Investment Q&A

Q: I have held the Vertex Hedge Fund for about 15 years. In the early years the returns were acceptable. In the past 5 years the returns have been a disappointment. What do you think of that fund and its management? Should I continue to hold or sell and move on?

Q: Can you name a site or sites that I could plug in my portfolio and get the similar type portfolio chart like the balanced equity portfolio chart. Hopefully it would be capable of giving either daily or weekly updates of the chart so I can determine my individual and overall performances.

Q: Good Morning: I saw an article in the Globe a few days ago about a firm called "Transcend" which is a program run by Provisus Wealth Management. Looks like the principal player is Chris Ambridge. They are advertising themselves as a "pay for performance" discretionary money manager where you pay a minimal account maintenance fee (25 basis points annually) and then a performance premium of 20% on account profits (or smaller losses). However, the 20% is apparently only on profits that are better than the performance of the appropriate market. So for Cdn. equities I assume that would be the TSX. Wondering if you know anything about this program, know any of the principals at the company, or have an opinion about the merits/demerits of this kind of account. At the moment, I am a self-directed investor using BMO Investorline. As always, thanks.

Q: Given that most, if not all of your highly rated IT co's are software business solutions co's and diversified across many sectors, is there any need to apply a 'sector' limit to them. I know they may all move with the IT sector during rotations, but not on fundamental issues that affect all co's in some sectors e.g. resources. Applying a sector limit seems to be excluding many fine growth co's from a portfolio, at the expense of including less attractive co's in the quest to diversify sectors, but is this necessary? Why have a sector limit at all when the co's in question are themselves diversified?
Thanks, Peter.

Q: With gold producers tightly a liked to the process of gold, there seems to be a 1 to 5 ratio of impact (gold increases 1%, producers increase 5 or more %). Over the past few days we see spot increase or decrease without a symmetrical impact to producers. Can you comment on what else impacts the general sector or are the more sensitive to factors and in fact spot prices are trailing?

Thanks,

Eric

Q: OK the Trump effect ... would it be prudent to turn all investments into cash lets say a week ahead of the US election (50 stocks X $10/transaction =$500) and if Trump wins ride out the wave of volatility and then buy back into the portfolios for another $500 hit possibly avoiding the chaos that would follow the Donald into his presidency? If Hillary wins would you expect a positive response from the markets?

Q: I have been a bit worried about the US market, as measured by cyclic PE it seems quite expensive. I have used the recent strength to sell some of my low conviction stocks and take half positions in what I consider to be better companies. My cash is now up to 10%.

My first question is do you think this cash level is appropriate for the market now? My second question is, given a pullback how would you deploy the cash. Immediately on the day of a big drop, say over 200 points on the Dow?. Or try to time the bottom using technical analysis? Or gradually ease into a position starting the day after a big drop in the market? Any other suggestions gratefully received.

Q: I have the following in my TFSA:
ALA;BEP.UN;BHX.B;ET;FTG;HCG;MRT.UN;PHM;PUR;&TNC
I have about 12K contribution room left to top up my total limit and Im looking for 2 or 3 names to add which would fit in and will make it a appox.50k portfolio.Suggestions?

Q: Hi,

I am looking to balance out my portfolio with some dividend paying companies that will do well in a slowly rising interest rate environment. Something to balance off my utilities and reit's. No financials please. Ideally a dividend of 2% or more.

Regards,

Robert

Q: Wanted to say I liked the Article about Dividend Payout Ratio. It also happens to be what I have learned to use.

I liked Peter's "Sell Everything! Just Kidding!" presentation at the recent Toronto MoneyShow.

Have a great day!

Q: ON Sept22 you answered my question re what agricultural investments were worth looking at. You mentioned a stock AGE. Is that the correct call letter as I can't find it.

Thanks

Paul

Q: I am having difficulty investing new money into the market in the current environment because of perceived high valuations. If a stock is rated as a strong buy on the TMX web site, would you be comfortable starting a new position? Thank you.

Q: Can you suggest an investment vehicle(s) (eg. ETFs) that invest in U.S. dividend paying stocks and will pay out a Canadian eligible dividend? Is this type of investment available?

Q: You mentioned that there is a daily digest e-mail, is that something you send to all members or only to those who ask for it? I would be interested in receiving it.

Thanks

Q: Hello 5i experts
Given that a Trump victory is looking more and more likely, can you give me some advice on what effect it will have on the stock market (both short and longer term) and what evasive action retired investors like us should be taking.
Great service...couldn't be without it. Thanks as always
Joanne

Q: An article in the Globe w.r.t Segregated Fund.
Can you help me to understand how can Segregated fund guarantee to retain principle of invested money? Can you suggest such funds to invest in. Also, I am considering to increase my investment in healthcare stocks, I have EXE, HIG.un, considering NWH.un, CSH.un and NHC. Would appreciate your help to select, perhaps others you can suggest.
Regards, J.A.P. Burlington

Q: I would like your opinion on my current mix of assets that are heavily invested in hedge funds.
25% Donneville Kent North American Fund
25% Barometer Global Macro Pool
25% JC Clark Preservation and Adaly Fund
25% 5i research stocks
my total invested is 700k and i hope to retire in 10-12 years

Q: Hi I've done well this year: up almost 17% year to date. Thanks to mostly your BE stocks. I'm thinking maybe I should hedge my portfolio somewhat to protect the gains. What do you think of the us etf HDGE. It doesn't seem to have the difficulties of other bear etfs with their daily decay rate.
Or would you just ride the portfolio through the inevitable cycles of downs and ups?

Q: Are there any new site improvements being planned?

Q: With the uptick in Natural gas ,which stocks or etfs would you recommend ?