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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: Just wanted to add something re Charlie's question on choosing a broker.
I have been with Scotia iTRADE for a while and have noticed their services getting better and fees coming down over the years. Nice to see that there is some competition in the industry. I note also that CIBC has just lowered their standard trade fee to $6.99. Hopefully Scotia and the other banks will follow.
Scotia has a decent list of ETFs that can be bought commission free. Also, it is very easy to enrol in DRIP and DPP as there is a tab to click that gives you the option. This means that all dividends can be reinvested commission free. Saves hundreds of dollars a year (if you hold div payers) and compounds returns efficiently.
Psychologically, for me it is easier to hold long term when you see your share count going up every quarter and dividend increases don't hurt either. Keeps the temptation to "over trade" down.

Read Answer Asked by john on February 26, 2015
Q: I'm looking at this company as a long term hold in my rrsp. What are your thoughts?
Read Answer Asked by Rick on February 26, 2015
Q: Hi I was wondering if I could get your opinion on this stock!
Read Answer Asked by Mary on February 26, 2015
Q: I'm looking at investing in growth stocks in the pharmaceutical/health sector and am looking at two specific stocks, CRH and ACRX.US I appreciate that both are small cap and there is inherent risk in both. Could you please review each of these, provide your thoughts, and which of the two if either you would recommend.
Thank you
Jim
Read Answer Asked by Jim on February 26, 2015
Q: Is XYL far enough along for investment? It's product, Xyla, is a sugar made from hardwood by-products. This form of xylitol is recommended for the sugar-sensitive. It is anti-bacterial: candy and gum made with hardwood xylitol don't cause cavities. Last night, xylitol (in general) got a plug on The Exchange. Cookies made with xylitol will be on Whole Foods shelves. This tells me public awareness is growing. Is XYL strong enough to grow? From Patti.
Read Answer Asked by Patti on February 26, 2015
Q: Hello Peter & Co,
A follow-up on a fellow member's question on the subject. I too own BEP.UN and have noted your reference to NPI and RNW; but I am wondering if you had also considered Boralex BLX and Innergex INE.
Thanks,
Antoine
Read Answer Asked by Antoine on February 26, 2015
Q: Can I get 5i's updated view on Element Financial? Earnings were released on Wednesday and they seemed to match guidance and street expectations. I also noticed it has been doing quite well over the past few months compared to banks (although bank earnings see to be giving banks some catch up). How do you think EFN will do versus the rest of the financial sector?
Read Answer Asked by Mike on February 26, 2015
Q: Just wondering if I should hold Vee, fez, and vxus inside a registered or non registered account. I thought I read somewhere that if held in a registered account, the withholding tax of 15% would apply (unlike us equities in a registered account), and there is no way to recoupe since it is in a registered account. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks again for the great service.
Read Answer Asked by Sheldon on February 26, 2015
Q: On a morning just FULL of dividend increases for picks that are highly regarded by 5i, I just have to say, again, THANK you all! Great service.
Read Answer Asked by Marilyn on February 26, 2015
Q: tfsa I have approx $12,000 to be put to work- right now I have some rsi 1,100 shares and 35 ffh. A couple of suggestions would be appreciated. I am 60 years of age and in no need of the money.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on February 26, 2015
Q: I own some stocks and ETF's in U.S. dollars. Are there any reasonable methods the retail investor can use to insure himself from a possible decline in the value of the U.S. dollar. This may involve options, hedging or possibly an ETF that tracks the U.S. dollar or other suggestions ?

Many Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on February 26, 2015
Q: First question from an old mining guy. If you assume,as I do,that the next situation faced (after dividend and capex cuts) for Canadian oil producers will be re-statements of reserves and resources,who's on the casualty list? In other words, have you done a sensitivity analysis to see who's reserves drop from "14 years" to "5 years" at $50 oil?
Read Answer Asked by Larry on February 26, 2015
Q: Extendicare and leisure world reported today, what do you think of their results.
Read Answer Asked by don on February 26, 2015
Q: Several months ago I bought TVA.B on a recommendation from an analyst. The holding company was Quebecor, Brian Mulroney was on the board of Quebecor and Desjardins group owned shares in TVA. The book value was $12.50 and I bought in at $9.00. I figured this was good however I made a classic mistake and didn't research the details. When the price declined (I sold at $8.50) I decided to do some research. This structure was so complicated that the more I analysed the more I was confused. I made a classic mistake and confirms the old Ben Graham adage "never buy anything you don,t understand. At any rate, I noticed that they have now announced a distribution of rights at $5.66 and from what I see essentially folding the company. In terms of education can you give me, and members, a brief synopsis of what happened. Who are the winners? Obviously from what I can tell, the common shareholders are the victims.
Thank You
Read Answer Asked by roland on February 26, 2015
Q: Good Morning, Peter and Team,
I have ventured into the US with MU and GILD. MU lost its contract bid to Samsung recently to provide chips for Apple. GILD is facing more competition for its HIV drug than anticipated. Both stocks are still slightly up but the profit has declined over the past week or so.
In October, you stated that MU runs quickly when it hits a downturn. I am torn about selling on the news for these two companies, and would appreciate your advice on whether to hold or sell right now.
Thank you.
Gail
Read Answer Asked by Gail on February 26, 2015
Q: 50yr old looking to start investing with an advisor who would be an active manager. (Not just follow the herd or stick me in a fund for 10 years and collect his fees). How do I go about picking a financial adviser? Is there a book or website where I can research this? For example, is it safer to pick an adviser at one of our Canadian banks or the larger investment firms vs smaller firms? Which qualities should I look for and which to be cautious of? What would you suggest? Any information or direction you can provide would be great.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Randy on February 26, 2015
Q: AIF has popped after reporting earnings and has been trading sideways for a year. Could you characterize this company (is it a stretch to call this REOC alternative)? Is it value here and could you give your opinion? Thank You.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 26, 2015
Q: Hi Peter, can you please comment on Altus Group just announced Q4 results. Do you consider this a good entry point for 3-5 year hold?
Rob
Read Answer Asked by Robert on February 26, 2015
Q: What is your evaluation of this company ? In your estimation would it be a buy at this time. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on February 26, 2015
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