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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hello 5i Team
Comparing Fairfax Financial and Intact Financial, both in the Property & Casualty Insurance sub-industry (TMX data), which is the better choice? FFH seems to always in the news about its other investments rather than its insurance business, whereas IFC appears to be solid in its insurance operations
According to a recent Globe & Mail article, IFC could be a potential acquirer of smaller P&C insurance companies, would this also apply to FFH or is FFH more interested in its other investments?
Trisura Group is listed as Specialty Insurance sector. Is it comparable to FFH and IFC, noting its market capitalization is only $380M compared to $12B / $18B for FFH/IFC?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on June 18, 2020
Q: Re Fred’s question about longterm gains on RY
canadastockchannel.com has this info
If bought on Jan4, 2000, $1 worth of RY would be worth $12.46
assuming dividends are re-invested on a tax free basis (ex. RRSP)
If dividends are not re-invested, on a total return basis (including dividends, but still no tax paid) your $1 is worth $8.75.
You can enter different dates to get exactly what you want.
I personally find this type of analysis instructive but I know not everyone is a fan.



Read Answer Asked by john on June 15, 2020
Q: If I had put $100,000 into RY 20 years ago with all dividends reinvested, can you tell me what it would be worth today?

This is not a rhetorical question. I recently came to realize that a close friend put $100,000 RRSP into RY in 1989 as he has now retired from there. As he is an unsophisticated investor, he just left it there. But as there have been withdrawals over the years, it is difficult to determine the actual growth. It is now worth a tidy little sum. This is, in my estimation, a significant argument for a buy and hold strategy although most would also argue for more diversification.


Read Answer Asked by Fred on June 15, 2020
Q: These banks have been "hammered" in the recent downturn (for good reason due to prospective loan losses, and near zero rates). That said, do you see the Fed mandating dividend cuts/eliminations in the future here, or is the market just really skittish about it? They all look "cheap" right now, but an elimination of the dividend would be a real reason for me to leave this space if it were as distinct possibility vs. a "tail risk". What is your take on this and these companies - do you see much risk in dividend cuts here? Or is it just a reflexive thought in that the European banks were mandated to eliminate dividends...
Read Answer Asked by David on June 15, 2020
Q: I’ve held BNS shares in a DRIP over the past 10 years. My ACB is about break even. I obviously chose the wrong bank as I would have done much better holding RY, TD, or NA over the same time period. Since I’m in a position to sell and not pay any tax, would you suggest switching over to one of the other big five or simply stay the course? I’m a long term investor and plan on leaving this money for my estate. Thanks for your insight.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on June 10, 2020
Q: This fund is recommended by my broker for my RIF/TFSA. Would appreciate your opinion on the pros and cons of investing in this fund. it looks like that this fund provides trailer fee to the broker, would that be an incentive for his recommendation?
The fund may have performed well due to the drastic fall in interest rate. What effect of higher interest rate on the performance of this fund? Do you forecast that interest rate may go higher when the situation of the virus subsides?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Saad on June 09, 2020
Q: I am looking to add one financial stock to me RRSP portfolio. I currently have TD as the lone finance company. I also have BNS , TD, BAM.A and VISA in other portfolios. Can you give me some names - US and CDN - that I can take into consideration. Preferably those with a safe, good and growing dividend. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by JOHN on June 08, 2020
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