Investment Q&A

Q: Apologies for repeating. Take credits freely. Two quick follow-ups to my Covalon querry. 1. I had assumed that the Saudi problems coincided with a Canadian government comment that the Saudis got offended and defensive about, not that it was a problem with COV, but with Saudis. If I remember correctly, the Saudis cancelled all contracts with Canada because of an innocent statement by a government minister. And 2, from what I have read Covid-19 is here to stay, and will return probably each year, and will need to be controlled with a vaccine, somewhat akin to flu (but more serious). We will still need Purell and anything else in the market to stay safe. I'm not trying to defend the company, but just trying to dig a bit deeper in why you don't trust the management anymore, aside from the Saudi issue. Also, the shares are in my TFSA so no tax loss benefit. The volume on the stock has always been very low, so perhaps I should let it go gradually? Again, any further insight would be much appreciated.

Q: I'm looking to take positions in the following sectors. Could you please recommend 2 stocks in each category to hold in a non-registered acct.

-Utilities
-Healthcare
-Real estate

Thanks as always, Dave

Q: Good morning, do you know if there is much overlap regarding the equity portion of these two etf,s, XWD and VBAL, thanks?

Q: My 22 year-old is slowly building and has a fully contributed 8 stock TFSA portfolio that includes GSY, KXS, PHO, PBH, SIS, BAM.A, CNR and TOY. Given his long timeframe (ideally, decades) this current market chaos will be far behind him by the time he will want to access the funds. That being the case, can you suggest a couple of names where he can direct this year’s TFSA contribution or are there some of his current holdings that you would add to instead of, or in addition to, any new positions?
Many thanks for your help.
Bruce

Q: Good morning, stay safe and keep up the good work.
My question is on hedged vs unhedged funds.
My son is 27 and his time horizon for any investment is long term.
Now that our Canadian dollar trades at an all time low against the USD, (last time we hit similar lows was in 2016/2017) and the chances that our CAD trades lower are relatively slim, wouldn't it be preferable to invest in a hedged fund version of the Nasdaq-100 indexed ETF. The reason being is that the return of an investment in a USD equity (when converted back to CAD) decreases in a strengthening CAD environment. On the flip side, in a weakening CAD environment, the same USD investment's return, when converted back to CAD, would be increased.
To recap: My assumption (might not be a valid one) is that our CAD can only increase in value against the USD. In this strengthening environment, isn't it better to purchase a hedged ETF ?

Q: What would be your top stock picks for the best returns over the next 2 years? US & CDN.

Q: Haven't seen an analysis of this newish millennial based finance concern lately. They say they have a million plus clients and their advertising seems to be on target in this new financial world. How does their latest $ #'s release stand up to your fiscally grounded scrutiny??

Q: I realize that in a recovery as you’ve noted, individual stocks will do better than ETF’s. If I’m looking for growth over a three to five year time frame would you suggest buying both SMU and XLK Or a list of individual stocks that could include MSFT JPM V WMT INTC ? I suppose a combination of the two options is also possible. This is for US exposure and it’ll be in my TFSA account which is presently sitting in cash. I believe you’d also suggest buying back in gradually. Thoughts. Thnks

Q: Hello,
I need a little education...
What is an hybrid debenture
and
what is Adjusted EBITDAR
the alphabet soup is growing !
Thanks
CDJ

Q: Hi Peter and Team,
Hope you're all staying safe!
I believe there is a secular push for clean energy around the globe and I also want to expand the global exposure relative to Canadian markets in the portfolio so I'm thinking of adding some ETFs like ICLN to help me in both these regards. How do you feel about this for new purchases for planned long term holding.

Q: Which three robust Airlines and Cruise lines or travel ETF's internationally will be a good buy in current situation for long term investment.
Your opinions are valuable. Thank you.

Q: I would like your comments on HOM.U. With the recent drop in the price of the stock ($8.50), do you think this could be a buying opportunity? In your opinion, what would be the impacts of COVID-19 on the stock? Thank you very much.

Q: Hello 5i,
Interesting times. Thank you for the backup.

I am trying to help my sister rebalance her portfolio and to get it retirement ready. She does not want to watch the portfolio but is open to rebalancing a couple of times a year. She is in the 40:60 to 50:50 bond:equity range for comfort (although this market is a great test about that assertion). She will live 3 - 4 months in the us during retirement.

I’ve been playing with the above mentioned etfs, keeping in mind that USD are already held (25% of portfolio), to find the proper mix of etfs to get to a 40:60 mix of bond to equity, with an equity exposure 25:50:25 Canada, US, International.

Please feel free to suggest other etfs as necessary if the above are not appropriate. Can you suggest an appropriate etf composition/ collection to satisfy the above criteria?

Tia

Q: With all the money printing and endless QE, what do you think will happen to inflation and the price of gold?

With QE last time it resulted only in asset price inflation... but this time it is so much bigger and in america giving money directly to the people.

What are your thoughts? Would you buy gold to hedge against it?

Q: It seems that if a company had a backlog of orders, it was an asset....however in the current mkt these backlogs are now a major liability as orders begin to evaporate, the future earnings and valuations of these types of companies gets hammered until a new batch of orders reappears which with today's environment is pushing far beyond the horizon. CAE and NFI come to mind. your thoughts please..

Q: Goldman Sachs downgraded SYK from Buy to Sell and slashed TP. I'm sure this is because of SYK pulling their guidance for Q1. A Sell seems quite radical especially in light of the fact that Citi maintained a Buy but also cut TP. Your thoughts.
Carl

Q: Hello friends,

Is it possible to run a screen on all 4 major NA markets TSX, S&P 500, DOW and NASDAQ for the top 10 companies of which stock prices have appreciated in the past (dreadful) month? Perhaps make this another blog subject? It should be interesting.

All the best.

PS Kudos to Peter for his astounding patience with everyone! It's something I'm trying hard to achieve every day, but Peter leaves me in the dust. Much to learn from his example.

Q: I would like to sell this to harvest a tax loss but will want to buy it back in 30 days. What should I replace it with in the interim as I find this to be a bit of hybrid. Already hold ATD.B

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: In your reply to my question today re: the top 10 dividend stocks you would recommend you included one, MRYU, that I cannot find. A typo?

Q: With today’s PR, do you think the dividend is safer. If they were going to cut they would have done so today. I know they can still change their their mind, but what are the odds.?
Also, do you think methanol prices recover faster than oil in the next say 1 year.
Lastly would you average down ?
Thanks