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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: I'm looking for an unhedged Canadian etf that tracks the nasdaq 100. When comparing ZNQ to HXQ I see that ZNQ doesn't pay a dividend but rather reinvests it. Also it has cheaper fees than HXQ. But HXQ pays a small dividend. The returns over time seem marginally better for ZNQ. But when the div's are factored in, is this more of a wash or does the tax preference of no div's help more? This would be in an RESP for reference. Thx
Read Answer Asked by Adam on February 18, 2025
Q: I have some fund from RRIF that I would like put into a TFSA and was just reading the latest issue of your ETF & Mutual Fund Update report. I am thinking of the above three ETFs and one stock. What are your thoughts. As a perspective, I would include some i2i fund if it was allowed in a TFSA.
Read Answer Asked by Danny-boy on January 10, 2025
Q: I provided some funds to my two grandsons approximately 6 months ago. One grandson invested his funds in the stocks and ETFs noted above. He is very pleased to see an increase in market value for all his investments. I will be providing my grandsons with additional funds to add to their existing investments. Please rank the existing investments shown above for long term growth. I will submit a second question for my other grandson. Best wishes for the Holiday Season.
Read Answer Asked by Don on December 16, 2024
Q: How do you fell about HXQ in a 15+ year RESP?
I have held RBF619 (Science and Technology for 15 years and it has done wonders but it has the fees. Any other ETF's ? ZSP? XIC? OR would you be comfortable with just BN?
Read Answer Asked by Paul on December 03, 2024
Q: The tax gross-up effect of my Canadian dividend paying stocks is creating an OAS clawback concern in my non-registered account. Looking for tax-efficient US and International ETF’s. I don’t want ex-Canada ones because I want to have the flexibility to adjust weightings between these two.

Would HXS be a good option for US? The MER isn’t the best but maybe okay. I don’t know for the International. Thoughts?
Read Answer Asked by James on July 25, 2024
Q: My niece is looking to enter the DIY investing world and move her TFSA over to an online self-directed account. Her advisor has her in these high fee accounts above. These look like funds for a retired person looking for income rather than for a 29 year looking to grow a TFSA with the goal to hopefully get a down payment for a condo some day. Could you please give some advice for a beginner investor, ETF's some Canadian and US equities to get her started. She's a bit nervous as all ne DIY investors are. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Nancy on June 25, 2024
Q: If using your balanced portfolio as my canadian content for an equity portfolio could you please recommend some equity etfs for ex canadian content and what % would be canadian of the total portfolio? I was thinking 40% and 60% outside canada

Thx
Read Answer Asked by blake on June 06, 2024
Q: a sunlife life insurance policy was purchased for grandchildren as an investment for them on the advice of a financial planner- I am embarrassed to say so far $9000 in annual premiums has been paid, with 11 more remaining before the policy is paid in full. If I cancel this policy it will be a loss. However; the dollars which would have gone to sunlife could be used for a better investment. Your suggestions would be welcomed. Thank you- (P.S.- I submitted this ? a moment ago-but my screen went black so I don't no if the ? was sent the first time)
Read Answer Asked by jane on May 29, 2024
Q: You recently recommended US/CA equities at 65%/35%. With US ETFs and CDRs I am only at 20% US. I am considering significantly increasing my holdings of HXS, VFV, and HXQ to make up the shortfall of 45% US. Do you see any downside to this approach?
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on February 13, 2024
Q: There are a number of Canadian based NASDAQ100 and S&P500 ETF's. Which NASDAQ100 and S&P500 ETF would you prefer, or would be "best", for a TFSA account, and why? Would investing within an RRSP or in a non-registered account alter your selections and if so, why would that be? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on February 09, 2024
Q: Regarding your very quick response to my question yesterday where you stated "Capital gains are treated the same as Canadian gains, but must be converted to C$ for tax purposes." ZSP is a Canadian listed equity in Canadian dollars so I assume that I will not need to make any conversion when taking a capital gain? If I alternatively buy HXS (or HXQ) will capital gains be treated as Canadian only?
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on October 17, 2023
Q: For tax efficiency in a non registered account do you recommend HXS and HXQ over ZSP and ZNQ. For US dollars do you like HXS.U and HXQ.U.
For a long term hold what are your thought of HXT in this account?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Anna on September 13, 2023
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