Q: Hi there, often times the 4% rule is used as a foundation for retirement planning. I believe the original study used US equities and US bonds as the funds to develop the 4% withdrawal rule. Obviously no one has a crystal ball, but what would be your opinion on using as international equity ETF with the 4% rule rather than a US fund such as VFV? If you were make an educated guess, do you believe using funds such as XEQT/VEXT and VAB/XBB instead of US funds would yield similar results as the 4% study over the longterm going forward?

Q: Hi,

I’m following up on recent questions about taxation of the ETF VEQT (and similar) in an RRSP.

I am a bit confused about what withholding taxes might apply to VEQT. I have three questions please.

1) Would you be so kind at to explain what withholding taxes apply to VEQT in an RRSP?

2) If there are non-recoverable withholding taxes on VEQT in an RRSP, can they be quantified?

3) Finally, if there are withholding taxes applicable to VEQT in an RRSP, is there an ETF setup with the same diversification objective as VEQT that is more tax efficient in an RRSP?

(I tried following this information but I’m still unclear: https://www.vanguard.ca/content/dam/intl/americas/canada/en/documents/WithholdingTax_Guide-final.pdf).

Thank you very much.

Michael

Q: I rely on you for accurate information when reading answers to questions. however my research shows that VEQT holds a basket of funds not individual stocks. I hate paying more taxes than I need to and always look for the lowest fees and taxes when investing. Please confirm holdings of this fund. Thank you.