Investment Q&A

• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU)
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• AGF Systematic International Equity ETF (QIE)
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Q: Hi. I’m looking for a Canadian-listed ex-North America equity ETF for a TFSA. And am familiar with the options you usually refer to, such as VIU. My question is whether there are more “actively” managed ETF’s (focused on developed markets) which you would consider. Such as QIE.

A separate related question. Are there U.S.-listed alternatives you would consider, in spite of the withholding tax. And is the withholding tax less of a deterrent than we make it to be.

Thanks.

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by James on May 16, 2024

• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU)
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• Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE)
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Q: You recently answered about RRSP being the ideal account to hold viu in to minimize withholding tax - does this apply to VEE and ZSP too?

Thanks in advance. - Jeff

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Jeff on May 16, 2024

• iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI)
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• Harvest Healthcare Leaders Income ETF (HHL)
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• Hamilton Canadian Financials YIELD MAXIMIZER TM ETF (HMAX)
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Q: Hi Group i am 74 with a 500k portfolio. I do not need to use this money for another 5 yrs. I would like to slowly convert to dividend / growth / value ETFs. I am looking for yield of 5% or higher along with a 10% growth/value profile. Can yo give me your top 2 picks in the 6 main sectors that fir this criteria along with a few words explaining your selections. Thanks with your help with this

Upvote 11

Read Answer Asked by Terence on May 15, 2024

• Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)
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• SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD)
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Q: You have recommended SPYD ETF in recent answers, and on doing some research, see Morningstar rates it as a one star and Seeking Alpha has a dismal article on it. Just wondering why you like it? They seem to like SCHD much better. Would you agree with this thesis for a Dividend ETF?
Thanks!

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Pat on May 15, 2024

• Purpose US Cash Fund (PSU.U)
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• Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)
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• Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV)
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• Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV)
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• US High Interest Savings Account Fund (HISU.U)
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• Global X USD High Interest Savings ETF (UCSH.U)
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Q: Hi folks
I am looking to park some US cash in a high dividend or interest US ETF that pays monthly. May I have a few ideas
Much thanks

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by El-ann on May 15, 2024

• Williams-Sonoma Inc. (DE) (WSM)
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Q: OUSM: Kevin O’Leary mentioned this ETF that he helped design on BNN on Friday. It covers 380 companies of the Russell 2000 Index that are profitable. It also pays a monthly distribution. What are your thoughts ?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Thomas on May 15, 2024

• BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU)
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Q: Is the main purpose of a covered call ETF to increase income but have a flip side to potentially limit gain?

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Steve on May 14, 2024

• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU)
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Q: Hi

Is there a preferred account in which to hold VIU from a tax perspective?

Thanks
Robert

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Robert on May 14, 2024

• Enbridge Inc. (ENB)
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• Fortis Inc. (FTS)
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• BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU)
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• BCE Inc. (BCE)
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Q: Hi team. I have ZWU as my main utilities holding @ 11% and I also have positions in BCE and ENB on their own. ZWU has both BCE and ENB in their top 10 holdings. In your opinion am I participating in "di-worsification" by holding BCE and ENB outside of ZWU. Would you sell both BCE and ENB and fold the funds back into ZWU? I'm ok letting ZWU go to +/- 15% of my portfolio. Appreciate your thoughts. Bill.

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by William on May 14, 2024

• iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF (XTR)
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• Franklin Global Core Bond Fund (FLGA)
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Q: I hold both etfs in my riff and I am looking at reducing a % in one to satisfy my 2024 withdrawal for tax requirements. Would you recommend which one and reasoning? Thanx.

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Steve on May 14, 2024

• iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF (XLB)
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Q: Feels like the right time to step into long term bonds. Do you agree and what would be your maximum allocation in an income portfolio? Thanks as always.

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Curtis on May 13, 2024

• Purpose US Cash Fund (PSU.U)
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• BMO US Preferred Share Index ETF (ZUP.U)
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• BMO Premium Yield ETF (ZPAY.U)
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• BMO Monthly Income ETF (ZMI.U)
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• BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.U)
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• US High Interest Savings Account Fund (HISU.U)
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Q: I am looking for US dollar income in a non registered account. What is your view on zpay.u for this purpose. Are there any other etfs you would recommend as an option?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by James on May 13, 2024

• Miscellaneous (MISC)
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Q: Knowing that portfolio allocations need to be very personal, but would 30% Canada, 45% US, and 25% international work as a general guideline for 60% equity portion of a new RRIF account?
Would you change the 40% fixed portion consisting of 20% 1-year GICs, and the remaining 20% of XHY, CVD, CPD, Bonds mutual fund (currently at loss)?
Thank you for such a great service.

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Hali on May 13, 2024

• iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW)
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Q: This ETF has been recommended as a primary holding by a financial advisor. I see that it pays a small dividend. Do you know if there would be an annual capital gain/loss even if a person continues to hold? What are your comments (good and bad) about having this as part of their portfolio?

Upvote 3

Read Answer Asked by Brenda on May 13, 2024

• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU)
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Q: Hi folks,

I hold VI but I know you prefer the unhedged version, VIU. For me to make that change, would I just sell my VI and buy VIU on the same day as I'm sure they won't move much intraday. It's in my RRSP so no tax issues.

Thanks
Robert

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by Robert on May 13, 2024

• iShares Canadian Value Index ETF (XCV)
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Q: Your opinions of the Mutual funds listed and suggestions of lower fee ETFs'. Much appreciated- ane

Upvote 2

Read Answer Asked by jane on May 10, 2024

Q: Is there a Canadian ETF similar to the Sprott Uranium ETF URNM which only trades in the US .

Upvote 1

Read Answer Asked by Guy R. on May 10, 2024

• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP)
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• BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP.U)
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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.

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Andre on May 10, 2024

• iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO)
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• iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB)
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• iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC)
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• iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XHY)
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• Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF (VIU)
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• Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
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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

Upvote 5

Read Answer Asked by Curtis on May 10, 2024

• Global X S&P 500 Index Corporate Class ETF (HXS)
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• Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV)
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Q: Do you prefer HXS or VFV for a FHSA with a timeline of 3-5 years? and what would be your reasoning?

Upvote 4

Read Answer Asked by Kaycee on May 10, 2024