Investment Q&A

Q: Hi, I'm a retired, dividend-income investor. I took some profits and losses (to wipe out potential capital gains) over the last 5 weeks and am now planning on reinvesting the cash to top up some of my existing equities, up to my desired asset allocation. I want to leg in, in probably 3 waves over the next couple (?) of months, to top up ZWC, AD, AQN, AW, BNS, BCE, LNF, NWC, RY, TRP, WSP.

Can you please indicate which of the above equities you would allocate into which wave (in other words, does it look like the equity is "ready" for an investment OR should I continue to wait for a while)...or not at all (not worth any further investment).

Thanks for your help...Steve

Q: For fun, let’s assume that the markets will be shut down. What would that look like? I assume there would be some warning that they were to close, and that there would then be a lot of selling prior to that. Correct? If they were to close, how long might they close for, and what could we ‘expect’ would happen when they reopened? All very hypothetical, but whatever insights you have would be appreciated.
Also, today I tried to take money out of my personal chequing account, at TD, and they capped withdrawals at $2500 per person, per day. I’ve never had that before. Concerning?
Thank you.

Q: What is the best way to go long on Volatility? What are your thoughts on this?

Q: First and foremost looks like the 5i team is working overtime to keep up with all the questions to ensure us members are not waiting long to get answers. Much appreciated! Compared to 2008 are the governments responding faster this time around and is the play book the same or different this time? Trying to see if all of these measures will have the same benefits as before?

Q: China's economy seems to be coming back. Something I ordered in January has finally been shipped. The streets in Beijing are getting busier and of course the Trump administration seems to have finally taken the threat seriously.
If the current shutdown is successful and the incubation period is 14 days would you think it reasonable to see signs of improvement after a month or so?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Mike

Q: What has been proving to be non-correlated to equities in this market? From a quick look, not really the usual suspects such as bonds, gold or even bitcoin. I expect the best answer to this question will come with more hindsight, but appreciate your views. Thanks!

Q: retiring next week and now this happens
i will be totally dependent on dividend income
yes, i should have bond income but i don't
ytd shows:
50% of dividend portfolio is <20%>
50% at <37%>
should i sell <37%> portion to protect portfolio?

Q: I have a few questions about negative interest rates:
1) how low was the US and Canadian bank rates back in the worst of 2008, and where are they today
2) what major economies currently have negative rates/for how long/how low (or high?)
3) for those countries with negative rates, has this affected the dividends paid blue-chip stocks on their exchanges
4) what are the best investments for "hiding out" should we get to negative rates
5) could you hazard a guess as to the likelihood of negative rates in N. America
Thank-you

Q: Hello 5i Gurus,
The central bank authorities at the Bank of England and the ECB have, this past week given authorization to all banks (domiciled in the UK or Europe) that they will be allowed to release ALL of their strategic counter cyclical funds that they normally hold in reserve. From what I remember, this would be several hundreds of billions of pounds or euros. Question is: Does the US and Canada have similar "counter cyclical funds" (not sure if this is the correct terminology)? that they can use to support the economy temporarily?

Q: We Canadian like to drive and are willing block pipelines our resources re not worth anything if don’t export them our motor industry is dead how long government will be willing to pay our mortgages and pump funds in to our economy on borrowed funds
I think we re very near reccesion or let’s say reality check
Can I have your opinion on my assessment
We Canadians have very high debt so is our governments

Q: Can you comment on the repo purchases that have been ongoing and have ramped up recently in the US. Does this add another layer of concern to the markets or just what needs to be done in times like these? Is there any holding that might benefit from this?

Q: After the "blood in the streets" kind of day we have had today, March 12, was I "crazy" to add to my holdings of the aforementioned? Are their dividends as reliable as I perceive them to be? FYI, I am a year away from retirement at age 60 and value dividend income for a portion of my portfolio.

Q: Q1. Can you describe a bit what actually happens when the FED says they will inject US 1 Trillion into the market. Where will that money go and is it a loan? In the 2009 recession, it was a loan to the collapsing banks which I think eventually got paid back.

Q2. Regarding increased dividend yield on falling values of stocks, how does this work? The funds are changing hands outside of the company, so if share price drop was the only thing to happen, theoretically the continuation of the dividend should not be in doubt. Maybe the business of the company might drop for some reason if share price drops.

Most grateful for all the guidance you provide to investors and the education you offer on the function of the stock market.

Q: Good Morning

I was able to convert almost everything to cash late January and am now waiting to see when bottom is at hand. Markets appear to be displaying some signs of recovery this morning after the ridiculous comments by Trump the other day. Is there any reason we should be optimistic and begin looking at getting back in? Or do you think we still have a ways to go before recovery?

Thanks for all you do
gm

Q: In view of the severity of the selloff, would you accelerate buying stocks in this market or spread the over 6 months or more ?

Any indication what the new multiple looks like for the US and CDA markets vs foward earnings. I suppose it s anyone's guess but I thouht you might have interesting comments. Thank you!

Q: Hello,

I am wondering what your thoughts are on the eventual recovery? We won’t know 100% until the virus plays out further but best guess, what do you think a recovery will look like?

My thoughts are that once the virus is under control we may see a quick turnaround in the equities market due to the economies ramping back up, but I am concerned that if this virus continues to provide more questions then answers we may be stuck in a longer downturn.

Keeping the recovery in mind, what are your thoughts on picking away at a Russell 2000 position over the next few weeks/months and what effect will a rising loonie (if Russia and SA work through this spat) have on the dollar hedging. Is it best to buy the Canadian version or the US version with this drop in the loonie and hopefully the eventual recovery in it.

TIA

Q: I have these 3 ETFs in my RRSP for fixed income exposure. I am strongly considering selling CBO and CLF, down approximately 3% each, to raise funds to buy stocks that are, in my opinion, getting to really attractive valuations today. I'll keep XHY because it is down a bit more (11%) and will likely recover as things improve. Is this an acceptable strategy in times like these. 25+ years until retirement.

Thanks,
Jason

Q: Hi Peter. I own ZWH.U which is down about 26%. I had thought that the covered call strategy would have provided some shelter from the downdraft, but it appears that really isn't the case. Oh well. My question relates to going forward. Since the covered call strategy will likely limit future gains, what ETF would you suggest for ZWH.U's replacement in my US accounts? thanks, J

Q: Peter and team
I sold off all my equities part way through this recent collapse.
I have followed your BPort, along with some picks from the GPort.
I do not have the time to diligently follow individual stocks anymore, and was thinking of switching to ETFs.
What are your thoughts about splitting some 400k in cash between ZCN,ZDV, and ZUE. Is there too much overlap in the two Canadian ETFs, and what are your thoughts on going with the "hedged" ZUE?
This is a non registered account. I am pretty sure that ZUE is treated as a Canadian Equity with no foreign withholding tax. Correct?
Thanks

Phil

Q: Your thoughts on this pls Peter/Ryan and team: with the VIX over 72 as I ask; historically (and I know all bets are off in this environment) and a best guess: are we "somewhere" near maximum panic?
Fyi I have been a net buyer over the last couple of weeks, panic creates opportunity imo. Your thoughts and opinions have been invaluable even though some have been hammering you for your answers..thanks!