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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: Hi team, May I get your comments on Harry Browne's Permanent Portfolio that divides assets into 25% Gold Bullion (CGL), 25% Cash/Government Short Bonds (ZFS) , 25% Stocks (XIC/VTI/XEF/XEC) and 25% Long Government Bonds (ZFL)? This mix of assets is supposed to protect the investor through the different phases of the economy ie inflation/deflation/recession etc. Does this seem like a reasonable portfolio mix for someone that will retire in 15 years? 25% in gold bullion and 25% in Long Term Bonds seems like this would be a very risky mix going forward.
Read Answer Asked by Ken on September 13, 2013
Q: Can you give me your thoughts on AMW and the buyout by Fission. Would you buy either of these at the current price for a small speculative position? I understand they are tough to but a value on now but the market seems to love the story as AMW is up almost every day.
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on September 13, 2013
Q: REIT's are unpopular now, so maybe worth a look.
I think of apartment REIT's as less volatile and wonder why True North Apartment REIT (TN.UN) is paying almost 9%. Even if the condo market heads south, their apartments rent for much lower than condo rentals, so not much competition. They are nearly full, as there is a shortage of low rental housing, and have access to CHMC loans at low interest. The CEO has been buying at higher prices. What's not to like?
John
Read Answer Asked by John on September 13, 2013
Q: What is your current assessment of the investment merits of PUR? The stock has been rangebound between $4.00 and $5.00 for most of the year. There is a rule of thumb in technical analysis that notes ... the longer the consolidation, the higher the run ... do you believe PUR has this potential? Thanks for your insights.
Read Answer Asked by Owen on September 13, 2013
Q: I have heard on BNN various commentators say that if interest rates rise, it is better to be in insurance companies than banks. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. thanks.
Read Answer Asked by wendy on September 13, 2013
Q: Good morning all.
I just heard of this quite new(mid 2011)fund TLF.UN and am wondering what sort of option this fund would be for following the tech sector in the US via the TSX. A Brompton Fund at (http://www.bromptongroup.com/funds/fund/tlf/overview) it pays a nice distribution and has a mgmt fee of 0.75 but I expect the MER is higher. It looks like it is holding 16 positions and is fairly active writing covered calls to boost returns. Does 5i have any knowledge of, insights on or opinions about this fund and would something like QQQX or other be a better vehicle for following the US tech sector? TLF is small and probably not that liquid.
Thank you again for your wonderful service and support!
Read Answer Asked by Brian on September 13, 2013
Q: Hi Peter & the 5i Team,

You've said in the past that CPG isn't your favourite company in the O/G sector and I certainly agree with that assessment. Based on my results, even with the generous DRIP program and its 5% discount, and after holding CPG for several years, I'm still slightly underwater. It appears that CPG is incapable of breaking through the $40 mark. (Although it pays a hefty dividend of over 7%, its price has flat-lined).

Many analysts rate CPG as "sector outperform" or "strong buy", etc. etc., but my results certainly prove otherwise. I have (fortunately) only half a position in CPG, and bought it at that time due to its inclusion as a so-called "dividend aristocrat", and not knowing about 5i. (!) So at the present, I'm frustrated knowing I'm not reaping the benefits of an alternative O/G stock like VET.

My question is this: What "non-emotional" criteria should an investor use to determine if and when a stock should be sold?

Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on September 12, 2013
Q: I am looking for an update on ABM. My understanding is that they have a large valuable frac sand deposit in a strategic location. Rumor is that the project will be approved without an environmental study. What is your take on the this stock

DON
Read Answer Asked by Donald on September 12, 2013
Q: Hi,
I'm thinking of nibbling at SPM and AR at these levels. What do you think?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Steven on September 12, 2013
Q: Hi Team,

A would appreciate your opinion regarding 2 companies for some growth and dividends that should grow over time.

I'm thinking of buying IPL.UN Interpipe) now that it's become a corp. What do you think of its future prospects and do you think it's a reasonable buy at the current price?

Davis and Henderson seems to be changing itself into a viable company. Do you agree and is it a buy at current prices?

THANKS FOR THE GREAT SERVICE!
Read Answer Asked by Les on September 12, 2013
Q: Hi Peter & 5i: Am I missing it or is there no link from your Members page to your model portfolio?
My real question is whether you could take another look at the answer you gave to Ken on his ZPR question? In particular the comment that: “... we would not choose a single company over an ETF.” Presumably that isn’t generally true or else your model portfolio would only hold ETFs. Keep in mind that Ken’s question was about adding a holding in the context of a larger portfolio. Presumably there are times, at least, during which you might prefer the prospects of a single company over the index (or average return) for the relevant sector. So are you really just saying that right now you don’t prefer HR.UN’s prospects enough to outweigh any perceived individual company risk – or do you mean something more than that? Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Lance on September 12, 2013
Q: RLC - I am holding some RLC shares. I see that they are about to issue $25 million of convertible debentures. What will this do to the share price?
Read Answer Asked by Dave on September 12, 2013
Q: Hi 5I Team
I am interested in purchasing Unilever (UL) would this be a good but at this time?
Read Answer Asked by John on September 12, 2013
Q: Hi 5i, OMG what's with Wilan. Is it time to throw in the towel. As everything else that's decent continues to grind higher, this dog in my portfolio sends me around the bend. Is it time to take my loss or is there anything you know coming. I feel that after holding this for years now I will sell and up it will go. lol Thanks as always, you guys, girls are wonderful.
Read Answer Asked by Debbie on September 12, 2013