Understanding the Value Factor
This is Part 3 in a series about smart beta ETFs. See below for links to other posts in the series. In this installment, we look at the value factor: the idea that stocks whose prices are low relative [...]
A Brief History of Smart Beta
This post is Part 2 in a series about smart beta ETFs. See below for links to other posts in the series.  Smart beta is a relatively new term, but its roots stretch back several decades. Let’s l [...]
Smart Beta ETFs: Your Complete Guide
Remember when index funds simply tracked the broad markets? I do, but I also remember renting movies on VHS and watching the Leafs in the second round of the playoffs. Today there are ETFs tracking ev [...]
An Even Better Reason to Fix Your Portfolio
So your portfolio is a disaster. Your RRSP is full of high-cost mutual funds, sprinkled with some random stocks and a bunch of exotic ETFs that seemed like a good idea at the time. You know it’s time [...]
How Foreign Withholding Taxes Affect Returns
In our newly revised white paper, Justin Bender and I explain the hidden cost of foreign withholding taxes on US and international equity ETFs. I gave an overview of the most important points in my pr [...]
Foreign Withholding Taxes Revisited
Justin Bender and I have just completed the second edition of our popular white paper, Foreign Withholding Taxes: How to estimate the hidden tax drag on US and international equity ETFs. Originally pu [...]
Cost Versus Convenience in “ex Canada” ETFs
I used to own one of those one-piece cutlery tools designed for hiking and camping—the kind with a knife, fork and spoon that all fold into a single unit. It was hardly ideal for eating, especially if [...]
The Real Problem With Inflation-Protected Bonds
When I announced my stripped-down model portfolios at the beginning of last year, one of the asset classes I dropped was real-return bonds (RRBs). Part of the reason was simplicity: it’s easier to man [...]
Ask the Spud: Switching From e-Series Funds to ETFs
Q: “I currently have $30,000 invested in the TD e-Series funds. When the time comes to move to ETFs, what is the best way to do this while still making automatic contributions? Should I put my biweekl [...]
Are Target Date Funds Right For You?
Think about all the elements you need to be a successful index investor. First, you need to choose the right mix of stocks and bonds, and to adjust that mix as you approach retirement. Your portfolio [...]
