Investment Q&A

Q: This is an answer to Paul who had $500K US and wanted to exchange to CAD.

I think your example was great (It would be considered Norberts Gambit?) in the original Norberts Gambit I believe it's suggested to just buy a US Dollar tracking ETF?

That aside - I worked at CIBC as a Financial Service Rep for a while and when I had clients with large sums of US or CAD that needed to be converted I could call our traders and book the best rate possible for clients (I could haggle with them) - usually this would mean I could get as much (or more) as a whole percentage difference as the bank typically charges a two percent fee. I would recommend he calling Cal-Forex or some other trader, getting a quote on the BEST rate, then calling his bank and asking if they can match it (or beat it), or he will go to the other provider (bluff if you want) - the bank should comply...

just my 2 cents, the safest, easiest way would be to just have his bank exchange it - but personally I prefer your suggestion.

Q: I am not sure if this question should be asked in the forum or here.

I have a little more than $500,000 US in a Canadian bank US$ account that I would like to convert to Canadian dollars. What is the cheapest/easiest way to this? I know there are on line brokerages that do this but I am a little queasy about handling a transaction of this size through cyber space. Does one bank have a better reputation for foreign currency transactions than another or are they all priced the same?

Appreciate any advice you can provide.

Paul F.

Q: Why is your opinion of the 400 million dollar deal of Altagas to pay bank debt? The dividend look safe to me for a company that more than half of the revenue and cash flow come from the US?

Q: Greetings

I am presently without any exposure to oil and gas companies. To what extent do you think PKI might be a good place to re-enter the sector? Your most recent review was a tepid "B" so I am completely open to other suggestions you might have.

I am a retired conservative investor who has no need to "shoot out the lights" and realize that diversity is a good thing.

Thanks

Q: Hi Peter and Ryan,

I have a cash account at TD Waterhouse (TDW), and I use their Investment Savings Account (ISA) for the cash portion of my portfolio. Currently, the interest rate for that account is 0.75%, and it has been at that level for a long time. I also have an account at Meridian Credit Union. They have a High Interest Savings Account (HISA) for short term cash that pays double what the TDW ISA pays, and the interest rate they are offering on that account has been at that level or higher for a long time. My question is as follows: How risky would it be to park more than 100K in a Meridian HISA? In other words, how solid is Meridian as a financial institution?

Many thanks for the great service.

Q: Hello. Since I started investing, I've been told that selling covered call is the safest and easiest way to earn extra income. However, I've found that the cost of buying and selling covered call options in the Canadian stock market is extremely expensive. If the stock is called away, the bank will charge an extra $49 as handling fee per transaction for both sides (no matter the amount of the contract). Do you know if there are any investment institutions that offer no handling fee at the end of the expiry? I've heard that Interactive Broker may be one of them. Are you aware of any others? If I could switch some of my portfolio to a cheaper trading institution, do you think it is worth the hassle to sell covered call? MANY THANKS.

Q: I bought WAJAX Corp 10 years ago at a much higher price and held it since. After a rough ride it seems that this company is turning the corner with some decent earning and a better estimates from analysts. Could I please have your views and if it is worth holding, if not what I can replace it with. It is a small portion of my portfolio and diversification is not an issue. Thanks

Q: Any comments about PHM's latest earnings released today? Thanks.

Q: Hello,

Two part question. First, thoughts on NYX Gaming's earnings report? Second, Intertain just reported strongly, is considering strategic options and seems to be generally acting better. Would you switch any holdings in NYX to Intertain? Also, from a technical standpoint does Intertain appear poised for a breakout if it can ever shake free of the 12-12.30 range?

Thanks

Q: Good Morning
I am interested in Tree Island steel. They have net insider buying and their numbers on TD Waterhouse look could. I would like to get an evaluation from the 5I team.
Thank you
Clarence

Q: Good morning.
I really appreciate the great job you do. I have two questions.
1. Could you please give your comments on the latest Descartes results?
2. Short Sellers - where can I find out info about the number of short sellers on a company?
Thanks for your help.
Marilyn

Q: Have difficulty understanding the sector alllocated for some stocks. For instance I thought NFI would definitely be Industrial but in my BMO portfolio it is classified as cons disc along with DOL - which I get. I want to increase my Industrial sector so could you go thru your three portfolios and list the stocks that would be classified in this sector? Thanks.

Q: Could you please comment on this ETF. I have held CWW for about 5 years and done well but am wondering what, if any, other approach you would take to replacing this investment in the water related sector? Many thanks.

Q: Baba dropped 7% yesterday b/c of sec investigation for accounting questions.
Should I hang in or is this a buying opportunity?
Is this a stock you would buy.?

Q: I would appreciate your comments about TEVA-N. Would you hold or would the money be better invested in another Pharma stock Thank you

Q: What would your 3 favorite growth stocks be going forward (US or Canada) and 3 fav dividend stocks (US or Can)
Tks

Q: AIM.PR.C - these have taken a beating. With the current high yield and likely about 5% on re-set in 2019 do you think it is "worth" adding to an existing modest allocation, for income?
Thanks.

Q: Your opinion on AGT, please. Thx.

Q: Hi,

Can you comment on Rock Energy - its gone down significantly, is there an opportunity to buy?

Thanks
Mike

Q: I know you don't specifically cover US stocks. But I've been watching Netflix and waiting for a good entry point as I think it's a good brand that will innovate and stay on top of the industry they are in. The stock is currently rallying and the information I got from Investopedia is that Netflix will have exclusive rights to Disney Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm films starting this fall. As an uneducated investor I'm wondering is this a good time to buy or is this simply a frenzy based on a news release that will cool down and the stock will return to trading around $90.00? I know you can't predict the future, but the educated opinions I have received from 5i have me up in 8 out of 10 stocks I have purchased this year.
Thanks