Investment Q&A

Q: I read your comments on tax treatment of US ETNs with interest. I hold ETNs in both my taxable corporate investment account and in my RRSP. Am I subject to both Canadian and US taxes on the profits or do I just pay tax in Canada on the taxable account. I assume there are no taxes on gains from any stock sale in an RRSP. Thanks.

Q: Many seniors who withdraw funds from RRIFs but don't require the funds for expenses are not aware that investments need not be sold and commissions paid to fund the withdrawal, as in Donald's recent question. John Heinzl addresses this in a recent article titled "the ABCs of mandatory RRIF withdrawals" available here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investor-education/rrif-minimum-withdrawals-separating-fact-from-fiction/article19380686/#dashboard/follows/

Q: As a starting investor I had a small amount of capital in the form of an RRSP contribution and have bought equities, however I need to keep adding to my portfolio as I have only just begun investing. Thanks to your team some of my stocks have done quite well and based on the 10% limit I should be trimming positions in them but my long term goal would be to have more shares of the equities in question so would have a hard time selling shares in these companies with that goal. Yet, I do not have enough capital to buy enough of my other investments to bring these weightings back below 10%. What is a good strategy to move forward? Do you recommend small monthly contributions or save until I have a designated amount to contribute say $5000?

Q: I have a small registered account where the earnings are taxed upon withdraw. Currently it holds 100 shares of: BAD, ESL, HR.UN and STN (with only a small net gain over the six months it's been open). I have an additional $2000 to invest. What is your suggestion for about a 10 year time horizon. I don't want to take on too much risk but do very much want to increase the returns (like everyone does!) What's your suggestion?
Thanks!
PS. I love that you are biking for personal challenge and kids' cancer. I'll definitely contribute to the cause!