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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: Russia has sold most of its US Treasuries and is buying gold hand over fist. Putin is not a nice guy, not stupid either.
Trump is making everything more expensive for people in America with his trade war, and other countries are retaliating, could this is help drive inflation?
The stagflation every one was on about did not materialize because our consumer oriented economies responded to the central banks band aid.
Inflation did not happen as it "should" have after the 2008 crash because interest rates are artificially held down and "money" was printed like it was going out of style.
I feel like the past ten years of bull market maybe be the mother of all "dead cat bounces" and the piper is yet to be paid.
I also wonder if the inflation numbers are artificially low/lagging?
Makes me think I should sell the investment properties and buy more gold or gold mining stocks that would normally be acceptable.
Opinion?
Please take as many questions as you see fit.

Read Answer Asked by Lorne on August 20, 2018
Q: Today Rose Ambrose ,who is involved in the NAFTA talks, indicated that unless Canada compromises Trump will impose the 25% auto tariffs on September 1, 2018.

So how can Canada negotiate/compromise if our negotiators are not invited to participate in the negotiations between the Mexicans and the Americans.

Since very little time is left between now and September 1, 2018 and since Canada is sidelined, is it fair to assume that Trump’s 25% auto tariffs will be implemented?

What is your opinion?
Read Answer Asked by Terry on August 16, 2018
Q: Hi guys,
Given the strong suggestions Trump will carry through with his threat for a 25% tariff on Canadian autos next month, and the rock solid guarantee this would lead to a huge drop in the Canadian markets, would you delay new investments in Canadian companies for a bit?
Read Answer Asked by John on August 16, 2018
Q: I like Saputo's long term chart, which has worked out well for one who invests for the long term like me. Looking out to the future though, how much of a concern is it for you about the Trump administration targeting industries such as the one that Saputo operates in?
Read Answer Asked by James on August 13, 2018
Q: Good Morning
Would you consider preferred shares being vulnerable with respect to Trumps trade wars?
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Terry on August 13, 2018
Q: Hi All at 5i! I have held Uni select for several years and have doubled my money. Considering Trumps tariffs and their possible effect on the auto industry, and the fact that the stock is cyclical, would it be prudent to sell it now and buy it back at the bottom of its cycle, whenever that may be ? Thank you, Tamara
Read Answer Asked by Tamara on August 08, 2018
Q: Hi,
Have inflationary pressures become real due to the tarrifs? Do you expect this to start having impact on prices and therefore on the stock market? I suspect Trump might back pedal once these tariffs start impacting markets. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

Shyam
Read Answer Asked by Shyam on July 31, 2018
Q: At 75 years of age I am not comfortable holding a full portfolio of stocks in a world that is so dependent on tweets from a malevolent idiot. Thus I have moved a large portion of my holdings to cash, and have built a GIC ladder as my main attempt at capital preservation. I am now looking for stocks or ETFs that provide good income with a relatively low risk of capital loss. SRU.UN was recommended on BNN recently, in particular because Walmart represents about 1/4 of its holdings. Does this rationale make sense to you, and do you think SRU would be suitable for my new capital preservation portfolio? Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your great advice, as always.
Read Answer Asked by Roland on July 31, 2018
Q: I've held this ETF for 2-1/2 years, its up about 40%. I purchased it initially as a US dollar holding not subject to US estate tax exposure. With Trump doubling the estate value amount before those taxes kick in, for now, thats no longer a concern. For future buys, is there a better US dollar ETF you'd recommend - lower MER and/or better growth, safety?
Read Answer Asked by Lloyd on July 26, 2018
Q: Hi, AMZN and NFLX have always been hard to buy due to expensive valuations. I managed to accumulate AMZN shares, a few months ago when stock dipped due to Mr Trump's rhetoric. NFLX price has dropped after its recent results due to lower subscriber growth and softer guidance. How do you see the thereat of competition from Hulu, Disney and Amazon etc ? Do you think, it's an opportunity to buy/accumulate for a 5 years or longer hold ? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by rajeev on July 23, 2018
Q: I recently saw Phil Davis suggest that the stock market reacted very negatively during Nixon's presidency when members of his inner circle were indited and that this was a good time to go to mostly cash. Can you please comment on whether you think this is good advice for investors and if it is historically accurate. Any other opinions you have with regard to Trump's presidency affecting the market would also be appreciated. Use as many credits as you think appropriate.
Read Answer Asked by Ian on July 23, 2018
Q: With Scott Pruitt gone from the EPA but Trump praising his work/destruction of this agency what are the prospects for the sector now? I have referenced Questor and each state's ability (and intention?) to work around the deteriorating EPA umbrella as it affects this co of course relevant, but it would also be nice if you could take a broader view as well in your reply.
Read Answer Asked by Mike on July 20, 2018
Q: I am learning a lot from your services of 5i, Canadian Money Saver, ETF newsletter..
I have owned CNR since 2005. From an original 10% of the portfolio, it has now grown to 20%. I read your answers to other questions about CNR.
My dilemma is-
1. CNR is a good long-term hold: So, leave it.
The risk is its falling in a recession/ tariff war. (It fell 30% in 2008.)
2. Portfolio weighting is more important: Trim to a lower percent and pay the tax.
But, from selling other stocks and 5i Growth stocks, I already have some capital gains.
What would you do?
Thank you for your wonderful service and great investor education.
Shan
Read Answer Asked by Shanthi on July 09, 2018
Q: About a month ago I purchased vxus & already it is down 7%. I believe I'm caught in a perfect storm of a rising US dollar & trade war rumblings of Donald Trump. EM countries often owe debt in US dollars which hurts them & causes further drops in stock prices.Your comments on this thesis & suggestions would be appreciated.On the positive side Bloomberg News feels China has hit a bottom.
Read Answer Asked by Dave on July 06, 2018
Q: Please let me know your opinion about these companies. What would be your first picks if any. I am looking for 5 years down the road, no rush to sell. I don't understand the value of gold, but given Trump's policies, bad things could happen....
Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Calin on June 20, 2018