Investment Q&A

Q: My question concerns asset allocation. I understand how rising interest rates can affect utilities that have a lot of debt or low oil prices affect energy companies but I am less clear why other sectors should be declining in what is being generally viewed as an improving economy. For example, why are consumer staple stocks declining in an atmosphere where economic growth is expected? Does sector rotation fully explain this?

In the same allocation vein, my one weighting anomaly is in industrials, where I have a 25% weighting. I hold EIF, MMM,ECI, HEI (a US airplane parts manufacturer), STN and SIS in fairly equal proportions. Most models suggest this sector should be at most a 20% weighting but when I look at the list I see companies in different industries and businesses and I wonder what a water heater rental company and an engineering company have in common. Am I being too slavish to an asset allocation model or is there something that ties these companies together that I am overlooking?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Hi Peter,

I'm just curious ... Who are your heroes are in the investment world that have shaped your investment philosphy? Are there any books or insights that describe your investment process?

5i, thanks for the great work that you do. You're doing a great service to Canadian investors.

Elliott

Q: Hi Peter /group I presently have around $300,000 cash (in a tradable business account)I do not want to take any /little risk with this hard earned $. What should I invest in with Capital preservation being the #1 focus. Thanks for your valued advise

Q: We have sold cottage and have 600,000$ to invest. Looking for 12 safe(!!!) or safest dividend paying stocks with an understanding that stocks can go down but good companies usually come back.
Thanks
Jean

Q: Could you outline the best strategy when the underlying stock for a covered call goes significantly higher or lower prior to the expiration of the call? Thanks!

Q: Is it best to hold Canadian bank stocks in an rrrsp or tfsa, advantages or disadvantages?
With thanks. Rose

Q: I have Ryan's read excellent article dealing with the impact of the US election on Canada.

However, I am somewhat bewildered by recent market activity - especially on the downside here in Canada.

The opinion has been expressed that interest rate incrases are/were already baked into the market. Can you quantify that in any way? e.g. 3-5%; 1-2% .... to what degree they are "baked in".

The reason I ask is that, it seems like all the media had to this week was mention the likelihood of inflation driven interest rate increases in the USA and sectors here like utilities and REITS took it on the chin.

How much more downside can we expect given the impact of just a few words about possible Trump moves to drive the USA economy when the decision(s) are made to actually increase rates in the USA?

Could this downward pressure be magnified if, in addition, we see US corporate taxes reduced and see some companies start to shift production to the US.

How likely is it that we are facing the prospects of a signicant bear market lasting a few years here?

Or is this a knee jerk reaction right now like Brexit that will likely reverse itself over the next few weeks?

Any light you can shed on this will be greatly appreciated.

Q: A number of the companies that grow by acquisition seem to be under greater pressure right now. I was wondering, if we are now in a context in which interest rates are likely to increase, whether companies of this kind (and thus their stock prices) will be impacted in terms of their capacity for growth and their ROEs. Decisions regarding any given company require more detailed financial assessments, so your general thoughts are what I am wondering about.

Thanks for the wonderful guidance that you provide.

Q: What's the matter with these very good companies?
Thank you Peter.

Q: could u please send a list of all the best 25,50, and 100 year dividend increase paying stocks and what sector they are in.

Q: Good Morning.

I would like to buy stocks in this dip. Which would you recommend of the ones I noted or others? As well, a small position in each or full positions? I currently own full positions in SIS, OTC, EFN, ECN, GOOGL and HOT.UN and small positions in TIO and CXI (to name some). I also have a large position in US cash. Any suggestions for it?

Thank you!
cathy

Q: portfolio- with recent scenario (new us president) looks like people moving to more growth oriented names. as such what would be recommended sector allocation. thanks

Q: Given the "new" political landscape in the US, which sectors should do well ?

Q: Now that people have had time to digest news of the election, what are some names you feel have been unfairly punished and are good buying opportunities?

Q: A general question about the drop in Gold prices. It seems from the crystal ball gazers that if Trump spends like crazy that this will fuel inflation which should be good for gold. Why the disconnect?

Q: Due to Trump's election and his political/economic agenda, would you recommend taking up a position in an American Equity fund at this time? Or, would it be wiser to "Wait and See" because of the market's current unpredictability/volatility? Thank you.

Q: Hi team,

Based on the U.S. election result and the change in tone in Washington towards a more pro growth and pro inflation scenario, can you recommend some CDN and U.S. cyclical stocks that could do well in this environment? I'm looking to trim defensive and interest rate sensitive stocks and establish positions in more cyclical industries.

Thank you,
Jason

Q: Any opinion of the firm and their funds, Ewing Morris, in Toronto?

Q: Portfolio question..if I sell a security in my cash account at a loss, can I immediately buy the same security in my sheltered account (RSP or TFSA) without endangering the capital loss or do I need to wait 30 days?

Q: Hi Guys,

My 82 year old parent's new financial advisor ( the other one just disappeared without notice) has propose the following for their TFSA:
Mr.; MER Allocation
Fidelity Global Monthly Income F .80% 20%
Fid Monthly Income F .70% 20%
Fiera Income Opportunities F .82% 20%
First Trust Senior Load ETF ? 10%
Northwest Healthcare Property 10%
Pro Real Estate Inv. Trust 10%
Healthcare Leader Inc Fund EFT ? 10%

Mrs.;
Dynamic Blue Chip Eq. Fund FE ? 30%
Dynamic Global Value Fund DSC ? 3%
Dynamic Stragic Yield Fund LL ? 21%
Fidelity Strategic Income Fund F .75% 26%
Cibc Cdn Equity Auto ? 6%
CI High Income FE ? 8%
CI High Income Dsc ? 6%

Both are low income and live off their dividends.

What I am looking for is a general answer; yes it looks OK or are they still paying way too much for fees (the advisor is charging 1% + to handle their investments).

thanks,

Jim