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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Is there an etf focused on companies in China with domestic focus (ie vs exporters) ? Tsx listed would be preferred. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 12, 2019
Q: Given the relatively high economic growth projections out of China, India and Indonesia, is there a single ETF that focuses its portfolio almost exclusively on these three countries? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on March 11, 2019
Q: I currently hold Fairfax India and Faifax Africa. I consider them long term investments but I’m concerned about recent performance as well as (mainly) the longer term grind of the high management fees. I want direct exposure to growing populations and economies for a multi decade Rrsp.

I have the same questions for both (please deduct accordingly):

1. What would be your preferred investment for a multi decade Rrsp, for exposure to Africa: FAH, or an ETF, or something else? If something else, what would it be? Why?

2. Same questions for India and FIH.

Thanks you for your great service.
Read Answer Asked by Chris on March 11, 2019
Q: Hi there, it seems like more and more commentary is stating we are in late cycle. Assuming this means that we will soon see a recession in the next 12-18 months, would it make sense to hide out in a low volatility ETF for the time being? It seemed to have held up pretty well in the 2018 Q4 drop. What are your thoughts regarding this strategy and between ZLU and ZLB which would be preferred to be in, or would you split your portfolio 50/50 for diversity? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Michael on March 11, 2019
Q: Good afternoon,
I began building an Investment Account with the ETF's approx 10% weight each. I added CGX(for Dividend) and a GIC when I was unsure of what to do.
I realize the overlap with XDV;XIU;CDZ; and the Royal Dividend Mutual Fund. What do you recommend I do with the overlap? Diversification? I would like to begin to add individual stocks. Long term horizon. Have RRSP and maxed TFSA.
Growth and medium risk profile. Thanks Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 11, 2019
Q: Hello I was wondering if you know of any ETF's like the ZEB for banks that would represent the insurers either traded in the US or Canada that you would recommend for a long term hold in and RRSP. DRIP eligible preferred.
Read Answer Asked by Kolbi on March 09, 2019
Q: These all in ones are marketed as simple, low cost, well diversified ETF’s. There are no historical performance results to consider however. I’m considering for very long term hold in pension accounts.
Your thoughts on these products and type of investing strategy they best fit.
Appreciate your feedback.
Read Answer Asked by Larry on March 09, 2019
Q: I am currently researching the Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio. I would like to confirm that I understand the total fees properly.

The Vanguard website indicates that the MER for this product is 0.25%, and "For any Vanguard fund which invests in underlying Vanguard fund(s), there shall be no duplication of management fees chargeable in connection with the Vanguard fund and its investment in the Vanguard fund(s)."

VCNS holds a portfolio of other Vanguard ETFs. I interpret the above paragraph to mean that the total fees paid to Vanguard is 0.25% (ie. that there is no stacking, that I do not pay the separate MERs for the underlying portfolio ETFs, PLUS an additional 0.25% for the VCNS ETF). Can you please confirm that my understanding is correct?

Thank you for your help and your insightful advice.
Read Answer Asked by Dale on March 08, 2019
Q: I am interested in increasing my US content, but do not wish to purchase directly from the US. I am looking for some Canadian ETFs based on US Equities to add to my otherwise balanced TFSA for a 5yr+ hold. I currently hold ZWH. Wondering if you could give me your top 5 picks for growth. I would be interested in your best suggestion to play FAANG stocks as well in a Canadian ETF..
Read Answer Asked by KEN on March 07, 2019
Q: I have read here and elsewhere that that VEE does not hold stocks directly, but rather via its US listed counterpart VWO. However, I can't find any confirmation of this on the Vanguard side or in the VEE prospectus. The Vanguard Canada page for VEE implies that stocks are held directly. Can you please confirm that this is in fact the case? Thank-you.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on March 07, 2019
Q: Like many here I suspect, we missed the cannabis event completely. Fearing to be too late, trying to ascertain whether to enter via an ETF like HMMJ (the only one I can find with any kind of liquidity) or do I try to build a small "equal weight" holding of the 5 or 6 stronger entities in this space. So how would you rank today the top 5 or 6 entities trying to build a presence or should one try to follow on the coat tails of an established company trying to enter the cannabis space like ATD.b or one of the liquor companies?
Read Answer Asked by William Ross on March 07, 2019
Q: Hi 5I team.

Other than XUS (15%) I really do not have much exposure to US Stocks. Would you please recommend a few US stocks or Sector based ETFs to invest about 10% of new cash. I have a few options based on Mad Money and Market Call. Any preferences of the stocks I've listed or other ETF suggestions would be helpful. My horizon is for 5+ years.

Thanks


Read Answer Asked by Abhishek on March 06, 2019
Q: I am a recent subscriber to your ETF newsletter. I find it very informative. Thank-you.
I have read with great interest your articles about tax efficiency of ETFs. I have two questions: (1) If a US ETF is held in a non-registered account, I understand that there is a 15% withholding tax on dividends. However, is this withholding tax not deducted from Canadian taxes payable? If a person is in, say a 40-50% tax bracket, how big an issue is this on an after-tax basis?; and (2) Where can I find out the tax impacts for each ETF before I consider making a purchase?

Thank you again for all of your excellent advice.
Read Answer Asked by Dale on March 05, 2019
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