Investment Q&A

Q: Total return index ETF; is it good ?

Q: BXF / First Asset 1-5 Year Laddered Government Strip Bond Index ETF

How do you feel about BXF compared to CLF? BXF is supposed to be more tax efficient outside a registered account. (I am looking at holding it outside a reg account). Are there any other comparable tax efficient ETFs?

Q: Can you please provide a strategy summary for the following.
I'm trying to find a quick general guide to what types of stocks (and why) are best placed in a RRSP, what's best for a TFSA and what's best for a non RRSP/TFSA account.

thank you

Q: If US Limited Partnerships are held in a RRSP/RRIF are the distributions liable for US tax? If yes, does the broker withhold the tax ?

Q: If a Canadian based ETF (e.g. VUS) invests in a US company or ETF (e.g.VTI), isn't the dividend paid to the Cdn ETF subject to US withholding tax, regardless of whether it is held in a registered or taxable account ?

Thank you for your outstanding service to us !

Bob

Q: Hi team, I love the new site. The ability to save to watchlist is fantastic! In my RRSP, I hold GUD, IT, PLI, WCP, SPE (.5 position) and SGY. These are part of a multi-account balanced portfolio, so my question is not so much to do with sector, but with SGY and PLI. I am down 50% on SGY and wondering if these funds are better deployed elsewhere. I am up 100% on PLI and can sell half for another position. My RRSP is a very long-term hold account. I keep an eye on things, but don't usually make any moves except to trim gains. As you can see from my list, I can handle some risk if I was to replace SGY and sell half of PLI. Am I better off to continue to stomach the 50% loss on SGY or move into something else with better growth potential? If so, what would you suggest for 2 long term growth positions? I have been watching OTC, BCE, SPB (I bought CUS on your suggestion), FSZ.

Q: I have a well diversified group of ETF's in RRSP and looking to add a few individual stocks. Are there 3-4 stocks with good valuations that you might suggest? Thanks.

Q: For a long term hold in a rrsp what would ur preference be. Thks and keep up the good work

Q: How would you design an RRSP for someone with no investment knowledge and no interest in acquiring it? The RRSP would, in effect, be an unmanaged black box. The parameters for the RRSP are a lump sum input and a twenty year hold. The holder has no other investments, but is likely to have a solid pension independent of the RRSP.
To me, a reasonable plan would be to distribute the initial sum 40% XBB, 20% ZLB, 20% ZLU, and 20% ZLI, then DRIP everything. I like low volatility ETF's in this context because they have a bit of formula-based active management built in.
What do you think?

Q: Regarding the question about a U.S. citizen holding mutual funds in a RRSP account, my tax professional advised me that anything can be held in a RRSP account since they are covered by a tax treaty.

If Canadian mutual funds or trusts are held outside of a RRSP extra tax forms must be filed, which can be expensive. U.S. stock can be held in any account.

Q: Hi,

I'll be taking over my spouses RRSP account. She's dual citizenship, American/Canadian and we've had mixed counseling with respect to whether she can hold mutual funds in an RRSP or not. Can you shed some clarity on whether or not she can? Can she hold US listed stocks?

Any other comments on an RRSP account of someone of dual citizenship would be much appreciated.

Best,

Cam

Q: If holding for the long term, does it make more sense (taxes) to have these stocks in a RSP instead of a cash account?

Q: I am retired and hold GE, Wells Fargo and JPM inside my RRSP. I am still a few years away from having to convert my RSP to a RIF. Considering where the Can dollar is trading I am thinking about realizing my currency gains by selling these 3 stocks and replacing them with Canadian financials and maybe a pipeline such as Enbridge. What are your thoughts on this strategy ?

Q: RIF withdrawals/ deposit: Lots of interest in TFSA's these days - but some of your customers might be in the same situation as I was re 2015 RIF withdrawals.

I believe the mandatory withdrawal rates were lowered after January 1, 2015. I had taken out my required % .... and then later in the year advised that the difference between the old %withdrawal and the new % withdrawal could be re-deposited in my RIF until Feb or March of this year.

Do you have any information on this? If so, it might be a useful option some folks by re-depositing the difference and reduce their 2015 income tax.

Thanks.

Q: If I transfer a stock in kind to my RRSP account,is it advantageous to pick one that is down a bit that you think will eventually come back up(Altagas,Vermilion,etc)or Sunlife that I am up on price on.Thanks Don

Q: A comment on Jimmy's question. As probably he might know,the 10% is only withholding tax, transferring securities from his RRSP to his son's account will be subject to taxation at his marginal tax rate on the full value of the transfer. He may have to pay extra or get back some money depending on his tax situation for the year of transfer. He may also consider selling the security in his RRSP take the money and buy the security back in his son't account, that if commission is less than the $ 50 charged to transfer the security, however he has to be aware of price fluctuation which may benefit or cost him extra. Hope that helps.

Q: I understand that you don't give tax advice but a general answer would be OK or if any members know the answer. I purchased 350 shares of Enercare at 14.68 Lets assume I would like to move them in kind to my non registered account. There is a $50.00 and I would pay 10% in tax up front of today's value. ECI currently at $16.11 So I would need to have cash of roughly $615.00 in my RRSP and the 350 shares of ECI gets moved to my non registered account. My question is once in the non registered account what is my average cost? Is it $14.68 back when I purchased it or is it $16.11 when I moved it over?

Thanks Jimmy

Q: Hi, for a 30 year old person with a 50K portfolio in a RRSP. I was wondering on your thoughts of these ETFs. 30% in VCE (vanguard FTSE Canada), 20% in VSB (vanguard short term bond),
30% in VSP (S+P 500 hedged), 10% in ZRE (equal weight reits) and 10% in ZWB (covered call Canadian banks). Any substitutions or thoughts greatly appreciated and asked for! Thanks, Donn

Q: Hi,
What stocks would you recommend in a TFSA and in a RRSP today?

Q: I have a stock in my RRSP which has risen from $50 to $100. I have been advised to sell this stock ( pay approximately 20% tax), re- buy this same stock ( at the current $100 price) but place it in a TFSA. Does this make financial sense?