Investment Q&A

Q: I currently hold only GICs in my fixed income portion of my account, however, I'd like to move towards bond ETFs as they are more liquid and have a higher yield. My allocation would be 20% bonds, 80% equities because I'm only in my late thirties.

I'm looking for a bond fund that will 1) preserve my capital (if the stock market tanks I want to know that my 20% is safe. I want something that I can hold for the next twenty years that won't be too affected by interest rates, and 2) I want something that will give me some income.

I've looked at VAB.It seems to be a good mix of government and corporate. But would eventual interest rate hikes cause it to tank? I've also considered CBO, but since it's only corporate, I'd probably need to buy a Government bond ETF too... I think ishares has one similar to CBO.

Do you like either of these options? Or would you suggest something else? Would one ETF be safe or should I have more than one? I'd like to keep my fixed income investing simple.

And finally, on an unrelated note, I've been watching XTC for the last little while. It had great earnings and went up a lot today. Is it to late to get in now? Should I wait for a pullback? How high risk is this stock?

Q: Your general thoughts on BOE, if they can survive oil at these levels for a prolonged period, future prospects, etc.

Q: Do these latest financing deals mean it might be time to get in now. Thanks

Q: Hello Peter,
As we go into February, what do you think of the North American markets? Are we looking at a correction, is it an ageing bull or we are in the middle of a secular run? Should we trim positions, raise cash and wait for the buying opportunity to happen; or should we put the additional room available in RRSP and TFSA to work at this time? Do the markets go risk off on interest rate hike in 6 months or are they all in with small and medium companies betting on the growing US economy? I do not sense a clear direction. Perhaps you can show the way.

Q: Hello,

ZPR is now down over 5% ytd. This seems to be more than interest rates concerns. Has the credit risk increased? Any ideas why the preferred market is being hit so hard?

BTW, I noticed that the credit ratings of CPD holdings has been removed from their website. I called Blackrock about it: they said they would find out and call me back, but they never did.

Thanks, Greg

Q: I've been looking at Methanex in view of the dramatic price drop. Further big drop today despite better earnings announcement and reasonably optimistic outlook. On the other hand 40% of earnings related to O&G industry. Would you consider this worthy of a buy or more like a falling knife? Thanks for your opinion.

Q: Barclay's is predicting the USA will experience a negative CPI in 2015. What would be the best sectors to be invested in should we find ourselves in a deflationary climate? Thank you.

Q: Hi 5i,

Part of my core holdings is CWB. I am attracted to the 20+ years of continuous profitability and dividend growth. It has now declined to the point where it's nearing 9x PE & 1.4x BV.

At what level would you say it becomes way too compelling not to add more to the core? It's a 4% holding currently.

Thanks,

J

Q: Peter and team
I have one trading account that holds fairly aggressive and volatile securities. The oil portion of this is: BDI, DEE, PD,PPY,SGY,SPE, and QST.

I am willing to wait things out, but my question is are there any of these that are not likely to survive a prolonged downturn. IE could you please rank in order of "survival".

Thanks for all you do

Phil

Q: Hello, on your recommendation I bought Enghouse and am very pleased. It seems like a perfect investment in that there is very little news, it kind of flies under the radar and you look at it a year later and it has had a nice move. Although in a very different business, Winpak's stock behaves similarly. I would like to add Winpak's to my Tfsa. Your thoughts would be most appreciated. Bill

Q: Carnival Cruise Lines, is the parent company to several cruise companies including Cunard, Seaborne, Princess, Holland America etc. An investor holding at least 100 shares is eligible for a shareholder benefit (reviewed annually)in the form of an On-Board Credit of up to US$250 which I believe is a tax-free benefit. I see that a number of analysts are forecasting significant growth over the next few years. What is your opinion of CCL as a US investment?

Q: Are you still OK with EWH? I bought it about 14 months ago and I must be up around 37% straight dollars and I suppose 42% with the currency fluctuations. I read in the paper how the economy is imploding in China and the banking sector is a looming disaster, with the banks over extended, so I am wondering if there is any truth to all the negative news. I have a 3% weighting in EWH and it is my only Asian exposure.
Thanks

Q: Reading previous responses, 5i appears to suggest treating all accounts (cash, RRSPs, TFSA) as a whole when considering how diversified a whole portfolio is. There is also a suggestion to place higher risk (growth) names in TFSA accounts because of the potential tax benefits. I agree with this approach and am considering both mine and my spouse's accounts as one large portfolio.

What is the suggestion if I were to setup a new RESP for a young child? For instance, if I initiate $5,000 position in a high growth name such as DHX.B, this may be a small weighting in an overall family portfolio, but now I am basically betting the future child's educational funds in one stock. If the child is very young, high growth is desired, but is this the right approach? Or should I be trying to diversify the $5000 into multiple stocks (perhaps 5 stocks at $1,000 each)? A list of some potential stocks would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Q: Hi Peter and 5i team, We saw how U.S. markets have rallied thanks to Fed's QE program. Can we expect a similar stock market rally in Europe thanks to ECB's $1.2 trillion stimulus package? If so what's a good way to play it. Any ETF that you would recommend?

Q: I have just read your answer to Dale (Jan 29) and would like to know if you believe DEE and Surge have "survivability" in this downward spiral of oil prices?
Thank you and your service is much appreciated.
Deborah

Q: Hi:
I've held TRP since 2008 through the ups and downs of XL excitement. I am now having doubts that even if it gets approved, that it will do much for the price of the stock. I am seriously considering selling so as to buy MDA. I don't need the dividend and I am otherwise in good shape thanks to your ever splendid advice. You are the best.

Q: Hello,
What do you think of the level of ACQ now? ... Still the effect of crude ?and the high concentration of dealer alberta...the history of the conflict of interest?

I do not think it is a value trap ... but do you think it's a $ 35.50 entry point?

thank you

Q: Hi Peter, your thoughts on Exco's latest results please. Ignore if already asked and in the queue. Thanks!

Q: The 5 year yield on Canadas is 0.69%. ENB.PR B has dropped from $24.86 to $20.97 since November 17. Do you think now would be a good time to start taking positions in preferreds rather than 5 year GICs @1.25%? Or is an ENB problem causing the decline?
thanks for the ongoing quality replies. I should note that, if today was the 2017 reset, the yield would be 3.09% based on the 240 plus .69

Q: LIF question of Jan 28,2015(asked by Gary):

Also, the bancruptcy filing by a customer with a take or pay railway contract affects LIF by about 125? million/year for the next 3 years. Also, the big expanding Australian producers (RIO, BHP) have costs of $40/ton.
Publish at your discretion.