Investment Q&A

Q: Peter and Team,

If looking for US equity exposure and exposure to US businesses with International earnings, doesn't it make sense to buy Berkshire and simply trim the weighting when it rises in order to "pay yourself."

If seems to me this would leave one with a long term hold of a diversified collection of bluechip businesses and minimize fees because you don't pay a management fee and you don't have to buy a bunch of companies individually.

Any thoughts on this approach?

Q: REIT pricing looks especially attractive after today's price declines. I have six REITs that I purchased six years ago and would like to hold them for life. Now, I am looking at adding to my weighting to bring it to 15% from 10%. I know there may be minor further damage when rates rise but the average dividend is now well over seven percent. What do you think and which would be your top three names in this environment? Thanks.
Steven

Q: Your opinion about the stock is appreciated.Thanks

Q: Your thoughts on earnings please and thanks!

Q: Your comments please. stock has had drastic correction and dividend cut.

Q: Morning Peter and Team

I’ve held this company (AXA)for some time and wondering if you have any information and thoughts you can offer. Being a long term investor I am considering IT for my TFSA account thoughts please.

Thank you for your great insight and service

Ernest

Q: Hi Peter and the team,

I'm thinking of adding a position on a renewable energy stock such as BLX or BEP.UN. Any comment about what's the best choice for income with some growth?

Thanks!

Q: Further to Wayne's question on Amaya, the article in the G&M also mentions people close to IT in a way I haven't read previously. I sold AYA and picked up IT at $10 after the last big drop, so I m up about 50%. Would it be a good idea to put a market sell on for Monday morning? Or just continue to watch.

Q: Hi Peter,

I read this presentation by EDT that is in phase 3 trials with their drug for sepsis.

The presentation is here and I would like your opinion on whether you do or not think it is worth investing in and why.

http://www.spectraldx.com/assets/spectral-medical-ir-feb2015.pdf

Would you buy it?

Thanks

Q: Hello Peter and All,
Would you please comment on EDT.
Looks interesting.
Bill.

Q: "Siskinds LLP Announces Investigation into Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp"

Any insight as to what is happening to AQN? I hold a substantial position and wonder if I should hold on or jump ship?

Thanks in advance.

Q: What are your views on BDI results. I sold ET to replace it with BDI as results of ET were weak. I also purchased AQN on the recent weakness. Do you think these moves make sense?

Q: The Berkshire letter-all 43 pages- is an extraordinary read, and on so many levels ! An inspiring and educational glimpse at the reasons for Warren and Charlie's legendary success, not the least of which is clearly a wry sense of humour ... Thank you for including it in your Weekly "5"

Q: I have recently been picking away at these preferred shares in the $14-15 range. This particular issue is a rate-reset which is going to reset on June 30th at Gov't 5yr + 1.28%, but there also is an opportunity to convert to a floating series prior to the reset date. So, the question is: Should I convert to the floating series in light of a market that seems to be indicating higher future rates? Canada should eventually follow the US in raising rates, correct? Thanks.

Q: I would like to buy some pharmaceuticals and staples. However, I am reluctant to trade current yield for the expectation of future growth. I am adverse to fx exposure. Do you have any suggestions?

Q: I was put onto Garth Turner's bog "Greater Fool" and found his views interesting. For those who don't know, Garth Turner predicts a U.S. style economic crash in Canada based on the fact that Canadian's today save very little and have an larger appetite for debt. He reports that as a population, Canadians are second only to Greece in the rate we are increasing our debt and that Canadians as a whole now carry over 1.82 Trillion in debt; an amount that eclipses the countries GDP. My question is this, if Garth is right and we are on the brink of another financial collapse, what sectors/ stocks would be most likely to be 'safe' or benefit? What stocks do you recommend in this environment? I would appreciate your view and insight into Mr. Turner's positions.

Thanks in advance.

DON

Q: Hi Peter and team

I was thinking of purchasing Home Capital after checking it out carefully. However I notice in today's Globe that there has been insider selling to the tune of over 48,000 shares. Do you think this is a cause for concern?

Many thanks, as always.

Joanne

Q: Hello Peter & Co

I’m paraphrasing here a synopsis of a couple of articles presented by Christine Hughes of Otterwood Capital. In 2007, Christine had forewarned her clients about the impending onset of the last financial crisis; and right she was.

“Since the 2nd half of 2014, coincidental with the collapse of oil prices, the US$ index started to breakout; and after a multi-week sideways consolidation, it has resumed its seemingly vertical ascent thanks to the release of the Eurozone QE plan.
Furthermore, the Bank of International Settlements had reported earlier that US denominated cross-border debt had reached $9 trillion ($7 trillion of which was non-US resident); many of these countries, who do not have a steady revenue stream denominated in US$, will now have to buy more US$ to make interest payments and pay back their debt. This demand drives the US$ further up.
What would add fuel to the fire would be a consistently strong US job market indicating a good economy. If and when the US raises interest rates, it will breathe fresh air into the already long-dollar trade.
It is impossible to tell ahead of time when the inevitable bust begins but begin it will; we are keeping our eyes open for any signs of stress in the system. For now, things are calm”.

What could a retail investor do to preserve the gains made so far in this 6-year old bull market?
Do you agree with this analysis? If you agree, what would you do?
Thanks as always
Antoine

Q: Any comments on the latest news about the insider trading for AYA?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/the-law-page/probe-of-trading-in-amaya-includes-dealings-with-adviser/article23346289/

Q: You have often mentioned that you feel holding gold is good "insurance". Having said that, should one still consider it as part of the materials portion of a portfolio or does it tend to stand in a class by itself. I already own CHEM.UN and G and wanted to add SJ. That would make me a little overweight in that sector but I find it hard to see SJ as comparable to G.

Thanks for the invaluable insight.

Paul F.