Keith Richards Vanguard FTSE Developed All Cap ex NA Idx ETF CAD-hed VI-T PAST TOP PICK Jan 08, 2018

It is hedged to CAD$. It is a way to own a broad selection of stocks outside of North America.

He is very cautious, particularly on US markets, and is looking for answers in an overbought market. This buys developed nations that are not in North America, so hopefully they are a little less vulnerable to a correction.

(A Top Pick Oct 31/17, Down 1%) They are buying because it is outside North America and currency hedged. A good way of keeping a position outside of markets that might be overdone at this point. It’s more of a general position in their portfolio.

 These ones are good because they're ex-North America (so no Canada) instead of just ex-US (some Canada). With ex-US, it's inefficient tax-wise for Canadians because you get tax withheld when the dividends cross the border back to Canada.

These two are similar. VIU is larger and more liquid, fees are very low. Popular, as many investors want to sidestep the US-Canada trade conflict.

For investment vehicles that hold equities from international, developed countries, what kind of account to hold them in depends on a whole bunch of things. Consult your tax adviser whether withholding taxes might be foregone if you hold this type of ETF in an RRSP.