Investment Q&A

Q: Hi Peter,

I'm all for simplicity when it comes to maintaining a portfolio, and my question is two-fold:

- Could you recommend a two or three ETF portfolio (Canadian ETFs preferably) that would allow for both long-term equity growth (domestic and international) and monthly income?

Would a mix of XWD with CDZ/VDY (or XTR) fit this criteria, or are there better alternatives?

- Would you recommend such a strategy? What would I be giving up by following this strategy, and how would you tweak it and yet keep it simple?

My goal is to have a straightforward ETF portfolio and to make monthly investments to the ETFs. Please note that there would be no fees for buying the ETFs since I use Questrade.

Thanks!

Q: Now that the Renegade=>Alexander=>Spartan (SPE) consolidation is complete, do you have updated/changed opinion on SPE?

Cheers, IslandJohn

Q: Peter Can I have your opinion on the recent announcements from the UN on climate change and do you feel it is a good time to buy renewable energy stock and the second part is your thoughts on online shopping and its effect on big box stores and the Roicans of the world
Kind Regards Stan

Q: Hi Peter & team. I get that for reasons of balance & sector-weighing, you sometimes have to remove or reduce holdings in good companies. (Although it is difficult to do specially in a non-registered account and you have substantial gains). Perhaps you should explain in more detail because it is a complex subject and after all, Bep.un is still an A-rated stock.

Now to the question. When you answer questions on stocks that you don't covered, am I at all near the mark in thinking that "OK" means that , if you were to look in greater detail, it might be a C/C+? And, "decent" B- ; "solid" B; "like" B+; "like very much" A-and up? Thanks as always. Henry

Q: Addendum to my last missive re balancing/Bep.un. Sorry Peter, I meant to thank you for working so hard to instil discipline in us. Tough work, good teacher. Thanks! Henry

Q: Good afternoon. I own Kelso (KLS) in a registered account. I know you say not to sell your winners too early. However KLS's price has gone parabolic in the last 4 days and I am thinking of selling a third of my holding to lock in (big) profits. What would you do if you still traded small caps?
Thanks, Tim.

Q: I have invested in both canadian and u.s.a stocks,my question is,there is a lot of chatter about the demise of the u.s.a currency,should i sell my u.s.a stocks and stay in canada as well as buy more gold and silver. the u.s.a debt is unsustainable and the dollar will be devalued, how about other countries that are safe to invest in. greatly value your oppinion. thanku

Q: Hi Peter and Team
RET.A...The retail stock that everyone loves to hate has just bounced 7%. They just reported a loss for this quarter. However, was it better than the market expected? Is there restructuring plan showing promise. Do you think that based on fundamentals they are showing promise as a turn around story? Thanks for your insights which are always invaluable.
Dr. Ernest Rivait

Q: My first question! I am thinking that with the publicity about the GM recall which appears to be leading to decreased sales, the recent spike is ACQ which followed the acq of GM dealerships may be reversed if these dealership will experience sales losses and increased repair demand. How do you take this into account in assessing ACQ?

Q: do u think holding physical 1 ounce gold bars and 10 ounce silver a smart move for long term

Q: I currently own Encana-ECA (ACB @ 18.00) inside of my RRSP account. I was wondering if now would be a good time to switch to
Enerplus-ERF. I'm looking to withdrawn in 3-4 years under the Home buyers plan. Thank you!

Q: Good morning fine Team. I am about to start buying my chosen stocks for my TFSA (all $31,000.00)and my Non registered account (about $50,000.00.) I plan on almost duplicating your Model Portfolio (not the Income PF - that is for another bank). I try to buy a stock when I see that it is down a bit. That said, is it best to spread the buying "spree" out over time anyway? If so, why? How much time would be reasonable? (I am keen to buy all 20 today!) Thank you for this amazing site!

Q: A year ago today I signed up with 5i and am up 57%. on your recommendations Thank you, Peter.
I have $20,000/$30,000 very profitable positions in each of ACQ,AVO,BAD,CCL.B,ESL,HCG,STN,TD,MG,LNR,BNS. along with smaller holdings in another dozen stocks. I would like to keep this base unless you think some changes are needed.I
look forward to your advice.
Alex

Q: Good afternoon 5i team. To echo what so many members are saying, this is by far the best service I've subscribed to since becoming a retail investor. Thanks for everything so far.

In your April 3 response to Heather's follow-up question on brokerage account risks, you concluded by saying "Getting certificates out and in your name provides the most protection". Could you explain what this means? When I buy a stock for a registered or non-registered account, I get a PDF confirmation from my broker (Scotia iTrade). Is that a 'certificate' you're referring to?

Q: Hi Peter and gang. Any thoughts on Valeant (VRX) vs Concordia Healthcare (CXR)? Valeant's earnings estimates make it easier to evaluate on a p/e basis but has high debt and no dividend. Concordia has a dividend, lots of cash but short history as a public company making it hard to evaluate on a p/e basis. Any ideas what to expect regarding CXR's earnings and growth profile?

Terrific idea raising money for cancer. Good for you. All the best with your training. Look for forward to donating soon.

Q: Greetings,

Could you please provide an update for CI Financial [CIX]after their most recent financial reporting.

Thanks

Q: hi folks:

regarding carole's question of should she dump a fund (cig786) and buy a stock

believe me when I say that I am no big fan of mutual funds, yet if you look at that particular fund, internationally balanced, with a below average mer of 1.6%, and one that has crushed the index over most periods, I wonder if your dislike of all funds has over taken prudence

with this size account, with the goals noted, I am very surprised you would not at least acknowledge the quality here

along with the international diversification carole alsohas had....

10.4% p.a. return over the past 15 years (fifteen years)

inception was dec 1996 and since then has an 9.78% annual return

(all net of fees)

I think your service is second to none, yet in this case I believe you are offside

(no, I do not work for CI funds, and my total fund holdings are 15% of assets, mostly international)

Robert

ps. this fund has out-performed many (arguably most) hedge funds which you recommend and they all have far far greater fees

robert

Q: I was wandering what the payout ratio is for Surge energy after the latest acquisition. SGY

Q: Good Morning Peter and
I am currently reviewing the RESP account I have set up for my 10 year old grandson. BNS and CIG786 are the only positions in the plan which amounts to about $20,000. I contribute at least $2500 per year to take advantage of the CESG. I am thinking of selling CIG due to high fees. I am thinking of buying SLF for income and a growth stock such as SW. As this is a long term portfolio I sure would appreciate some guidance and advice. Thank you.

Q: Great service, love the q&a forum, the tweets, the blog, and the fantastic education. I am learning every day and have done very well since joining last spring.
I am dividing this part of my financial plan into 50% Model portfolio and 50% Model income portfolio. I need to buy 4 of the Equity, SJ, BDI, CCL.B, and top up AYA, and also purchase 11 of the Income portfolio. I am just wondering how fast I should execute the purchases given, the fact that we are moving into the April, May, spring summer period now. I am not expecting a portfolio assessment. Thank you.