Investment Q&A

Q: FYI BNS was punished because of their exposure to Puerto Rico's financial crisis, huge debt load. Is that bankruptcy - for Puerto Rico, not BNS?

Q: With the additional insight provided by recent bank earnings reports do they present value here considering future prospects?

Q: Your thoughts on latest earnings please. Would you be comfortable with a new purchase today? Feel free to ignore if already asked. Thanks!

Q: Holding these companies in my TFSA, would like to add a growth company. Would CXI be good addition, if not any suggestions, thanks

Q: Hi Team

regarding the canadian banks in general:

1. why have they started the year down so much ?

2. with the sudden drop in interest rate by the Bank of Canada, how do you think this will affect the Canadian Banks ?

3. Is there any reason to hold back on buying in on the banks for any foreseeable issues in the next 3 months ?

4. of the big 6 including national, can you rank them in order of

A. overall growth and
B.future likelihood of dividend increases.

thanks

Ernie

Q: Hi Peter & team, BNS and all banks keep falling....do you expect more downside? Also, if a stock trades in the US and Canada (like BNS does) do you check both exchanges to get a better"feel" before you buy/sell? I ask this because BNS in the US has come down to the level of February 2014.....are we to assume BNS Canada will also get down to its low of February which would be ~58.00?

Than you!

Q: I just read Cam Hui's piece in the 5 for 5i. I notice he isn't positive on Canada and the Cdn. banks. Would you suggest we concentrate on small caps with large exposure to the U.S and avoid companies such as ACQ.
Do you agree with Hui that Cadn. banks face some strong headwinds this year?

Q: Congr for great results--29.3%(after 34.1% in 2013),which beat 10.4% for TSX Note you reduced weighting in AYA & used proceeds to add to WCP,BDI & FN.Why not BNS,which together with CM & NA were 3 of the most battered big 6 can.banks the last month.Repotedly,some funds in US was selling can banks today & lately.Thanks for your usual great advices & services.Peter,welcome back from your vacation.

Q: If I sell shares in my TFSA account does the superficial tax rule apply ie must i wait for 30 days before repurchasing the same stock within my TFSA . Also what is your outlook for Scotia Bank in 2015 . Thanks Rick

Q: Just a comment on BNS being classified as a "DOG" by G & M.BUY the "DOG" as there is a proven theory that each of the big 6 canadian banks takes its turn to appreciate.They were amongst the World's strongest banks in 2013(with 2012 ranking in bracket): 3)CIBC(3) 4)RY(6) 7)BNS(18) 17)NA(5) 8)TD(4) & BMO(22)

Q: I realize you like both TD and BNS, even though BNS hasn't performed as well the last couple of years. I'm sure you take other considerations into mind, so I'd appreciate hearing which bank you prefer for a 5-10 year hold and why.
Thanks!!!

Q: Good morning Peter and Team,

I was surprised to see BNS among the "dogs" in the "Stars and Dogs" column in the Nov. 8 Globe and Mail. In it, John Heinzl wrote, referring to the 1500 job layoff, "If this is how it reacts to the good times, wait until the next recession". As a long-term investor holding only BNS in the big-bank sector, should I be concerned about Mr, Heinzl's assertion? Should I consider diversifying into one or more of the other big banks? If so, which one(s)? Your insight and advice is always highly valued.

Q: I typically like to use what I view as short term blips to buy good quality companies. However, sometimes what I think of as a short term blip turns into multiple other issues. Do you think that the dip in BNS share price is a buying opportunity, or would you be worried that there may be other issues lurking?
Thanks
Bryan

Q: I am a holder of this Bank and the news today took me by surprise. Would this be the right time to sell or hang in there for the long term?

Q: I know you favour BNS amongst the big 6 banks, but after working there for several years (and NOT being impressed with the culture) I cannot bring myself to invest in it. Can you please offer what your 2nd and 3rd choices would be. Or would something like PWF be more attractive at current prices. I'm in this for the long term. Thanks!

Q: Hi Peter,

Is it time to start picking away at BNS/TD or is there more pain to come. Thanks for all you and your team do for us less experienced investors.

Carl

Q: We have full holdings in the 5 major Canadian banks. I notice that the pundits, including yourself, seem to favour TD and BNS yet our major gains have been in BMO and CM, both of which pay better dividends as well. Comment?

Q: I am a new sudscriber.
Re your model portfolio: I don't see the initial amount of money invested in each stock, the number of shares bought and the total at the start of the portfolio.
Given that the portfolio has had an 8.7% performance rate to date, how would one emulate this portfolio without coming in at a high level?
I look forward to being a subscriber to your excellent site that I have been aware of for some time now.

Q: Hello 5i team,
Kudos to Peter for his adventure across Canada for such a worthy cause.
I have a question that may be better suited for a Canadian Money Saver article but I thought I would ask here to see if either the 5i team and/or members have suggestions.

I am looking for information about security considerations regarding keeping money safe in self-directed online brokerages. This may include either a checklist of security features to look for and/or an article/service that assesses and ranks the various brokerages based on current security features. I am not overly well-versed when it comes to understanding potential cyber threats, but definitely want to do what I can to keep my money safe. I imagine this will become a bigger issue as online brokerages become more popular. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Rory

Q: The courts have recently ruled in favour of BNS employees claiming lost overtime wages. Scotiabank has sent letters to all branch sales staff allowing them to make claims for overtime hours worked. Are you concerned about the negative impact this could have on BNS stock? Sue