Investment Q&A

Q: Donation of securities to charity.
Last year we reported that Questrade charged $25 per charitable donation we made. After writing the CEO and c.c.ing others, the fee was reversed. Well, they are at it again and although a note will be put on our file that the fee will be waived, it will be posted and immediately reversed. These are donations to registered charities, a university and four well-known charities. We know there is some back office work that needs to be done but ironically shortly after our hassle last year Questrade boasted to their clients of their charitable largess. Perhaps Rob Carrick will add a question about this topic in his annual brokerage review. After all Tim Cestnick named it as one of the year-end tips for saving on taxes last week. I think it is time for another letter to the CEO of Questrade and this time include 5i research as a recipient of our information sharing.

Q: Do you see any danger of AQN becoming insolvent?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: I want to invest in the S&P 500 in my unregistered accounts with HXS. Are you comfortable holding this total return ETF? Are there any known government issues with total return ETFs - I recall the Fed Government challenged these in the past? In registered family accounts I plan to use VFV and/or ZSP - do you prefer one over the other? For safety, would it be a good idea to use both?
Thanks!

Q: Both companies operate in the loans business to consumers. I currently own a full position in GSY. I hear you have a high conviction in ECN. Would you start a new position. Disregard asset allocation.

Thx Yves

Q: Hi Peter & team,
My question is regarding Notes issued by Canadian big banks like Floating Rate Senior Note or Step Up Extendible Notes. There is not much discussions about using this kind of investment by retail investors for their fixed income portfolio instead of GIC or bonds. The yield on these Notes seems to be higher than GIC of the same maturity. Please comment on the pros and cons of Notes as the main component of the fixed income portfolio. Any disadvantages vs bonds or GIC? What should retail investors watch out for when shopping for these Notes? Thanks

Q: I am making the switch to holding ETFs in my RRSP instead of individual stocks to make it easier to manage. Can you recommend your top ETFs for a growth oriented investor who has a 10-15 year horizon and wants a globally diversified portfolio. I would like to limit this to less than 5 ETFs.

Thanks

Greg

Q: Would you please comment upon its results and indicate whether you believe it should be retained or sold?

Q: My question relates to Tesla's auto division and indirectly, Toyota :
My son predicts that most major auto manufacturers will go bankrupt or become mere shadows of their former selves by the end of the decade. He cites Tesla's manufacturing innovations as the cause (gigacasting, vertical integration, constant design iteration) as a few of the unassailable competitive advantages that no other manufacturer is even trying to copy at this time.
How does a debt-laden, auto company like Toyota expect to be able to be competitive in the EV marketplace and is this a good time as any to move into TSLA stock?

Q: Goood morning. Thank you for reading my email. I’m looking for Industrial stock suggestions on both the US and Canadian exchanges.

Q: Hello, obviously the markets did not like Q3 results for VIQ Solutions, what are your thoughts on this company, do you think this was possibly a market over reaction? Interesting that an insider was buying in September 100,000 shares at $1. What do you think the main issues are here causing the decline?

Q: Can you comment on their latest earnings, and why the selloff?

Q: Could you comment on DRM's earnings? Thanks!

Q: Please comment on the latest quarterly results for TOST. Clayton

Q: I am holding a call on SBUX, with substantial profit, ! year to go, hold or sell?? thanks, Jim

Q: Hi there,

What are your thoughts on DFY? The stock looks like it has been acting well. Do you have any updates on the company and would you be a buyer? Are there any red flags?

Thanks!

Q: Please provide the pros and cons of investing in "Step Up Extendible Notes." I note that they are not covered by CDIC. Would this be a safe investment? Many thanks for your guidance.

Stella

Q: Hi 5I. Down 20-30 % on Anrg and CTS. What do you think of selling one and buying ECN?
If so which one would you sell?
Seems like ECN has significant upside as well.
Thanks.

Q: Hi 5i,

I currently own the above noted renewable energy utilities. I am thinking of selling AQN. If I did so, (and I would like to keep it in renewables) would you recommend putting the proceeds towards one of the above or something like NPI or possibly a renewable energy ETF. Could you recommend 1 to 3 ETFs?

Thanks!!

Q: Hi,
I'm interested in these US REITs. Can you rank them best to worst for a longterm holder, and comment on the best account type to hold them in?
I know you've said that in general REITs are best held in a TFSA, but are there any exceptions to that guideline among them.
Thanks

Q: does AQN make an attractive take-over candidate at current prices or marginally lower prices...would look to harvest tax loss but trying to assess risks of that strategy...would it be more attractive to a US peer vs. Can...many thanks...cheers