Investment Q&A

Q: Good afternoon,

I am looking for exposure to the US market, in my RRSP. According to your previous answers on this type of inquiry, an ETF would be the easiest way to go, since it automatically brings both diversification and exposure.

My time horizon is minimum 10 years and don't mind a medium amount of volatility, as long as the returns are there in the end. My plan is to invest into the chosen ETF each year, so that my exposure to the US market is taken care of.

I have been looking more closely at VGG, VFV and VUN, mostly out of the reputation of Vanguard products. The dividend growth orientation of VGG sure is appealing, but I am not primarly looking for income. Aside from that they all seem pretty similar.

I would like to know your point of view on these ETFs I mentionned and if there are any others that you consider that would fit better in a long term plan.

Thank you very much!

Q: Hello 5i,

I would like to hear your suggestions on what the 2 best choices are for Dividend paying ETF's from the list above or any others I didn't mention. One for CAD and one for USA (on the TSX). I would want to keep these for 10-15 years or even into my retirement if returns continue to make it worth it.

Thank you kindly,

Paul

Q: Good morning, If I sell ZWH, VGG and VIG in taxable accounts and replace with ZWA and VGH (both hedged and in Cdn dollars), will this trigger the disallowed tax loss? i.e. are they too similar to replace within 30 days? If so what would be a better solution? What would be your suggestion for US representation at this time?
Thanks for your never ending help.
Ted

Q: I'm considering various ETFs (mostly from Vanguard) for global exposure and I just wanted to get your thoughts:

Asia/Pacific - VPL or VAH
Europe - VEH or ZWE
EM - VEE or VE
USA - VUN or VIG or VGG
Global - VT, VIGI, VYMI, VXC (would it make sense to buy all of these, or is there too much overlap?)

These would all be held for many years. I don't need the income from dividends, but a decent yield is always nice. Currently wondering about things like hedged vs unhedged, fund size, growth potential. Thanks for the advice.

Q: I own VUN and VGG, plus several other US companies which make up my US portfolio. I'm looking for more growth - would you recommend IWO? Would you drop either of the Vanguard ETFs?
Thanks

Q: Hi,
I'm young and have good income, good risk tolerance and no need to withdrawal any of my investment dollars anytime soon. I'm looking for long term growth mostly. Currently I hold the listed stocks, do you see any names that jump out as really bad/ should sell? Is anything really lacking and maybe should be added? Right now everything is held in a tfsa.

Thanks!
Dave

Q: Hi5I
We are giving our 3 grandchildren $5000.00 each, so they can each open a TFSA account. Our intention is to give them the same amount for the following three years.
Considering the size of the deposit, and the fees for the accounts, your recommendation on where to open the accounts and what to buy inside the accounts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks MJ

Q: Hi guys,

In response to Sam's question,how would you rank these for a long term investment. Right now I am holding VIG.

Thanks,

Jjm

Q: Hi
I am looking for your top pic for Secure High Dividend ETF's - One Canadian Equity and One USA. I am also looking for High Dividend Growth ETF's (Like CDZ) - One More Canadian and One USA

Q: Hi 5i Team,
Could I have your opinion on my last remaining mutual fund, Sentry all cap income fund (NCE1032). I hold positions in most of the companies in both your model and income portfolios and was thinking of maybe selling this last mutual fund. With the proceeds I was thinking of adding VGG but would miss the larger distribution offered by Sentry all cap fund. I am retired and rely on my dividend stream to supplement my company pension. Your advice would be appreciated. If not VGG maybe you could recommend something else(I also have a large position in CDZ). Thanks. Mario.

Q: I know US companies are not your focus however I wanted to get your thoughts on selling GE and allocating some US$- in my rrsp.
I am an income investor and currently hold ZPW-U and ZWH-U in equal weight re investing the dividends monthly. I also have a small position in JNJ and a larger position in GE (7%) of portfolio. I am concerned GE really isn't going anywhere and am considering switching to something with a better outlook any suggestions etf or stock to add here... or should I continue to hold?
I already hold VGG in another account...

Q: Hello,markets are looking real good,i'am thinking Trump will need some good news shortly to keep it going?It looks like the establishment is circling.
VGG as a dividend ETF has a fairly low dividend, does it only rely on capital appreciation or a special dividend at year end?
Could you recommend a ETF along the same lines that pay 4-5% dividend,or stay with VGG.
Thanks,great work Brad

Q: I'm looking for dividend growth ETFs for diversification (e.g. VGG, VGH) .. can you suggest how to do that but without having companies like MONSANTO, MACDONALDS, PEPSI AND COKE in the mix? thanks

Q: I have not been as successful with my wifes TFSA as my own; currently have T 11%, AX.UN 6%, HR.UN 19% POW 29%, CDZ 18% and FN.PR.A 5%. Can you suggest a better mix? We are both in our early 70's and have RRIFs, trading accounts also with about 25 equities, plus about 150K in laddered GICs

Q: With 17% of my portfolio invested in these US ETFs, I'm thinking about adding another 5-10%. However, I'm wary of the Trump implications. All of the above are near 52-week highs. As a long term investor, should I not worry about timing the market, or is it advisable to wait a bit before investing in the US? Is XUS worth buying or am I fine sticking with VUN, if I go ahead and invest in the US?

Q: My portfolio closely matches you balanced equity portfolio. As it looks like the US will outperform Canada over the next year I am thinking of picking up some US ETF's for about 20% of my portfolio. What do you think of this strategy and if you agree, what ETF's would you suggest?

Ray

Q: I have a question about 1714,Hi,I would like to diversify out of Canada with a etf. If I bought VGG in my cash account,would I have to fill out a U.S. Tax form,or would it be included in my Canadian tax return? I file my own taxes and not interested in filing U.S.taxes as well.
Would Vgg be good for income 3-4% and a little growth or could you recommend something.
Thanks,Brad

Q: I'm helping my daughter (mid-20s) manage her TFSA, which is her only portfolio. Currently, it consists of IPL 30%, TOY 28% , SIS 18% and KXS 23%. She’s wants to keep TOY, SIS and KXS, but is thinking of selling IPL. She is more interested in growth stocks. Do you consider selling IPL a good move or is it best to keep it; and, can you suggest 2-3 other stocks to add to round things out, given the other holdings. She's looking at a minimum 3-5 year timeframe.

Q: Hi Team, In my RRSP, I'm Currently holding 30% weight in U.S.market with 20% in VUN (Vanguard Total U.S. Market ETF.) and 10% ZDY (BMO U.S. Dividend ETF) given the potential of rising rates, would I need to get rid of ZDY which has performed well and replace it with VGG.Is there something else you would recommend. Thanks-you! Sam

Q: Hi Peter and Team

What Canadian listed ETF would you recommend today for US market exposure for the TFSA of a thirty year old with a long term time horizon? Would your answer be any different if it was for an RRSP where the 15% US withholding tax was not an issue? There seem to be hedged and nonhedged versions of all of them so would you recommend a hedged version now with the USD so strong?

Thank you!