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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: Hello 5i,
As I approach 70 years of age I am trying to prepare for my impending RRSP - RRIF conversion. One move I am considering is to move VIG over a period of years from my RRSP to my TFSA. The rationale is that it is a relatively low dividend stock but the capital appreciation is huge - I am currently up about 76% - and this means the increase in VIG value affects my minimum withdrawal required each year while contributing relatively little in the way of dividend income to cover the mandated minimum withdrawals.
One note - for the past several years we have been taking our TFSA contributions from our RRSP's but seem to always end up with a tax refund anyway, so we are not so concerned with the tax issue on that front.
So, to the question (finally): do you see any problems at all in such a move for VIG or any other U.S. ETF or Global ETF? The withholding tax on U.S. holdings in the TFSA is not an issue. Any other comments or suggestions?
Many thanks!!
Cheers,
Mike
Read Answer Asked by Mike on April 13, 2021
Q: Hello,
Can you recommend high or dividend oriented etfs that fall under the following category:
1) From at least more than one ETF company
2) Focuses on dividend payers and moderate growth
3) Covers CDN,US and the rest of the world (not necessarily in one ETF)

I like to pick and chose and change as needed. Not a huge fan of asset allocation ETFs at this point.
Read Answer Asked by Robbie on March 25, 2021
Q: I plan to retire in the next few years and have in mind to replace employment income with dividends. I have moderate to high risk tolerance. What dividend generating index funds or ETFs do you recommend to be in each of the following. My funds are split as noted below.
RRSP: 70%
TFSA: 10%
Cash account: 20%
Read Answer Asked by Michelle on March 24, 2021
Q: Hello
Thinking of retiring and drawing the dividends from our RRSP to replace income from employment until age 71.
Would it make sense to sell the first 4 mentioned and buy only EQL.
This move would give us $5,000. more yearly income from dividends (before taxes).
I mentioned selling VIG because of the currency variability and EQL pays a higher dividend..
We would still maintain growth ETFs like IWO, ICLN, KWEB, PSCH etc.
Thank you for your time.
Mike

Read Answer Asked by Mike on March 09, 2021
Q: HI Peter and Ryan.

I'm looking for some ETF suggestions listed in the United States for the USD portion of my TFSA. 1. A good diversified "portfolio" style ETF similar to Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS) with a tilt toward income but also some equity exposure - this can be just US-centric or US + international. 2. a good dividend ETF, either US-centric or US + international, particularly one that is a "dividend growth" focused ETF. Can you offer a few suggestions for each question, and take as many question credits as required - thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Brad on March 03, 2021
Q: I have a target allocation of 40-45% for total portfolio US exposure. Which ETFs would you suggest (either currency) to form the core of this allocation? Could you also please provide a handful of individual US picks to supplement. Aiming for long term growth with 20+ yr time horizon. Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Matthew on February 17, 2021
Q: I want to build an American ETF portfolio of 5-6 ETFs that pay a decent (4%-5%) yield. I have historically bought Canadian hedged ETFs for that purpose however I think there is a possible currency advantage to be had. I have looked at many many ETF questions in the 5i ETF folder and they seem to be very Canadian based. Would you be able to suggest 5-6 US based ETFs or more if you want to add a few more.
Thanks
Norm
Read Answer Asked by Norm on January 29, 2021
Q: I am looking to put my money into 2-5 stocks/Mutual funds.
Investment Horizon is 10 Yrs, i am a high risk taker, looking for High growth.
But, I am not very active in the stockmarket, I want to put my money in 2-5 holdings and then forget about it..... and then sell them after 10-15 years.

Please suggest 2-5 stocks/Mutualfunds etc...
I friend suggested BAM, BRK.B and Mauer Mutual funds.....Please advice
Read Answer Asked by HARRY on January 15, 2021
Q: Hi Team, Wondering if you could please suggest a good
ETF for growth - Canada and US.
Also a good ETF for Dividends - Canada and US.
This is for RRSP account.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Salome on January 13, 2021
Q: I am not well diversified into the US market.

