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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: What are likely to be the most durable investment themes for the next 5-10 years or more, and what would be the best ways to play them?
Read Answer Asked by Brian on January 24, 2024
Q: Peter et al:
I sure hear a lot on BNN and read in the G&M about small caps making a comeback. Think I heard the same thing last year at this time. Would you invest in small or mid caps or split it up to include both? If so for small would you choose IWN, IJR, or VIOO ? IWO has a good deal of unprofitable small growth companies, that is why I chose IWN as a contender, or is it the same. If your choice would be mid caps which of VO or IJH and why.
Thanks ben.
Read Answer Asked by BEN on January 24, 2024
Q: Further to previous questions, I have ZWT as a Tech ETF, and has done well, but things like SMCIs pop last week would have definitely not been fully realized. Is there a solid Canadian listed Tech ETF for putting in my TFSA? I would like to avoid tax things if it pays a dividend. US listed options as well, preferably with negligible dividends.


Can you suggest a few options for each market, with low fees and a good management team? and maybe a specialized Data center ETF?

Thanks

James
Read Answer Asked by James on January 24, 2024
Q: My daughter is just starting out with a RRSP account. She has some VDY and we would like a suggestion of 5 or 6 non Canadian Vanguard funds
Read Answer Asked by Ken on January 24, 2024
Q: Can you please rate CALF in terms of risk/reward on a scale of 1-10 and explain the reasons for your rating? I've always stayed away from small caps as I find the sector too volatile, but CALF is giving me second thoughts. I believe this sector is set to run, but am hesitant to invest given my perception of risk. Your thoughts on this ETF are most appreciated. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on January 23, 2024
Q: HI,

What is a good time to sell these units/ETFs? To lock in the distribution of that month's interest? I am looking at taking some cash off these and be ready to deploy the capital. Not in a rush. But want to be prepared.
Read Answer Asked by Savalai on January 23, 2024
Q: I have a large (for me) holdings in these two Mawer funds.
I can either keep paying the management fees and the annual capital gain, or sell MAW150 at a loss, or sell both, get hit by a large capital gain (MAW107) and buy Canadian ETF's holding small and mid US stocks.
What'd you do?
Thanks Jerry
Read Answer Asked by jery on January 22, 2024
Q: I am looking to park some cash for a while but have it relatively easily accessible. I understand that these ETF’s are not CDIC insurable but other than that what is the downside/risk of these ETFs and which one would you consider the best? Also I noticed that these etf’s are trading above their set value…$50.14. Under what circumstances would they trade back to their $50.00 value?
Read Answer Asked by Ken on January 22, 2024
Q: Hello 5i
Many thanks for your continuing excellent weekly observations and advice.

In my RRIF, TFSA and Unregistered accounts some of the larger holdings are US companies (GOOG, MSFT, etc). I am concerned that upon my passing some or all of these US stocks may be vulnerable to US Estate Tax.
I know that there are various tax treaties between the US and Canada that might impact some or all of these holdings, but I am unclear on the details.
Can you tell me if either or both the TFSA and RRIF are exempt?
Can you provide references that would cover these questions?
Can you recommend CANADIAN-based ETFs that hold Mag. 7 and/or other popular US stocks?
Thanks again.

Read Answer Asked by David on January 22, 2024
Q: In a recent answer your wrote HXS we like but many investors do not understand the swap/derivatives so we often mention it after other ETFs. I agree, I did an internet search to try to understand the swap/derivatives procedure, but am still confused. I understand the tax advantages of HXS held in a non-registered account, but if VFV was held in a RRSP is it not better to receive VFV capital gains PLUS dividends then just HXS capital gains & No dividends. For both VFV & HXS track the same S&P 500 Index, so their performance should be the same, less different MER charges. Thanks … Cal
Read Answer Asked by cal on January 19, 2024
Q: What are your initial thoughts on the new spot bitcoin etas?

Thanks for the service.
Read Answer Asked by Gregory on January 19, 2024
Q: I'm curious as to why you recommend VFV as it is my understanding that it is a Canadian ETF invested in a US S&P 500 ETF which has double taxation in a RRSP and doesn't seemed to be taxed favorably in a TFSA or non registered account either. Wouldn't be better to buy ZSP which invests directly in the S&P stocks or HXS which has a higher fee but no dividend to trigger withholding tax?
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on January 19, 2024
Q: Hi. After reading your ETF newsletter, I was considering this ETF as a good way to buy into many of the larger companies that are higher performers on the US market. I already have a full market ETF. What is your opinion?
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on January 19, 2024