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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: This question may be out of your area of expertise but I will assume, maybe.
I have come across a fascinating investment, income vehicle. BMO retail has a product called -BMO Cash Flow Plus Deposit - Here is a quick overview.
On a deposit of $100,000 they will pay you, tax free, $500 per month for 15 years. This is a "return of capital"
After that time a sum will be returned to you which is the original amount that BMO has invested rather aggressively. Needless to say that with the 15 year compounding timeline and investment posture this could be substantial. This would be taxed as a "capital gain" There are a few other features but this is the gist. On the surface this is interesting. Any hidden aspects or dangers?
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Ryczard on June 09, 2016
Q: I hold Husky in an unregistered account. At some point in 2016 I plan to crystallize the capital loss and invest the proceeds in Magna. Would this be an appropriate time to make the switch. HSE has improved some over the last week, whereas MG has remained flat. Is there any reason why that trend might continue?
Thanks
David
Read Answer Asked by David on June 09, 2016
Q: I manage the investment accounts for a family member who currently has a very small pension, CPP and OAS with the OAS Supplement. Her Supplement is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar of investment income she makes so she is effectively in a 50% tax bracket. Her capital comes from the recent sale of her house and the money must be available for an assisted living facility in a few years. My problem has been finding stocks to preserve capital and minimize the 50% tax bite which impacts what she has to live on currently. I have used AV.UN which has no impact on her income now and TMC which does but provides a high income. I think capital gains would be better than dividends which are grossed up. Any suggestions for appropriate investments for a 6 figure account?
Read Answer Asked by Earl on June 08, 2016
Q: I am a retired, conservative dividend-income investor with a pension, CPP, annuities, and hold the following: AD, AQN, ALA, BNS, BCE, CGX, CJ, ECI, FTS, PBH, RY, TRP, WCP, WEF, WSP, Sentry Cdn Inc, RBC Cdn Eq Inc, Sentry REIT, ZLB, XIT and Fisgard Capital.

I am looking to top up my consumer stocks, already having full positions in CGX, ECI and PBH.

I am also looking to top up my industrial stocks, already having a full position in WSP and those contained within Sentry Cdn Income.

Suggestions for new holdings with a dividend > 3% please.

Thanks for your help...Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on June 08, 2016
Q: I have a question about brookfield real estate, why are the shares so under followed and under appreciated? with an 8% yield and shares up nicely since last earnings and share price pushing all time highs you would think there would be more talk about it?

it has a strong dividend that has been increased several times recently and shares continue to appreciate, i think this is a very undervalued company, your thoughts?

are investors afraid of its small size? or its connection to real estate? lets face it, if the real estate bubble bursts in toronto and vancouver (which makes up 1/3 of realtors biz) people will still need to sell these inflated properties

thanks
Read Answer Asked by michael on June 07, 2016
Q: I am currently moving some of my portfolio from stocks to ETF's. I want only a plain vanilla flavoured portfolio. I have been going through your questions and answers regarding ETF's, and given the diversity of situations and dates, I am getting a little confused. i wonder if you could suggest the best for broad canada, broad U.S., and international?
thanks
Read Answer Asked by joseph on June 07, 2016
Q: Peter and team:
In my kid's RESP, I am trying to transition away from individual equities into ETF's as we approach the time that it will be required.They currently hold ZWB, ZRE, ZLB & ZLU. I was thinking of adding ZDV to this. Would this be redundant, or help in diversity along with increased yield.

Thank you as always.

Phil
Read Answer Asked by Phil on June 06, 2016
Q: My son is in his mid-thirties and has very limited time available to actively follow/trade the markets. He is looking for a simple, passive investment portfolio with very broad exposure, a modest dividend focus, and that is rebalanced, ideally, once a year. Can you comment on the following proposed portfolio and allocations, assuming about $100k? Are there any alternatives he should consider? Should he modify his approach in a TSFA/RRSP? Thanks.

VAB - 20% (Canadian bonds)
VCN - 15% (Canadian equity)
VDY - 15% (Canadian dividend)
VXC - 50% (Global equity excluding Canada)
Read Answer Asked by Sheldon on June 06, 2016
Q: Bought a small portion of ZWU(covered call utilities with 0.72% mer) @ $15.04 in mid 2013(now$13.33) & loss is covered by the 0.08pm distribution.Please advise if I should switch to T,BCE.FTS, CDZ(0.67% mer) or Zlb(.39% mer)In 2013,I did not know what stock in the sector to buy.Since I joined 5I,I learn a lot & now tend to prefer a stock that is suggested by You.Thanks for your usual great advices & services.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on June 06, 2016
Q: In Oct. 2014, I noticed that IRG was about to initiate paying a dividend and, following your general observation that it is a good sign when a company does this, I bought some shares that are now up 62%. The shares do seem now to be in holding pattern and I am writing to ask if you think it is time to move on or if you see a continuing upside and would suggest hanging on.
Thank you for your great service,
Bob.
Read Answer Asked by Lynn on June 03, 2016
Q: Given today's market and the expectation of a US rate hike, could you identify 5 ETF's that you would be comfortable with to provide safety of principal and income. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on June 03, 2016