skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

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

Q: Two questions: Can you recommend a simple/small set of low-fee ETFs for a young, long-term investor for a TFSA, and one for an RRSP? (If not the same.)

Thanks very much.
Read Answer Asked by Chris on August 21, 2017
Q: Hi Peter and group: I am interested in the above noted ETF for an approximate 3% holding in my RRSP. I think you touched on this ETF recently, but am wondering if you could shed further light as regards volatility, expense ratio, (seems very high at 2.2%) and overall risk. My risk tolerance is moderate and the hold would be for several years. I also currently hold ZWH, ( 6 %) in my RRSP for U.S. exposure .

Thanks for the great service

David
Read Answer Asked by david on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi Team,
Following a question about Canadian and US health care sector opportunities, I am trying compare and contrast IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) with XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF). I realize the former focuses on large companies and has more concentrated positions in top holdings while the latter focuses on small companies with a more even distribution of holdings. What are your thoughts about a risk/return trade off between the two ETFs and what timeframe would you be considering to hold either one for an investment thesis to pan out? If you had to pick one, which would it be and why?
Many thanks, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 18, 2017
Q: Have over 20 years until retirement. VVL has been a disappointment , seems to be holding too many stocks that underperform and has substantially low dividend yield compared to VCN/VUN.

RRSP Account
ZUH 10%
VVL 7%
ZGI 8%
COW 10%
XWD 6%
ZLU 7%
ZLB 7%
VXC 5%
ZID 2%
VUN 7%
CWW 9%
XGD 6%
XIT 8%
Cash 8%

What would be your top 5 etfs for a long term hold?
Read Answer Asked by Thomas on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@
Read Answer Asked by James on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi,

I have no bonds in my portfolios and am interested in picking up some laddered corporate bonds, specifically convertible debendetures (unrated) from smaller firms. Pays about 5% and after purchase bonds would comprise about 3% of my portfolio.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, and if there are other options for getting some exposure to bonds (ETFs for ex.).

Cam
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on August 18, 2017
Q: Good Morning: I am thinking of increasing my position in ZWH and have been reading your responses to past questions on this etf. You note that approx. 50% of the dividend is in US dollars and therefore is susceptible to the US govt. withholding tax (in a non-registered account which is where I would be buying it). However, I assume that this amount would be recovered at tax time since that is the normal process for withholding tax on US dividends. I want to buy this fund with Cdn. dollars because the Cdn. dolar is up recently and it seems to be like buying US equities at a reduced rate. Am I correct in both these regards?
In the same vein, do most brokers automatically exchange the dividend payouts into Canadian dollars (no doubt charging their clients an exchange fee) and is this negotiable with your broker? Many thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on August 16, 2017
Q: Hi 5I, I have sold AQN and RNW with profit, but holding FTS. Sine they dropped in price, I am thinking of rebuying one or both or adding to FTS. I would appreciate your advise.
Also, has some US $ and thinkin of buying VRP or PSP or if you can recommend a better one.Thank you for your advise. J.A. P., Burlington
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on August 16, 2017
Q: Currently I have CBO, CLF and XHY in my RRSP acct and they represent my entire fixed income investments. I am looking to add CPD to my Non-Registered Investment acct to add to the FI component of my portfolio. CPD provides a good yield which is tax advantaged. I will be adding to this overtime as I rebalance my portfolio. Basically taking from my growthier winners with lower yields. I am retired and looking to add yield and reduce risk to my portfolio.
Given the proliferation of ETFs would CPD still be your choice for Preferred Share ETF if designing your Income portfolio today.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on August 15, 2017
Q: I am thinking of purchasing these ETF's and wondering if you might give me your thoughts?
Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Colleen on August 15, 2017