Q: I currently hold TD Bank series 12 preferred shares (TD.PF.G) and they are coming up to a five year anniversary upon which they can be voluntarily converted to series 13 preferreds. The series 12 have an initial 5.5% payout and their first reset is another 5 years down the road at the 5 year Government of Canada rate + 4.66%. The series 13 preferreds have a floating quarterly rate of the 90 day T-Bill + 4.66%. With interest rates likely to rise would you recommend exercising the conversion privilege? Also, would you happen to know the trading symbol for the series 13 preferreds?

Q: I’m going defensive in my portfolio. What is your opinion of these 3 possibilities?