Investment Q&A

Q: 5iResearch is a great service and I really appreciate all the advice subscribers get on individual stocks. Having said that, can I get 5i's opinion on whether it is really possible to outperform the market in the longterm. Most of the literature I have read indicates that buying the S&P500 (ie. a market ETF) is the most time-tested way to be a successful in the markets.

Q: ..given growing expectations of a Canadian recession, i'm thinking of moving away from utilities into fixed income. how do you expect XBB, XSB and HFR to perform in comparison to ZWU if a recession occurs. thanks, great service.

Q: Peter we always enjoy your work , and glad we stayed in the market for this bump.
But being a senior now , and looking for safety in utilities and pipelines , am interested in your take on what do you expect for interest rates for the next year or two
many thanks
dave pescod

Q: With a lot of talk of a possible recession in the coming year, which of the following category of stocks would be most negatively affected.: telecom, utility, technology, financial,materials,energy, consumer, metals including gold. Thanks.

Q: I have what I think is sort of a 'big' question. I am looking at various ways to help my performance through an eventual recession. I know that timing it is virtually impossible and even calling it (as we saw this fall) is extremely difficult also. So my research now turns to what are the characteristics of a company that will do well (in all likelihood) after a recession, or indeed right around the middle when equities seem to turn higher given that the big losses usually start just ahead of the actual recession and the buying often starts while the recession is still in full bloom. I look at GUD as one company that holds cash and is deal oriented (or is supposed to be) as a kind of exemplar for this type of idea. Any others? Or is this just a mug's game? Thank-you and please deduct whatever credits you deem necessary. Thankyou.

Q: I'm curious how you would adjust your strategy, if at all, in terms of opportunities, signals, cautions or things to watch for, as we head into a 6 month period leading up to the federal election.

Q: Veronica on BNN mentioned that Market is going to test lows again Also a reputable
money management is telling client to cash out and wait for pullback,my wordings Are not exact but simple language they mean market is over bought and don't buy now,
I have more weight on 5i opinion,please advice of your thought

Q: Some (including Phil Town) are concerned that this is at or above 30. I believe the historic average is about 15. I am also told that an increased Shiller has preceded market crashes historically. I would appreciate your comments in particular as to whether a market crash is in the cards after such a prolonged bull market - a record at 10 years if I recall. Thanks! (Publish this question if you wish)

Q: Over the last decade, I have kept 50% of my portfolio in a US money market fund which now pays 2.27% (TDB166). It has paid as low as 0.05%.

The rest of the portfolio is in a US market index fund which tracks the S&P500 (SPY).

I am happy with the results that this effortless approach to investing produces but am concerned about the US money market fund since the US dollar is so high. Should I get into a Canadian dollar money market fund? Can you suggest any?

Q: Due to health I have been forced into early retirement (51) with no pension. I need a 5% return to live off of my savings. I am presently well diversified 75% CAD dividend companies and fixed income in my non registered account and 25% of my total savings are in registered accounts which follow your balanced portfolio along with GOOG, TEAM, SQ, BOX for US exposure (prob not enough eh?). My gut is telling me I should get rid of the growthy stocks and stick to safe dividend companies but my experience says I should leave it alone as over the long term the balanced portfolio has done quite well.
I would appreciate any and all input you can offer (don't be afraid to hurt my feelings;).

Brian

Q: I have been reluctant to invest in the cannabis industry as there did not seem to be much understanding of the industry as a whole or little (if any) rhyme or reason as to valuations. While acknowledging that things are still far from stable, I do sense that a greater understanding of the industry is developing since legalization in Canada occurred. I am now seeing some thoughtful reports on potential annual demand, analyses of corporate cost structures, critical discussion of common industry issues and a separation of the better companies from the laggards

Would you agree with this assessment? If so, do you feel that enough solid fundamentals and information are now in place to warrant investing in this ETF?
It is up over 50% in the past month so are we witnessing irrational exuberance and a probable bubble or reasonable expectations based on real growth prospects?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Can you please give me the total return for the calendar year 2018 for the following:
TSX, Dow, S&P500, Nasdaq, and Nikkei. Thank you.

Q: 5G is a popular investment topic. I would appreciate if you would recommend a company or companies that you feel will benefit from the 5G network. Thank You.

Q: Hello 5i
I’d be interested in your comments on this years January “bounce”. Do you feel it is just a bounce due to tax loss selling or are we likely to move higher after January. I realize this is a market call which is a guess at best but I stil value your opinion and insight.
Thank you
Dave

Q: Hi.

How many times do you think the BoC will raise the interest rate in the next two years ? Im asking this because we're renewing our mortgage soon. Im still leaning to take variable which we are in right now. but a bit hesitant due to continuing rise of int rate.Appreciate if you can give me your input on this.

Q: I’m looking for suggested asset allocation percentages by region. I currently use Canada/US/Foreign/and Emerging Markets
Thank you

Q: I have noticed recently that Aapl, Amzn, Brk, Googl and V that the daily share volume has been about 70 % of the 10 day volume and Shop and Sq have been at or higher than the 10 day volume ( the stocks mentioned are some companies in my portfolio). To me this means that the rise in share price does not have wide support and could fall soon.
Appreciate your comments on the support of the rally and are people hiding money in short term instruments until they can verify one way or the other the next direction of the market.
Clayton

Q: Following up on your recent response that you would limit investment in Canadian equities to 25-40% of one's portfolio, in what country (US) or countries/regions would you recommend investing the balance...and in what proportions? Thank you.

Q: My question is about global debt as a potential factor affecting markets going forward. According to a report in the Washington Post today global debt is now about 318 percent of world gross domestic product.

The breakdown is reported like this: Government debt has tripled from $20 trillion in 2000 to $65 trillion in 2018, rising as a share of GDP from 55 percent to 87 percent. Household debt has increased over the same years, from $17 trillion to $46 trillion (from 44 percent to 60 percent of GDP). Finally, nonfinancial corporate debt rose from $24 trillion to $73 trillion (71 percent of GDP to 92 percent).

Do you think growing global indebtedness is a serious risk factor investors should be aware of?

Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/with-booming-global-debt-were-entering-unexplored-territory/2019/01/16/8896c5e2-19bb-11e9-88fe-f9f77a3bcb6c_story.html?utm_term=.f9c7f2e8f264

Thank you. Michael

Q: Hi there, in your opinion is the rally we are having in the markets sustainable or is it a dead cat bounce? I've read that in many cases, there is usually a double bottom, before the rally usually beings again (assuming a rally will occur). What are your thoughts? Thanks!