Frequently Asked Questions
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What are Ninepoint HighShares ETFs?
Ninepoint HighShares ETFs invest in one well-known Canadian company, like RBC or Shopify, and use option strategies to generate higher monthly income. Instead of diversifying across many stocks, they focus on a single name and aim to turn volatility into cash flow.
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Is there an all-in-one version?
The all-in-one version invests in all of the individual Ninepoint HighShares ETFs (available as Ninepoint Enhanced Canadian Highshares ETF, TSX:ECHI). This provides investors with diversified exposure across multiple leading Canadian companies and sectors, while still applying the same option strategies designed to generate monthly income.
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How do they generate monthly income?
Income mainly comes from selling call options on the stock, which provides cash premiums paid out to investors. Monthly distributions are expected to consist of capital gains, Canadian eligible dividends (if available), and return of capital.
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How is leverage used in Ninepoint HighShares ETFs?
Ninepoint HighShares ETFs borrow a modest amount (about 25%) to buy more of the stock, which boosts income potential. While this can increase returns, it also increases risk if the stock falls rapidly.
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What risks should investors consider?
The biggest trade-off is that upside is capped—if the stock rises sharply, gains may be limited because of the covered call strategy. Investors also take on concentrated exposure to a single company, meaning results depend heavily on that one stock. Leverage can also increase income potential but also magnifies losses when markets move against you. Please see prospectus for a more detailed list of applicable risks.
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How do they perform in different markets?
They tend to work best in flat or range-bound markets where volatility supports steady income. In strong rising markets they may lag the stock because gains are capped, and in downturns they can lose value—especially when volatility is low and option income is reduced.
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What about taxes?
In registered accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, income is tax-sheltered. In taxable accounts, capital gains enjoy favourable treatment, with only 50% of the net realized amount taxable. Distributions may also include eligible dividends, which benefit from the dividend tax credit, and return of capital, which reduces your cost base over time.
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Are the high yields reliable?
Payouts are not guaranteed—they depend on volatility and market conditions. While yields can look attractive, investors should focus on total return (income plus changes in value) rather than yield alone.
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Where do Ninepoint HighShares ETFs fit in a portfolio?
Ninepoint HighShares ETFs are best suited for investors with a preference for yield. They are meant to complement—not replace—direct stock ownership, providing extra monthly income while still allowing some upside participation. Depending on market conditions, investors can adjust their mix between stock and HighShares ETFs to balance growth and cash flow. Investors should always consult their financial/tax advisor for investment suitability.
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What fees apply?
Currently, Ninepoint HighShares ETFs have the lowest management fee in the category—and that fee is waived until February 28, 2026. After that, investors should also be aware of normal trading costs, bid-ask spreads, and, for enhanced versions, borrowing costs from leverage.
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How can I invest?
Ninepoint HighShares trade on the TSX under ticker symbols (current tickers are: ABHI, BCHI, CCHI, CQHI, CRHI, ENHI, RYHI, SHHI, SUHI, TDHI, ECHI) and can be bought through any brokerage account. Most brokerages also allow distributions to be reinvested automatically through DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) plans.