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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: Hello 5i team,
Thank you for your help today- what I’m hoping to get some perspective on is tactics one could do to grow a portfolio- what you’d think wise or stupid, please.
In TFSA, two holdings happen to be up: AQN by 35% and NPI by 21%. Everything else is in the minus by -30 to -35% due to the current situation as generally they’re ok businesses, like two banks, phone co, etc.
Tactically, would it be an idea to sell the two that are up, and buy a few which are quite down now, then in due course replace what was sold?
I was thinking of more banks like BNS or BMO, and PPL, CNQ,SU, and KEY.
The idea being that the gains over time would be more than the growth in price of the two being sold, thus netting an overalL growth in funds.

In RRSP, two are close to break even, just a couple hundred dollars each in the red, namely T and NA.
If sold, I was thinking of BIP, BPY, and maybe SU, CNQ, and BMO- fairly similar to the TFSA idea.

I like dividends, I know SU just reduced; I’ve not heard if these others have/plan to. I think I’m fine with a 3-5yr estimation of recovery period for these ‘down’ stocks, if you think that’s likely.

I’d appreciate your counsel on this, thanks very much!
Read Answer Asked by Hilary on May 13, 2020
Q: Hello,
I was about to question when I should make a significant buy in my kids’ TFSA’s, and should I wait until 2nd and 3rd quarter earnings are out which could substantially affect the market to the downside. Then I read your article: Unintended Investments consequences from Covid crisis. You seem to have answered that very well in that the Central banks of the world have a “put” on the floor of the world’s markets and the worlds’ governments have politically put cash in the hands of those who need it most somewhat enabling the economy.
So in other words, you would suggest to get a move on and start investing before the expensive market becomes more so?
Cheers,
Rick
Read Answer Asked by Rick on May 13, 2020
Q: The last question on High Arctic was in March 2020. (some in January) Have your thoughts changed? Seems to be drifting slightly higher? 49 cents was its 52 week low. Today it is 70 cents. Dividend has been suspended I believe.

The question is to sell, hold or "average in" to reduce my "losses"! It won't reach 3 dollars + for a looong while, I don't think.

If I do decide to sell , what would be your alternative stock to consider? I know you have been suggesting all the subscribers to wade into the market "gingerly" with 1/8th position. (paraphrasing your answers)
Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Savalai on May 12, 2020
Q: Can you please give me your opinion on the above company
Thanks in advance
Read Answer Asked by Rick on May 12, 2020
Q: Hi - Can you update me on your thoughts about Allied Reit. I am long but am concerned about pressure on commercial real estate (eg companies looking for less space than before due to remote work spaces/office sharing). So I guess it boils down to would you be buyers, sellers or holders of AP.un leaving gain/loss for taxes out of the consideration?
Read Answer Asked by Doug on May 12, 2020
Q: I want to add an aggressive position looking for best growth opportunity over the next 2 years. Which of RNX and NVO would you choose? And between those and PSI, which do you think looks best for that 1-2 yr growth?
Read Answer Asked by Rick on May 12, 2020
Q: Peter.
VOO vs VFV

Both these ETFs track the S & P 500. VOO cost U.S. $ $269 and yield 2.5%. VFV cost $72.48 CDN and yield 1.7%. Assume 1) purchase for long term hold 2) to simplify assume FX rates stay the same as today. 3 )can will invest either Cdn$ or U.S. $. How would you determine which is better? Would you normally get hosed on fx conversion with VFV?
Thank you

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on May 12, 2020
Q: In a recent question, Shirley asked about high savings accounts. She should look at Motif Financial, which is a division of Canadian Western Bank. Their current interest rate is 2.2%. Hope this helps.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on May 12, 2020
Q: Looking for some suggestions for cash rich companies.
Would prefer blue chip, dividend companies for now unless you have some B or B+ ones that can survive this economy.
Thanks for all you do so well.
Read Answer Asked by Madeline on May 12, 2020
Q: I'm trying to make decisions for my retired mother's taxable account.

In the current environment, do preferred shares make more sense than bonds or other fixed income strategies? If so, can you recommend a few of the best preferred share funds (or would an ETF like CPD or ZPR be a wiser option)?
Read Answer Asked by Kevin on May 12, 2020
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