Investment Q&A

Q: What are the Can ETFs that cover the main US ETFs, like SPY? And what are their mers?

What are the advantages of using these Canadian versions?

Do you still require W-BEN forms if you buy these?

Thanks for all your help.

Q: My sister just pulled out of Questrade's Robo account to a self-directed account. She planned to buy basic 4 index ETFs in order to keep things simple (XIC for Canadian (30%), XUU for US (35%), VIU for Europe (20%), and VEE for emerging markets (15%)).

However, when the funds appeared, we found two thirds of it was in CAD and one third in USD. It seems inefficient to convert it back to CAD and buy those funds. So we're thinking of buying the US equivalent ETFs for XUU and perhaps VIU and VEE.

Can you give us the US equivalents of these funds. If you have any advice on our strategy here or the funds I've mention (eg. whether iShares or Vanguard is preferable in these areas) feel free to add your wisdom which I so much value as a member.

Q: Hi,

I'm a medium risk investor with a 5 year time frame.

Can you recommend 3 US ETFS to cover the whole US Market?
And 3 to cover the whole CDN market?
and 1 ETF to cover the international market?

Q: What is your view on a core portfolio of the following ETFs: IEMG (12%), IEFA (23%), ITOT/ VFV (40%). The US ETFs would be in RRSP to minimize fees and withholding taxes while VFV would be in a TFSA. Both accounts would be supplemented with individual stocks from the 5i balanced/growth portfolios and a select few US stocks (CRWD, U, SQ, PINS, PLTR, NVDA) for Canada/growth exposure. Do you prefer Vanguard’s comparative US ETFs over the ones mentioned or are you largely indifferent? Thanks!

Q: Which of the above etfs is better/preferable. I am looking for growth with reasonable risk. Income is not important. Don’t need the cash for the next three or so years.
Thank you

Q: Hi

In my RRSP would it be wise to replace VGG, ZDY, and ZWH with ITOT.

Looking for lower fees and growth.

Thank you

Mike

Q: Hi
Would it be a wise to replace the 4 mentioned above with ITOT in my RRSP.

Thank you Mike.

Q: Hi Peter & 5i,
Which of these 2 ETF's would you prefer and why, or if you have any other that is better, would be much appreciated. Thanks for your wonderful service. Stay safe. Ivan

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan and 5i,
Could you please give me a list of at least 5 US Listed ETF's (Total Market) for a Lira account with at least 10 year hold.
Thanks as always for your expert advice. Ivan

Q: From a tax perspective, does it make a difference where I hold XUU? I'd like to put it in a non-registered account but I'm wondering whether there is a tax benefit to put it in my RSP.

Thanks,

Q: I've read that total market ETF's such as ITOT include a component of unprofitable small caps that can cause a drag on performance. It was recommended instead to go with an S&P 500 ETF suchs as VOO, and supplement this with a mid/small cap ETF that follows an index that screens out low profitability, such as IJS or IUSV. What's your opinion of this strategy?

Q: I have an account that follows the balanced equity portfolio. I have some fresh money to put to work and am considering purchasing ITOT for US exposure. Your thoughts or alternate suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John