Hedged vs. unhedged ETF: What's the difference?

Asked 3 years ago

I was planning on buying SPY in my RRSP, but the price today is $417.83. If I buy a similar unhedged US ETF like VFV, the price is $92.22. Why is there such a big difference in price? (I'm aware I'll be buying SPY in USD) So in the end, which is better? Should I buy the hedged or unhedged?

Andia Rispah Igobwa

Sunday, October 10, 2021

There is no difference, but just how they decide to divide the fund. let's say a fund is worth $100 could be 10 shares (10 cents per share or 2 shares at 50 cents each). It's worth the same in the end.

However, it also has a net value of about 450 billion and VFV is a 4.5 billion net worth.

SPY has about 900 million shares and VFV has about 45 million. Look up net value and outstanding shares, you see which one is the cheapest after a little calculation, you see price does not matter.

Let me illustrate, take 2 pieces of pizza, cut one slice in half. Both the full slice and the divided slices are the same amounts of pizza. But prices increase are way more than the Canadian EFT.

Why is that the case?

In one year SPY went from $300 to around $400. VFV went from $72 to $91 only $20. $700 of SPY buys 2 stocks, goes up by $200 ($100 each).

$700 of VFV buys 10 stocks, goes up $200 as well ($20 each)

Andrew Moran

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

If you are investing in international assets in an exchange-traded fund (ETF), using a hedge can reduce the risk of currency exchange fluctuations.

On the other hand, an unhedged fund can extend you an advantage from the currency exposure. That is, if the currency movement and the diversification in your investment profile benefits you.

For example, if you are purchasing an ETF that is situated in Europe, you may or may not benefit from the euro.

In the end, by selecting not to hedge your ETFs, you may enjoy the indirect returns when you are not utilizing the investment to generate a steady stream of income.

Be it hedged or unhedged ETFs, it all depends on your personal goals.





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