Investment Q&A

Q: Can you comment on CIBC's results - I thought they were in line with expectations - steady as she goes. However, the market has not reacted well. What am I missing.

Cheers

Q: There is growing concern by well-respected economists and investment analysts about what appears to be out-of-control government debt - especially in the Western World. Like the 2008-09 mortgage crisis, a time when "nobody saw it coming" (fortunately the online investment program I listen to weekly had me prepared 18 months ahead) most people have their collective heads in the sand once again.

I have no idea what the end game is, but while I was prepared for what was eventually to become known as the Great Recession, I don't know how to prepare myself this time.

I am 70% in dividend growth stocks, 30% cash. I don't plan to sell any stocks but am not putting anymore money in the market at this time. Recessions historically occur about every 8-10 years, and this bull is arguably getting extended.

I've added some gold bullion and a bit of CEF.

I believe you had mentioned, if I'm not mistaken, about keeping under $100K at any given institution to avoid any potential future bank "bail-ins".

What other ways can one diversify?

I realize there are enough "chicken littles" out there that we have to listen to, and am aware of the potential missed opportunities of timing the market. I just want to make sure I protect enough of my assets, as I am only 20 months away from retirement. This kind of prudence has served me well in the past just ahead of the 2000-2001 Tech Wreck and the mentioned housing crisis.

Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

As a long-term investor, I've been happy with A&W's performance, but note that John Heinzl in his Globe & Mail column "Stars and Dogs" is now referring to it as a "dog" due to the first decline in same-store sales in four years. Would you stay the course with this stock or look for greener pastures elsewhere? As always, thanks for the valued advice.

Q: Goeasy has just announced a financing for $50 million by way of a convertible debenture. Do you think this would be a good investment to purchase? Why would they issue a debenture and not common stock? What do they need the money for?
Thanks for your help

Q: Can I have your thoughts on the semiconductor industry at present? Is it late in the cycle or plenty of growth ahead in the next year or two? Thank you as always.

Q: I typed these 3 companies into the companies addressed box and none showed up - they are from the US on deck watch list - Take Two (TTWO), SORL AUTOPARTS, GPRK GEO PARK. So I went about it this way to ask about them. Could you give me your opinion about them and is it too late to get into them now? Thanks, Dennis

Q: Helo 5i,

Your opinion please about the new issue of 5.75% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures inside an RRSP for income and safety.

Thanks
Joseph

Q: My portfolio mainly consist of Canadian stocks. I would like to purchase two Canadian ETFs, one with exposure to the US and the other with global exposure. Can you recommend a couple for me at this time? With the Canadian dollar being quite low now, do you think it is better to get hedged ETFs?
Thanks, Paul

Q: What do you think of the convertible deb offering?

Q: It seems like the places to be near and mid term are US and Europe for growth and not Canada for the time being. I have exposure in Canada already with Utility and Financial dividend payers which I will continue to hold, could you recommend your favorite ETFs for some exposure to US, Europe and possible Emerging markets if you like the EM.
Also, could you comment on the "Hedged to CAD" ETFs---It seems to me we trade ETFs like stocks through our brokerage accounts in CAD, so why worry what the ETF managers are doing as far as currency is concerned?

Q: Hi 5i. Trying to improve sector allocations. Currently we have only 3.5% in Industrials.
I am looking at XGI - iShares S&P Global Industrials (CA$ hedged). This ETF has only 1 holding which is EXI - iShares Global Industrials US$ ETF. We are looking at investing CA$ funds and don't wish to convert. Questions :
- Do you think that XGI has sufficient size (current net assets ~$40M) for an investment ?
- Do you know if there is an "un-hedged" version of XGI ?
- Do you think that somewhere between 10 and 15% should be allocated to Industrials ?
- Any other thoughts on a Global Industrials ETF ?

As always, thanks for your help. Much apreciated. T

Q: What is the best way to access and evaluate high yield bonds in Canada and the U.S.? I would like to add some risk to my portfolio, and improve the yields. My online investment platforms (RBC,TD) do not seem to make them available. Is there a better way?

Q: Wondering what tour opinion is of the Morningstar rating system.I own xit and TD Entertainment & Communication fund(tdb652),both of which have approx.70% 3yr.&178% 5yr.total return.Xit has a 1 star rating,tdb652 has a 5 star rating.I know they are not exactly an apples to apples comparisom,but the rating on xit seems out of whack!

Q: Hi %i Team,
This is a followup question to my May 16 question regarding bail-in regulation. Would bank money market funds be considered bank deposit and subject to the bail-in OR are they considered mutual funds and outside of the bail in?
Thank you for your great service.
Regards,
Danny

Q: When mutual funds report yearly returns are these usually net of MER and any Management fees or are they reported before expenses?

Thanks

Paul

Q: I have a 40% profit in Tembec in 3 months. It closed at $4.17. My understanding is the takeover offer is $4.05. Is that correct ? Is a higher move possible or would you recommend selling ?
Thanks.

Q: what do you guys think of this stock and performance.
It should be a great demographic play,but why is it not acting like chartwell?
Any reason why its down so much today?

Q: With regards to: May 25, 2017 - Asked by Ernie
Q: Do you know of any software available that can track stock quotes...?

I've built my own using Google sheets, but I did try free evaluation of https://www.sharesight.com/ca/ (Australia, NZ, UK and now in Canada) which looks like a great application, although importing transactions from a Canadian broker could be an issue...

Q: In response to ernie's question. Google sheets works well. Here is the formula to get the current price ( chnge symbol for each stock of course, and u. S. Exchanges just need the symbol:
=GOOGLEFINANCE("tse:nfi")

And another i found useful was the symbol to convert u.s. Dollars into cdn:
=F7*GoogleFinance("CURRENCY:USDCAD")

Q: Hi THE great team, I guess estimate is part of the market. Who make them ? How accurate are they ? Over or under estimate cause volatility ? How to judge a reasonable one ? Thanks. Victor