I would like to sell some Canadian Banks and put that capital into US equities.

I would like to consider an ETF or a mix of ETFs.

I would like to stick to my investment personality,
long term hold, would not need money for well over 10 years.
Large Cap, Blue Chip dividend paying and "dividend GROWING" equities.

1. Can you make a recommendation for a low cost / mer etf.
2. Do I need more than one ?
3. Should I buy this in Canadian or US funds ?
4. What are the pros and cons of the purchase in Canadian or US dollars

thanks

Ernie
Read Answer Asked by Ernest on January 11, 2021
Q: Hi, currently holding VGG, VEE, and XEF. Since the CAD$ has rallied against the USD, would you switch these cad etfs to US etfs now for the lower MER going forward? How big of a difference would this make in the the long term, say 20 years assuming all other variables stay the same? These are long term core holdings for me. All in RSP and only fees would be commission on the sale and of course one time FX conversion. What would be the best US etf to replace XEF and VEE? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Keith on January 11, 2021
Q: I have a DOY balanced portfolio (Alpha-Balanced for guidance) , with less than 10 year timeframe.
I’m underweight communication services, and energy. Not a fan at this stage of oil or precious metals. Overweight in industrials and technology.
My concern is with my overweight in technology. Reading a number of opinion articles that refer to the tech boom as another dot.com. The reply often is oh but this is different.
Here’s my two cents worth especially related to tech stocks I own. First of all investors/traders seem to be jumping in and out of technology based on the latest COVID-19 / vaccine news.
Re KXS; will still be in demand long after Covid-19. LSPD; somewhat sensitive to Covid-19 but have done a good job diversifying and adapting restaurant services etc. Will do well in recovery.
Maybe more acquisitions.
SHOP; like Amazon will carry on even though the valuation is high. Younger generation will still shop on line.
Now comes the tricky part. WELL and VEEV. I don’t quite have a handle on. Not sure if the demand for their service will still be there post COVID-19.
Your comments and/or thought would be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling that many of your clients would be interested in what you have to say.
I’m an experienced investor but don’t have access to the kinds of info I once did. I depend a great deal on your unbiased expert opinion.
Merry Christmas

Roy
Read Answer Asked by Roy on December 10, 2020
Q: Overall happy with my portfolio, shifted some riskier holdings to more largecap/div arristocrat ETFs to ride out the fun so far this year. Wondering if we are getting to good timing for shifting some assets to more aggresive/targeted holdings. I would like to sell some VIG and replace it with something else. Say 2X 2% positions. What 2 holdings would you buy right now in a registered account to replace VIG, or would you justt continue to hold VIG at this time. Only restriction is to not be canadian but could be CAD$ fund or ETF. Some options I am considering are rbf1067 or XEF for 1 position and the other a US or global/china play stock like baba. Looking for momentum upside as compared to VIG.
Read Answer Asked by Tom on December 04, 2020
Q: I need to set up an annual income for my wife, for next 25 years. In TFSA and RRSP, using only ETF's. Dividend growth and HY dividends. Should have 5% yearly and 10% total return. Can you recommend the appropate ETF's. Vanguard/BMO/ I Shares (only)
Please NO EM ETF's One European OK--- Key is 5% annual income. Investment .5M$ It has to be buy and collect for 25 years. No input by my wife.
Thank you
Cec
Read Answer Asked by Cecil on November 16, 2020
Q: Are there any etf's that focus on companies with, strong balance sheets and a track record of consistent dividend growth by sectors, specifically tech, health, cons. staples etc. and if not what would be your recommendation for a general etf that has the same focus. Thanks for expertise.
Read Answer Asked by Ian on September 29, 2020
Q: Hello,
It is OK to have QQQ, VOO and VIG in TFSA accounts ? If not, are there any equivalent Canadian ETFs that are focused on US stocks like them ? Thank you very much.
Read Answer Asked by Yasushi on September 17, 2020