Investment Q&A

Q: UMAX = covered call, UTES= covered call + 1,25% leverage. In a downtrend, UTES would probably go down around 25% more than umax (ex -10% vs -12,5%...) and ZUT.Since the markets are presently high +the economics, do you believe that there could be a significant probability of a downtrend in 2025 and in such case ,would it be safer to sell UTES for ZUT now (or another stock), in order to reduce the risk ?

Q: Hi,

I’m a real estate investor and I love monthly distributions—HMAX and UMAX felt a lot like collecting rent. However, after realizing a significant portion of their payouts is ROC, I’m exploring alternatives that offer high dividends, low ROC, DRIP eligibility, and potential capital appreciation.

My horizon is 20+ years. Could you suggest 2–3 ETF ideas in Financials and Utilities that fit this profile in the Canadian market ideally or global.

Thanks,

Q: Retired, dividend-income investor. I have long term holdings in both ZLB and ZUT. Both are in registered accounts...no tax issues.

For asset allocation reasons, I am considering trimming ZUT and adding the proceeds to ZLB. When I use your charts and compare these two, ZLB appears to be the better performer over most timeframes.

Normally I would simply proceed, but this is a minor asset allocation tweaking. Also, I think that the BOC may be reducing interest rates this fall, which should have a positive impact on ZUT. Do you agree with this assumption?

Would you proceed or wait....I know this is a bit of a "market-timing" question?

Thanks for your help....Steve

Q: Have had XCD for years and done ok. I’m looking to trim/replace on theory consumer spending is not as robust and there are etfs in better sectors going forward. Can you name a few sectors and best etfs that will be better performers going forward.

Q: I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the above 5 ETFs proposed for TFSA. Any tweaks? The plan is to tilt towards growth without getting carried away. Your thoughts and suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks again for this super service. Dan

Q: After a "crack", and during a potentially persistent bear market, could you suggest some US and Canadian dividend ETFs ( whether standard, enhanced,or even cover call etfs if indicated ),that could maintain more stable revenues during uncertain economic periods ?

Q: Does the combination of its recent stock price declines and today's apparent negative reaction to CPX's acquisiton provide an attractive entry point?

If not at the current price, is there a price you would consider attractive or would you prefer FTS, other utilities or an ETF?

Thanks

Q: Are those funds advantageous to hold in a rsp account regarding on the withholding of US dividends? I am never sure if those dividends get charged fo all holders, or just the cash accounts. So if these do not shelter the rsp from the tax, which equivalent would you suggest.?
Thank you

Q: Which are presently your top picks for Canadian and US ETF's for each sectors ? Which ones would you consider buying now ? Entry prices ?
Please take as many credits to answer this as required.

Gratefully,

Jacques IDS

Q: I hold a significant position of ZWU ( less ZUT) for stability of the sector during crisis and stable dividends .ZWU holds around 40% of US stocks .In a non registered account, considering various factors: 1) NAV of ZWU is normally dropping over time 2) dividends are higher 3) no dividend tax credit for the US proportion 4) having a US proportion offers some kind of diversification : Alltogether would you consider one of those ETF a better choice for value + dividends? if not ,any ideal proportion of the 2 ? Many thanks ,JY

Q: I am looking to offset some equity risk with fixed incomes or proxies of the same that ideally have some capital gains potential. Could you please comment on the risk level of some of these bond proxies, as well as preferred shares, from a risk perspective?
Irrespective of whether we have tariffs coming it is difficult to say that the unpredictability will stop.

Q: Hello
Considering , tariffs and the impact that they have on the financial sector, what sector and which company stocks/etfs would you consider that are paying similar yields

Thank you

Q: Good morning all; I've a two part question for you, First, the listed investments are in a RRIF. The current plan is to extract only dividend income, and have some modest stock growth.

I have funds for one more position and I'd like 3 of your suggestions that would add decent dividend income with modest growth of stock value.

Second question is about XLB. It was originally purchased as a post-inflation investment looking for some appreciation as rates declined. While Canada may get a bit more downward adjustment I believe Trump policy will be inflationary. What would be a sound replacement, meeting the dividend and growth goals for the account?

Thanks as always.

Dave

Q: It is rare that I ask this question coming from an 84 year old senior, but all the above equal weighted ETF's are presently in my TFSA and can't decide how to invest for the 2025 contribution. Which ETF I should I be adding to the above list or should I be adding a new one that is not in the portfolio?
Also are any of those listed that do not belong in a TFSA?
Thanks for your usual great service.

Q: Do you consider that Canadian utilities ETFs (my impression..) ,or even other ETF categories, offer a protection against future potential US taxes on foreign countries ,and in such case, which ETF would you favor ,(or a mix) ?

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: I have both ZWU and ZUT in an RRSP account. For the next 5+ years, should I continue to hold both, or only one. If one, please supply your reasons. ZWU pays a much higher dividend, and has ZUT as it's largest holding, but over the last 5 years it has underperformed ZUT. Is it a case of deciding whether I want more potential growth or more potential income?

Q: I am a senior citizen now with a lower tolerance for risk and accepting of a lower rate of return on my investments for that. When interest rates increased, I invested in MM funds; now with rates going south, I am looking to get back into some more conservative stocks/ETF/Mutual funds with growth prospects.
Can you provide 5 stocks/ETF's you believe would fill this request. I am looking at Canadian but if there isa US one that makes sense, I would look at it.
As always, thanks for your advise.

Regards

Jim

Q: Retired, dividend-income investor. Sitting on roughly 5-6% cash for topping up existing positions to, over time, hit Asset Allocation targets.

Candidates = BCE, GSY, HHL, HMAX, XST, ZUT. If I was deciding to deploy funds to create the largest total return over the next year or two, from their existing valuation, a) in what order would you deploy the funds and b) a short qualifier for each position?

My view = buy in this order:
ZUT = good momentum, room to run before hitting earlier peak
GSY = good value, $150-155 should be excellent value
XST = graph against 50 and 200mda...very tight chart....could buy anytime
HMAX = good value, banks should run
HHL = healthcare stocks should get over their fear of their new boss in a few months....or not. Give it some time.
BCE = last on the list. Just rebought after cap loss capture. Give it even more time.

Thanks for your help....Steve

Q: What are your favorite ETFs in Utilities sector? In the US and Canada. Also in Europe.
(I have a small position in VPU. Not sure if it meets your approval)
Want to structure an asymmetric barbell, just in case there's more
than expected pullback!
Many thanks in advance.