Investment Q&A

Q: Hello,

I assume that VFV and ZSP are identical EFTs provided by Vanguard and BMO respectively. Their MER, asset allocations, sector breakdown are close to identical.

However I notice the following anomalies (VFV vs ZSP):
1) Dividends of $0.238 CAD vs $0.145 with yields of 1.565% and 1.789% respectively. Why the difference in dividends?

2) Portfolio turnover rate of 13.18% vs 31.90%. Why would there be a difference in turnover rate?

3) Benchmark: S&P 500 CAD vs S&P 500 TR CAD. What does the "TR" mean?

3) Market price (NAV?) of $56.33 vs $34.94: Is this due to dividend reinvestment and inception date?

If one were to buy one of these, which would you prefer and why?

Thank you for your excellent and unbiased opinion and service

Q: For US stock exposure, is it better to hold the CAD or USD version. Does the CAD version have and exchange fees. Does it hedge out currency exposure.
Also as its traded on the TSX, I understand its does not count as a US stock holding so no US estate tax exposure for non-registered accounts. Are there other similar ETF's

Q: I've never had any interest in ETFs until yesterday a friend told me the error of my ways. He gave me two names ZSP and ZWB that both have annual combined returns (yield & growth) exceeding 20%. It was a real eye opener for sure.

Do you know where can I find reports on line that rate the performance of most Canadian traded ETFs? As well, do you have other ETF names that are comparable in combined returns with ZWB and ZSP that you can recommend?

Thanks.

Q: I am not comfortable purchasing individual stocks in a small account, with my go to name being ZEB, can you recommend any others that provide the diversification? I'm thinking the US indices hedged back to CAD, is that a good idea and which ETFs would you recommend in that case?

Q: I am looking at moving a significant chunk of our retirement money into either/both the Tangerine Equity Growth Portfolio and the Tangerine Balanced Growth Portfolio in an attempt to follow the 'one fund solution'. What are your thoughts and are there alternative index funds you think may be a better bet. This is my first question (membership was a Christmas prezzie from my dad)!

Q: Hi Peter & Co.

I currently own ZDJ, ZSP & ZQQ. Should I replace these with VUN?

Thanks,

Henry