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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: ETF MERs and recommendations

I am in the process of educating myself through your insights and advice along with other research. My wife and I have used a TD adviser for the past few years and our returns have been reasonable. However, I am digging in the weeds and find virtually all our funds have MERs of 1.8% to 2.28%. Our adviser has balanced our investments to our comfort level of risk. I think we can do better with your advice on replacement ETFs.
The funds involved are: CIF843 2.01%mer, FID1222 2.23%, FID2312.28%, MFC291 1.89%, TDB171 1.79%, TDB2940 2.06%, TDB331 2.06%, and TDB619 2.26%. These funds combined gives an overall 60/40 equity/fixed income which is what we are comfortable with; breakdown is 40% fixed income, 15% Cdn equity, 25% U.S equity, 15% intl equity, 5% other (whatever other is).
Are there a funds or a single fund that you could suggest to help us consolidate these into something where the MER will be considerably less?
I do subscribe to the ETF site but see this site as the go to for my questions.

Thanks for your informative site and previous and future advice.
Best regards,
John
Read Answer Asked by John on June 25, 2018
Q: I'll add to Scott's replies about whether a dual U.S. / Canadian system has to file with the IRS even though he has never lived or worked in the U.S. My understanding is, yes, he has to file taxes and fbars. I'm a dual citizen who files in both countries. There is a guy in Toronto who is a lawyer and accountant in the both the U.S. and Canada. (It's like he has four careers!) He's very helpful and provided good service to me. I won't give his full name. His first name is Mark and if you google "u.s. canadian attorneys toronto" it should come up near the top.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on June 25, 2018
Q: I do not see any significant insider buying for this company. What is the latest insider report? looking at the chart..Is this making a turn for the better?
Thanks for the great advice as always.
Read Answer Asked by Pradip on June 25, 2018
Q: Dear 5I Team
Kwh.un was recommended as a Top Pick on BNN Market Call
sometime ago. But the price has kept falling. Currently it is trading in the $7.20/share range giving over 11.60% dividend.
I own some at $8.30 and would like to buy more at $7.20.
KWH.un is ranked at 8 (Top Quartile) by Thompson (seen under Reports on WebBroker)
I would like to get your opinion.
Thanks
Eric
Read Answer Asked by Eric on June 25, 2018
Q: Dear 5i
For two seniors retiring soon with an anticipated retirement income of $75-$80k , what would be the ideal sources/ types of income coming from her RRSP , his RRSP and her spousal RRSP ?
1- 100% from capital gains and or return on capital or
2-100% from dividend income or
3-Somewhere in between ,
with the view of minimizing tax consequences.
Obviously there will to some interest income which I'm aware is least desireable .
I`m figuring that the end result for sources of income is reflective of the balance of fixed income vs equity in the portfolio ie risk profile each person or couple is willing to accept or live with . In essence i think i`ve answered my own question but would welcome your input anyways .
Also any income or capital gains achieved from a TFSA would be the most favourable due to no tax consequences correct ?
Thanks once again .
Bill C.




Read Answer Asked by Bill on June 25, 2018
Q: With regard to Scott’s question on citizenship and filing US tax returns I can say this is a very complex question to answer. This website (not an endorsement) has lots of information about the subject. It might be wise to consult a lawyer. http://www.citizenshipsolutions.ca/
Read Answer Asked by Michael on June 25, 2018
Q: In response to Scott's question about US citizenship, if he was born in the US, he is a US citizen. This applies regardless of his parent's citizenship or their status in the US at the time. He should be filing a US tax return every year, as well as submitting an FBAR annually. Ridiculous yes, but the US law nonetheless. The penalties, particularly with the FBAR are onerous, to say the least. Scott is flying under the radar and can probably continue to do so, with one wrinkle being his passport - presumably it shows a birthplace in the US - and any US border agent should know this makes him a US citizen and he should be entering with a US passport. Obtaining a US passport might just unravel his situation. But I'm just guessing. Scott needs to contact a Canadian lawyer who deals in these matters to properly understand his position and his options.
Read Answer Asked by grant on June 25, 2018
Q: Hello, I am looking to increase by Energy sector exposure from 2% to 5%. I was looking at XEG and HEE as possible options. I realize these are Canadian specific ETF's. I would prefer more of a balance between US and Canada. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for all your great advice.
Read Answer Asked by Mauro on June 25, 2018
Q: Hi

I have noticed that most publicly traded companies do not publish a separate fourth quarter report . Why is that ?

I would like to know if by subtracting every line of the annual report from the first, second and third quarter statement of the income, balance sheet and cash flow, an investor can derive the fourth quarter statements?

Could you list the lines which are not suited to this exercise?
Read Answer Asked by Gilles on June 25, 2018
Q: I believe in the inevitability of alternative energy, although not imminent, I think fossil fuels are a dying industry. Energy transmission will be needed regardless of the generating source so I am looking for companies that operate in this space. ie build/maintain transmission infrastructure or develop smart grid technologies. The big utilities have some exposure but I was looking for more of a pure play. Do you have any suggestions on specific companies. Thanks

Kenn
Read Answer Asked by Kenneth on June 25, 2018
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