Investment Q&A

Q: The first reaction, for so many of us not well versed in a difficult market, is to panic. And then, this morning, I read this suggestion in one of your replies.

"But if you are not withdrawing capital from your portfolio, this is just another week in the markets."

Those words, more than anything I've read anywhere else, made the most sense to me, and put everything in perspective. Thank you!

Q: Could you please discuss the purpose of holding gold or gold stock(s) in a total portfolio? Is it best in a registered or unregistered account? And what would be your recommended weighting for a total portfolio? Thanks!

Q: Just to add I do not recall the HORIZONS BETAPRO S&P/TSX 60 INVERSE ETF (TSE:HIX) being mentioned for us Canucks on the TSX.

It is an ETF.

It is an inverse meaning it rises when the S&P/TSX 60 falls and coversely it falls when the S&P/TSX 60 rises. Similar to the U.S's VXX.

Q: The stock is 19.40. Even if it seems 'on sale' considering recency history (last year), when oil was last at this level, the stock went as low as 8.50. Was it purely a crisis of confidence? Or, did vacancy rates increase quite a bit? Even though the yield of 6.5% looks good, the 30% exposition to Alberta is bound to show increasing vacancy rates over the the next 2 years. The chart also doesn't show much support from here. What do you think? Waiting for a few weeks shouldn't hurt right?

Q: The plummeting share price has become a worry. What do you see going forward?
Thanks for the great service.
Philip

Q: Hi folks,new low today for oil at $32sh/barrel but Crescent Point announced 2016 Capex plans which to me seemed pretty good;actual increase in production but reduction in costs,34% 2016 production hedged $83/barrel,and minimal exposure to Alberta.Can please get your opinion on Capex plans and company,and going forward,would cpg/t to U be a buy,hold or sell.Thanks as always

Q: with the low dollar and oil with is better for the next few years vsp or vfv

Q: Hi, thanks for your recent response. Although, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. Perhaps I should have been more clear. I understand my APPL weight is a little high, but I was really looking for a view of selling COO to buy DIS. Where do you see more upside potential in the next year or 2? Thanks

Q: I would appreciate your opinion, may thanks for your great service!

Q: up 14 % again yesterday. Dundee has a 1.30 price target. Anything different 5 i sees? Gold seems to be moving a bit and CRJ has vastly outperformed the gold sector and seems to have a new very shareholder friendly management.

Thx

Q: Would you buy Apple at their new below $100 price?

Q: Hi Guys

What is your take on Atrium Mortgage at this time

Thanks Mike B

Q: What are your updated thoughts on this one?

Q: I received this message today and wonder if you can explain its meaning more fully please. I hold the stock and debentures. Thank you.


Constellation Software Inc. Announces Rating Assignment by Fitch
Jan 06, 2016 01:44 pm | Scott Denneny

Toronto, Ontario – January 6, 2016 – Constellation Software Inc. (TSX:CSU) announced today that Fitch Ratings has assigned the Company a long-term issuer default rating of `BBB-´with a Stable Rating Outlook. Fitch’s assigned rating and outlook for the Company does not reflect any credit risk from the Total Specific Solutions (TSS) entities, other than obligations related to the TSS minority owner’s put options.

Fitch has also assigned individual ratings to the Company’s unsecured subordinated floating rate debentures, Series 1, and $300 million revolving credit facility as follows:

Unsecured subordinated floating rate debentures, series 1 `BBB-´
Revolving credit facility `BBB´
About Constellation Software Inc.

Q: Hi Peter and team,
I'm looking at gaining specific exposure to four new "industries" with promise, Driverless car technology, Drone technology, vape industry and the marijuana business (Canada). Although all are in their early stages, I would like to acquire quality positions for the long term. I realize there is significant risk at the early stage and would be interested in owning the best part of each industry, i.e. technology, rights, patents etc. I'm very interested in how you would approach this question.

Q: What do you think about the management changes announced today? Is it a sign of accounting manipulation of any sort?

Thanks

Q: Could I have your opinion of FSV please. I notice it has been downgraded a day or so ago by a broker but the particular brokerage may have their own agenda I would like your independent opinion. Thank you for your on-going service. Don.

Q: In your answer to John, yesterday, on how to play the bear market (if it is one) you stated: "One other option is to own VXX, an ETN (different than an ETF) that is based against the VIX Volatility Index. "

What is an ETN, and how is it different from an ETF? How would this benefit the current situation? Thanks!

Q: Hi there,
Would a vehicle like TDB8150, a place to park cash in an investment account, be subject to bail-in confiscation, similar to bail-in of bank deposits. Thank you.

Q: Could I please have an update on XHB, Blackrock's Hybrid Corp Bond Index. I asked about this ETF last August and it has since fallen in value quite substantially. On the other hand, the laddered Corp Bond Index from Blackrock, CBO, has held up rather well over the same time frame. Would CBO be preferable over XHB? Or should bond funds be avoided at this volatile time? I am currently sitting on 30% GIC's and 70% cash - no equities whatsoever. Thanks for your opinion.