According to chatgpt
A cash ETF and a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) are both low-risk investment options, but they differ in key ways. Here's a breakdown:
1. Liquidity
Cash ETF: Highly liquid. You can buy/sell it on the stock exchange any time the market is open.
GIC: Not liquid. Once you buy it, your money is locked in until maturity (unless it's a cashable GIC, which may offer limited flexibility).
2. Returns
Cash ETF: Pays interest (or yield) from a pool of high-interest savings accounts or very short-term bonds. The rate can fluctuate slightly.
GIC: Pays a fixed interest rate over a set term (e.g. 1 year, 5 years), guaranteed at purchase.
3. Risk
Cash ETF: Very low risk, but not zero. Not insured. Slight exposure to market risks and the financial institutions it holds deposits with.
GIC: Virtually no risk. Principal and interest are fully guaranteed (and usually insured up to $100,000 by CDIC in Canada).
4. Accessibility
Cash ETF: You need a brokerage account and may pay a small trading fee or commission.
GIC: Easily purchased through banks or credit unions, often without any fees.
5. Taxes
Cash ETF: Distributions are taxable as interest income unless held in a tax-sheltered account (TFSA/RRSP).
GIC: Same tax treatment—interest is taxed as income unless in a TFSA/RRSP.
TL;DR:
Want flexibility and access to your money? Cash ETF.
Want guaranteed returns and safety for a set period? GIC.
Cash etfs are very liquid and offer flexibility, such as buying the dip. GICs are fixed term, and not as flexible. That can cost you money in lost opportunities when you want to buy the dip.
Both carry virtually no risk, but gics have an extra layer of security of being insured, so they are 100% risk free, like treasuries.
Cash can be an excellent addition to any portfolio. In addition to offering piece of mind and lowering volatility in uncertain times, it can be deployed to pick up bargains when the market crashes. Many stocks are down 30-50%. If you have cash etfs anf buy these stovks, if the stocks go back to their original price, you could double your money.
Many people misunderstand the importance of holding cash in their portfolio, thinking that it doesn’t return as much.
Bonds can serve a similar purpose, but they lose value when interest rates go up.