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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 have read about Vanguard Index Funds and would like to pursue.
I have excess cash that I would like to invest long term in the broad US stock market. I DIY via Questrade - my current portfolio follows your Income Portfolio.
Which of the Vanguard funds would you suggest and could you provide the symbols for such? I'm assuming I could purchase these thru Questrade.
Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by dave on October 05, 2020
Q: I’m considering adding to my SHOP and KXS positions and initiating LSPD and CJT positions. I’m in no hurry and would like to purchase shares that have gone on sale(lol). I’d appreciate your commentary on the likelihood of the impact of two events in our immediate future and their impact on prices. My concerns involve: (1) the coming of winter and the impact on LSPD as restaurants shutter, potentially for good and (2) the impact of the US election if the result is dragged out for weeks in an ugly transition of power. I have no problem buying today, and I know you don’t recommend timing the market as there is always something to worry about, but it seems foolhardy to not consider the impact of events staring us in the face. Thanks for the guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on October 05, 2020
Q: Hi! I would like to build a portfolio of 20 stocks that include both Canadian and US holdings that contain a mix of growth and defensive names with a stronger weighting to growth(say 70%/30% growth to safety). What names would yo allocate to create the portfolio. Thanks very much.
Read Answer Asked by Ian on October 05, 2020
Q: Looking at my portfolio, would there be any changes you would make? All of it is held in my TFSA, I'm 24 and don't require the money for atleast a few years if not much longer.
I know I'm very tech heavy but I like the exposure to high growth industry leaders. If I should adjust which would you sell/trim and which would you buy.
I also have 10k CAE shares held in another account.

Thanks, Dan
Read Answer Asked by Daniel on October 05, 2020
Q: I bought some FNV last year and exited my position in April 2020 (too soon but still a double). I am thinking of returning to gold as I now have none (and feel uncomfortable with none).
a) Is this a decent time to return?
b) Should I return to FNV now that it has dropped back from its high?
c) Or should I choose one of GLD:US, IAU:US or SGOL:US and if so which do you prefer?
Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 05, 2020
Q: this is down quite a bit since August/2020 when I entered my position.
Is most negative news for oil/gas priced in?
If you were existing holder, would you add to your position, hold or sell?
I love the dividend but is it sustainable?
They have been buyers of distressed companies like Painted Pony but is their balance sheet and lending facilities strong enough to purchase more distressed assets?
Read Answer Asked by Neelesh on October 05, 2020
Q: This is actually a followup question to your answer to Steve's question from earlier this morning.

I also hold a core position in TRP. Dividend investor. Intended to hold 'forever'. I'm 43.

I couldn't tell from your answer to Steve's question whether you view TRP as a 'BUY', 'SELL', 'HOLD' or 'GRADUALLY TRIM UNTIL DIVESTED'. You had previously opined that oil will likely subsist as a fuel source in demand for 20+ years. That would take me to age 63. What do you think is the likelihood that TRP continues to pay and grow its dividend for say, 50 years? I know given the time frame, this is a very difficult, speculative, predictive question, but your guess is better than mine. I don't want to hang on to this position only to have to sell it at a massive loss 20 years from now, but that is the scenario that appears to be gradually unfolding now.

I hold a fairly concentrated portfolio of 20 companies, equally-weighted, and each is selected with the intention of holding for their sustained, rising dividend payments in perpetuity. When this is threatened, either imminently or in the medium to long-term, I sell. I sold SU when they cut their dividend and am glad I did.

Given this context, should I exit TRP? If so, should I use the proceeds to start a new position in AQN? I already own FTS and EMA, would this be too much overlap or too much utilities exposure? If so, I am relatively light on Consumer Discretionary (only hold CTC.A in this sector and have been eyeing QSR - do you think a switch from TRP to QSR would make more sense?

Please deduct as many credits as necessary, this was actually *many* questions in one.
Read Answer Asked by Walter on October 05, 2020
Q: A respected analyst stated: DO NOT BUY THE BANKS!!!
Here are his reasons:
- Not only are they facing pressure from a flat yield curve but every aspect of their business is being disrupted by digital-first competitors.
- FinTech companies (both public and private) are disrupting every single one of the revenue channels at the banks.
- There isn't a single reason to own bank stocks other than the dividends however I’d argue if their businesses decline as much as I think they will those dividends might not be safe.
- There are better industries to find dividends where the companies are growing earnings and increasing their dividends. Personally I don’t see any of the banks increasing their earnings for a long time especially if these VC backed FinTech companies continue to crush them.
- If you want exposure to the financial industry I’d suggest going with the digital payment companies: $V $MA $PYPL $SQ

What are your thoughts re: only focus on fintech and digital payment companies in your portfolio?
I note that your top pick for banks in your income portfolio is BNS.TO, which you constantly recommend as it appears "undervalued", however BNS.TO has made 0% capital appreciation over 5 years. Is it time to switch to fintech?
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on October 05, 2020
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