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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: 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.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on March 24, 2025
Q: Which sectors do you favor most if we get a full blown tariff war
Read Answer Asked by Gary on March 21, 2025
Q: hi
do you see any data/signs of money flows out of US markets. I am wondering if there is the start of loss of confidence in the US markets for foreign investors (and domestic) vis a vis the current government?
Further, where do you see money flowing into right now or shortly ( China, Europe/Germany, Canada )?
cheers, Chris
Read Answer Asked by chris on March 20, 2025
Q: I am concerned that the next few months will be as volatile as the past month as the US continues its tariff agenda. Do you think it is a good strategy to invest in other currencies. If so what is your opinion of these two ETF's. (Swiss Franc & Japanese Yen)

Thanks Stew
Read Answer Asked by Stewart on March 20, 2025
Q: In the context of Return on Equity (ROE), what is the ideal ROE? I am asking because, when we examine company profiles, we can see significant differences in companies’ ROE. For example, here are the figures for: RY-CA 14%, DOL-CA 104%, and HD-US 405%. Why is there such a disparity? Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Gervais on March 19, 2025
Q: A UCLA Anderson forecast just issued a recession watch. Its analysis was called…
“Trump Policies, If Fully Enacted, Promise a Recession.”
Can you provide your analysis of this report. Is this a legitimate forecaster with a decent record?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Ben on March 19, 2025
Q: Hello
Can we get your advice on Canadian companies that have the least exposure to a tariff war
It would help us having to re balance
Ie should we reduce stocks in the financial sector
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Tim on March 18, 2025
Q: How important/accurate is the Atlanta Fed's GDP Now forecast. As you know it has turned negative for the last two readings. What does this suggest for the US economy? Please feel free to wait for the March 17th reading if that might affect your answer. Thank-you.
Read Answer Asked by Alex on March 17, 2025
Q: I’m down on the above stocks in my cash account. Total loss is $6000 CAD. I like the names and want to own these long term. Would you sell and wait the 30 days? Buy proxies? Keep and decide when the madness ends? As always. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Don on March 17, 2025
Q: Hi - I'm trying to get a sense as to how much these companies have the trade/tariff war issues priced in. I know it's a short term question here, but would you wait to buy these great companies given the economic uncertainty? My sense is purely anecdotal, but my gut tells me that people are pulling back on extra spending....so while COST and WMT benefit from people looking for low prices, they may also avoid the spending on extras. Thoughts? In other words, would you expect negative earnings revisions over next few months on these companies? Even if trade war averted (unlikely), they still may miss this quarter as people are already tightening their belts.
Read Answer Asked by Doug on March 17, 2025
Q: I am a senior in my 80s and have long appreciated the insights and research provided through your publications. They have been invaluable in helping me self-educate and manage my investments over the years.

That said, my portfolio has taken a significant hit over the past 3–4 weeks, largely due to the evolving economic and political environment. The ongoing rhetoric between Canada and the U.S., coupled with major changes in our Canadian leadership, has created uncertainty. Additionally, with a federal election approaching in the coming weeks and the impact of tariffs, the investment landscape remains challenging.

I’ve followed Peter’s advice that “the best action is to do nothing,” which I have largely adhered to. I have already sold most of the lower-hanging fruit and currently hold approximately 40% in a money market fund. The remainder of my portfolio is primarily invested in 5i’s three model portfolios.

Given the current environment, I would appreciate your insights on the following:

Do you foresee further downside in the market?
Would it be prudent to sell some of the winners now, or should we hold steady and consider adding to certain positions?
I value your perspective and would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks in advance for your time and insights.

Best regards,
Rick Tysick

Read Answer Asked by Rick on March 17, 2025
Q: When I see forward-looking metrics (e.g. P/E, PEG ratios, etc.), they can be last twelve months (LTM), next 12 months (NTM) and one or two fiscal years out (FY1, FY2). What are your thoughts/what would you think should be favoured? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on March 14, 2025
Q: Hello ,
I was thinking of buying TD technology leaders etf (TEC) instead of XQQ , the nasdaq 100 etf as it has performed the nasdaq and seems to be more diversified. Any comments please?

Also, I looked at the details of VUN and XUU etfs, They both seem to have similar holdings and over 5 year period both have similar performance. However , going over more than 5 years, why has VUN out performed XUU. I am not clear on this..

Regardless of the tariffs situation, the US market seems to do well over time, and hence i thought instead of total Europe exposure, go with VEQT etf. Any comments please..

Also, do you prefer unhedged products like VUN as opposed to VUS? Lastly, i use yahoo to to compare charts. Do you know a better site please? Thanks very much
Read Answer Asked by umedali on March 14, 2025
Q: I still have trouble with market response to interest rates. Assuming Bank of Canada cuts lending rates further by the end of the year.

What is the expected effect on dividend paying stocks like Canadian banks, utilities and telecoms? What other factors could affect those sectors or is interest rate the key determinant?

thanks
Ernie
Read Answer Asked by Ernest on March 14, 2025
Q: Does it make sense in buying a small position in something like sqqq? Any other general short recommended? What is a suggested position size given for a short given that all my other positions are positive. Is my maximum loss limited to amount of money invested in sqqq..ie can it go in the negative? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Shyam on March 14, 2025
Q: historically the risk in holding US Gov't debt has been very low. Now it seems we are only 1 Truth Social Post away from the next crazy Policy experiment. I believeTrump questioned whether they really owe all the Debt and may have even questioned the need to pay it.

When holding US Gov't debt in the form of US T Bills or similar has my risk ticked up since Jan 26th and would you say US Gov't debt is still much safer than say a TD US GIC (Corporate Debt)? Are there short term cash proxies you would avoid in this market due to recent admin change?

Lastly does this never ending talk about the US Debt ceiling and possible Gov't shutdown create risks for holders of US financial instruments?
Read Answer Asked by Craig on March 12, 2025
Q: Good day, 5i Team,

As always, thank you for your support, especially during times like this.

Are you able to share your team`s general consensus on where we are heading and what would be the major factors to keep an eye on to gauge the depth of the pullback?

More specifically:
1. If we are heading for recession, what industries/companies would be best positioned to recover first and "benefit" from the current situation?
2. On the scale from Covid to Great Depression, where would you place us speculatively as the result of Trumpconomics?

Respectfully,

Nick
Read Answer Asked by Nick on March 12, 2025