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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: You have referred to some stocks and ETFs as CORE. What percentage of portfolio would you recommend as core (relative to satellite holdings) and what would be the number of core stocks and ETFs for diversification. What core stocks and ETFs across all sectors would you recommend?.
Read Answer Asked by sam on October 22, 2020
Q: Further to my question on Oct 20 regarding switching from stocks to a more passive investing into ETF's that someone with little knowledge of investing could manage. I was wondering why you did not mention ETF's such as ZEB-banks, ZUT-utilities, ZIN-industrials, telecoms, bonds etc that would cover the different market segments. The dividends appear to be within the 4% range. Based on this would you recommend this type of etf and if so which etfs would you recommend for each of the Canadian market segments. Do you have any concerns re this strategy.
Thanks
D
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on October 21, 2020
Q: Was in a quandary over ET after purchasing as an income stock several years ago. Currently underwater by 30% and was wondering about buying more as my position is small. I know 5i seldom recommends averaging down but in this case would averaging down be an opportunity? Normally I would sell after a dividend cut but these times are not normal. Company has no debt ( I think ) and room to increase dividend. Is management just being ultra-conservative about increasing dividend? Would this be a tax loss seller or a buying opportunity?
Read Answer Asked by Ronald on October 21, 2020
Q: Hello 5i,
As always, a huge thank you for all you do!!!
Income-focused investor.
My question is in response to a previous question, in which answer to, you seemed to favour PID over ZDI. I hold ZDI and have previously discounted PID as an option for two specific reasons: 1) ZDI is almost 3x larger in market cap (328 million versus 124 million (from Globeinvest)) and also the average volume is many times greater (today's volume notwithstanding - PID seems relatively illiquid). I have seen previous answers re: ETF's in general where you are less keen on what are almost micro-cap ETF's for other than the most niche of offerings. I have occasionally had concerns about ZDI's relatively small market cap as it is. The yields between these two are only about 1% with ZDI being marginally higher. So, given the foregoing, do you see the growth profile of PID so much of an advantage that you would still endorse it over ZDI? I would have no problem switching, but my previous concerns would need to be allayed somewhat before considering the move.
In general, what would be the "line" for an ETF market cap below which you would not endorse?
Your thoughts??
Many thanks - be well and stay safe!!
Cheers,
Mike
Read Answer Asked by Mike on October 20, 2020
Q: What are your thoughts on IRM?
It seems like a stable recurring and loyal customber-based business and they are branching out into data centre businesses as well with their reputation for records management.
Interestingly I note an 18-20% short interest - could this lead to an asymmetric upside potential if their business improved due to a short-covering rally?
I do love the dividend as well and hope it's sustainable.

Read Answer Asked by Neelesh on October 20, 2020
Q: Hi Peter
for a TFSA account, would Bep.un be preferred to Bep.ca ?
I am going to start a partial position

In a RRSP account, which one would you prefer ?
I got some shares of Bepc from a spin out from the Bep.un in the RRSp
should I leave it as it is or which one do you prefer; if a switch is needed for
long term hold

thanks
I am retired

Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on October 20, 2020
Q: I realize this topic has been discussed before but I still cannot understand the continued widening spread between these two securities. The spread between BEPC and BEP.UN has now widened to almost $20. Seems way overdone. If I wanted to add in a registered plan which would you recommend and why. Do you believe BEP.UN would eventually increase relative to BEPC.
Thanks for your service.

Steve
Read Answer Asked by Steve on October 20, 2020
Q: I am not invested in the market right now with the exception of a couple of multi family REITs in my RRSP. I have a lump sum that I would like to start investing gradually. Looking for stable names with good dividends that will not reduce or cut their dividend. I am thinking of starting with ENB, TD and BCE. Do you like these three and can you recommend a couple others. I would like these names to be the foundation of the portfolio and then I will add more growth oriented names as opportunities arise.

Thanks,
Jason
Read Answer Asked by Jason on October 20, 2020