Investment Q&A

Q: Your thoughts on selling XLF to buy JPM & BAC and selling PFE & GILD to buy ARKG.

Thank you!

Q: good afternoon 5i,
On December 3 you responded to a question by Curtis by saying, "We also think a low cost index product for the majority of a portfolio overlain with a basket of individual stocks to generate alpha is also a pretty good strategy, for those inclined to hold 6 or 7 individual stocks. "

This is a strategy that I more or less use, at least for my US and International holdings. I haven't done this with my Canadian holdings because of capital gains, which would imply tax, and also because it seems to me that the Canadian etf's are heavily weighted towards the few sectors we have in Canada. Therefore, I think I would be better in individual stocks rather than an etf. I would appreciate your take on that perspective.
Also, I am wondering which four or five stocks you would look at in the US for such a strategy for a retired person. And how would you weight them given that an etf strategy was used. The stocks I have listed are the ones I own. How would they fit in such a portfolio? The only one I might kick out for someone my age is Docusign. Any others that could be suggested?

Thanks for the great service

Q: Hi, looking to adjust my financial sector exposure, currently holding SLF, V, JPM, GSY, and BAM. I hold ZBK, JPM and GSY at a low weighting in my portfolio and could top up any of these right now. Thinking of selling ZBK and buying more JPM for US financial exposure. Currently don't own any Cdn banks, except through broad Cdn ETF. Should I add more to my JPM position or buy one of the Cdn banks (was thinking of TD) or add to GSY? I see you added to BNS, quickly, why do you favor BNS over TD? Looking for growth 10+ yrs. Thanks!

Q: Hi, current in my portfolio of 13 stocks + 2 ETF I have some good performing stocks that are > 5% position, TXN is 10.3%, DIS is 8.40%, EWZS is 9.37% and ADM is 8.54%. 25% of my holdings are in TECH (3 stocks + 1 etf). Do you feel comfortable with keeping these stocks with current positions or could I trim it to reduce risk ? I don't have many exposure to financials and consumer cyclical sectors. Can you suggest me growth stocks in these 2 sectors in US and CAN ? In healthcare I have only ABBV, I would like to have other good options here for growth and medium risk. I have +20 years horizon.

Q: Hi Team,

What are your 3 favorite value stocks in Canada and 3 in the USA?

Thanks!

Q: With the sector rotation taking place I'm interested in buying or adding dividend paying companies that could benefit from the change taking place. With that in mind, and hoping for some growth and relatively secure dividends, could you please suggest what you consider to be your top 5 Canadian and 5 American companies that could benefit from this sector rotation.

Q: While off their lows, financials have not recovered this year. I am having difficulty not seeing these as 'shouting', if not screaming buys for the long term investor. Companies like JPM and BNS seem to have sound businesses and pay a nice divvy. The conservative nature of banks in Canada seems particularly attractive under these circumstances. What am I missing? Can you add some granularity please. Thank-you.

Q: Hello 5i Team,
Seems that Square is recently facing much more competition. Just in the last two days, JP Morgan has launched "Quick Accept", Visa has announced "Tap to Phone" and Paypal is opening up their network to cryptocurrencies. Is the big run over for Square, and would you recommend possibly switching to Paypal within the payments space, given these announcements? Thanks. Brad

Q: I am looking to alter my financial holdings into November and currently hold. 1 % position in WFC, BMO, BNS, FSZ, and SLF. I am considering replacing BMO and BNS after/before month end respectively and taking up positions in IVZ and JPM on any pull back.
What would your advice be, and/or do you have any more preferred suggestions?

Thank you in advance

Peter

Q: i have noticed that 5i prefers JPMorgan as an American bank. I read recently that Warren Buffett has bought more of an already large component, of Bank of America., while selling other banks, like Wells Fargo. i imagine you can't go wrong on either of these two banks, but it would be interesting to know why you would prefer JPM over bac, and since you like to look at the other side of the trade, why Buffer would seem to prefer bac.
thanks as always for the great service

Q: My daughter is selling BNS for a tax loss. For a replacement would you favor a US bank like JPM at this time or another Canadian bank like TD or RY? Her other financials are BAM and GSY.

Q: I just retired with no pension and living off my portfolio. I’m sitting on a lot of cash right now with very little US investments. I would like to start buying slowly. What would you suggest. Preferably ETF’s listed on the TSX with the odd US stock. Thanks

Q: Hi,
To enhance growth potential in the low-interest and slow-growth environment, I am thinking of selling JPM to buy either V, MA or PYPL. Any suggestion and comment? I already own half position of V in my other account.
Thanks,
Martin

Q: According to an Aug. 14 news release Berkshire Hathaway has sold US Bank shares and also QSR . They have bought Barrick gold. Do you read much into this? Comments please. Thanks as always. Frank

Q: Which 5 Canadian and US companies would 5i want to be holding when we get a significant market moving vaccine/treatment announcement? Tech and gold have been powerful during the pandemic but I want to make sure I am considering the right companies to add to provide balance if tech pauses and different sectors are needed for a leg higher. Your favs in each market and how/why you see them reacting to the announcement. Multiple credits are assumed.

Q: Hello. I have about $75,000 to invest in my tfsa. Please give me your top 10 recommendations Canadian or US.

Thanks, Mike

Q: Hi 5i
Inside my RRSP I have CBO, and I like to sell and buy JPM and BNS, is this good move at this point in time.
Thanks

Q: top 3 american, top 3 canadian, banks to invest in ?, and a reasonable projection and why, or do you not recommend banks at this time?

thanks

Q: Do you feel there is a need to go into the US to get additional financial exposure, into something like GS or JPM? Or would RY be sufficiently diversified given its size, and international diversification.

Q: We have sold out of USA Tech and have several full positions of USA $ in registered accounts. I no longer wish to devote as much attention to investments.
We know that USA is not your forte but could you recommend a couple of dividend paying "layups". Buy it and forget it ? We acknowledge that nothing is a sure thing.
Thanks for Your help