Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i,
This stock has been a beauty for me. Up 30% and a dividend yield that is 4.7%. In my portfolio, instead of owning three banks, I chose one bank, one lifeco and this residential mortgage insurer. I am comfortable with this diversification in financials and with the real estate risk associated with MIC (have a 10-year horizon).
The mortgage rule changes in late 2016 did not change their story, but I know the ongoing housing issue in the GTA certainly has the potential to change their story. Is there an early-warning signal in housing that I can/should watch for?

Q: I want to build a somewhat buy and hold portfolio that has a decent dividend. What are your thoughts on ZPW, ZWH, ZWC and what percentage would you give to each? Another possible portfolio would be MKC and MUS.
Your thoughts - thanks

Q: I would love to see a 5i indepth report on SHOPify to fully understand different aspects. This company seems to be growing great guns. It is now over 8% of my portfolio and I am tempted to let it run. My rationale being that this is a company which is doing e-business for thousands of other companies in different sectors. In that sense it is a well diversified entity in itself (or so I convince myself). What are your thoughts?

Q: I am light on tech/growth stocks. Plan to add 3-4 names to total about 10-15% of portfolio. Want growth,can take fair degree of risk. I am considering the following- KXS, SIS, PHO, ITC, OTEX. Any preference among these or any better ideas?
Thanks Jim

Q: I know US companies are not your focus however I wanted to get your thoughts on selling GE and allocating some US$- in my rrsp.
I am an income investor and currently hold ZPW-U and ZWH-U in equal weight re investing the dividends monthly. I also have a small position in JNJ and a larger position in GE (7%) of portfolio. I am concerned GE really isn't going anywhere and am considering switching to something with a better outlook any suggestions etf or stock to add here... or should I continue to hold?
I already hold VGG in another account...

Q: Please comment on KBL's recent quarter. I believe earnings will be released March 24. Thank you.

Q: Hello,
I recently subscribed to your ETF/MF newsletter. I have looked over the site but I didn't find a section there for asking questions (might have missed it). In viewing some of the ETF performance tables I did not see a column to indicate whether the income is paid out on a regular basis or reinvested in ETF units. My fee for service investment planner has advised me to use more fixed income vehicles to reduce income slightly caused by the gross up of Cdn. dividends in my equity portfolio but I would still like to get the income on a regular basis.
In regards to this perhaps you could comment on VSC or suggest a similar short term laddered bond ETF and a similar emerging market income ETF(with adequate liquidity).

Thanks in advance ..... Larry

Q: I'm looking for a safe place to park some money. You've mentioned CLF but could you explain why its price chart goes straight down and do you expect this trend to continue? Also, what might make it rise? Thanks.

Q: Good morning 5i. What is the potential downside of sgyp? With respect to its new fda approved gastrointestinal drug. It appears to have better results than its competitors with less side affects. Its potential market base in the U.S. alone is huge. My question with its recent drop in price and the fact that i'm a little overweight this stock is whether I should hang in there for the next 12months? Thx

Q: I see another member has asked about holding cash. I found this website helpful, please post if you deem appropriate:

https://www.highinterestsavings.ca/chart/

Q: Hello. What does the 5I team think of the merger of the two? TCW is taking on $40M in debt. Does this move add value to TCW or is it a stretch for them?
Thank You

Q: In my search for the best option available to hold cash I came across a company called Oaken Financial. They currently offer 1.5% interest in an unrestricted savings account. Do you know this company and would you recommend I use them to hold cash?

Q: Do you know of any co.s that might be in amaya's radar for possible takeover? Thanks again for your fantastic service.I've been investing for over 50 years and your service and help is by far the best I have ever received at very modest fee.Jim

Q: Bill was asking about CXI. Technically, something to note is that on the weekly chart, the price is above its rising long-term moving average (200 weeks moving average). Also notice that in January 2016, the price also tested this moving average and 8 months later, was up 50%. If draw-down worries you, you could consider buying half your positions closer to the long-term trend-line. Hope that helps.

Q: CXI has hit a 52 week low.What factors are causing this?What would you do with this stock? Thank you. Anne

Q: I am contemplating moving my cash holdings from my Big Five Bank savings account to EQ Bank, to take advantage of the higher interest rate offered by EQ. Are there any risks in doing so, that I should be aware of? The EQ rate is higher 2% vs 1.2%, but I would not make this switch if there is any increased risk of any kind. Thank you.

Q: I'm looking for an ETF that invests in the EU countries as a whole. Are you familiar with any?

Q: Currently, all of my fixed income (>$100000) allocation is in VSB, all in non-registered accounts. Should I switch to BXF for tax efficiency, or stick with VSB given it's lower MER (0.11 vs 0.2)? For my fixed income allocation, safety, capital preservation, and liquidity are primary considerations; yield is a secondary consideration.

Q: Is there a Lithium ETF available and would this be a smart way to play this commodity at this time?

Q: Hi Team 5i!

I am building a portfolio using the Balanced Equity portfolio as the centrepiece of the portfolio and ultimately am looking to hold a 30 Fixed Income/70 Equity mandate with about 70% of the equity mandate allocated to Canada. What products should I use to fill out the Fixed Income and US/International equity positions? Ian