Investment Q&A

Q: Good morning; I read an article in the G&M on the weekend regarding the remote possibility (should Trump win) that they may change how the US Fed operates; affecting its independence and role as the world currency.

Crazier things have happened and with 50% of my investments in $US it got me wondering - if the US Finaincial system were subject to such change, which currency could/would replace it? I’d be interested in your view of the likely top 3.

Thanks very much,

Dave

Q: Do you think the copper trade has legs for those looking to get in at this time? Thanks,

Jason

Q: With US GDP down and inflation creeping up, what is the FED to do now? Cut rates and inflation will increase. Increase rates and economy could crash. Are we headed for stagflation? In these times, how should investors proceed and which sectors do well and don't do well. For a long term investor like myself, how should we position? Thoughts? I'm high on Technology, Financials, Consumer cyclical, and Industrials. Thanks!

Q: Japan is showing some recent economic recovery. What are the factors responsible for that and is it sustainable? If yes than is it a good idea to add some exposure via an ETF?

Q: Regarding your comment in an earlier answer: "We expect market volatility in November. ".... Why?

Q: I have a 5% interest rate on my bank account right now and because of this I'm way more cash heavy than usual. Does it make sense to hold a larger portion of cash when interest rates are so high?

Q: Good Morning! On a macro level and considering the current high average P/E ratio of the S&P 500 would you be more inclined toward Canadian, International or Emerging market investing. I see that both Canadian and International markets are also priced above average, although not as much as the US. For Emerging markets India and China on the other hand are presenting faster growing economies (still China is much riskier in my POV but BABA might be a good opportunity). What are your thoughts ? Thank you.

Q: My portfolio is not at all balanced because of the heavy weight of my Tech sector . I am reticent to sell any it. What would be the absolute max for a Tech sector?

Q: With the US inflation numbers showing a spike and markets selling off today, what do you see markets doing in the short and medium term. How important were the inflation numbers?

Q: If the US decided to devalue their currency, how would that effect stocks?

I read some where they did this in 1933 and 1971.

Q: Hello, The macro market models are really informative and exactly the type of information I was looking for. Within the TSX sector rotation model it does not include Healthcare, Discretionary, and Communications. Can you explain the rationale? thank you.

Q: are there any economic implications when both gold and oil and gas are rising in value at the same time ? Thank you.

Q: Hi Team,
Is the party over in the markets this year? Should we be cashing out for conservative dividend payers at this point? Funny ; just when I hear more and more talk of people buying small cap agressive names the market seems to have “peaked” and now rolling over. It’s hard to believe the economy is so “hot” in the US when I hear so much about people being hundreds of dollars away from paying their bills , and with mortgages renewing people that were on the verge will be slammed. Tech companies have laid off thousands over the last year. Some I talk to believe the numbers that the government put out are “false” and politically driven to make the current president look good: especially heading on election year. Sometimes a person really has to wonder if there’s a crisis in the making with the high inflation , interest rates etc. Not that I am a conspiracy theorist but over the years it certainly looks like books can be cooked, so to speak. Just looking for your take . Thanks

Q: Everyone, what are the three biggest risks to the market this year? Clayton.

Q: Hello - for my RIF- I have done well with VOO over the last year or so and am wondering if this is a good time to move to a different ETF such as RSP or IWP. My thinking is if the US economy does avoid a recession and the rally broadens, then maybe there will be more growth somewhere other than VOO. Your comments and suggestions please.
Thanks, al

Q: In your response to Peter this morning you stated that you "think investors can always hedge against the depreciation of US dollars" and you go on to give some examples of how that can be done. Would you consider owning hedged ETFs and CDRs to be another option to hedge against the depreciation of the US dollar? Thank you.

Q: My Question is about which direction stock market would move while looking at current yields of 10YR bonds at 4.4% and S&P at PE 28 [top end of average] offering a yield close to 3.8%, with a differential 0.6 there is not much incentive for investors to accept risk in the market.

Do you think bond yeilds would move lower and hence increase in differential and favouring stocks or a move other way around.

Q: The US deficit and debt are back in the popular media. To what degree do you see this issue influencing markets and do you have any comments on investor strategy? Any guesses on how the US will reconcile this issue and when?

Q: For at least10 years I had been invested in a diversified portfolio that included the eleven sectors, bond ETF's gold, preferred shares and cash only to see the bond ETF's and preferred shares continually tumbling down year after year. Gold went nowhere with no dividend, nada.Tiring of this I got rid of the bond ETF's, the preferred shares, and gold having lost thousands but I didn't care! At least I no longer had to look at this disaster taking place as they melted down to almost nothing. What was left I invested in the good companies and never looked back. As my five year GIC ladder came due, each year I gained a paltry $1,500 or so on $10,000. So no more ladder. All through the pandemic the dividends now kept on coming, stocks are increasing and I was up a minimum of $140,000. So now I have cash, all eleven sectors with fixed income from ETF's like UMAX and others plus my pension. So cash 13%, Equity 50% and fixed 35% no bonds, no gold, no preferred shares and 2 years left on my GIC ladder and Europe ETF. I know 5i loves to include bonds etc as a "balancing diversifier" to a portfolio but for me this did not work out. Maybe in the next ten years or more they may break even but I do no want to wait that long. So far this works for me. I invite any comments that you may have.

Q: If you were expecting a bit of a market swoon and don't want to sit on cash what would you consider to be "defensive stocks" or "stocks that benefit" in downturns? I've tried options in the past with mixed (mostly not so good) results so that's not something I would like to do.

Thanks in advance-Dave