Investment Q&A

Q: Please recommend 5 ETF's for a young investor just starting her career and investing in her first TFSA. Thank you in advance.

Q: The ETF, HXS pays no dividend. So if HXS was held in a RESP account, can one avoid the US 15% withholding on dividends, because HXS pays no dividend, whereas ZSP held in a RESP account would be subject to the 15% withholding tax, because it does pay a dividend. Thanks … Cal

Q: Good morning,

I am looking for the best ETF to hold in my TFSA account that follows the S&P 500 index along with the reasons for your particular preference?

I understand that since HXS does have any distributions, there is no withholding tax to be concerned with which is an advantage. On the other hand, due to the distinct tax efficient structure of HXS, the MER on the HXS is higher than VFV and other similar ETFs that track the same index.

Given that both ETFs track the same index is there a clear winner for a TFSA account?

Thank you and I'll await your sage advice.

Q: In a recent answer your wrote HXS we like but many investors do not understand the swap/derivatives so we often mention it after other ETFs. I agree, I did an internet search to try to understand the swap/derivatives procedure, but am still confused. I understand the tax advantages of HXS held in a non-registered account, but if VFV was held in a RRSP is it not better to receive VFV capital gains PLUS dividends then just HXS capital gains & No dividends. For both VFV & HXS track the same S&P 500 Index, so their performance should be the same, less different MER charges. Thanks … Cal

Q: In a recent answer comparing the 2 ETFs, VFV & HXS, you said HXS does not pay any distribution. Does that mean it is like DRIP, instead of a dividend payment, your share holdings increase every quarter. Thanks … Cal

Q: HXS has has a management fee of .10 but as they state this does not include a swap fee of approximately 30 bps. Is the actual management fee .40? Is the swap fee related to the total return nature of this ETF? I’m looking for an S&P ETF to hold in my TFSA and HXS seems like a great option as I wouldn’t be subject to withholding taxes. Do you feel HXS is a better choice then VFV for a 10+ year hold inside a TFSA due to the savings on withholding taxes?

Q: Good morning,

I own a substantial amount of MAW 108 in my Non Registered, TFSA and RRSP accounts.

After reviewing the numerous questions relating to VFV ETF and closely examining the annual performance of MAW 108 over the last 15 years, it is clear to me that VFV ETF has performed much better on the whole over a long period and that VFV or HXS would have been a better choice .

Given that there would be substantial capital gains tax incurred by replacing MAW 108 with VFV ETF or HXS ETF in my Non Registered account and therefore not an appealing option, what are your thoughts on:

Q1. Replacing MAW 108 with VFV or HXS in my TFSA and RRSP accounts;

Q2. Are there any withholding tax considerations in holding VFV or HXS in my TFSA and RRSP accounts?

Q3, Is VFV your preferred recommendation over HXS ETF, ZSP ETF, XUS ETF for holdings in a TFSA and RRSP account?

Thank you and I will await your usual sage and valuable advice.

Q: Which growth US$ ETF's would you recommend that have low dividends, low volatility, and good past performance.

John

Q: Rick Reider is managing BRTR a new income etf. Does it pay a dividend or does it operate as a total return instrument? Are there any income etf's trading in the US that instead of paying a dividend provide capital gains instead similar in result to the corporate class structure from Horizons? Lastly does Horizons have any US dollar income etf with a corporate class structure and if so would you recommend it? Thank you.

Q: Looking for a recommendation for an S&P 500 ETF for an unregistered account that minimizes tax consequences while maximizing returns. Thank you.

Q: MoneySense recommended HXT as one of the best Canadian ETFs for years, but not in 2023. Is there any concerns that the government may crack down on Horizon's Total return funds that do not pay out any dividends?
Thanks!

Q: Good morning - can you suggest some US S & P 500 ETF possibilities along with a recommended choice. Many thanks

al

Q: Is HXS cap-weighted or equal weighted?
thanks jerry

Q: My plan is delay OAS, at the same time trying to not go overboard on dividend-payers in my taxable account to limit the clawback. I'm wondering if adding REITs instead tend to help that situation.

Generally speaking, is the payout from Canadian REITs such as GRT.UN and DIR.UN in a form that is beneficial in that regard? Is there a CAD ETF that invests in the U.S. that might also be a good idea?

I hope this doesn't come across as tax advice.

Q: Regarding your very quick response to my question yesterday where you stated "Capital gains are treated the same as Canadian gains, but must be converted to C$ for tax purposes." ZSP is a Canadian listed equity in Canadian dollars so I assume that I will not need to make any conversion when taking a capital gain? If I alternatively buy HXS (or HXQ) will capital gains be treated as Canadian only?
Thank you.

Q: For tax efficiency in a non registered account do you recommend HXS and HXQ over ZSP and ZNQ. For US dollars do you like HXS.U and HXQ.U.
For a long term hold what are your thought of HXT in this account?
Thanks

Q: Good morning,

I'm looking at buying an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 for my TFSA account and am considering VFV.CA.

Withholding tax is a concern and given that VFV.CA holds US stocks, would there be a withholding tax on any of the dividends distributed and if so would you kindly recommend a few other similar ETFs that track the S&P 500 where the withholding tax is not a concern. Thank you.

Q: For tax reasons, I want to buy some ETFs or stocks in my unregistered account, that pay little or no dividends. Which of the Horizon's total return ETFs would you recommend at this time? HSAV seems to be really unstable and I am concerned it could be a money loser in the short term. I read in the G & M that the manager of Langsford Wealth Counsel in Oakville has been buying HXDM with better valuation than the US. Thanks!

Q: Hello Folks:

We are seniors who would like to place 200,000 from a 1,300,00 investment account (all stocks) into a top rated Canadian based S&P 500 index fund. Another good alternative may be Berk. B. shares. Growth is more than income as they will reside in our TFSA accounts. I do understand Vanguard & Berk. B. good options, however have little practical knowledge; particularly with taxation issues.
You folks are truly amazing!!!!
brian

Q: Could you please share some of your favourite corporate class ETFs for a retiree that needs to 'park' some money for say 1-5 years ? This would be in a taxable account.