Investment Q&A

Q: I don't hold much in the way of fixed income but based on your sage advice, I have decided to take the plunge. The question now becomes the best way to do it. It seems I have three options. One, buy an ETF. This is easy to do, the MER cost is low and it provides diversification. However, there is no maturity so downside risk is greater and although the cost is low, there is still a cost. Two, buy preferreds. I understand that with the rate reset feature, downsize risk is minimized but there is no maturity date so the initial capital may never be regained. But they are easy to buy. Third, purchase individual bonds. The return could be higher (especially if corporate) and capital should be returned at maturity. However, I have no idea how to buy individual bonds. Can they be purchased through most on-line trading accounts? How do you find individual bonds that are for sale and how do you determine if it is good value (I have no particular expertise in this area)?

Is my synopsis fairly accurate? If so, what do you recommend as the best way to proceed in acquiring this class of assets?

Appreciate your insights.

Paul F.

Q: Can Canadian companies that derive revenue from U.S. and European
holdings (eg., MG, ATD.B,BIP.UN, MST.UN,STN,LNR,POW,etc) be regarded as partial foreign equity within a portfolio?

Q: Hi guys, you mentioned in an answer this week some good bets you made early in your career and mentioned companies bought at 0.25$, 0.10$, etc.

In today’s world how would someone go about selecting good companies in their teen with share at less than a dollar and what would be your current top 3 penny stock non-related to natural resources?

Q: In your recent web address you suggest you look for companies that are able to excell in proving rising dividend rates. Can you suggest a source of this information ?

Q: I have 30 thousand in a TFSA and I would like to invest it over 5 stocks. Do not mind being aggressive or semi aggressive. Which 5 stocks would you select at the moment and do you feel now would be a fair time to invest in them.

Q: Some of the questions are overly promotional and this should be discouraged or answered in the tone they are asked !

Q: Last July , you put together a report entitled " Report of Target Price Data" . The report listed stocks that were undervalued . Many were sadly beaten up , but two of the " Strong Buys" from the first 2 pages returned over 300% as of last Friday . I am certain most of the data is outdated and there would be new companies listed .
I am not sure what your source was for this report ... Was your submitting this a one time event ? Thanks for everything ... Tom

Q: What kind of companies best to buy in a tfsa, rrsp and regular account? Thank you rose

Q: Hi Guys,

What do you think of this company?

Q: Good day,

In the past, I have found that picking up tax loss stocks at this time of the year to be fairly rewarding. Can you please give me two or three names that are down on the year (or even beaten up badly) but offer some value. Thanks much - all the best over the holidays to you!

Q: Good morning Peter and Team,

If you were purchasing today, what stocks and/or ETFs would you buy for each of the TSX eleven sectors? (Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Energy, Financials, Healthcare, Industrials, Information Technology, Materials, Real Estate, Telecom, and Utilities). Please give at least two choices for each sector.

My daughter-in-law has finally sold her high-MER, low-performing mutual funds, and I have set up a self-directed account for her LIRA, her RRSP, and her TFSA. She is 48 and will probably work till at least 65.

Please feel free to deduct as many question credits as you deem necessary. Thanks in advance for all your valued assistance.

Q: Fund managed by J. Zechner & Assoc. - looking for a comment on the timing/safety of purchasing some units along with coupon rate reliability. Thanks

Q: Without regard to sector weightings...What would be your FAV 5 BUYS right now?
These would be for a long term Hold...3-5 Years..Thanks Valter.

Q: I love a bargain. What otherwise good stocks do you see as being unduly punished by tax loss selling/

Q: Good Day

With tax loss season here, any suggestions for buying stocks being sold for tax losses.

Thank you

Q: Do you think tax loss selling is mostly over, and it is time to start picking up some bargains, or do you recommend waiting until later this month or even into,January?

Q: Im looking for CDn and US etfs that offer a basket of resources ( metals, oil, etc) that you think will do well in the next couple of years.

Q: I'd like to free up some cash in my Income Portfolio. Of the following:
ABT, AX.UN, BPF.UN, BEP.UN, YCM.PR.B, DFN, ENB.PR.H, ECI, IPL, MTR.UN, FFH, SLF

I have overweight positions in BEP.UN 12.5%, DFN 15.3%, ECI 11%

Which of the the above would you sell some or all?

Q: Hello 5i team,
I think it is time for my wife to redeploy her cash position in the combined RRSP and TFSA portfolios.
I’m listing below her current holdings by the various TSX sectors, by weight and my proposed choice of additions. I would appreciate your opinion as to your order of preference at this time.
Consumer cyclicals (11%) CGX, MG; propose CCL, BYD or TOY
Consumer defensives (0%); propose ATD, DOL or PBH
Energy (8%) ENB, KEY: propose a producer
Financials (13%) SLF, TD; propose any addition?
Health (6%) ZUH; propose any addition?
Industrials (7%) BIP.UN; propose CNR, SIS, STN, WSP
Materials (0%); propose MX or SJ
Info tech (13%) CSU, GIB; propose ENGH, KXS or SYZ
RE/Telcos/Utilities (15%) BCE, BEP.UN, CIGI, FSC; propose reduce BCE or sell CIGI
Cash (26%)
I would not mind that you deduct any number of credits.
Thanks,
Antoine

Q: can you give me your valued opinion on the barometer global macro fund.can i get your view on this fund and your risk assessment of it.also is it a good long term hold for 3-5 years as 25% of my retirement fund.i am 52 years old and retire in 10 years with fingers crossed haha