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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 currently hold Markel (MKL) for some conservative balance to my portfolio, and I have (had) high hopes as it's commonly called a 'mini Berkshire' and hey, it's insurance they always win... While my position is still up, it's underperformed relative to my expectations. Further, I'm increasingly anxious about how extreme weather events (read climate change - fires, hurricanes, floods) will effect the insurance business.

In light of the above, I have two questions:
1. How do you feel about MKL, and;
2. Can you recommend an insurance company that is less exposed to property and more exposed to life insurance, travel insurance, or other?

Best.
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on January 21, 2019
Q: I would like to buy a REIT etf for my TFSA, to capture some tax-free income, and trying to decide among XRE, ZRE and VRE. What would be your recommendation? Or is your choice none of he above but something else?
Read Answer Asked by M on January 21, 2019
Q: TD Mgd Idx Bal Growth Port - e (TDB852). Would you consider this fund a good choice for a child's RESP, the Child would not need the money for 15 plus years. I lean towards more growth but family would prefer something more balanced. This is close to the"couch potato" method. MER is 1.27%. There are no fees to purchase this e-series fund with TD and no fees to sell after 2 months (not that it would be sold for a long time). It is a mix of their 4 e series funds (40% Canadian bond index, 23 % us index, 20% canadian index and 76 percent international index). Would you recommend something else?
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 21, 2019
Q: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/inside-the-market/one-minute-portfolio-15-years-later/article37709823/

I read this article in the Globe today that appeals to me because of it's simplicity, low cost (few commissions, no MER's) etc and it's relative performance as measured by the author. I know it a very simple approach and mirrors the Buffet "Here's what you should do when I die" with my money. Would be very interested on your take of this and if you think it would be a good idea or not and why. Thanks Sheldon

(A similar article appeared in this weeks Globe)
Read Answer Asked by Sheldon on January 21, 2019
Q: Good morning. I would like to increase my fixed income allocations and would like suggestions on where best to invest additional cash. I already have enough in GIC’s and our pref shares have been suffering of late but we are below our target in the fixed side. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by alex on January 21, 2019
Q: Very disappointed in yet another 5i pick in the income portfolio down substantially until a final sell recommendation is released.
You state: "With declining equity markets, lower assets under management and increasing competitiveness in the Canadian financial industry, we have decided to sell Gluskin Sheff"
My question is, why did you recommend it in the first place? All the items applied when you decided to add it to the income portfolio. Seems another stock where you were simply chasing yield without dying proper DD.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on January 21, 2019
Q: HI 5I.
PLEASE RATE YOUR TOP 5 US DIV. INCOME STOCKS BEST TO WORST FROM MY LIST.
ING, AMC, NHI, DWX, VZ, CCL, UN, PFE, PG.
OR YOUR OWN PICKS BASED ON CORE HOLDINGS. THANKS
Read Answer Asked by Peter on January 21, 2019
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