Investment Q&A

Q: As part of my portfolio, I own five Canadian smallcal stocks, the five I own now are: ALP; EL; LND; PHM and SPN. I have five, no more and no less, small caps so I can spread out the potential risks if one or two behave badly, ie price drops. I am finding small caps trade differently ( ie. sometimes low volume will move price down or up with no news) since volume has a big impact on my decision.

What should I use as a signal to sell my small caps? Cross below the 200 MVA and sell? as an example.

As always thanks for your response.

Q: Your thought on this ETF or any other suggestion for Asian pacific ETF with a Dividend?

Thanks

Paul

Q: I would like to increase/change my exposure to the real estate area and wanted to know how you compare HR.UN and REI.UN? Riocan has had a long successful history but I am concerned that with the recent sale of its US properties it is rather Canada - centric and focused largley on retail properties - albeit very good ones. But I also don't want to second guess management because they have been shown to be smart operators. However, does HR provide more diversification and if so, is this necessarily a positive?

For a first time purchase, which would you suggest and would you switch REI for HR at this time?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Do you view Moody's downgrade of BNS as alarming? Also, do you think this is a good entry point for all the big five CDN banks and if so what would be your top two or three. Thanks.

Q: Hello, in your answer on inspiras earnings today you didn't mention anything about the reverse stock split. I thought this was very bad news. I've never seen a company do a reverse split and not go under. Would like your opinion on this.

Q: In response to a question about CBO last fall you suggested that XLB should be considered as part of a fixed income allocation. It appears to be very stable, and moves somewhat opposite to the TSX. What are your feels about XLB in the current market environment, or would it make sense to just wait for an opportunity to buy it below NAV?

Q: Cominar suspended their DRIP as detailed in a news release dated January 20th. Interested in your comments on this and what if anything it is a symptom of? What is Cominar's overall financial shape and are they affected by the Target closings and the Oil contagion? Also Sears is a big liability coming up for Landlords - is this a looming issue for CUF?

Q: Looking into the future, what companies do you see on the horizon that may have potential for early investment and maybe superior gains in the short term and also for long term investment? All the usual caveats apply of course.

Q: I'm thinking of adding to the utilities sector of my portfolio. Considering all metrics, do you think this is an opportune time to be adding? Also, the companies I'm interested in are Fortis, Emera, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners and Algonquin. Please rate your first, second, third and fourth choices, and explain your first choice.

Q: What are your thoughts on holding these etfs

Q: 1) Why is there so little analyst interest in this stock- it has been around for a long time and has been a stellar performer? Are there any other names out there like SYZ that you have an eye on ? Thanx Robbie

Q: hi Peter
I am looking at some re balancing my portfolios - wanted your opinion on how I should set up my 3 accounts. I use a Registered account - non registered account and a TFSA account. I invest in Growth stocks - Dividend stocks and I also invest in some smaller cap aggressive growth stocks as well. I still have apx 35yrs before withdrawing from my rrsp account. I have been using my rrsp account for Large Cap Dividend stocks but not sure that's the best way to go? any advice is appreciated

Q: Can you suggest buying CDV at the current price to take the benefit of some safe upside from the current levels in the current market backdrop. Also can you comment on CPI Card group (PNT).

Q: Peter and Team:

Even as oil turns and heads lower again and the Saudis confirm they are not going to blink, there is a general consensus that oil will eventually find a "stable" level i.e price higher than it is now.(2016/17?)

I am looking for your opinion on parking 50k in either XEG or ZEO. They are paying a respectable approx. 4%, and I would think would realize a pretty decent capital gain if held over a two or three year term. Would you have a preference, if one considers cheap oil may be around for a while and some companies might fold?

Thanks as always

Phil

Q: My equity holdings closely match your balanced equity portfolio, but in addition I have several other holdings most of which have garnered positive comments from 5i. Regardless, my performance is generally below that of your balanced portfolio, particularly as of late. I’ve come to the realization that the likely cause of this relative underperformance (at this time) is because so many of my other holdings while not energy companies per se, are “energy related” and seem to move in sync with the energy sector. I am looking to rectify this by dropping some of these holdings that are outside of you balanced portfolio. Of the following companies, can you list them in the order you would recommend dumping them at this time if I was so inclined.
BAD
QST
BDI
IPL
SGY
PKI

Q: It's my understanding that the long overdo and over budget doubling of the Panama Canal will finally be completed this April. With the world economy in a state of turmoil, how do you see this effecting trade to and from north America? I understand Ports on the east coast have been upgraded to accommodate the larger ships. Are there firms to invest in directly or indirectly that we should be looking at?
Thanks in advance.
David

Q: Both Canadian and american financials have taken a hit recently. I am looking to add to my financials/ insurance on both sides of the border. Which 3 Canadian stocks would you recommend and which US etf?

Q: Convelo's quarter looks good to me. Could you please comment on the financials and the new CEO. Do you have any data on him? Is this a positive or status quo. Thank You
PS My sister recently compared the price of crude to a bucket of KFC. She told me that there is a thread going around social media that is also doing the comparison. The bucket of chicken was trading at a higher level for a bit last week. What do you think has more value? Please only deduct one question. You do not need to answer the second one but I am curious? Also please ignore if you have already answered another client on the same subject.

Q: I am thinking of adding to CGI to bring it up to a full position. What do you think of this stock for the next year or two?

Q: Corby Spirit and Wine versus Diageo plc (adr)

Please comment which is a better hold for long term capital growth and dividend growth.

I hold Diageo in a rrsp account to mitigate the fully taxable dividend and would hold Corby in a taxable account to take advantage of the dividend tax credit.

Thanks for the excellent service.