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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 want to increase my US and International equity exposure by using $US ETFs (VIG and VXUS respectively) but the Canadian dollar is pretty weak right now (improving slightly lately). Does it make sense to convert to $US for this investment (long-term horizon) when there could well be significant headwinds if the Canadian dollar continues to strengthen. Also, valuations are higher in the US than in Canada, but International looks to be relatively cheap. Thoughts on how to proceed?
Regards, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 05, 2019
Q: A while back you stated you preferred a S&P 500 etf over VUN because the s&p 500 etf had more concentrated holdings ie 500 companies vs several thousand holdings. Yet I notice many instances where you recommend / suggest VUN. I hold VUN and am somewhat confused wondering if I should trade VUN for a s&p 500 etf. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on February 05, 2019
Q: I would liked to switch the focus of my investments from equities to ETF's. Could you give me some broad parameters for guidance.
Could you suggest 10 ETF's for starters. Mid to long term with medium risk.
Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on February 05, 2019
Q: Hi there, this is my first question to you. I have enjoyed reading other questions and your answers.

What is your take on Nokia? 5G is big in the news and are they a big player in the US on this? They seem have a good dividend yield. Does it look like a potential for a long term hold. Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Zeya on February 05, 2019
Q: IPL pays an juicy dividend yield of over 8 per cent at the current share price. The dividend is covered and they have growth potential with their proposed in service date of 2021 for their propane to plastic processing plant. It looks like a safe stock with some good upside in a couple of years. But it makes me a little nervous that it is a little like the old Canexus in that IPL is getting a little bit out of their wheelhouse of expertise (shipping stuff around in pipelines or storing those products) and they are entering into more of a manufacturing business line. Is that diversification or worsefication? Is it a stretch for a pipeline company to think they can build and operator a propane-to-plastic "factory"? Canexus was a chemical company that thought they could build a oil-by-rail loading facility and in their case diversification was definitely worsefication!! I am still interested in IPL but I would appreciate you thoughts about IPL growth plans.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on February 04, 2019
Q: Hello. On Jan 31/19 I purchased DRG.UN in an RRSP account. I have a couple of questions:

1) A recent article by Globe & Mail columnist Eric Reguly (Jan 31/19 "Italy is back in recession, and Germany might not be far behind") has me wondering whether this REIT would be adversely affected if a recession happened in Germany, as this REIT’s "German office properties represent the majority of its holdings in terms of total square footage" and "derives nearly all of its revenue in the form of rental income" (per Morningstars description)

2) You responded to a previous query that this REIT would be better held outside an RRSP. Could you please explain why.

Thanks for your guidance.
Cheryl
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on February 04, 2019
Q: Hello 5iR Team, Many brokerage houses have developed the portfolio structure of identifying a short list of their "Highest Conviction" stock picks. Then they separate them from all of their other "BUY" rated stocks and/or stocks they have selected to put in a portfolio.
Yes, I know you have your three model portfolios but choosing a few stocks from these portfolios or something different forces everyone to concentrate and co-operate to develop the ultimate 5iR focus list.
Is this a concept the 5iR team has considered?
Would it be possible to ask at this time can the team give me what 5iR thinks are its' Highest Conviction ideas for 2019? Thanks Team. Cheers, Chris

Read Answer Asked by Chris on February 04, 2019
Q: Good morning crew.

A general observation that you can feeel free to correct. Having been a member for two plus years I notice that your patience with picks that do not have a dividend, or a small one, seem to have a shorter leash that say a stock that has a healthy dividend.

Would that be accurate or are the prospects for growth what really matters. Like GUD for example.

I know this is a simplistic observation, but my own patience is somewhat relaxed when in receipt of a dividend like an ENB or PBH.

Thanks. Appreciated.

KC
Read Answer Asked by Kelly on February 04, 2019
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