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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,

Is there a downside (15% tax) of owning US bonds such as VCIT, VCLT, TLT, AGG, in an RRSP. If so, can we apply for an exemption for an RRSP? If not, would you switch to XTLH instead of TLT? Are there can-hedged ETF's for VCIT, VCLT, AGG?

Thank you

Debbie and Jerry
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on December 07, 2023
Q: Good morning 5i
I am getting older and not sure i want to endure too many more stock market roller coaster rides. I am therefore thinking of moving into a higher bond allocation. You have mentioned yourself that even something like tlt could be a roller coaster. I am not adverse to getting some but I would like to know from you, what bond etfs you would recommend if one wanted , for instance, a 40/60 split between bonds and stocks. I am open to Canadian, too, but my intention is to keep fixed income in our rif, therefore, i would concentrate more on us bond etfs
Thanks as always
Read Answer Asked by joseph on December 04, 2023
Q: Hi 5i Team,

I keep hearing that purchasing bonds is currently a generational opportunity given how elevated interest rates currently are and we are likely at the peak point of the rate cycle. How would you recommend approaching having exposure to bonds in order to capitalize on the opportunity?

Are there any other sectors or areas of opportunity that are out there that you think one should get exposure to in preparation of interest rates eventually coming down?

Thanks as always,
Jon
Read Answer Asked by Jonathan on December 01, 2023
Q: Hi. Which bond ETFs do you currently recommend? US or Canadian. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Zohreh on November 13, 2023
Q: Which do you prefer to invest today: TLT or preferred stock ETFs. For preferred stock ETFs, could you suggest a few? Please explain the reason. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by David on November 07, 2023
Q: RE purchasing US treasuries

Hello 5i,
Once or twice I have tried to purchase bonds from my discount broker RBC direct investing. The process to purchase is fairly easy (you will face a hit up front on the bond price compared to the open market). However, when selling a bond or treasury that's when a DIY investor is really at a loss. You call up RBC and then the agent will consult the "manager in the bond department" and they will decide on a price they will give you for the asset you wish to sell. Kind of like a car dealership! It truly is a grey market where your discount broker has all the control of the sale of that fixed asset. Also, if looking at treasuries, you must commit to $10k USD and can't buy, for example in smaller increments, like I wish to do for a family member in a conservative TFSA.

IS there an ETF suggestion for a 10, 20 30 year treasury in USD? Not what i really want, but will mirror the moves in this market, I suppose? TLT is the 20 year. What is the 10 year, 30 year?

Also, can you confirm that the interest paid on the treasury would be tax exempt if held in a TFSA? If tax on interest is exempt in a TFSA, would it still be exempt if one holds the ETF and not the treasury itself?
Read Answer Asked by Kat on October 30, 2023
Q: I currently have positions in HYG ( a bit underwater but no reason to sell) and am considering switching HYG for TLT. The current yield is lower, it seems, but the chances for a long term gain look more inviting. Your thoughts on TLT would be much appreciated. Good idea to switch?

All the best

al
Read Answer Asked by alex on October 23, 2023
Q: Recently I asked a question on HBND. Could 5i give me a similar analysis on HPYT ? As well as comparison of the different structures between the two . The only one I am aware of is the 50% position of HBND that is not covered calls . Not sure what the situation is with HYPT ..... The yield on the two is considerably different with the former yielding 10% and the latter 15% ...... Please compare what you would suspect would happen differently with each under rising/stagnant/falling interest rates ?..... Thanks Garth
Read Answer Asked by Garth on October 13, 2023
Q: I am looking for $US-denominated ETFs to hold within my RRSP/RRIF. I would be interested in both shorter and longer-term names. When I review the questions you have answered and the company's literature, it is not clear if the bonds pay US dollars or are simply US bonds bought in Canadian dollars.

I am assuming that any ETFs that fit my criteria would not result in US taxes being paid as long as they are held directly in my registered accounts. If this is not the case, please suggest ways to ensure no taxes are withheld at source.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 13, 2023
Q: Good Morning ,

Could we have your opinion on this new listing from Harvest. Also do you see their risk evaluation as accurate (medium-low). Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Roger on October 02, 2023
Q: Hello 5i, common question for you but I have very little bond exposure and was looking to start building a fixed income portfolio. Can you give me your current top 5 bond picks (assuming ETF's). This can be USA or Canada bonds.
Read Answer Asked by Dean on September 22, 2023
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