Q: Greetings…I’ve taken a 10% haircut on this ETF held for healthcare exposure. I could book the loss, but if I replace with another healthcare ETF inside of 30 days in your experience does the CRA have a problem with that? Also, some of the other ETF’s on the TSX look like they have fared even worse. Any ideas? (Trying to avoid holding one or two US companies individually)

Q: Can you give me your top CAD picks in each of the following sectors based on current price and long term worthiness. ETFs are fine as we are looking for steady long-term growth.

consumer defensive
healthcare
utilities

Thanks as always. Kevin

Q: Hi Peter and all at 5i. Wishing you the best of the season!

Peter, first of all, I really enjoyed your last article in the National Post. Your financial stories were highly entertaining.

I manage a RRSP for my daughter-in-law. She has approximately 24K in cash due to a GIC that recently matured. (She got 5.16% interest).

She has these commission-free ETFs: CEW, QQC.F, XHC, XIT, and XST. She would have to pay a $10 commission on the following stocks and ETFs: BCE, BNS, FTS, PBH, SLF, WSP, ZIN, and ZRE.

Question 1. In what order would you suggest she uses the cash to purchase more of the commission-free ETFs?

Question 2. If there are compelling reasons to do so, in what order would you suggest she uses the cash to purchase more of the stocks and ETFs where there is a $10 commission?

I’m hoping that this question can be answered before Christmas if possible. Please use as many question credits as you see fit to provide a comprehensive reply.

Thanks as always for your valuable insight.