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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: I recently read an article you published earlier this year which purports to show that if one misses just the best ten days in the market over 10 years their average returns will be half that of one who was in the market the whole time. While I may not be quoting the article exactly, I have read numerous articles over the years suggesting the same thing - that time in the market is key to higher returns and that only a few days can significantly impact long term returns. You have suggested the same thing when you speak of cash being a drag on returns and that investing all available cash at one time is better than investing portions over a pre-determined time frame.

On the other hand, you have often spoken of waiting to invest only in companies showing positive momentum or that one could buy partial positions over a predetermined time frame to ensure that there is some protection should that stock price continue to decline. However, both of these strategies seem at odds with the "stay invested for the best long term gains" noted above.

I suspect that staying invested at all times is the best strategy for long term growth and that the go slower strategy is more to help those whose risk tolerances don't allow for paper losses immediately after investing.

Would you agree with my conclusion? Can missing just a few days significantly impact overall gains? And finally. if this is true, how does one incorporate buying only into momentum-positive companies into this strategy?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.





Read Answer Asked by Paul on April 12, 2022
Q: XP is being touted by Barron's as the "Schwab of Brazil". They see a historical imbalance between bonds and equities in retail investors portfolios and foresee XP taking advantage of a reversion to the mean (to paraphrase liberally). What is your opinion of XP? ( I recognize that, as a Brazilian equity, it is outside your preferred sweet spot; however, I value your perspective).
Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by David on April 12, 2022
Q: You had listed MED once as part of a portfolio suggestion. The chart looks good right now for an entry. Can you please comment on the fundamentals, growth potential, and whether this type of business has is a bit recession proof? It might be in a good spot right now as people try to lose their "COVID 15"?
Read Answer Asked by Kel on April 12, 2022
Q: Two part question, deduct as many points as you like.

I'm just wondering if anyone at 5I has glanced at the 195 page(!!) short report that Spruce Point put out last week on Stryker. Anything in particular to be concerned about? I own it in my RRSP, and have been slowly adding to my position. It is the only stock that I own in the health care sector.

Also, what would be your top pick, CA or US in this sector, if I wanted to diversify my portfolio?

Thank you for all that you do.

Read Answer Asked by Ed on April 12, 2022
Q: I hate the idea of losing money in a TFSA for a number of reasons that are probably best dealt with in therapy. However, let’s say that we knew for a certainty that we were going to have a recession of unknown depth and duration starting in 2023. Come 2025 do you think you would have sooner held BCE, SLF, ENB, BAM.A, SMU.UN, and L (maybe 4% average yield with avg. PE in low 20’s) in a TFSA, or a 2 year GIC at 3%? Seems to me if a recession is deeper and longer than average I’m glad I had the GIC, if shallower and shorter, the equities?
Read Answer Asked by Stephen R. on April 12, 2022
Q: following up on question/response about shop, you mention 'there has been a recent increase in announcements'. what were the main ones and how important were they?
Read Answer Asked on April 12, 2022
Q: With respect to Canadian companies that pay their dividends in US$ ( for example AQN) do you think it is better to keep these shares in the US$ side of my RRSP or the CAN$ side of my RRSP.

I am just thinking in terms of exchange costs every time a dividend is paid.

When and if it came time to sell I could just swing the shares back to the Canadian side.

Thanks very much.


Read Answer Asked by Dave on April 12, 2022
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