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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: A recent article by Larry Bermann in the Globe suggested that infrastructure spending to " repair potholes and bridges" would produce limited economic benefit because of the short term nature
of this spending.Money would be better spent on educating people
to adapt to the future realities of employment.In the interim
he has suggested allocating funds to ZWU as a an income source.
Another columnist suggests avoiding ZWU and sticking with ZUT
because of better long term growth.
What is your opinion of impending infrastructure spending and should ZWU be considered over ZUT? Thanks, Joe
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on November 22, 2016
Q: I noticed you mentioned while FFH is a good company it is not one of your favourites. Would like a suggestion for a replacement.
Second question, with hydro rates in everyones mind and the thought Kathleen MAY DO SOMETHING, I was wondering what affect reducing hydro rates might have on the stock.Hard question to answer but appreciate your thoughts. What would you suggest as a replacement. I reply on dividends in my retirment and safety is also a concern.

Wayne
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on November 22, 2016
Q: I have very little gold or silver or other precious metals stocks. Silver Wheaton seems a bit beat up. As I know you are good with a small amount of such holdings in a larger portfolio , would SLW be a good choice in your view? Or would you prefer AEM or some other stock at the moment? Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by James on November 22, 2016
Q: Can you please explain the difference between UL and UN (seemingly the same stock), and which one a Canadian retail investor should prefer and why. Also, given the large drop it has suffered in the past month, what do you think the reason is, and do you see it as a good long-term investment. Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by James on November 22, 2016
Q: Tax loss season is upon us. Can you name 2 small caps and 2 large cap stocks that will be largely affected by tax loss selling, but have a chance for a strong rebound. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Jean on November 22, 2016
Q: I have owned STZ (constellation brands) for quite some time and have been very happy with it.
It has fallen significantly since the Trump win and I am somewhat concerned trying to figure out if tariffs will be imposed on Mexican imports Should I take any action
at this time. Any insight you may be would be appreciated. Suggestions for replacement if you deemed that prudent would be appreciatd.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on November 22, 2016
Q: I'm trying to figure out the long term rationale for hanging on to DBO. From what I can gather, they've been a public company since mid-2006 and their highest stock price occurred somewhere in spring of 2007 at 84 cents. In 10 years, they don't seem to have built a lot ... either in terms of moving forward with their plans, or building stock holders value.

One question I have: Is it because it's a slow industry to break into, and it takes time to get such technology established ... or have they (perhaps) not been using their time and money wisely? In other words, how is the management in all of this?

Your comment to another member states: "The company has essentially developed a product that can drive higher margins for their customers (theatres that charge more for motion seats), has proven the business case and has relationships with some of the larger theatre chains."

What is their competitive edge, then? Are they assailed by lots of competition, or are they just not moving forward because nobody is quite sure they want this technology -- other than China -- which in itself might be years in the making.

I'm trying to figure out whether I should hang on for the long term (you quote a 5 year window) at these rates, and add when I see dips in their stock, or if I should just bail out now.

If there's lots of competition in the space, with better management, perhaps the answer is obvious.

Since you don't have a report on the company yet, I was curious as to the "backroom workings" of this company's management, and its moat.

Thanks for your expert advice!



Read Answer Asked by Sylvia on November 22, 2016
Q: Re: Bank exchange fees when investing in U.S. securities, funds, ETF’s.

It is good to see 5I is involved in Financial Literacy Month. I think a valid contribution to your Members could be as follows:

I believe there is a (hopefully small) percentage of Canadian investors of U.S. traded securities that are purchasing and selling within their Cdn. dollar investment account. (As you know, even at par, buying a US security in a Cdn account will cost approx. 2% in bank exchange fees, and selling that security will cost another 2%).
I also believe that these self-directed investors are unaware that most banks will set up a USD investment account, registered or unregistered, for them at no charge allowing any trading and dividends to transact within that account avoiding the bank exchange fee on each transaction. Of course there will be that fee on the initial transfer of funds into that account, (but not if U.S. securities are transferred from the Cdn to the U.S. account).

I recall that Questrade was once advertising on BNN that they had an account to avoid these fees, but it really wasn’t an effective message.

Are you aware of any good method to purchase U.S. dollars at better rates than banks will offer?

Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Brian on November 22, 2016
Q: I have about 20% of my total portfolio in U.S. equities. Do you see that amount as reasonable or in lieu of stronger growth predicted in the US should I consider putting any new money into the US instead of Canada.
Would you have any favourite ways to play, for example much is being said about regional us banks, have things gone too far too fast to get in now. Your valuable opinion would be much appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on November 21, 2016
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