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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: On a business new channel I heard a comment about Utilities NOT being as "safe" an investment as we are generally lead to believe. I didn't quite catch if "safe" was referring to the stock price or the under laying business. You would think the safety of the under laying business would be based on expansion and price they can charge for their product. In terms of the proverbial "Utilities are safe defensive plays" would the stock brokers be referring to share price or the business model?
Read Answer Asked by Phil on February 01, 2018
Q: Hi 5i,
For an RSP focused on growth, which two would you pick for cybersecurity exposure? Or would you pick something else (other than an ETF)?
TIA
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on February 01, 2018
Q: SALES BY INSIDERS
I have seen some insider selling activity for the above noted companies. A few officers of Enbridge sold over 50,000 shares each in December. As well, I noted a few ALA directors sold over 15,000 shares each last month.
Do you view these insider selling activities as unfavourable?

On the other hand, another Energy company (IPL) had favourable insider selling activity, in my opinion, since there were only buyers and not sellers.
Read Answer Asked by Terry on February 01, 2018
Q: Good Morning. My question is about AVO. I owned this stock for several frustrating years, lost lots of money and finally sold it in August 2016. At the time, the CEO seemed to be particularly insensitive to what it means to be a public company. Avigilon was engaged in what it called the "price adjustment model" which effectively trashed operating profit in the name of longer term growth potential. The stock was in a downward spiral.
I see 5i is recommending this stock again and has it in their model portfolios. What is your opinion about management now (assume it is the same CEO) and how much of a discount should this stock get in light of past operating performance.
Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Sue on February 01, 2018
Q: I can put one of these into my TFSA, the other two into my cash account. Which would you suggest for the TFSA?
Read Answer Asked by David on February 01, 2018
Q: Please respond as you see fit, private if you deem appropriate.

Although no one can guarantee the future, having a forward vision at least gives some perspective and/or at least an opinion/position to work from. With fixed income rates low and now rising, issues surrounding the potential risks to so called bond proxies, what is an educated guess as to their potential downside risks? Basically, using your expertise, how much might a maximum correction possibly look like? I prefer to hear what I need to know but understand the comments of certain people can create fear /panic for others!

What would you consider the new "Norm" for interest rates both short and long term? Some suggest a period comparable to the 1950s and early 60s where rate structures were low? That said, will savers continue to be subjected to economic repression? Predictions of the short end moving as high as 3% and if so, would say 4% (or higher) constitute a reasonable spread for the 10 year? I often hear analysts use the 10 year rate to model values?

Would real return bonds be a good anti inflationary component since there is also talk of inflation actually picking up more than expected? Is not the yield over inflation fixed and should inflation pick up might a spread with the market occur? Assuming a fixed/ equity portfolio of 35/65 %, what % of the fixed income portion could be considered a ballpark number representing a full weight for real return bonds ?

Rising rates are often the sign of an improving economy and somewhat of a counter weight to offset yield shifts. Some may say my questions want it both ways. My primary concern, years of engineered responses now showing their Achilles' heel and a period of "detox" ahead of us to correct them?

My approach, at least understand all the risks and the options to build a portfolio that matches the conclusions and risks you are comfortable with. There are a few guest on BNN who are even cautioning about too much get rich thinking!

Given I raise multiple points, please feel free to respond with a few bottom line general comments if that is what deem appropriate.

FYI. I go on the site daily with a goal of reading every response. It provides a great base of information and knowledge in a very timely fashion. Keep up the great work and thank you.

Mike
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 01, 2018
Q: Timia Capital (v.TCA) has undergone a significant change in its business model since you last had a look, now focusing on financing SaaS-oriented IT companies rather than 'green' players. It's still very small but its new model seems to be working very well - even turning profitable during its latest quarter and now expanding partnerships.

Would appreciate your current thoughts on this new direction and its prospects.

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on February 01, 2018
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