pay monthly dividends - CBNK - 9.78%, EIT.UN - 8.74%, DFN - 22.94%. Could you comment on each of the 3 in terms of sustainability and could you rate them in order of preference, or not at all. Could you also recommend other high yield monthly dividend paying stocks. Thank you all for your incredible service.

Q: QQQ is not a tech-ETF, yet is made up of mainly tech. Do you think QQQ is a better long-term investment than pure tech ETFs? Explain your reasoning.

Q: As an older investor, I am considering a gradual move from mostly individual stocks to a fully ETF portfolio. My thinking is to allow management simplicity for my wife in the event of my death or disability. Seeking dividends predominately but also a representation of growth. Can you please suggest an array (portfolio) of ETFs that I could begin migrating towards? As always, your advice is appreciated. thank you

Q: I have these ETF's in my portfolio, although they are a small percentage. I am wanting to do a clean up of most of my partial holdings in individual stocks and purchase more ETF's. I was going to add VIG as well. Could any of these ETF's be replaced with better ones or not bother with them, and what others do you suggest to compliment them for an income investor who wants to see a little growth as well in a well diverse portfolio? Thanks.

Q: Are there any EAFE and TSX ETFs that do not pay dividends or interest?
Thanks

Q: VFV vs. VOO:
I understand VFV ETF contains VOO ETF, correct? What would you recommend, buy VFV in CDN $ account, or convert CDN$ cash in US$ cash using Norbit gambit and buy VOO in US account with US$? Any other recommendation for ETF to invest in US S&P500?

Q: For a couple in their 70's with a 3 year time horizon, what ETF or ETFs would you suggest as relatively safe investments?

Q: What is the difference or implication buying Global Innovators mutual fund versus buying Global Innovators mutual fund?

Q: I am pretty close to full positions on LIFE, XIT and XST. Also, I am sitting on <5% cash, being basically fully invested. Over the next few months I plan to top up these 3 ETFs.

In what order would you add to each of these 3, based on their current valuations, compared to their historic valuations as well as their potential?

My thoughts were LIFE, then XST, then XIT (although I suspect your order would be XIT-LIFE-XST). Please include a brief "why".

Thanks for your help...Steve

Q: Would you consider this ETF as an alternative to bond ETFs? The yield is attractive but I’m not familiar with this type of private credit investment and what the risks are or how sustainable the yield is.
Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

We hold IHI in our non-registered investment account, and I recently looked at US News (https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/best-health-care-etfs-to-buy-now) which stated:

“The main issue holding weight-loss drugs back is their exorbitant price tag, with Ozempic clocking in at $980 per month and Wegovy at up to $1,300 per month. If weight-loss prices fall or if insurers and employers start covering their costs for consumers, that could negatively impact medical device-oriented funds like IHI.”

Do you concur with this view? I note that XLV has surpassed IHI in four out of seven periods from one month to ten years. Alternatively, since Portfolio Analytics indicates that we need to increase Healthcare exposure, would starting a new position in XLV at this time be prudent?

Thanks in advance for your advice.