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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 understand there has been some type of study which shows people who have taken the Shingles vaccine are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s like diseases. The scientific community seems not to know why this is so. There are a lot of unknowns on this study to say the least. Do you know any first rate Pharma companies that are leaders in the development and manufacturing the Shingles vaccines? I know there are a number of Shingles vaccines out in the marketplace, probably made by different companies. Does Bloomberg have anything to say on the subject? Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Jim
Read Answer Asked by James on December 04, 2025
Q: I have a half position in ISRG (bought before latest Q). Would you go for adding to it (if it was your position to build on momentum) OVER buying LLY to get to 6% in US$ health? Looking for growth. I already have 3% in WELL
Read Answer Asked by JR on October 28, 2025
Q: I am loosing a lot of money on both PFE and MRK. I hold them in RRSP since 2023 and down about 50% on PFE and 20% on MRK. Would you keep these or get rid of them and switch to some other healthcare stocks offering better long term total return (growth + dividends)?
Read Answer Asked by Pauline on October 17, 2025
Q: Hi,
I want to buy Healthcare stocks.
Can you please recommend in order of preference a top 10 mix of Canadian and USD names. Can you also add a growth/risk rating 1 to 10 with 10 being highest growth and 10 being highest risk.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Marco on September 30, 2025
Q: I'd like to purchase some health care in CDN funds. Can you please provide a list of top 6 in order (best first) either Canadian or CDRs in the sector.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Marco on September 29, 2025
Q: Good Morning Everyone,

I’ve heard a stat that claims that ~80% of the returns since “liberation day” have come from 10 stocks. (MAG 7, PLTR, ORCL, AVGO)
Is this true? Is this unusual?

May I have 10 each of your favourite CAN and US value stocks to look at please?

Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Sandra on August 15, 2025
Q: Good Morning,

I am a retired income investor who recently received a small $40k USD inheritance.
I would like to purchase US dividend paying equities (for geographic exposure) but am concerned about the withholding tax.

Is there any vehicle available to avoid or lessen the tax? I have no room in my registered account.

What are you highest conviction US stocks with plus 4% yield and some growth potential.?

Thanks Dave

Read Answer Asked by Dave on August 12, 2025
Q: Here are 6 US stocks that have been beaten way down. Would appreciate your thoughts on the recovery potential.
Thanks, Greg
Read Answer Asked by Greg on June 12, 2025
Q: MRK was a recommendation for stable US and health exposure, but has seen a major drawdown in 6 moths. Any insight you can offer on current challenges and whether they have a path to recover? Or should it be replaced?
Read Answer Asked by Gary on April 25, 2025
Q: Looking for a stable US stock with some growth/dividend. Please make suggestions
Read Answer Asked by Rachel on March 25, 2025
Q: Hi 5i team,
Do you think these stocks are priced well to start a position for income and modest growth? I would also appreciate your insights on these 3 companies for a long term hold.

Thank you,

Stephan
Read Answer Asked by Stephan on February 26, 2025
Q: Your thoughts on Merck this morning please,do you see any upside?I hold it in my rif and am still showing a small profit.Buy,hold or sell?
Read Answer Asked by John on February 05, 2025
Q: Hello, I'm working on my current ALLOCATIONS. Please recommend CANADIAN and US : Healthcare, Consumer Defensive and Utilities.
Many thanks, Heidi

PS My sincere compliments for your excellent site and service
Read Answer Asked by Adelheid on January 31, 2025
Q: Hello 5i, I am up quite a bit on MRK, ABBVIE and HHLE. In answer to a question on MRK by Michael on Jan 22 you wrote "We would take a look at AMGN as an alternative to MRK". With the success I have with MRK et al. is MRK a sell to be replaced by AMGN now or is MRK still a keeper for now. Value investor.
Stanley
Read Answer Asked by STANLEY on January 23, 2025
Q: Hi,

May I please have your take on the Gardasil vaccine lawsuit against Merck. Does this affect the fundamental investment thesis of Merck as a conservative, inexpensive stock with a decent dividend. I note the share price is down about 16% in the last year.

Would you be able to provide a couple of better options in the US healthcare space? I already own ISRG and LLY.

Thank you, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 21, 2025
Q: Hello 5i,

Could you please expand on an answer to V on the 20 stocks to purchase today if you were to start over? We are assuming that stocks/ETF’s are equal weight and the recommendation is considered a growth portfolio. If not, please elaborate. We were also surprised to see Prudential on the list.

If you were 70+ would you alter the list slightly?

If you were in your mid 30’s and 40’s now and have limited funds (30k-70k) would you recommend purchasing all the stocks/ETF’s equally and expand over time or are there specific stocks/ETF’s that would be considered a “starter pack”?

Thank you so much for your website and advice.

D&J
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on November 30, 2024
Q: I have several 'Growth' companies which have grown quite large in both Cdn and US markets (Thanks). While I plan to let winners run, I am looking to take some capital out of those, and shift to areas of the market which are trading below their historical averages. Could you suggest some areas of both US and Canada to look for those areas? (Specific companies or ETFs which would target this both welcome)
Read Answer Asked by Dave on November 27, 2024
Q: I sold my full positions in APPL and NEE plus sold half my position in VERT this morning. I would like 2 good dividend payers with a growth metric, and 2 small/ mid caps for a 2-3 year hold.
Other positions currently held are: MSFT, SYK, AMZN, ISRG, GOOG, ABBV, JPM, PRU, AGX, CRS.
Thanks for all the above over the years. David
Read Answer Asked by David on November 06, 2024
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