Investment Q&A

Q: For new money being invested in 2018 and assuming the US passes tax cuts/reform what percentage of one's portfolio would you allot to 1)Canada, 2)US and 3)Global/International?
Also considering roughly 10 sectors what 3-4 sectors would you focus on and could you give a large, mid-small cap stock for each.
Thanks kindly - Merry Christmas 5i and the best in 2018!

Q: Some Canadian stocks have been and will be oversold by or before 27th which stocks do you think will be the good buy for short or long term?.

Q: Good morning Peter and company,

In his will, for his wife's benefits, Warren Buffett has instructed the trustee to put 10% of the money in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund such as Vanguard’s.

Would that be a good practice for all retired individuals living off their stock portfolios by withdrawing 4% annually, if they are prepared to live with the market's fluctuations?

Bond values have nowhere to go but down as central banks raise interest rates. Would 10% cash be better than 10% bonds today?

Thank you for your considerate answers to my questions.

Milan

Q: What do you think will be the go to sectors or top sectors for 2018

Q: Hello,
Considering the significant run up that has taken place, would you recommend getting into the American market at this point?

Q: It looks like the year is going to finish with a lot of happy people. I'm not asking for a prediction but is this movement cyclical and if so what generally happens as the cycle progresses in the next few months?
I would like to thank 5i and all the question askers, I am learning every day with the many points of view.
Peter

Q: Hi - I believe we are at or near a top in all North American Markets - I am looking for ETF's or Individual stocks that will do well in a correction - What is your recommendation in 1) Canadian Equity, 2) REITS 3) Consumer / Staples 4) Commodities - thanks

Q: By letting my winners run to overweight positions, while recognizing the importance of overall sector allocations, I am in a constant debate with myself feeling the need to rebalance. My question is regarding 3 sectors with the backdrop of assuming we are in a rising interest rate environment. Currently having a 10% Utility weight, with 0% Real Estate and Telco's, would you suggest trimming Utilities to acquire one or both sectors, if so what names would you suggest? If rates rise faster than expected, will all 3 sectors perform similar ? I watch my portfolio very close, am quite comfortable with higher risk for higher return.

Q: Do you use Stop Losses? If so what would be your criteria ?
Thankyou

Q: Marijuana and blockchain stocks seem to be soaking up most of the small cap/microcap dollars. As a result, a number of quite cheap stocks not in those sectors are being ignored. Do you think there is anything to this thesis?

Q: I have $500k in cash to invest. Getting into the market with current economy and market conditions is hard for me to do. I have asked around at other firms and of course the answer has always been "Get in now. why wait", but I believe that they are biased because they will make their fees from me even if I lose money during a market correction.

As an example I did some back calculations using a tool on Steadyhand's web page and the rate of return from 2007 to 2016 compared to 2008 to 2016 is significantly different. By waiting one year the annual ROR changes by almost 100% (5% 2007-2016, 11% 2008-2016). It is interesting how nobody ever talks about this.

I would like to wait until the market correction happens, whenever that may be, but I need some unbiased advice.

I realize that this question has probably been asked before but I think that the answer to this question has to take into account current conditions and where the market is compared to historical norms and averages.

If I was using one of the 5i portfolios it would be the Income portfolio.

Q: Are you aware of any articles or texts that have studied the tax loss selling phenomenon? Opportunities and risks that this presents to investors? Thanks.

Q: I am curious to know why the Bloomberg coffee index is trading at an all time low. Can you tell me the main catalysts? Is the market oversupplied? Does this look like a good long term trade at these levels.

Q: what is your short and long outlook for gold and the canadian dollar?
i presently have some u.s. cash and was considering an investment in gold (specifically in Kinross U.S.) both for a positive return and portfolio insurance.
I believe that when gold goes up the u.s. dollar usually goes down...
am i correct in that assumption?
appreciate your comments on the above strategy...
ed in montreal
p.s. - if you have an alternative strategy it would be appreciated!

Q: Hi Team,

I'm looking to park some cash in a no risk investment. Funds that are earmarked for use in 1-2 years. Where is my best return these days?

Thanks!

Q: I am concerned that I have too many interest sensitive investments in what looks to be a rising rate environment. I am a recent retiree with a need for income. I would appreciate your views on my sector weightings:
15% Reits
11% Financials
11% Information Technology
10% Utilities
6% Pipelines & Energy Infrastructure
5% Telecom
4% Industrials
2% Consumer Discretionary
2% Healthcare
1% Consumer Staples
1% Materials
18% Bonds
8% GICs
6% Cash

Your service is amazing and I really appreciate the new website.

Thanks,

Q: Good day,

Recently you have commented that 5% is about right for the Energy sector right now and that a recovery may still be a long way out. Would the 5% include pipeline/infrastructure companies like Enbridge or would you put those into more of a Utility weighting for the purposes of allocation?

Have a great day,

Derek

Q: It looks to me that the odds get worse every day of NAFTA being torn up, and not simply amended. If this comes to be, what would a strategy be protect my portfolio? Where can a person hide most effectively, and what sectors should be avoided ?

Q: Will these Canadian companies greatly benefit from the US tax cuts and would your recommend any or all of them as buys at this time Are the other Canadian companies you would prefer. Thanks for your terrific service.

Q: It seems to me that the ability to pass tax reform in the US is a significant event. Could you please comment on the impact of this event with respect to market valuation as well as benefiting sectors.