Investment Q&A

Q: I have a long held but small position in Sprott Canadian Equity, Energy and Precious Metals . What would you recommend as replacements for these three ? I am looking for growth . Thanx Robbie

Q: Hello 5i staff,
With both of us with defined teacher pensions and funds in the bank, at 71 years and about $1,000,000 (distributed through all sectors) in GiC's, dividend paying equities, ETF's as well as the income portfolio, do I really need the XDG as you so often suggest or can I let it go and use the funds for the new additions to the income portfolio? If so, for materials, what would you suggest as a replacement that provides dividends and also is a good fit in the case of a severe downturn? Please take as many points as needed.
Thank you,
Stanley

Q: What is going on with Gold stocks? The Gold price is closer to its 52 week high while the XGD is trading at a 52 week low. One of them has got to give?

Q: Hello, Is there any point in holding xgd? It's done nothing but decline...even in declining markets. Can you share your thoughts on the "bull" case or simply why would one continue to hold it looking forward from here?

Q: In light of the accelerating run up in global equity valuations over the past several months, what percentage of one's investment portfolio would you suggest be kept in cash? Gold equities? I'm an investor with a long term time horizon.

Q: hi folks:
what would be your choices for investments (etf or mutual funds) in the commodity space?

specifically is there one holding which covers all commodities from coffee to oils, or would a more narrow focus be better ie. xma, xba ?

because of the 'timing/rotation aspect of commodities in general I would not be adverse to a fund

thanks

Q: You mentioned that for ETF's that up to 10% holding is fine, would holding XGD up to 10% be okay if you only have TFSA account and is only around $20,000 and this would be the only material sector stock that you own or is this too high. Currently have a 5% weight.
Thanks

Q: I think the US tax cut has the potential to be inflationary. Investors will have more money in their pockets as the US indices go up and at the same time US government debt will go up since tax income declines but spending does not. The government will be borrowing more to fund their operations. Inflation will help the government as they can use depreciated dollars to pay off their debt. I don’t really buy the argument that increasing economic activity/wealth will somehow flow into back into government coffers replacing the revenues lost to the tax cuts. That being said are gold mining companies a good hedge against inflation? Inflation seems to lead to higher interest rates which is bad for gold. We own some AEM but our weighting is a bit light. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Jim

Q: My materials and precious metals exposure is limited to the above two stocks, and both are very small positions. With recent talk about positive prospects for materials going forward, what etf would you recommend if I decided to put some more money into this sector?

Q: Would like your opinion on SPE? Sell or hold? I want to sell it and buy Kirkland Lake gold. KL still your favorite gold stock? What's the value per share of KL? Do you have a favorite gold ETF? Thank you so much.

Q: I am planning to sell ABX to take a tax loss. However, I like to stay invest in the gold/gold miner sector. I can get my wife to buy back ABX or any of the above companies. I would like your opinion on your preferred investment vehicle in gold/gold miner at this time > any of the above 5 companies? or do you have any other favorite company in this sector ? BTW, can you let me know if I buy ABX in the NYSE, will its dividend qualified for Canadian dividend tax credit ? Thank you.

Q: I have just recently sold these 2 mutual funds and would like 2 buy etf as a replacement. What would your recommendatios be. Plse deduct 2 questions

Q: Hi team, I have a spec position in a junior miner that has done very well while we wait for them to release drill results. In your experience, is it better to sell before the results or wait it out? The first drill result was very promising. I ask this question in the context of investing in the junior market. What has been your experience in investing in junior miners? Any strategies?
Cheers

Q: Given all the world events and the fact we are at the end of a prolonged bull market could you give me your thoughts on a gold hedge play. I have a small position in DGC(.75%). Would you suggest adding here or selling this for another or just staying put?
Would you suggest a stock or the bullion and could you give me suggestions on both?
Thanks

Q: Have over 20 years until retirement. VVL has been a disappointment , seems to be holding too many stocks that underperform and has substantially low dividend yield compared to VCN/VUN.

RRSP Account
ZUH 10%
VVL 7%
ZGI 8%
COW 10%
XWD 6%
ZLU 7%
ZLB 7%
VXC 5%
ZID 2%
VUN 7%
CWW 9%
XGD 6%
XIT 8%
Cash 8%

What would be your top 5 etfs for a long term hold?

Q: Do I really need gold (XGD)?

I know 5i regards gold as an insurance/flight-to-safety hedge, but over ~ 10 years of investing, gold (XGD) has only lost me money. So, based on:

(a) http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/19/retirement/retirement-savings-gold/index.html and
(b) May 08, 2017 - Asked by Harry 'you can use TIPS securities under ticker TIP',

I'm considering replacing all my XGD (2.2% of portfolio; keeping RTM and ZCL in Basic Materials sector) with TIP ETF (10-year returns: TIP: +13.2%, XGD: -30%).

Would very much value you thoughts on this. Thank you.

Q: It was recommended in one of the US investment articles to catch the recent upward trend in gold. Your opinion please?

Q: Without regard for sector diversification and/or weight - If I needed to raise some cash in my portfolio, and wanted to sell some of my losers...which of these names would you sell in order of priority. Could you kindly provide rationale for why you might sell vs. hold. Thanks

Q: Given past seasonal weakness trends in the markets, do you think taking a 20 percent position in gold and the vxx from now to Sept/Oct is a good idea? Thanks.

Q: I have looked at gold and precious metals ltd. ASA. US (closed end mutual fund). What are your thoughts on asa for a small holding 3 percent to diversify?