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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: I currently hold these 4 ETF's in a RRSP account. Is there any other ETF that you would add to this list?
Read Answer Asked on August 28, 2025
Q: I would like to increase my international exposure to the stock market. Can you suggest some ETFs that meet that criteria. Moderate risk level.

I have seen VXUS recommended a lot, so I am considering that. Just want to have 2 more choices so I can compare before buying one of them.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on August 27, 2025
Q: Good morning.

I have a sizeable amount of US dollars in my TFSA and RRIF accounts and intend to add international investments with that money. I can either just purchase the XEF.u with the US money or go thru the Norbert Gambit process to convert to canadian dollars and then buy the XEF ETF. My question is which would you recommend and also buying XEF.u in my TFSA which I believe is a Canadian listed ETF would there be a 15% US withholding tax on the dividends.

Many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by John on August 27, 2025
Q: Using DRIP is new to me so please explain in simple words.

First let me ask :How often do XEF pay distribution?
Second question I see it on my statement as being interest is it not supposed to be dividend?
For a third question, in a drip situation I see a - sign for say -$1000 and a + say $1100. What does that - operation mean in term of tax application. What amount is beeing taxed?

Thank you to continue educating us DIY investors

Yves
Read Answer Asked by Yves on July 29, 2025
Q: Greetings 5i,

I'm looking to decrease some of my US investments and want to sell XUS (I also own VFV). I'm looking at either VIU or XEF as a replacement for XUS. Does this make sense and if so do you have a preference for either of these ETFs or would you recommend something else as a replacement?

Thank you.
John.
Read Answer Asked by John on March 20, 2025
Q: Hi,
Is there a Canadian economic equivalent for the US IEFA ETF in Canada? Would either XEF or XEF.U qualify?
Thank you, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 14, 2025
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.
Read Answer Asked by Terry on January 29, 2025
Q: Can you recommend some global ETF's in both USD and CAD?
Read Answer Asked by Wes on January 24, 2025
Q: Which of these three ETFS do you prefer if I was to pick one? I have 25% of my portfolio in USD Equity ETFS so already have some currency diversification.
Read Answer Asked by Carla on December 27, 2024
Q: I’m wondering which type of account would be best for these ETFs. I assume they would not all be best in the same account. The choices of accounts would be personal taxable, RRSP, TFSA, and corporate.

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Federico on November 20, 2024
Q: This is a follow up question to my previous question about using ETFs instead of stocks.

You mentioned that ZEM was “fine,“ whereas your comment on XEF is “solid,” XUU “we like it quite a lot,” and XIC is a “go-to.”

Do you have an alternative to ZEM that you would consider to be better? If so, please explain why.

Read Answer Asked by Federico on November 13, 2024
Q: Should I hedge my EAFE ETFs considering that their holdings are from multiple countries? I am considering either XEF or ZDM? they seem pretty much the same except one hedges to CAD and one does not.
Read Answer Asked by Mary on November 13, 2024
Q: As I’m running low on time to spend on investing, I’m thinking of selling all of my equities and buying ETFs instead. I’m considering the following ETFs in a 1:1:1:1 distribution.

XIC
XUU
XEF
ZEM

Could you please give me the pros and cons of these ETFs, and alternatives if you feel there are any that are better.

Thank you very much for your service.
Read Answer Asked by Federico on November 11, 2024
Q: I currently own a 3% total portfolio in international markets. I plan to raise my total international exposure to 10% from new money available. Do you think it is safe to do so. My U$ exposure is at 42%. No bonds, 7% in money markets.

I currently own XIN and ZWE for distribution. Is there overlap between VI, XEF and XIN? How would you proceed? Can you rank and propose what my options are among these ETFs with the % you would allocate to each 2 or3 ? I don't want EMs.

Thank you for your precious help. You've made me wonders since I use your services.

Yves
Read Answer Asked by Yves on June 17, 2024
Q: What do you think of AIM1517 for international exposure?

I have a couple of mutual funds left in my RRSP that I bought YEARS ago. I’m trying to decide if I should keep them or replace them with an ETF(s)? I currently hold XEC and XEF for international exposure. Is it worth keeping AIM1517 for international exposure, it’s 60%+ US stock so not sure how international it really is. Would something like XEC and XEF make more sense and provide better overall results? Is there a better ETF(s) I should be looking at for that goal?
Read Answer Asked by Raymond on June 11, 2024
Q: Hi

What would you prefer among XEF, ZEA, and VI for a long-term hold for international exposure ex CA and US.

Thanks
Robert
Read Answer Asked by Robert on February 12, 2024
Q: Hi,
On Jan 9th I asked the following question
Q: can you tell me 1) if there is any difference in XEF and ZDM in terms of tax efficiency and 2) which accounts are best to hold these ETFs in in terms of tax efficiency (please rank from best to worse) ?

You answered the first part but not the second part. 2) Could you please rank from best to worse in regard to tax efficiency, which account (e.g., RRSP, TFSA, nonregistered) is best to hold them.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Mary on January 12, 2024
Q: can you tell me 1) if there is any difference in XEF and ZDM in terms of tax efficiency and 2) which accounts are best to hold these ETFs in in terms of tax efficiency (please rank from best to worse) ?
thanks
Read Answer Asked by Mary on January 09, 2024
Q: https://www.rbadvisors.com/insights/4-for-24-year-ahead-outlook/

RB advisers recommend the following 4 themes for 2024 and as a value investor I am looking for ETF recommendations:
(1) US small caps: I am using XSU (100% IWM)
(2) US cyclicals: I found IYC but P/E is 27! Recommendation?
(3) Non-US and emerging markets: I have been using XEF and ZEM. I like XEM (100% EEM) because it posts a P/E each day.
(4) Theme 4 is "Industrials: deglobalization spurs infrastructure". No idea what ETFs to use here.
Thanks for your recommendations/comments!!!
Read Answer Asked by Grant on December 21, 2023
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