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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: Curious how you think the dollar will do this year? Is it time to take some of my US ETFs and buy the CAD hedged version?
Read Answer Asked by Carla on May 29, 2025
Q: My question is on portfolio management, trimming rather than selling.

I'm hearing and feeling that some sectors and companies, or even countries like the US market, are a bit expensive, ahead of their skis, and might well be trimmed. I have done so for gold, for example.

I would like your opinion. Even if you don't agree with the premise, what areas would you trim on that basis.

Lastly, can you suggest some areas that do not fit that premise and are under-valued. I think this of oil and gas, for example.

I'd be grateful for a detailed answer on this and would be happy to spend a few points for it, as you see fit.

Thanks, as always, for your wisdom.
Read Answer Asked by Kevin on May 26, 2025
Q: How serious do you feel the aggregate global debt situation is? I have read that the total is now well over $300 trillion USD. Government and consumer spending seems somewhat out of control in much of the world. Let's put it this way -if the Earth was part of an interplanetary federation, would the aliens' financial authorities think we are heading towards bankruptcy?
Read Answer Asked by Dan on May 26, 2025
Q: A lot of talk that the Private Equity market is a bubble about to pop and cause deep challenges. Any thoughts? Jamie Dimon very vocal about stagflation and again, a pop perhaps likely to occur. Any comments and insights would be welcome.
Read Answer Asked by Gregory on May 26, 2025
Q: Just read this in Globe and Mail - Canadian individuals who own U.S. securities directly are subject to a 15 per cent withholding tax rate under the current treaty. Under the new bill the withholding rate could ultimately rise to 50 per cent.
If you were me, what would you do???......tom
Read Answer Asked by Tom on May 26, 2025
Q: Hello 5i,

With the USA facing a Trumponomic meltdown, do see an advantage of purchasing CDR's for US stocks today?

What is the recommended % of a portfolio for Canada, USA, Europe, International, and Emerging markets. It looks like a little more global diversity may temporarily dent impacts from USA rhetoric and threats.

Thank you
D&J
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on May 23, 2025
Q: Where do you see US Treasuries going over the next 6-12 months, given recent weakness due to massive American debt. Is it a reason to exit US assets, including stocks, or do you see the problem resolved somehow? Is it a simple case of the US Treasury Market simply being too big to fail? Welcome your insights. Thanks as usual.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on May 23, 2025
Q: We have experienced a nice rally in spite of the traditional chaos associated with equity investing. I am thinking I would like to take some risk off but need to balance the portfolio income generated vs rrif drawdownn. Thinking I should reduce the Cdn Market ETF ( lowest income generator) and retain high yielding defensive generators. I know increasing cash level generates lower income still. What are your thoughts moving towards more preservation with this strategy.
Read Answer Asked by Bevan on May 22, 2025
Q: The TD chief economist is predicting a recession for Canada, and is also concerned about stagflation. What are the best investments for our protection?
Read Answer Asked by James on May 22, 2025
Q: I have a question prompted by recent headlines (sorry, a rather unsophisticated view of investing).....there appears to be ongoing negotiations between the USA and Iran, with a suggested that some sort of agreement can be reached on nuclear stuff, with the result that Iranian oil will no longer be sanctioned. Some commentators talk about the oil market being flooded with the world price of oil dropping significantly. Do you see that drop in price as very likely? Wouldn't that bring the stock price of Cdn oil producers way down? Is it time to dump shares in oil stocks (I am under water now and this would only get worse). Many thanks for your excellent service.
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on May 22, 2025
Q: Hi 5i. Question #4 from me as a new subscriber. I continue to have about 70% of my savings in cash with plans to input through dollar cost averaging. A couple of weeks ago you suggested a spread over 6 months. Is this still your view? It seems that the rebound has taken place and I am worried about missing the increases. But I know we are still in an uncertain market. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Kathryn on May 21, 2025
Q: If you were looking to diversify outside of North America where would you be looking geographically? Which industries?

Thank you for all your help,

Mike
Read Answer Asked by Michael on May 21, 2025
Q: Dear 5i
I have considerable cash yet in my portfolio and have been doing some buying of late , easing back into the market .
I feel that the worst is likely over but with Trump and his tariffs how can you know for sure . My one concern still is not ,so much what additional tariffs could be added but what will be the near future effects of the current tariffs that are in place . Even with no additional tariffs the ones currently in place once in effect are likely to cause increased inflation , higher prices , higher unemployment and the potential for perhaps a mild recession . That said , is it wise to be buying a whole lot now and be mostly invested or would it be prudent to be maintaining steady buying , regardless of the potential for the negative consequences of the tariffs once they take effect ?
Thanks
Bill C
Read Answer Asked by Bill on May 21, 2025
Q: Could you please provide some commentary on the Moody’s downgrade of US debt? That’s now three ratings agencies for three I believe. Thank you, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on May 20, 2025
Q: Half of my investments are in US dollars , mostly in large cap Tech and Financials . With erosion of USD value I am concerned on the future value of my holdings . I could convert some currency back to CAD through purchasing some dual listed equities ( Norbert's Gambit ) . Is that a wise strategy as opposed to liquidating and holding US cash ?
Read Answer Asked by Thomas on May 20, 2025
Q: Seems more and more Trump is trying to muscle in on the decision making of US companies especially Large ones. i.e. telling Apple to reduce footprint in India n threatening Mattel CEO when he suggested its unlikely to manufacture toys in the US.

We are into this only a few months n there is no certainty the power base will change any time soon.

So far seems the best performance continues to be with the larger companies and frankly he has been helpful to some like Boeing but do I need to start making investment decisions more strategically trying to sidestep areas where the Gov’t is likely to have an ability to impact the decision making of my investments?

Areas like Gov’t plan to reduce drug pricing have really drove down Drug stocks. Will the midterm impact of Trump trying to micromanage larger companies create opportunity for mid caps which may sidestep Trumps ire?

Craig



Have we ever had a
Read Answer Asked by Craig on May 20, 2025
Q: A couple of recent guests on BNN Market Call have suggested that the increase in stock prices in the last 6 weeks or so is not warranted and are not supported by economic data, for example, growth in GDP is softening, consumer confidence is weakening, consumer debt is rising, unemployment is increasing, the housing market is very weak, retail spending is only up in the US because of tariff avoiding purchases, etc Although they do not expressly say so, it would seem they are expecting a significant draw down.

I know you have talked about this before, and even not that long ago, but things seem to be changing all the time. What is your overall current outlook for stocks? For certain sectors? And specifically, what about Gold and gold producers - it seems to me the recent run up was a reaction to all the uncertainty; but would gold continue to increase if those guests’ views prevail and there is a draw down now due to a downturn? Many thanks for your excellent service
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on May 20, 2025
Q: Everyone, since January 1st I was down 23 % then today I have rebounded to even for the year. Lots of noise but having the best of the best means just waiting for the noise to end. The noise always ends! Clayton
Read Answer Asked by Clayton on May 20, 2025
Q: Hi,
Just looking for your take on the Moody's downgrade and what we can expect as a market reaction. Still time to be 'buying the dip' so to speak, or does this add a different level of caution? What can we expect to see from US bonds, dollar and the overall sentiment towards it being the world's reserve currency? Lots of questions, feel fee to deduct extra credits! Always great to hear your thoughts - thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Dawn on May 19, 2025