Investment Q&A

Q: hello, 5I
A copy /paste from zero hedge just in case it would interest anyone:
“The correlation between stock prices and margin debt continues to rise (to new records of exuberant “Fed’s got our backs” hope) as NYSE member margin balances surge to new record highs. Relative to the NYSE Composite,this is the most “leveraged’ investors have been since the absolute peak in Feb 2000. What is more worrisome, or perhaps not, is the ongoing collapse in investor net worth - defined as total free credit in margin accounts less total margin debt – which has hit what appears to be all-time lows (i.e. there’s less left than ever before) which as we noted previously raised a “red flag” with Deutsche Bank. Relative to the ‘economy’ margin debt has only been higher at the very peak in 2000 and 2007 and was never sustained at this level for more than 2 months.”
No comments, although, yours would be most appreciated.
Thanks and as usual, publish only if it represent any interest for the community.

Q: hello, how do you view spp.v (spot coffee) last finacial result.
thanks.

Q: Pardon me! The symbol was CHW - Chesswood Group -not CHN.
Thank you.I own shares in CHW. So far, it's been a pleasant ride. My concern, of course, is both their relative small size as well as the inherent risks that must be accepted when almost all their individual entities operate in a very leveraged & high risk market. As a retired US Attorney, I am familiar with legal & case funding as well as Plaintiff financial support. These areas along with their start-up financing loan business is my primary concern. Would much appreciate your opinion.

Q: Hello 5i. I have held MTL for the past 2-3 years and have been rewarded with growth of 25% (not including dividends). In recent weeks MTL has started slipping however and I am growing somewhat concerned with the large proportion of my portfolio dedicated to energy related stocks and infrastructure. So I'm thinking time for a change and am considering either POT or BEP.UN, both of which offer a resonable yield. I know that you are fans of BEP.UN, however I think that stocks such as POT and Agrium are on the cusp of moving up after a period in the doldrums. I would appreciate your input on my thinking,and whether you would choose POT or BEP.UN, or simply stick with MTL. Please advise. Thank you for your help.

Brian

Q: re ATP...At these new prices is there any value in taking the contrary view and picking up a little. What would be a steal price? I might like to try to go bottom hunting. Also, if a company like ATP does cut or eliminate divvies could this be actually to best thing for shareholders?

Q: You just responded to another user on BIF.UN. I am unable get a quotation for this through my discount broker. Is it available via some other symbol? Thanks

Q: WEQ Western One - down ~5% today on financing news. Y=7.8%. Buying opportunity or signs of bigger trouble ahead, hence a sell? I have owned this almost from day 1.

Thanks.

Q: Hi 5i, and thank-you for your answer on micro-cap ETFs.

Please comment on Caledonia Mining (CAL). It's awfully small but looks interesting.
Thanks again, Gail

Q: Hi Peter, If you were putting together a list of 5-10 stocks to invest in starting now, and primarily your reported companies, what would it look like? Market balance is not important.
Thanks Tom

Q: Would Bif.un be a good alternative to owning individual REITS. Thank you, Nancy

Q: I know you really like CMI and so do I but do you have any info as to why it has been getting steadily whacked since reaching it's all time high at $2.37, and especially today, all the way down to $1.70?

Q: I am looking at investing in mob.un (Northwest international healthcare). They have just announced a major acquisition, financing and increase in distribution. I already own Northwest healthcare (NWH) and i think mob is an indirect owner of nwh. Do u think investing in mob is too much of the same or am i taking advantage of a "cheap" stock?

Q: I took a flyer on XSR this spring at $6.50 and have been rewarded with a 32% rise plus the div. But the valuation looks crazy stretched and the payout ratio is high. I know it's priced for growth but my gut says to take the money and run. Would you dissuade me?

Thanks!

Q: your feeling on blx.db

Q: Hey Folks,
I have sold all but one of my American LP stock in my portfolio which is ETP, the 35% off the div. is just too much... I am considering WMB, could you give me another choice.
Thanks

Q: I have the sensibility that the falling dollar will provide some stimulus to our export oriented manufacturing base. Additionally , takeover activity will pick up as American companies go bargain shopping north of the 49th. I am unclear as to potential winners/losers with the EU free trade proposition.

Which industries/companies would you recommend as ~5 year holds for growth given a 90 cent dollar for the next few years.

Kind Regards
Rod

Q: Peter I notice in your model portfolio you 100%equities .
I have 26% fixed I classify callable preferred 2015-16 fixed along with my bonds and 7% cash.77% is equities and perpetual preferred.Any comments
Stan

Q: Have your monthly portfolio reports been published yet?
I don't see them and I'm hoping it isn't my computer.

Thank you as always.
Craig

Q: I own shares in wilan and I was wondering what you think of it. also I would like to know should we not of heard of an offer already or is it too early still.

Q: Hello Peter and team, could you help with the following question:I recently liquidated TD Canada Trust (CDN Commons) as it appreciated significantly. It was time to cash in. Question is, what in your opinion is the next Canadian financial institution to own for the long term, getting dividends while waiting for capital appreciation. I'm thinking Scotiabank or even a smaller FI like CDN Western Bank but appreciate your opinion. Thx