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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: Like many others, I rely on my stock portfolio for income. Fixed income won't provide it. The possibility of a significant correction seems to be not a matter of if, but when, and the prospect of another 40% drop portfolio value is scary, especially at this point in life. Based on the past couple of crashes it takes 4-5 years of agony to recover.
However with a portfolio of companies having a history of NOT cutting dividends through the market crashes, the income relied on would be preserved, and the recovery period somewhat less painful. So thats the type of portfolio I'd like to see 5i construct. Rosenburg's recent comments on BNN suggest good balance sheet, predictable earnings, low correlation to economy. I would add liquidity, ( I find that a number of the stocks 5i portfolios just don't have enough trading volume).
Whats your thoughts on this strategy? Is there enough of these companies, and suggestions?
Read Answer Asked by Lloyd on October 10, 2017
Q: I've been looking for Canadian based ETFs which hold US techs. There doesn't seem to be very much available. The only ones I've found are QRT and FHQ, and the MER on the latter seems too high. Would you recommend either or would it be better to simply buy a US ETF?
Read Answer Asked by John on October 10, 2017
Q: Greetings 5i,

I realize you cannot give individual portfolio advice on this forum, but was hoping to ask a question regarding portfolio structure and exposures (rather than on the holdings themselves). However, if this question is inappropriate for the public forum, please disregard. If appropriate, please deduct as many credits as you see fit.

My stock portfolio consists of 30 holdings in the following structure:

- 19 Canadian positions covering all major sectors of the TSX (16 large cap dividend payers and 3 small cap "higher risk" names).

- 5 positions held in US Dollars (all large cap "blue chip" names) for currency diversification and to augment sectors I feel are far stronger in the US (Healthcare, Tech, etc.)

- 4 equity ETF's covering USA, Developed Europe, Developed Asia, and Emerging
Markets (1 ETF per region).

- 2 bond ETF's covering Canada and the US (1 ETF per region)

- No single holding exceeds a 5% weighting

I am 36 years old, debt free, conservative (although not totally adverse to risk), and consider myself a "buy and hold" investor.

In addition to the aforementioned stocks, my portfolio includes GIC's, gold bullion, and a small cash position in both Canadian and US Dollars.

In general, does this structure seem appropriate to you? Do you feel as if I have missed some region(s) and/or investment type(s)? Is there anything you would suggest for further diversification?

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Lucas on October 10, 2017
Q: Gentlemen
If commodity prices continue at current levels for the foreseeable future, what would be your current ranking, please, of these energy names.... in order of best to worst, to hold for future growth?
I hold for both income and growth.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on October 10, 2017
Q: Patriot One has just issued some warrants. I have never purchased warrants, but have a general understanding of how they work. I can buy them easily enough from my online broker. Are they just as easy to sell (considering there is enough volume)? I'm just not sure on the exit strategy. Thanks. Really enjoy the questions asked, and responses received.
Read Answer Asked by Brad on October 10, 2017
Q: Hi,

I currently own CANEXUS CORPORATION CONV.UNSEC SUB SER V DEBS 12/31/20 6.0000. With the takeover of Canexus by Chemtrade I tendered my bonds to CHE and then time passed and nothing happened. When I contacted my broker iTrade they sent me the following from the CHE website:

The final report provided by the depositary at the expiration of the Offers indicated that an aggregate principal amount of
C$19,475,000 CEI Series V Debentures had been tendered to the Series V Offer and an aggregate principal amount of C$12,576,000
CEI Series VI Debentures had been tendered to the Series VI Offer. Accordingly, as the conditions to the Offers had not been
satisfied as of the expiration time of the Offers, Chemtrade will not accept any tendered CEI Debentures for payment. All CEI
Debentures tendered pursuant to the Offers will be returned to the tendering debentureholder.***

So, where does this leave me as a Canexus bond holder and is there anything I should do or do things just continue as before?

Please advise.

Thanks

Sheldon
Read Answer Asked by Sheldon on October 10, 2017
Q: Awhile back you suggested for my daughter age. 27 the following ..50% VCN,30% VFV,15% XIN and VEE 5%. . IS this still recommended as she has some more funds to invest.and only wants ETF's .Happy Thanksgiving Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 10, 2017
Q: Good Day,

Assuming that one holds the view that the junior mining space will see greater activity in the next few months/years, and assuming that you do not wish to hold individual positions, but would rather have broader exposure to the sector in general, is there any CDN vehicle other than ZJG that you would recommend?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Robert on October 10, 2017
Q: Hello all at 5i,

Could you comment on the message that the strategic review sends out - "We the management have little faith in our own business model" is the message I hear. I know that you believe there is still value in the underlying assets and I too am of that opinion. I will benefit from your more considered views.

Thanks
Mike
Read Answer Asked by mike on October 10, 2017
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