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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hi,
I'm looking at some of the ETFs that short either an index, such as the S&P 500, or a sector like US Tech, or Industrial, etc. I am considering these as a way to hedge against longer term holdings in the same sectors and my thinking is that as a managed ETF, as long as it has liquidity, I should be able to exit it when things eventually turn around as you would with any other ETF. What are the pitfalls of doing this? If it has any merit, which ETFs might you recommend?
Thanks and have a wonderful time with family over the holidays!
Dawn
Read Answer Asked by Dawn on December 27, 2018
Q: Hi,
I originally got into nvda at $160, and photon at $1.20. After watching good companies climb to great highs then fall lower than ever do you ever recommend averaging down? I’m only 33 and don’t need the money back for years. Since this is my first major correction since beginning investing I actually find it exciting to see so many things on sale. Would you recommend topping off these and and other good names (bns, aqn, gsy, sis etc.) or initiating new positions In names the methanex, magna etc.? I use all drips available (including proxy drips in my tfsa to save on fees). I only have about $10-$15k available to deploy right now, but will have more in the new year, so I don’t want to spread it too thin.
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Read Answer Asked by david on December 27, 2018
Q: I am interested in investing USD in US companies in the consumer food sector(CPG) and specifically looking at Sysco and Lamb Weston. Both have decreased recently. Can you provide some insight and opinion on investing in these two and is now a good time or should I wait? As a separate question, would you recommend other US stocks or ETF in this space?
Thanks again and Happy Holidays to all at 5i ! John C.
Read Answer Asked by john on December 27, 2018
Q: I'm seeing A LOT of red (-30%). I am 25% cash. My portfolio is heavily weighted in 5i growth favourites that come up in questions. Should I go shopping and for what?

Also, what should I have done in anticipation of a rising rate environment? I almost shifted entirely to money market in June but didn't want to pay the transaction fees on a whim of trying to time the market.
Read Answer Asked by Patrick on December 27, 2018
Q: Seasons greeting to the 5i team. I hold the C series preferred shares of ECN. Like many others my cost for this rate reset preferred is much higher. I understand the company has the option to redeem these shares at a specific price at different times in the future. I am wondering if at some point in the future (if held until then) the company is obligated to buy them back at par value? In other words as a shareholder can I force the company to take them back at some point and receive the $25 par value? Thanks.

Mario.
Read Answer Asked by Mario on December 27, 2018
Q: Hi 5I,
I am retired and living off my RIF. With the current volatility and market downturn, I am thinking of getting more defensive. My current holdings of ZWC, VVL, VUN and VEE are each about 8% of my RIF. I am thinking of switching ZWC for ZLB, switching VVL for VVO, switching VUN for VGG and switching VEE for VXC. What do you think of this strategy? Should I hold some and do nothing? Please explain your reasoning.
Thanks for your help and have a happy holiday season.
Dick
Read Answer Asked by Richard on December 27, 2018
Q: With Bank of Canada suggesting this week that interest rates will likely not rise, but with the US Fed just suggesting likely two more rate increases, what do you think of buying Canadian Dividend Paying stocks right now? I think they are generally seen as positive when interest rates stabilize, but will Canadian dividend company stocks tend to decline in sympathy with US dividend stocks? For Canadian dividend stocks (3%+) what do you see as attractive next year - i.e. ones less affected by trade wars, lack of oil supply options, possible real estate bubbles, inter-provincial disputes, possible NAFTA turbulence!!!!!
Read Answer Asked by Kel on December 27, 2018
Q: Would you rather add to brookfield renewable or start a position in superior plus ?

Also, would you prefer Corby or Andrew Peller ? or neither at the moment and quickly explain why ?

Looking at 10 yr. holding period. Thank you !

Thank you !

Read Answer Asked by Pierre on December 27, 2018
Q: Thank you for the thousands of questions you've answered this past year on hundreds of different companies. You have been most helpful in providing sound advice and guidance.
My question is of a general nature and so feel free to deduct as many points as necessary.
In your recent 'Market Update Report' you make reference to the recent chatter about a pending bear market, which may or may not occur.
I'm rather confused. With the S&P down approx. 18%, the DOW down 17%, and the TSX down 15%, aren't we pretty much in a bear market right now? If we do go into a bear market/recession does that mean we can expect to go down another 15-20%? As is, I'm down an average of 22%. I don't want to bail at this point, but if going into a bear market means going down another 15+%, then I will be in a bad position. There are those who say, "It's too late to sell at this stage", but surely it's not if going into a bear market means going down another 15-20%.
Some guidance at this point would be appreciated. Thanks,
Jake
Read Answer Asked by Jake on December 27, 2018
Q: season’s greetings and thanks for your good work which I’ve been following for the last year. My wife and I are retired, income investors and recently sold out of ALA ( tax loss selling). We want to return the proceeds to the energy sector and am wondering which company or companies you would recommend for best dividend, company security perspectives. We have a little SU at the moment and it looks steady but the dividends are a bit low for our liking. thanks very much.
Read Answer Asked by alex on December 27, 2018
Q: The 5G build out is underway and Huawei is under investigation by the US government for Iran trade violations and the US government is pressuring governments around the world not to use Huawei because of espionage concerns; do you view Nokia as a buy because of these factors? I appreciate that US stocks are not your specialty but interested in your thoughts.
Read Answer Asked by garry on December 27, 2018
Q: Just wanted to say thanks for your level headed comments through a tough year.

Could you please provide 5 companies that you think will have minimal impact to their growth guidance due to trade disputes? If possible, could I please get 5 from the US listed exchanges as well?

Please deduct as many credits as you see fit. Happy holidays!
Read Answer Asked by dan on December 27, 2018
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