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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: As small investors, we are constantly urged (John DeGoey even pleads) that we diversify out of Canada via ETF/mutual funds but far less is said about the tax implications on investment return of the recommendations. Let's say one wants to invest new funds in mutual/ETF funds that are tax efficient. Because of contribution limit rules on TFSA/RSP/RIF, someone wants to add to their regular Canadian trading account instead. I understand at least one fund co. uses swaps so you postpone tax until you sell thereby avoiding annual dividend and unpredictable capital distributions. At least you then have some control over tax exposure timing and amount. Realize this not the forum for comprehensive answer (designing such a portfolio good topic for one of your newsletters), but can you advise of of some high quality fund managers/funds that offer tax advantaged products? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 22, 2018
Q: I presently have $150,000 in MMF19. It has a MER of 1.5% and has yielded about 3.5 % annually over the past two years. PMIF has a MER of 0.75 and the indicated yield is 4.6% while PM0205 has a MER of 0.75 and a yield of 3.94 %. Would you sell MMF19 and buy one of the PMICO funds as a replacement? Would you have an even better suggestion?
I'm 85 years old with no need for income but I want to reduce risk by holding some bonds.
Read Answer Asked by George on January 22, 2018
Q: i currently hold hr.un and drg.un in my portfolio for a total reit exposure of 12%, split almost evenly between the two. I am thinking of reducing the above two and adding bpy.un for a total of three reits totalling 12% of my portfolio. Would i gain much more global exposure than what i currently have and would it increase my exposure negatively.

Thanks, David
Read Answer Asked by david on January 22, 2018
Q: Hello 5i,
My wife has a very small LIF (around 1% of our PF value) which was put into RBF461 A. Initially it generated enough income to almost cover the withdrawals, only a minimal amount was needed to be sold. The last year, however, has seen the fund return very little and more has needed to be sold to cover the annual withdrawal.
I was contemplating switching the LIF to XTR which would seemingly generate far more income and require a smaller amount to be sold. My questions are:
1. Would you endorse moving out of the RBC mutual fund and into an ETF?
2. If so, would XTR be a suitable candidate or would you recommend something else?
We currently have (5) pensions and an equity portfolio which also has some fixed income in it (@15%).
Thanks for any direction you might be able to provide.
Cheers,
Mike
Read Answer Asked by Mike on January 22, 2018
Q: Hello Peter
What are your thoughts on Nomura Instinet analyst comment on CNBC about SQ Inc.
(Payment company Square is "analogous to Amazon or Google in their early days" but Wall Street is valuing the stock all wrong, according to Nomura Instinet)
Thank you always for your valuable advice.
Regards
Claudio
Read Answer Asked by claudio on January 22, 2018
Q: I hold ALA common shares at a small loss (bought just under $30), and am surprised that it has not been able to get back up near the $31 receipt issue price. I am considering selling ALA and buying back the same number of shares as ALA.r, at a slightly lower price. Is it correct that if the deal does not go through, the receipts are cancelled at $31 per receipt, and if the deal does go through, the receipts become ALA shares on a 1 for 1 basis?

My thinking is that if the deal fails, then I have a capital gain on the receipts (including claiming the current loss on ALA), and if the deal goes through, I am essentially in the same position, whatever the share price. I guess the downside is that if the deal fails and the market really likes that, ALA common shares could go above $31. Am I thinking straight here, and do you have any comment on this plan or the potential market reaction to the deal failing.
Thank-you
Read Answer Asked by grant on January 22, 2018
Q: Hi there,
I have been thinking about hedging my portfolio against a downturn and want to explore ETFs that are bearish on the market. I would appreciate thoughts about any Canadian or International ETFs you might point me to for further research. I would be looking at starting with a small position for now. And, I would also appreciate any other thoughts you might have about insulating a portfolio against the inevitable correction.
Thanks very much, I appreciate the service you provide and just renewed again.
Read Answer Asked by Erna on January 22, 2018
Q: I hold these 3 RIET’s in my investment accounts. I am looking for a replacement for H&R. Would appreciate your suggestions to provide a reasonable return with some growth. The holding will be in a taxable account.
Thank you
Les
Read Answer Asked by Les on January 22, 2018
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