Investment Q&A

Q: For US dividends, why own VGG (MER = 0.30% , div. yield = 1.34%) vs. DGRO (0.08%, 2.44%)?

Q: I currently have some cash in RRSP USD and RRSP CAD accounts. I also have some US cash for Non-Reg USD account.

I am wondering how to allocate VIG/VGG/ZDY amongst these accounts to minimize FX fees while also minimizing taxes.

For e.g. if I put VGG or ZDY in RRSP CAD, I believe a 15 per cent withholding tax applies to dividends if US stocks are held via a TSX-listed ETF (yes, even within RRSP account)!

If I put VIG in RRSP USD, I will have to pay the 15-percent withholding taxes on the US dividends.

Please do you have any recommendations on how to avoid paying these taxes?

Also given that VGG is listed in TSX and tracks the VIG ETF in the US, I am wondering whether there is any difference in putting VGG in RRSP CAD account or should I prefer putting VIG in the RRSP USD account (given smaller MER).

Thanks!

Q: Hi Team, I have 20% of my rsp in cash. Im considering going with growth oriented ETFs. Can you suggest 3 ETFs, and I would go with 7% for each? Is 7% too high when adding an ETF to my portfolio?
Thanks

Q: I am looking for a dividend ETF in Canada and USA. What do you recommend?

Q: Does Horizons or similar company have a tax deferred ETF that would be similar to VGG. I understand HXS does for US exposure, though I am interested in one that focuses on dividends which are only taxed as capital gains once the stock is sold. Thank you for your service.

Q: Hi,I want to diversify my RSP which i already own a large position in Turtle Creek US Fund ,Barometer Global Macro Pool,and Edgehill International Advantage Fund and am thinking of adding the ETF's mentioned to this mix.
I am wondering your opinion on this group as a whole and if you would not endorse any of the additions i am planning.
Thanks,
Brad.

Q: Good morning, my US equity is entirely in ZWH, VGG, and VIG. Each about 5% of total portfolio. Monthly income from ZWH is convenient for RRIF withdrawals (over 80) but both VIG and VGG have significantly outperformed ZWH over at least the last 2 years. I am thinking of disposing of the ZWH (covered call ETF) and using equal amounts of VGG and VIG to total 15% of portfolio. I have available $US cash to do so. Any other ideas for US equity exposure are welcome.

Regards Ted

Q: I'd like to add some U.S. and emerging markets exposure into my TSFA. Could you please recommend a couple of ETF's (or other investment options) that would help me accomplish this. Thanks

Dave

Q: Is there any difference / benefit of holding these in a TFSA vs RRSP (tax wise). I understand the favorable tax treatment to US stocks in an RRSP via withholding tax. What about ETFs that trade on the TSX but hold US stocks?

Thank you!

Q: On BNN this morning Larry Berman made a comment about ETFs that are sold in Canada and are essentially repackaged ETFs from the US. He stated that there is some double taxation going on. I believe related to withholding taxes although he didn't explain in detail.
I hold VGG and VEE which are repackaged holdings of VIG and VWO, respectively.
Is this in fact true and how much of an impact would this mean to the rate of return?

Q: Hi- my husband and I would like to put some of our RSP money into ETFs for long term growth. We are interested in US ETFs but not sure if you cover US ones or not. If not, are there some Canadian ones you would suggest? I already have XIC.TO and CDZ.TO
Thanks, Jill

Q: I guess I didnt make myself clear on an earlier question. I am looking for a US ETF that I can buy with canadian dollars, but unhedged. Preferably in the broad market, Technology, Financial and Health or a combination of all. I do not have a US account with my online brokerage.
Thanks again your service is supurb!

Q: Hi 5i. I am just starting an RESP for my 2 yr old granddaughter. I'm thinking long term of course and with only $5,000 available was considering VGG or VFV for a start. Either one or both. What do you think or is there a better alternative ? Thanks for your help. Ron

Q: Good day,

I currently have in my TFSA portfolio the following stocks which you had recommended
(KXS, PHO, SIS, TOY, PBH, SHOP and DOL). I have 10K which would like to add to my TFSA. What stocks would you consider purchasing to compliment what I already own?

Q: Good morning,

I am retired and hold a mix of CDN stocks (growth and income) as per 5i portfolio's. I also hold ETF VEE, XWD, ZQQ I am considering adding VGG.
XWD and VGG look very similar when viewed on a one year chart except for MER. Is VGG worth adding. Dividends are nice but not priority.

Thanks Carl

Q: I am looking at VGG as a way to use Canadian dollars to acquire a reasonable number (around 70 I believe) of dividend growing US large caps. Do you think this ETF makes sense for US exposure to dividend growers or would you prefer to invest using US dollars and select 5 or 6 dividend growers (any suggestions in that case). Lastly do you consider this a sensible investment strategy for part of a balanced portfolio at this time for a 3 year hold. I appreciate your input as always - Ken

Q: Hi 5I,

Could you please suggest 3 or 4 ETF's that would be tax suitable for a non registered income account. I now have a mix of large cap Canadian Dividend stock (Bank,Utilities), in the account and a GIC ladder.
I'm looking for minimal 4% monthly payout , higher is better.

Thanks

Q: I currently hold CDZ and VGG in my RRSP. I am looking to add a similar product with more international exposure. Are there any Canadian listed ETFs that focus on European, International, and/or Emerging Market dividend growers?

Thanks!

Q: I have over $30k of ENB in my TFSA which is 100% of my TFSA. How would you recommend I diversify my TFSA. Do you recommend any combination of stocks or ETF's?

Q: For someone in their early twenties and has 30K in a TFSA, what would be an appropriate amount of stocks to hold, and what would be some of your top suggestions?

Thanks