Investment Q&A

Q: I understand that for an ETF such as ZQQ, that's hedged against C$, this fund would not be negatively impacted if C$ rises against its US counterpart. But if C$ loses value against US$, would the hedged ETF benefit from it? Or there will be no + or - impact on the value of the ETF.
As for un-hedged ETFs, I assume then the price of these ETFs are affected by a) the movements of the stocks they are holding; and b) the movements of C$ against the underlying currencies. Is my assumption correction.
Cheers,

Q: I sold Lightspeed at $26.64, and would like to get back in, but I'm wondering if it would be better to wait until the next report on May 21. It will be their annual report, how do you see this report looking, will it reflect any downturn in business due to Covid, or would that be the subsequent report? Thank-you!

Q: I noticed something incorrect in your response to Stephen's April 27 question about GWO/POW. You said that he would have to wait until May 13/15 to sell them and claim a tax loss because he last purchased shares in those companies on April 13/15. If he sells ALL of his shares in the company he sells, he does not have to wait until May 13/15. The superficial loss rule applies only if you hold shares in the stock at the end of the 30 day period following the sale. If you buy something and THEN sell it within 30 days for a loss, you can claim the loss as long as you don't hold ANY shares in that stock at the end of the 30 day period following the sale.

Q: Hi!

I believe 5i has correctly stated in the past that in a recovery the bigger, stronger names will bounce earlier and more powerfully than smaller and perhaps more speculative names. Companies like TTD and TEAM have either bounced or held up better than names like RUBI or YEXT which fits your comments. SHOP vs LSPD in Canada would be another example. My question is not about these names specifically but if you could please list 4-5 names in the USA space that are well capitalized (can survive) and undervalued (haven't bounced like you might have thought yet). I am not looking for value stocks but growth themed stocks that have been unfairly punished or neglected in the recovery.
Thanks so much!

Q: Question on minimum rate reset and simple rate reset Preferred shares:
Minimum rate reset preferred shares lists distribution rate as higher of Minimum and the BOC 5 year rate +x%. The questions are:
1. Can they change distribution rate before the next reset date?
2. can they change distribution rate formula at the time of the next reset date
3. At the reset date, can they swap with other preferred with lower distribution?
4. I suppose they can recall and pay the face value at the next reset date
5. I understand company can not reduce or stop distribution on preferred shares until they cancel dividend on their common shares, correct?
6. is it possible to have any other fine prints on the prospectus that makes them more riskier investment?

Q: They have just added two new board members. Your opinions of them as far as impact on the company.

Thanks Steve

Q: In the recent past, the Federal Government has toyed with the idea of increasing the Capital Gains tax to 75%. With the amount of increased debt, I expect that this will come about in the next Budget or even before if that is possible. I know that the CG tax was introduced in 1972 and was increased and decreased several times since then. I am wondering if any of your members who are tax gurus would have an opinion on this. Would the Feds have a valuation day so that the CG would be taxed at 50% up to that day and 75% after that date? Or would they would just go with 75%?

Q: Are the Lifeco's in general going to be hurt badly because of relatively high death claims due to Covid,
or is this possibility already priced in ?

Q: Can you please provide upcoming May 6th, Q results, expected , consensus etc.
Thanks

Q: Hello 5i!

Appreciate all the great work.
I am looking for a canadian as well as US listed tech ETF. And semi-conductor fund to be held in my RRSP. Diversification and of course hoping for long term growth.
Currently XIT (TFSA). Using the room in RRSP for US listed dividend stocks/ETF's. Or whichever is the most tax and growth efficient.

I'm wondering what your top picks are in that sector and why? One concern of mine is some have a much higher mer. Is that worth the performance in the long run?

Or better bang for your buck on keeping fees low as usual and the most diverse fund. Company and cap wise. Hence holding a primarily large cap and semi conductor. Or just 1 solid all around.

If I'm missing a far better pick please enlighten me.

Thank you for putting together such a great site and program. Info is fantastic.

Q: My question is what is the new cost base for UTX, now RTX?
I held UTX and then it spun off Carrier and Otis. With these spin offs, I thought my cost base would be reduced for the spin off values for Carrier and Otis. But itrade and also Globe & Mail still show the original UTX cost base. 
I read that the spinoff and merger where to a non-taxable events.....or that's I took it.
Any information you can provide me to clarify this situation......Thanks.....Tom

Q: I am looking at the fixed income side of my portfolio and I am questioning the wisdom of holding CLF. Now I know there can be some sense in holding bonds even when interest rates are low (ie for the yield to maturity (YTM) and for the possible capital appreciation if interest rates go even lower). But for CLF this barely applies: the avg YTM is only 0.56% and the avg duration is 2.66 years (according to the Blackrock website on Apr 27). Thus the potential capital appreciation is very capped as the appreciation would only be in the 1.5% range if interest rates dropped to 0 and yet the potential capital depreciation is much much larger if interest rates rise significantly. So one is risking capital for a very low ytm without much potential upside and if interest rates rise, a potential rather large downside. Wouldn't holding cash make more sense?

Q: Greetings!
How do you see these two for buying the dip? I'd expect they will fall short on earnings report. The dental field in Canada has been shut down for about 6 weeks. Any insight would be great! Thanks

Q: Hi,
I have a few questions.
1) BAM is still about 50% off its February high. Why is that, given that so many other stocks have recovered considerably more? What is your opinion of it as a long-term investment? What about BEP?
2) What is your opinion of MIC as a long-term investment? Does it at least merit a “hold” at present?
3) How likely is it that the following small-caps will survive the present crisis: PL, HTL, ENW, VFF and PILL.CN?
Thanks,
Camille

Q: Hi gang, from a tax perspective, which is better to have in a non-registered account, bond or guaranteed investment certificate? Thanks
Alnoor

Q: What is your current best pick (or top 5) for pure growth over 1-3 year term?

Q: Please list your top 3 favorite stocks in each of these sectors: Telecomm, materials, Con cycl, cons non cylc, financials, industrial, tech, energy, consumer discretionary, Healthcare, Utility

Q: Hi.
First Quantum released quarterly results after hours today (April 27th).

Could you please comment on the results and on your view of the company?

Thanks

Q: Hi Peter
are you still comfortable with MMX Maverix Metals? It's price is about the same as when you put it into the growth portfolio, down about 25% from it's high.
I was thinking to purchase it or XGD.
This would be for a 2 year hold. XGD is going in the right direction so I am leaning toward it.
What is your opinion on these two stocks?
Thanks
Ron

Q: I noticed how supply chain related companies are growing after watching the mess with PPE and other medical supplies. I also read/hear there may be a rise in Nationalism in the future. I tend to believe this also, but Canada rushed signing the CUSMA the last day before breaking from Parliament (which I think was reckless considering we were in a crisis). I'm guessing most people (including myself) don't know a lot of what they signed off on. So do you think it's possible this may limit the amount of "new" Canadian manufacturing taking place as far as North America is concerned?