Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a favorite tool for do-it-yourself investors. Today, more than 4,300 ETFs trade on Canadian and U.S. exchanges, issued and managed by a wide range of fund sponsors. Like mutual funds, ETFs fall under the oversight of provincial and territorial securities regulators. These authorities require clear disclosure of investment details and … Read more

Inside this ETF guide How to evaluate ETFs based on financial reportsWhich type of ETF investor are you?What seasoned investors look for in an ETF prospectusETFs for different life stagesETF investing strategies Why invest in ETFs? Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) combine several attractive features for many investors: ease of trading, built-in diversification, relatively low fees compared … Read more

Affluent investors have recently taken an interest in a strategy called direct indexing. Often described as “building your own index,” direct indexing is a hybrid approach to index investing: instead of buying a pooled fund, an investor holds the individual stocks that make up an index, generally in proportions that mirror the index itself. Morgan … Read more

I used to look forward to the annual asset-class rotation chart Franklin Templeton published for financial advisors and the media. Even though the print copy I keep on my office wall is dated 2015, the chart’s lessons remain relevant. I checked with Franklin Templeton and the chart is still available, now only in a digital … Read more

I saw an ad saying there’s no risk in trading bitcoin. How can they say that?—Abbas That’s an important question. Cryptocurrency firms often use bold, flashy marketing to attract new customers. Some promotions promise unusually high returns or imply little to no risk, which can be misleading. It’s essential to separate legitimate, regulated operators from … Read more

Will buying a Canadian-domiciled U.S. index ETF result in U.S. withholding tax on dividend income like a U.S.-domiciled ETF or U.S. stock paying a dividend?—Neil Withholding tax on U.S. ETFs for Canadians U.S. equities make up a large share of global markets — roughly 46% of world equity market capitalization as of the third quarter … Read more

With inflation and rising interest rates eroding Canadians’ purchasing power, many experts expect economic activity to slow. A recession—mild or otherwise—wouldn’t be the ideal way to start the year, but there are practical steps you can take now to protect your finances. The following six strategies will help you reduce stress this December and enter … Read more

This week, Cut the Crap Investing founder Dale Roberts reviews major financial headlines and provides context for Canadian investors. The Bank of Canada hikes the rate by 0.50% This past Wednesday the Bank of Canada (BoC) raised its policy interest rate by 50 basis points (0.50%). That move pushed the policy rate to its highest … Read more

Should I name beneficiaries on my investment accounts or leave them to my estate?—Catherine Named beneficiaries vs the estate — which is better? Thanks for your question, Catherine. When we plan our estates, one of the practical choices is deciding how investment accounts should transfer after death. The right approach depends on your situation, the … Read more

If you plan to buy a property, you probably already know you’ll need a down payment. This is the portion of the purchase price you pay up front and is subtracted from the total amount you borrow to buy the home. Exactly how much you must save for a down payment depends on the price … Read more