Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i Team
I am comparing two ETF from Vanguard Canada and from Vanguard USA.
Vanguard Canada – US Total Market ETF (CA:VUN), trades in Canadian dollars on Canadian exchange, tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. The MER is equal to 0.16 %. The 2019 distribution was composed of $0.99538 foreign income, $0.00076 ROC and $0.1593 foreign withholding tax (approximately 16 % of the total distribution, applied by Vanguard).
Vanguard USA – Total Stock Market ETF (US:VTI), trades in US dollar on US exchange, tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. The MER is equal to 0.03 %. The 2019 distribution was US$2.8747 with no withholding tax applied by Vanguard.
Questions are:
1 – Are these two ETF essentially the same (one trades in C$ on Canadian Market, the other trades in US$ on the US Market) as they both appear to track the CRSP US Total Market Index?
2 – If I hold CA:VUN in a non-registered account, will there be withholding tax applied by my broker to the distribution?
3 – If I hold US:VTI in a non-registered account, will there be withholding tax applied by my broker to the distribution?
4 – Is the difference in the MER (0.16 % vs 0.03 %) essentially the 15 % withholding tax applied to US dividends?
5 – Which is the better ETF to hold in a non-registered account, ignoring the cost of currency conversion to purchase US dollars in order to buy US:VTI?
Thank you

Q: Hello

What are your thoughts on this company? Would you buy today?

Q: Both NAVI and COOP look oddly undervalued even after one factors in known problems in their business models. NAVI pays a good dividend (too good?). COOP pays none. Is NAVI’s dividend well covered? COOP appears to trade at below book or is that incorrect? What do you calculate are the PEG ratios for each of theses companies? Financial sites give differing ratios.
What do you see as vulnerabilities that are perhaps not discernible to a non-finance professional? Interest rates are likely to remain low for several years; it appears the US economy will continue to be bolstered by at least some stimulus, however modest, through to at least end of year 2021. Would either company be a probable target by a new US Admin? I would be thankful for your looking under the hood. I am concerned there might be dangers of the type that are sometimes skipped even by premium finance sites.
Would you buy either company, and if yes, your preference (if any?)

Q: I have no exposure to gold in my portfolio. I must reduce my exposure to one of my four largest holdings (ATD.B, GIL, HCG, SJ) to make this purchase. I was planning on buying FNV and/or AEM. If I only purchased one gold company which one would you pick? Which 2 companies would you sell to make this purchase?

Q: Hi Group can you comment on the latest news release on PYR stock is highly volatile but appears to have some momentum. Its hit another high this am( $6:43) then backed of again. Do you think the big boys are day trading this stock or is it based on their new technology Thanks for you views on this

Q: Thoughts on the quarter please. Is their 5% profit margin sustainable in the future?
thank you

Q: Hello. Would you be more optimistic about CTS after their 2Q results? Also being named as a top fast growth company? I am considering adding to my position. Thank you.

Q: Good morning in your opinion would this be a good entry point as it has been down and trading sideways thank you

Q: good morning,

I have been reading that RY and TD are more full valued at present than are BNS, CM and BMO. I own all five banks and am wondering if its a good idea to sell RY and TD and buy one or more of the other three banks. If this makes sense to you, which bank(s) would I buy, in order of preference.

as always, your advice is appreciated.

Q: These two companies have either raised money recently or did a shelf prospectus in anticipation I think of raising money?
Could these two companies be in play to he bought out or are they mainly interested in growing their companies? Which company could be interested in buying them?

Q: Good morning 5i folks. Apparently, I've fallen behind on my financial acronym homework . I guess I need to bone up.
Can you enlighten me as to what constitutes a SPAC ?
Thanks, David

Q: thanks for the recent risk ratings answers for US stocks....I use the information to set my target weights.
and I want to mention this is one thing I struggle with, like how to set target weights for each stock in a portfolio.
yes, I know for a blue chip stock, the weight could be 4 or 5% and for smaller cap stocks, like 2%......but really in setting the target weights, I'm in the dark!!!
with this in mind, perhaps you could keyboard your thoughts on what the process is or key factors are.......anyhow, thanks!......Tom

Q: With the pending vaccine and inoculations to come, just wondering if you may have a lead on a syringe manufacturer? It may be a good investment direction to consider. Thanks
Dennis

Q: After the reorganization of BEP.UN, I hold over 8% (for all 3) in a RRIF.
Is it worth trimming down to 1 or 2 of these and which would be better for long term hold in a RIFF?
The portfolio is otherwise fairly balanced but leaning overweight in financials and solid Dividend payers.
Thanks for the continuing advice!
Peter

Q: Hi Team
BNTX seems to be tanking with lots of positive news for vaccines.
Do you still consider this a good hold until at least year end ?
I hold in registered accounts so cap loss / gain is not an issue.
Thanks, Peter

Q: Are there canadian public companies involved in work from home ?

Q: what is your take on stocks that look good for recovery plays in the US?.....asking this because I read your take on those in Canada.

Q: What are your thought on this company, its market advantage and would you recommend a small position for a long-term hold.

Q: In the past you have noted that CSU is one of the best managed companies in Canada and there can be no argument there. Are they getting tired? In round terms CSU is up 20% in the past 1 year while ENGH is up 100%. Is it time for me to get off the CSU horse which has served me well. What would be your recommended replacement if yes please? Dam Dan

Q: My 27 yo son has just had $36k CAD deposited into his LIRA. His portfolio is reasonably balanced, so don't let sector influence your response. I intend to convert some or all of it into USD using Norberts. I would like to invest in 3 or 4 stocks that in 30 - 35 years will be like investing in Apple 30 years ago. Plse give me some names to consider.