Investment Q&A

Q: I’m investing for a parent who is currently 100% in cash, is nearing retirement and has never invested. They will not actually need income for another 3-5 years, but I would like to generate some dividends, so they can see actual cash coming off their investments (this may be reinvested). I think dividends will help psychologically if the equity portion declines as they will at least “be paid to wait” while the market recovers.

I am considering constructing the portfolio as follows:
30% Cash – PSA
50% Bonds – ZAG
10% Equity – International Dividend – PID
10% Equity – International Broad Index – XAW
10% Equity – Canada Growth – 5i

Can you provide 5i’s 2 or 3 highest conviction calls right now. I’m looking for growth at a reasonable price. Not looking for yield, but would like it to at least pay a modest dividend.

I would also be interested in any views you have about the suitability of the portfolio and any alternative / additional suggestions you may have.
If there is a correction in the equity markets in next few years or one of 5i’s A companies slips on a banana peel, I may look to put some of the cash to work and increase the equity potion.

My tactical views are: interest rates will rise with the US leading the way, the US broad equity markets are looking very expensive, Bonds are generally not a good investment and at low rates they will get killed by inflation over the long run (but they reduce volatility).

Also, in terms of allocating these investments between non-registered and TFSA, how should I generally be thinking about this? International stocks and bonds into the TFSA until it’s full and cash and Canadian stocks in the non-registered account? I don’t think they will be making any new contribution so perhaps there is no way to use the RRSP.

I look forward to your thoughts and apologise for asking a multi-part questions. If you start to run out of steam, don’t worry about the tax questions.

Thanks

Q: Peter and Team, I raised cash progressively by trimming a few different positions from my stock portfolio (basically mirror of Balanced Equity Model Portfolio) over the last 6 months to reduce risk a bit as I have been and am still concerned about the markets (high debt levels, rising rates, very high P/E's, etc.). I put some of the proceeds in HFR. I currently have approximately 5.7% of my overall portfolio in HFR. I also have approximately 21% of the portfolio in straight cash. I want to put this money to work in something that won't crash with the markets (if they do) and recognize this means low return/low risk. How much should I be comfortable in putting in a single ETF like HFR? I've also been looking at running a small 0 - 90 day fixed income book to generate approximately 1.15% annually or so. Ideally, I'd just drop a bunch of cash on my mortgage but my significant other is concerned about taking that cash for that reason and not keeping it invested for the long term.

I digress. Thoughts on concentration risk with HFR and other low risk, low correlation ideas to make some return on my cash position would be greatly appreciated.

Q: This is a followup to my question on PSA. For shorter term funds how would you rate the safety/risk between PSA and HFR ? Are there any tax implications in a TFSA for either product .
Also, a suggestion - I notice a number of people are looking for a place to park money with some degree ( including 100% ) of safety but don't necessarily want to get locked into GIC's. Any chance you could do a comparison chart for various alternatives that you feel would be appropriate, including tax impact for TFSA, other registered funds, and non-registered ?
Thanks again.

Q: Is this a risk-free place to park money ? If not, could you please explain what and how likely, the risk might be ?
Many thanks.

Q: Hi 5I, in view of future interest rate increases I am looking for investment with some income and protecting my capital. I would like your help in assessing the above, Also, please rate them, perhaps suggesting better ones. Many thanks , J.A.P Burlington, on.

Q: Just sold my house and not planning to buy one within half a year. I am using part of the proceeds investing in 5i stocks. I want to park the rest of the money somewhere relatively safe for a quarter or half a year. Looking at XHY.to, CVD.to, CPD.to, even KWH_u.to, ALAr.to. A bank is giving you nothing. Please advice

Q: What is your opinion of PSA and FSL as investments? Is FSL low risk?

Q: In Jan 26 response you mentioned cash like ETFs with a similar yield to High Interest Savings Account for short term savings of cash. Could you name a few?

Q: Hi

Which would be a better place to park cash for 4 to 6 months
ZST or PSA
Thank you for your advice
Steven

Q: I am interested in parking funds in this product. Would you endorse it. Is the settlement to buy or sell on the third day. With market sell could I lose more than 1 cent on the spread.
Thank-you
Best Regards
Harold