Investment Q&A

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

Q: As a retired couple looking for div. Growth, not to happy with 5% weight in zgi in our rrif. Could u please give a few better options.

Q: I have a well diversified portfolio in Canada. I have little direct exposure to the US market but I have about $25k in a US cash account right now. I have about a 5 year horizon when I believe I will have to close this account. I am interested in buying some companies or ETFs that are difficult to cover with my Canadian holdings. Could you please name 3 ETFs/Companies for a fairly conservative but not completely risk averse investor to check out.
Thank you for your invaluable help.

Q: Hi 5i team,

Enjoy reading the blog on power of dividend growth stocks. I want to invest in US, Europe and Emerging Market. Would investing in ETFs that track dividend growth stocks be better than the overall indexes?
Please provide your ETFs picks, in US$ and in C$, that invest in dividend growth stocks in US, dividend growth stocks in Europe and dividend growth stocks in Emerging Market. Would these etfs be best held in RRSP account? Thanks.

Q: Dear 5i
I own VGG , VFV , and ZWH ETF`s that all trade on the TSX . I bought these ETF`s because they hold all US stocks and i needed some US exposure. It seems however that when the US markets are up big but the TSX is down a bit on the same day the US ETF`s are down . So my question is if one expects the US markets to outperform the the TSX then would it not be best to buy said ETF`s on the US exchanges ? It just seems like i`ve got the US exposure but even on big US market days coinciding with low TSX market days i`ve lately been missing out lately on the current US market rally . Should i stay the course or switch some to the US exchanges ? This is assuming that we believe that the US markets will do better then the TSX this year .
Thanks
Bill C.

Q: After reading your article about Dividend Growth Stocks, the first question that came to mind was "Is there a Canadian ETF that covers dividend growth stock for Canadian stocks and one for US stocks and would you recommend them based on past experience? With thanks, Bill

Q: Would you pick CUD or VGG or is there another alternative that you prefer? Would you switch from one to the other?

Q: I have very little invested outside of Canada and would like to increase foreign investments. What are the tax ramifications if any, of investing in index funds such as Vanguard or Ishares in a taxable account? I suspect that there may be a withholding tax.

What would your 3 favourites be for investing outside of North America?

Thanks
Ron

Q: I have a 5 year old grandson and want to start a long term investment fund. Would an ETF be the best way to go, and if so, could you recommend a few. Thanks. All the best in the New Year. Thanks for all your help over the years.