Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i,

I've been watching Macro Enterprises for quite some time (regret not purchasing on a recent dip to sub 3.50). What do you think of the Company and the sector? Would you be a buyer at current levels, or do you think waiting for a pullback makes sense?

Many thanks.

Q: Good Morning. Could I please have an update on Gluskin Sheff (GS). The Royal Bank has a one-year target of $27.00 and an outperform rating. Would you agree with this assessment? Which do you prefer, GS or AGF.B? Many thanks!

Q: HWD - Hardwood Distribution has been in a lull and would appreciate your comments about the potential of this stock. Your service is outstanding.
Lorraine

Q: ISV or Information Services Corp. Could you please comment?

Cordially,

Dave (Nicholson)

Q: I just want to add my two cents on US dollar registered accounts at TD Waterhouse.My information may be a bit out of date as I transferred my accounts to another broker a few months ago. This issue was a major reason.
TD began to promise a US dollar account for RRSP's, RRIF's etc several years ago when the restriction on foreign content was removed by the Federal government. I regularly checked back with them but the answer was still the same.... it was "under consideration". If you read on I think you can get a good idea of the reason.
TD make a 3% spread on their foreign exchange. .. i.e. if you bought 100 GM and sold 200 F today with each trade grossing about $3,500US they would take about $210 ( 3% of $7,000) in addition to the commission on both trades. It is true that they came up with the convoluted scheme of matching buys and sells on the same day and applying one rate to the trades. Nevertheless they are still hitting us for 1.5% on a transaction which has absolutely no risk to them. Also if you have to go the desk for this "service" they will charge $29.99 commission instead of $9.99 if you do it yourself.More than this all the dividends and interest which accrue on your US holdings are clipped for this 1.5% or more.
I have heard recently that they are implementing a charge of $2 for each letter mailed out to clients. This would include trade confirmations and monthly statements. Life for TD clients is becoming very expensive!!!

Q: I am thinking about taking a position in BDI or HNL. Which company do you think is a better long term investment(3 to 5 years)

Q: what is happening to UUU???

Q: Good morning 5i team. As investors, we’re told that our stock portfolio needs to be diversified across various sectors. Makes sense, but is there such a thing as a universally accepted list of sectors. If so, what are they? Do I need to hold stocks in all sectors? If not, how many represent a good level of diversification? And is there a readily available source (website) to identify which sector any individual stock falls under? Thanks.

Q: Good Morning, I am considering adding WaterFurnace Renewable Energy to my portfolio. Could I have your opinion on this company? Thank you

Q: Hi Peter and team,
While P/E ratios are often used by investors to value a company, many pundits warn against using this metric in every instance. A number of investment gurus recommend using EV/EBITDA ratios. Besides being difficult to calculate, I see that it's not always recommended in every situation. Can you give me an idea which type of stock this metric is ideally suited for and if there is a website that provides that data?

Q: Hi Peter and Team.

Quick thoughts on CVR Energy, CVI.

Q: Hello 5i .my question this morning is regarding Ben Bernanke 's replacement.For the past 2 weeks i have been reading several articles concerning this matter.from what i understand the outcome could greatly influence stock markets.even Warren Buffet has stated in public that Larry Summers would be disastrous to equity markets. what are your thoughts and what is an investor to do ?

Q: good day to all of you.
would appreciate your views on LYG,RBS and Barclays bank for the short and mid term cycle thanks in advance

Q: hi. My question is about TCK.B and the recent rise in stock price. Would it be right to say that this rise is due to news that india whants more coal. I found this article from the vancouver sun,(Fuelling India's coal needs) and for now, nothing did change in the company finance. Teck is reopening a coal mine in B.C would you see any relation with this deal to come. thanks.

Q: Hello 5i, Could you comment on the recent stock price increase and trading volume on Connacher Oil CLL
Thanks

Q: Can you suggest a good site for current sector information example small cap,financials, materials, etc. and a site for current world market statistics example TSX. DAX, Sensex, Nikkei Etc.
Thanks

Q: I was complaining about the MER rate om my mutual fund at RBC and my son said I should look into index funds. I did not know of them so my wife brought some literature home on RBC Canadian Index fund and 3 other RBC (US div, International & US index) index funds. I do not see them on the category side bar so I believe you may not be into these. However can you give me a brief explanation of how they work and are they suitable for an ingenue? TIA
Gary

Q: I wonder if you would please recommend an insurance stock to add to my conservative portfolio.

Q: GDI vs MDA
Hi Peter and Staff
I am interested in 5i's opinion on General Donlee as a yield producing alternative to MDA
Thanks!

Q: Good Sunday AM: Have owned FCR for about 1 YR. Down about 20%!!
Stock is constantly being promoted by some of the the talking heads on TV. Reasonable dividend @4%+ but that's it! Acting very REIT like! What to do! Regards!