Investment Q&A

Q: Does Congress & Senate have to approve the tariffs?

Q: During this mayhem I was telling a family member how I observed these mini-crashes since the mid-80’s and how we used to make transactions in the early days. I’m convinced a lot of recent investors, hooked my huge gains since 2020 have never experienced such painful losses. Zenfulness -if this is a word- comes with time.

Would you have a history of when all the self-directed accounts were created and available online?
For example, BMO InvestorLine was created late 1988 (fax! or phone) but available online in 1997, I was there …

Keep supporting us.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

David Rosenberg wrote a very insightful opinion piece in the Globe & Mail on Friday, April 4, entitled “Trump’s ‘reciprocal tariffs’ are a con – and investors are now waking up to his bigger ambitions”.

The title may cause readers to assume it’s ‘political’, but it is not. Rather, it’s a careful analysis of what the White House is up to, and this short excerpt from the article explains what it really is:

“These are not really “tariffs” that are being imposed. These are actions aimed at completely eliminating the U.S. bilateral trade deficit with every country. That is why the “tariff” is really not that at all but rather a “ratio” of every country’s trade surplus with the U.S. divided by the exports of that country – it is that number that the White House expects to rid the United States of its trade deficits; not just at an aggregate level, but for every country that runs a trade surplus with America. This is why these numbers, 10 per cent, 17 per cent, 20 per cent, or 25 per cent, are so huge. They are ratios.”

I can’t resist, however, to be a little bit ‘political’. It’s unfortunate that Trump, Lutnick, Vance, et al will probably never see the article!
Rosenberg certainly stripped away the clothes of these would-be emperors.

The article is behind a paywall, but I urge 5i members to try to get a copy of Friday’s Globe. This will enable them to determine the real reason why many of their stocks and ETFs have recently ‘tanked’. 5i have our backs and they hopefully will continue to alert us about volatility and the potential for further losses to our portfolios caused by this insane ‘policy’.

Q: Any comments on the VIX volatility today

Q: Hi bad day to be sure I see you suggest buying into some stocks but slowly.
What are the best sectors to buy first now that this black swan event is in play. Please give me you top 4 sectors in order of preference. Also you top 2 picks in each of the 4 also in order of preference as well please

What do you think is the worse case scenario as far as market drop % wise I release its just a guess but you guess is almost certainly better than mine at this point

Q: The VIX is now 35. Is it time to back up the truck?

Q: So this just the market that Mr. Buffet has been waiting for to spend a few BILLIONS on from his savings account?
Thanks Again

Q: Morning Troops. Apologies if this question has been asked and answered previously. As a newly minted senior, I am not overly concerned yet about the market sell-off and as old habits die hard, I am looking to add to my portfolio. Assuming tariffs will be with us until the stable genius to the south needs to start playing nice before the mid terms, do you think the markets will find a bottom and then trade sideways for a while, or do you see major moves down and then up? My own opinion is that tariffs will be with us for six to twelve months. Cheers.

Q: Ahhhh I just looked at our portfolio 🫣 Peter do you make house calls? I need someone to hold my hand to get through this.

Q: Aren't markets mostly efficient, and therefore isn't the market cap weighted portfolio the optimal portfolio? Or if we want a higher expected return would a factor tilted portfolio be the way to go, like Dimensional or Avantis?

Q: I will have about 100k to invest shortly, however requiring this money in 2 years time. How would you invest this money in this market? Is there appeal buying the “dip”, purchasing great businesses at a discount? Or is it too risky with my time frame? Money will be held in a TFSA. Thank you

Cnd or US.. growth/dividend/GIC?

Much appreciated for all that you do! Your services have been invaluable.

Q: What should I understand about “Target Price?”

For example, what is the implied time horizon?; is this meant to guide investment decisions of buying and selling based upon forecast highs and lows?

Since you include this in your Company Profiles I assume that it provides something valuable.

Q: Are we nearing any levels where something is a screaming buy or do we need more washout?

Q: I heard something very interesting a few days ago. A study found that the average holding period for stocks by individual investors is now about 6 months. Back in the 1960's or 1950's, it was 6 YEARS. Obviously, there is a lot more information out there now, easier access to it, and much cheaper trading. Wondering what you think of this development, and how it is impacting (a) individuals' investing performances, and (b) the overall market. I think it is making the market a lot more volatile. Studies I have read over the years tend to indicate people who trade less frequently do better than frequent traders, on average, so on the surface, one would think the shorter holding periods today might be hurting individuals' investing performances.

Q: Everyone, in each decade of your life what should you be focussing on in your financial well being? Clayton

Q: What geographical percentage would you recommend for a portfolio for USA, Cdn and International stocks at this point in time?

Thank-you!

Q: Will artificial intelligence utilization in finance and markets be able to replace stock pickers and in the end financial advisers/analyst since analysis of companies data will be faster and perhaps more reliable and objective than performed by a human irregardless of his skills and experience. Already automated portfolios are created by a computer based on certain investment goals.
I would be interested in your perspective on this matter.
Thank you
Miroslaw

Q: I currently have about half my investments in US dollar (unhedged) assets. I would appreciate your view about the US-Canada dollar? Do you continue to see the Canadian dollar decreasing in value to the US dollar? Do you see the US dollar as having peaked, and trending lower versus the Canadian dollar, and versus the DXY?

I have been very surprised to see how strong the Canadian dollar has been recently given the tariff questions, and the fact the Bank of Canada has been decreasing interest rates more than the Fed.

Many thanks for your valued and insightful advice.

Q: Hi team,

My question is regarding Bitcoin. Do YOU hold it, and maybe an explanation why or why not?
An attractive entry price?
Are there other cryptos that seem appealing?

Thanks

Q: I recently read that the US has a major debt renewal pending in 2026. In order to save money it would therefore be in its interest to lower rates, significantly if possible, by lowering their current exchange and slowing their economy. Does this seem like a probable scenario to you and would you mind shedding light?
I realize also that bond prices are affected by other factors including creditworthiness. But it seemed an interesting theory of economic management, and US debt reduction is a hot topic right now.