Every investor knows that fixed - income investments are best
held in registered accounts, because interest is fully taxable at your marginal rate.
SP: The currency - neutral funds currently in existence started out as «RRSP» funds that used derivatives to skirt the 30 % foreign content
rules in registered accounts.
The fact they pay interest income means they're less tax - efficient, but they can supplement today's historically low interest rates while being
sheltered in registered accounts.
These stocks form a small component of registered accounts (since they pay interest income they are
better in registered accounts), and I am pleased with both so far.
This might be a topic for another post, but are you aware of which online discount brokerages meet the criteria of being: «brokers who [are] able to segregate CAD and USD holdings
in registered accounts such as RRSPs and TFSAs»?
At the very least, to remain competitive, TD Direct Investing should convert US Dollar
dividends in registered accounts at favorable rates but in recent communications, TDDI indicated the best they can do is wash US dividends into the TD US Dollar Money Market Fund but only for selected clients and only if the client calls before the dividends are due and requests a wash trade.
As 80 % of my equity holdings are in VEA, VWO and VTI this has meant I have paid approximately $ 200 in hidden fx charges due to the fact that TD can not handle US
cash in their registered accounts.
* CIBC U.S. Dollar Managed Portfolios are not eligible for registered accounts offered by CIBC Securities Inc., but other registered dealers or brokers may allow you to hold these
portfolios in registered accounts.
At the very least, to remain competitive, TD Direct Investing should convert US Dollar dividends
in registered accounts at favorable rates but in recent communications, TDDI indicated the best they can do is wash US dividends into the TD US Dollar Money Market Fund but only for selected clients and only if the client calls before the dividends are due and requests a wash trade.
«Or if we have a bear market, that will likely be an opportune time to hold
stocks in registered accounts since their expected return will be higher.»
TD Direct Investing, unfortunately, is not only dragging its feet on offering a US Dollar RRSP but also refusing to do anything about currency conversion
charges in registered accounts.
As the PWL paper notes, since no tax slips are issued for dividends
received in registered accounts, any foreign withholding taxes incurred are not recoverable.
Lamontagne notes that if you have both registered and non-registered accounts, investments taxed at a higher rate should generally be
kept in a registered account such as an RRSP or a TFSA.
Even if you buy the
bond in a registered account saving that 5.25 % interest is a non-taxable saving so your net benefit is better on the mortgage no matter what.
Vanguard is aware that holding wrap
ETFs in registered accounts incurs a cost and investors should weigh that against the benefits of not having to convert currencies and US estate tax implications.
So by using
ZAG in registered accounts and ZDB in taxable accounts, investors can get similar bond market exposure with maximum tax efficiency.
Fortunately, discount brokerage clients who are hit with double currency conversions on US Dollar
DRiPs in registered accounts have a few options.
I spoke with TDW recently (when I noticed this issue) and they confirmed that US dividends were subject to Fx charges both
ways in a registered account because it is a synthetic drip (this was not explained when I enrolled in their autowash and synthetic DRIP programs).
Well, yes, however,
in a registered account there will be not be any interest since we convert your funds, but in a margin account, there will be interest until the debit balance is covered, or you can manually convert your funds by contacting us.
* Updated Nov. 3 — CIBC Investor's Edge has jumped into the promotional offer pool with a cash back offer directed at DIY investors
interested in registered accounts — specifically RRSP and TFSA accounts.