Investment Q&A

Q: You often make reference to diversification being the best defence against ups and downs in the market and that timing the market is a mugs game. I have seen the benefits of diversification in my own accounts but I am confused by what exactly defines "market timing".

I have two examples. One, many analysts talk about "going defensive" and buying defensive stocks, (whatever they are). Secondly, you talk about certain sectors being cyclical (oil, automotive to name a couple) and you even recently suggested, when referring to XTC "When inflation hits and interest rates rise for a sustained period of time to slow things down in the economy, it will be time to leave the ballpark.". Having made that remark, you still do suggest we stay in energy.

My question is, when is leaving a sector or "going defensive" considered market timing and when is it just good investment sense (if ever)? Or should we never really think in these terms and simply buy good companies, maintain a diversified portfolio and always ignore the ups and downs?

Looking forward to your valuable insight.

Paul F.

Q: There seems to be a real hate for this stock today compared to most others in the sector. I am holding it through all this carnage but am starting to feel queezy. Is there something else that could be causing this other than sheer market panic and stupidity?

Q: I currently own these banks and today they are off. Should I sell them or hold on with the Div. I understand they are tidying things up so is this temporary or a good time to part ways.
thx

Q: Do you still think Surge Energy is a hold? I have a 3 year time frame. Thanks,

Q: PPL just announced a 36% increase in capex for 2015 and sound quite sanguine on the future. Don't they know the oil price is imploding? From your knowledge of management would you consider their judgement sound and worth giving the benefit of the doubt?
Thanks
Mike

Q: Would you consider Brookfield Total Return Fund: HTR-US a good- reasonably safe investment in the current market situation. Also, do you think the dividend is safe at this level (approx 9% yield)?
Thank you.

Q: My daughtet 30 has just open a tfsa a/c with $1300 she is looking for growth minimum 1 year time frame.please advise what to buy.

Q: Will the insurance companies start to stall out if the drop in oil causes disinflation?

Q: Good morning,
Another oil question.
I am considering selling enterprise group (down 50%) and investing more into WCP. WCP is down 18% but I feel it may have a better recovering and pays a dividend. I will have 10% of my portfolio in Energy made up of WCP, CPG & SGY. Tax loss does not apply, my holdings are in an RRSP account. Your opinion please.
Thanks
Roy

Q: Hi.
Would you consider KEY good value investment at this price level for a 1-3 year or longer term hold. Is this a good time to buy when there is panic or would it be better to wait for price stabilization? would you prefer PPL or IPL?

Thank you

Q: How do you feel about US banks, and other than currency difference is there anything else to be aware of when purchasing US stocks for my RRSP

Q: I have held Key and Ipl for many years. It is falling
rapidly. Should I sell or hold? Is this panic selling?

Q: What criteria do you use to determine potential takeout candidates ? Could you share a couple of examples Thanx Robbie

Q: Good morning,

Husky Energy issued a 4.50% rate reset (3.13%)preferred this am- what is your opinion on these new shares?

Thank you
Brad

Q: Over the past months, I thought I'd give your plan a whirl of buying strength and forego using Stops with names you really liked in your Questions/Answers section. **HUGE** mistake! My portfolio is down 25%. Hindsight demonstrates the only way to stay out of trouble with your service, was to invest in your ENTIRE portfolio and completely ignore your Q&A on any companies outside your model portfolio. Cherry picking names from your Q&A section has proved very painful indeed. Expensive lesson learned!

Q: Hello.

If CNR's Petroleum revenue went to 0 (lower oil production creating capacity in existing pipelines), what do you think CNR's price would settle at?

CNRs Q3 report (Investor-Financial-Quarterly-2014/Q3/Q3-2014-US-GAAP-MDA-en.pdf), puts Petroleum and chemicals at about 20% of the Q3 earnings.

Thanks.

Q: Oil is up today and stocks such as whitecap, surge etc. Are down again, seems like a no win scenario to me, am I missing something, thanks?

Q: Hi, Just a comment on Dave's missive about investing. There are more than one way of making money in the market. Different styles suit people with different temperaments. If you like buying when thing go up and make money, good on you. I'm more with Warren Buffet, I like stocks when they go down. As an example, in Jan 1998, oil was $13 a barrel(!!!)going to $10 and change. I took a full position in COS at $3.84 a share. People thought I was stupid as it took $14 (!!!) to produce a barrel from oil sands in those days. I sold most of my position at $50 (should have sold it all! But the remaining shares yield 36% on cost). Just different people, differing ways to make money. Henry

Q: I would appreciate an explanation on the difference between CTC and CTC.A. Both tickers are for Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. In addition to your valued investment insights, thanks for all the education you offer.

Q: C+ rating not reflected on monthend summary.