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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: Peter and team:

I have done very well on both NFI and WEF (2x) in an RESP for my kids. First withdrawals will be in 2-3 years.
In your opinion should I sell both and re-invest in something less volatile, or hang on for the ride.
Also, what do you think of BMO low volatility funds (ZLB and ZLU) as options on a 2-3 year RESP.
Deduct a couple if you see fit. Thanks as always.

Phil
Read Answer Asked by Phil on May 12, 2016
Q: Your response to nicholas on EIF gives me comfort to continue to hold it for yield. The article in today's Globe ROB says the exact opposite about the coverage ratio. Can you comment on what the coverage ratio is? Both of you base it on cash flows but article concludes there is absolutely no cash available to cover dividends once you factor in capex spending and therefore our dividends are surviving only on debt and equity issues. Thanks again. John C.
Read Answer Asked by john on May 12, 2016
Q: Recently Peter's response to a member question mentioned CAR.UN as a decent choice for a REIT for good income and growth prospects. That's got me started thinking about adding REITS to my non-registered account.

However, I am not educated about the tax implications of owning Canadian REITS in a non-registered account. Is income from CAR.UN an eligible dividend to qualify for the dividend tax credit? Or is it treated as straight income that is fully taxable, or are there some other form of tax treatment that is done with income from Canadian REITs?

If eligible for the dividend tax credit, are there other Canadian REITs that look attractive from a growth, income and favourable tax treatment perspective?

SGR
Read Answer Asked by SG on May 12, 2016
Q: I had the experience of buying US stocks with Canadian funds.As the settlement date was three days later and during this time the Canadian dollar weakened my base cost was rising while waiting for the settlement date;the actual cost of the shares in US dollars remained the same.I was advised by the rep to convert first the required Canadian funds and then buy the US stock I was looking for in US dollars;ie I could convert at my own preference.
Read Answer Asked by Sam on May 12, 2016
Q: Regarding Cheryl's question concerning U.S.$ registered accounts with ScotiaiTrade, I am not sure if this is what she is looking for but for RRSP accounts (maybe TFSA?) one can make the account US$ friendly so the 2% premium on Forex is not charged for sales, purchases and dividends. You make your account "US Friendly" and they charge $30 per quarter per account that is converted to that service. There is a way to do it online but one can also call them. I hope that helps.
Read Answer Asked by Derek on May 12, 2016
Q: Hello my question is about corporate bonds. I hear analysts discuss various corporate bonds on BNN and sometimes subscribers here ask about particular bonds. But when I go on to Scotia ITrade often those bonds are not listed or shown. Is there some reason why and is there a website that lists all corporate bonds US too) that may be available, such that I could at least ask ITrade about them? Thank you, Bill
Read Answer Asked by Bill on May 12, 2016
Q: With reference to Cheryl's question: I too have an iTrade account and I think they convert the US dividends, paid by TSX listed companies, without a (substantial) fee.

I have 20 shares of Constellation Software (CSU) and on April 5, I had $25.96 in Canadian funds deposited in my account (in case you want to do the math and figure out if whatever fee is involved is worth your while or not).

Good luck.

John

I hope this helps
Read Answer Asked by john on May 12, 2016
Q: Hi Team,
I received notice from Economical Insurance, as a policy holder, that it plans to go public (demutualization). Apparently if I choose to participate, I can receive shares (or cash in lieu of shares). I have been informed I am an "eligible non-mutual policyholder." This affects 630,000 policy holders.

I am completely unfamiliar with this process. Do you have any information you can share about what this means and do you have an opinion on the value this may offer?

Many thanks. Michael

Read Answer Asked by Michael on May 12, 2016
Q: I'm afraid I'm a bit like a dog with a bone, I don't let go until I have the correct answer. so I phoned back to Scotia and talked to a very informative person who states that because they don't have $US accounts for registered accounts they have to convert them back to $CA at there FOREX rate with a 2% premium. I am now comfortable with this information and hope it helps others as well. Thank you again!
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on May 11, 2016
Q: Further to my question re Canadian stocks paying $us dividends in a Canadian account I phoned Scotia itrade to ask about the fees for the conversion. They stated that no fee is charged to convert the dividend. In disbelief I asked well is there a premium charged on the conversion rate. They again said no fee is charged, I double checked. If this is true I don't need to do anything. But somehow I have a hard time believing this...your thoughts and if anyone else has any experience with scotia itrade to confirm this it would be greatly appreciated. thank you
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on May 11, 2016
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