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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: Retired, dividend-income investor with a balanced portfolio (in my opinion anyway). I have a small Materials sector weight of approximately 5%....half of which is in Nutrien and the balance is held within CDZ, ZLB, ZWC and RBF646. The non-NTR materials holdings are heavier in the gold, etc. stocks.

I am interested in, if possible, a one-stop-shop ETF that focuses on materials like gold, silver, copper, rare-earths....those that have, obviously, already had a good run but are believed to have more runway to go. I have looked through both the BMO and iShares ETFs and have not found anything suitable.

Do you have any ideas for a few ETFs that I could further research?

Thanks for your help, much appreciated....Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 13, 2026
Q: What do you think about SPLV for lower risk investing? I understand the defensive nature of this ETF, but it's practically unchanged since Aug 2024, so I am wondering whether holding one of these new dual-direction Innovator ETFs or simply holding SPY and selling covered calls at +10% and buying puts at -10% is a better strategy here than holding SPLV. Your thoughts/suggestions on SPLV and these alternatives?
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 13, 2026
Q: I bought VDY, primarily for the dividend, but capital appreciation has been much better than expected. Now I'm looking for a Canadian complement. I note that CDZ also contains financials and energy, but at fairly low percentages, and it seems to cover other sectors well, perhaps a bit better than VDY. Do you think CDZ would be the best complement, or is there another Canadian ETF that would fit nicely beside VDY. Again, the dividend is appreciated, but capital appreciation and low down-side risk would also be very welcome, in addition to sector balance. Thank you for all your great service.
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on January 13, 2026
Q: I am getting older and I am trying to simplify my accounts in case my wife or daughter have to take over for whatever reason. I am moving to VBAL and VGRO as all in one type ETFs to make that happen. My question is about taxing: how are these viewed by the CRA?
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on January 13, 2026
Q: Hello 5i Guys

I have GIC maturing soon and looking for substitute as rates are too low.

I've looked at ZCS and ZLC as replacement.

I understand Bond funds are not without risk compared to GCI

But do these 2 Bonds funds look like suitable (Low Risk) investments rather than a low rate GIC?

Thanks as ever
Ken
Read Answer Asked by Kenneth on January 13, 2026
Q: I would like to confirm that income from covered call ETFs is treated as capital gains and/or ROC, and income from preferred shares is treated as eligible dividends. If this is correct, I would see them as candidates for both non-registered and registered accounts.
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on January 13, 2026
Q: I'm interested in possibly buying Giax but would like your assessment of this etf. Thanks for your valuable information/opinion
Read Answer Asked by Gilles on January 13, 2026
Q: Hello 5i. I'm below on my fixed income. ZAG is almost 7% of my total portfolio but I am looking to increase this to almost 10%. Is this too high for a single ETF, and/or are you still happy with ZAG, or would you suggest an alternative. I'm looking for something fairly safe with a reasonable yield. Thanks again for your excellent service. John.
Read Answer Asked by John on January 13, 2026
Q: Is there an international small cap ETF or do I need to combine something like IWM + CGro + ACWX?
Read Answer Asked by Gregory on January 12, 2026
Q: Happy New Year! I have held ZQQ:CA for several years and am looking switch to an unhedged fund that covers the Nasdaq 100. Is this a good time to switch or given that the US dollar is under pressure right now should I wait to make this switch? Is there an ETF you would recommend in the same category?
I am also overweight in Technology and underweight in International holdings. I hold DSG which has been in decline over the past year and was considering a swap for EUAD for the next five years. Other considerations you may suggest would be appreciated.
Thoughts?
Thank you
Dan
PS. I may have not pressed submit on a previous version of this question…. !! If so apologies for the duplication.
Read Answer Asked by Dan on January 12, 2026
Q: Regarding the monthly distributions paid by these ETF's, are these subject to 15% witholding tax or net of them since the etf's trade in Canada? Thx
Read Answer Asked by Tony on January 12, 2026
Q: Hello, The Sprott Physical Silver Trust quotes in USD, but when you go to buy on the TSX it converts to CAD. If you don't have a USD account, then the order execution is in CAD funds, etc. Do you foresee this as an issue, or do you only recommend this fund if buying in USD. Is there a separation with the fund for USD and CAD denominated holdings. What is your recommendation on method to buy this fund. I did buy a position already in the CAD converted option.
Read Answer Asked by william on January 12, 2026
Q: I'm looking for a lo-volatilty ETF with some growth for a long term hold. Which would u recommend or do you have a better option?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on January 12, 2026
Q: Greetings 5i,

Your thoughts on this etf for a TD customer in a tfsa. Building the wife's portfolio with safer broader market products as we get 10 years out from retirement. What would be your max % for this product in such a portfolio? What other etfs might you consider for a portfolio 10 years out from the big day? I realize you cant personalize advice but I would like your / the industries general thoughts on the subject. Take as many credits as you need,

Cheers!
Read Answer Asked by Duane on January 12, 2026
Q: I am a retired investor of 60 living comfortably off my pension. I have done very well with your advice over the years, but want to be a more passive investor.. I have read many of your answers regarding etf's. I am thinking of moving my investments towards etfs in the future. For US ZSP and VGG 40% XIC/VDY Canada 40% and International 20% VIDY. Thoughts on my choices and percentages. Any other suggestions? Thank you for your great service over the years. Also any thoughts or preference between BMO vs Vanguard. Thanks Stephen Deduct a few extra credits if needed.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on January 12, 2026
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