Investment Q&A

Q: I have opened an RESP for my 5month old with 3K in it (2500 plus 500 from govt). I know its small the first year, but I don't want to add a Canadian ETF as they are too oil and gas and financial focused.

I would like to own some good Canadian growth names that will hopefully be worth a lot when she heads off to school in 18 years and would like to keep it small since it is a small account to start. My idea was the following 7: GUD, SHOP, SIS, T, TD, AQN, PBH. I would like your opinion on them. Would you do anything differently?

Once I own all of the Canadian stocks my plan is to add XAW for world diversification.

What do you think of this idea? Which stocks would you add to the account first? I was thinking of starting with either 3 of 1K each or 4 of 750 each. I pay 7 dollars to buy them which isn't too bad.

What order would you add in?

With only 3K per year in the account it would take 3 years to get the stocks and ETF. I could just add another 2500 to the account now so that I can buy more of it now and be instantly diversified. I would not receive the grant on it but would I still receive future grants?

Q: Hello,

I am considering buying a CAD-listed ETF such as XAW or VXC. Could you advise which account (RRSP, TFSA) I should hold the purchases to avoid or minimize withholding U.S. taxes on any dividends? I recall reading that buying a CAD-listed ETF of US/International stocks would not be sufficient to avoid US withholding taxes on any dividend. I am not sure if this statement is indeed accurate.

Thanks

Q: Hi there,

A few weeks ago you had suggested to maybe add XAW to my portfolio (which follows your Balanced Equity Portfolio) for outside Canada exposure. In a portfolio of 100% equities - how much would you recommend being put towards the Balanced Equity Portfolio and XAW?

Thanks!

Q: Hello,

I am looking to get some exposure in emerging markets. I currently own only Canadian and US equity. I am looking into ETFs, more specifically; XAW, XEF, VEE, amongst others. I'm looking to invest moderate to long term.

Doing you have a preference amongst those, or other suggestions? Secondly, do you think the timing is right, especially with respects to China? And finally, which countries/continents would you have a preference for?

Thank you

Q: Someone suggest XAW (iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF ) for 50% of the investment portfolio. This ETF includes 54% US stock and the remaining in International stock excluding Canada. In your opinion, for a large investment amount, will one single ETF work well for the investors? If not, what other ETF should be added to benefit from the better US economy? Please comment and suggest.