Investment Q&A

Q: In today's Post there was an article reprinted from the Telegraph about half a trillion pounds that Britain has discovered they no longer have. The article speculated on some of the international effects this might have. I am wondering if you have any thoughts on how this might affect our portfolios.
Regards
Mike

Q: Peter, I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to come up with an idea a column every week or two. Please allow me to humbly make a suggestion.
I know in broad strokes the difference between the TSE and Venture, but I know nothing about the CSE. Perhaps an article on this and how it may affect me as a DIY investor.
Gord.
P.S. I rarely ask a question but enjoy reading the answers to the questions. Publish at your discretion.

Q: Jean earlier today listed a number of stocks in his/her portfolio as being in excess of 10%. You do not suggest there's a problem with this, so I'm wondering if it's okay to own larger percentages of individual stocks if one has diversified ETFs. I have been buying ETFs to consolidate holdings as I move farther into retirement to make withdrawals simpler. But I still have a lot of individual stocks that I'm keeping in the 5% range. I think I noticed elsewhere you recommend not holding more that 5% of a portfolio in ETFs( now can't find it, so perhaps I misremember). I suspect I'm just not getting something here. What do you recommend regarding this use of ETFs and individual stocks (and %s) for a person past the accumulation stage?

Q: There has been a lot of gossip around my job side about a new investment in a cryptocurrency company called electroneum. To be honest, I have no intension of investing in it. I have just a layman's knowledge of bitcoin and blockchain and with all the hype starting to fly around this place I would appreciate a well grounded opinion of it. Maybe I could show them the answer you reply with.

Q: This may or may not be a question you can answer but any insight is appreciated.

My Mom is 88 years old, plays bridge twice a week and square dances twice a week and we spend 2 days a week having lunch She is in great health but, no one lives forever.

She has Property and investments worth U$600,000+ and she and I have reviewed her will which is in good standing. How can I best prepare on my end when the time does eventually come? And what hurdles can I expect as a Canadian inheriting US assets?

Thanks for all you do

gm

Q: Gentlemen,
I would like to have your opinion on Market Grader a fundamental stock evaluation software.
Thanks
BR

Q: Would CPD be classified as 'fixed income'? What would be a recommended short duration ladder bond fund that you would recommend for diversification?

Q: If I was to invest in a model portfolio you provide would you recommend I purchase the securities at current prices or wait and selectively buy when their pricing becomes more attractive?

Colin from Calgary, Alberta.

Q: I presently have an investment made 3 months ago in this U.S. based company. I was attracted by the fact that it was acquired by Enbridge and pays a dividend in excess of 6 %.
What do you think of this company as a longer term investment ? After receiving 1 dividend payment and noting a 40 % withholding tax , I was informed by RBC that since the corporate entity is an LLC , it doesn't qualify for the 15 % withholding tax. I was also informed that the status would not change, even if transferred to my RRSP account. Does this seem accurate from what you know ?i.e. that an LLC does not qualify for a 15 % withholding tax and that if it were held within an RRSP , that it would still be subject to a 40 % withholding tax ?

Q: Do ETF's change their dividends (increase/decrease), if so when do they re-assess
their payout.

Q: I don't know if you can answer this, but I file an 8840 for the IRS as a snowbird to prove a closer connection to Canada (my home and citizenship).
Because I own more than $100,000 worth of U.S. securities, I am beginning to be worried about having a too large percentage of holding in U.S. domiciled companies.
If I own an ADR of a European company, on a U.S. exchange, do I have to list it as part of my U.S. exposure?
My guess is no, but I would sure appreciate some clarity.

Q: Hi 5i team.
I have to sell several stocks and claim a capital gain. These of course are winners and I will probably buy all or most back. I was told to wait till trade settles to buy back which of course is several days. With the market climbing almost daily I worry about losing those gains or one or another stock jumping due to news or sometimes no news and not holding it.

I'm a believer in long term fundamentals but think short term technical analysis can be helpful here though I don't really have a good knowledge of this.

My question really is what technical indicators are best in this situation over a several day or week or two span. I have been using an MACD oscillator - exponential with periods 12, 26, 9 because it is available to me and seems simple enough to try to time drop in values (sell) for several days to hopefully buy back at same price or a little lower. Not looking to make big gains but to avoid loss of gains. Thank you in advance for this and all the helpful advice from this service.
Tulio

Q: How are management expenses calculated when the holding(s) of an ETF include one of more other ETFs? For example the single holding in VGH is VIG. Does the MER for VGH include the MER for VIG?

Q: When selling a covered call option with an expiry date for Jan. 2018 does the gain become taxable in 2017 or 2018. Thanks. H.

Q: In your model portfolios you hold 20-25 stocks. I am selling a home and expect to have about $750K to add to my existing $500K. I have always had a preference for keeping my holdings in a particular company smaller and thus having more diversity than that. In my new plan I would hold about 40 to 45 stocks. I am retired and a fairly conservative investor and focus on income but would add some growth in the new plan. Am I trying to diversify too much?

Q: I'm guessing 5i has a substantial number of clients now and I am wondering if that is a factor in issuing a sell recommendation on a stock when a major event happens? For example, would Peter have " done nothing " as a portfolio manager when SHOP was attacked as was instructed to 5i member's? In no way is the a question on integrity or a lack of respect, I'm a 5i member for life!

Q: Seems to me management has not done a very good job in providing shareholders with any comfort during the short attack. The only mention from media I've witnessed has been a name calling tweet and "wait till later" for explanation, have I missed anything? Even with the decline I'm still a very happy shareholder, buying more on the way up, letting run to a 9% position and thankfully selling down to a less than full position. Much credit goes to 5i for teaching me these skills, thank you!

Q: In general over the last little while when asked about favorite stocks in your portfolio you include SIS, TOY, PBH, CSU and GUD. I fortunately own all of them and have profited handsomely. Thank you very much! If you had to currently add a stock from each TSX sector which stocks would you pick? One caveat, please do not pick any of the 5 listed above! Thank you

Q: Hello;
I am trying to understand/develop bench marks for stock screeners. I need input regarding 3 popular criteria; Price/Book; Price/Free(?)Cash flow and Price/Sales.
1. Please confirm suggest hurdle rates; Price/Book < 3.0; Price to Free Cash Flow < 10; Price/Sales ??
2. Which Cdn sectors can use these bench marks. I understand cyclical commodities have great seasonality/cycles and the above are not suitable. Please confirm and suggest sectors.
3. Should it be Price/Cash Flow or Price/Free Cash flow?

Thanks

Q: Gentlemen,
Following on questions about cash parking. My recommandation will be look at EQ Bank , Alterna Bank & Implicity, all virtual banks.
BR