Investment Q&A

Q: My question is not about Vivendi per se but rather about activist investors who buy large numbers of stocks in underperforming companies (such as Vivendi) and then pressure these companies to break up into smaller businesses purportedly to boost shareholder value. Does this tactic always have the effect of improving returns for shareholders? Or are there times when it's better to wait until the dust settles? When I think of CP's huge gains after Bill Ackman's involvement, buying this company is hugely tempting.
Robert

Q: Is this a good time to step into Europe, using FHB as an
introduction to European banking.

Q: Hello Team,
PHG has been going 'sideways' for some time now, and I am considering a switch to GE (or another stock you might recommend). As the Euro-zone economy appears to be recovering with QE, would this move be premature?
Thank you for your insight!

Q: For European diversification, would you agree that the hedged HEDJ is a better alternative to FEZ given the rising US dollar?

Q: Can you please comment on negative bond yield we see, i believe, mostly in europe. I think i understand the concept of deflation but why would an investor accept negative ytm ? (Too much risk perceived elsewhere ...) Are those investors mostly gov't entities ? If i am not mistaken i saw the 30 year german bond yield at 1%. I really have hard time to see the appeal. Thank you for your thoughts.

Q: With the E.U. implementing quantatative easing, I'm looking at european stocks, what do you think of this insurance company.

Q: I was wondering if you have any knowledge of this company?

Q: Is Alibaba more trouble than it's worth, for the average investor? It seems that at every turn, there is some new charge against it. I realize that huge companies tend to attract lawsuits, often very frivolous, just by the nature of their size, but BABA's charges don't seem quite as innocuous as those posted against others like Apple, for instance. What is your take, Peter, on holding this company? Do you foresee a "crash and burn" that eventually will take down the house, or is the risk/reward worth it? Thanks, as always, for your insight.

Q: Understand this is a long shot given its a swedish company but any comments you may have would be appreciated. No problem if you politely tell me to get stuffed. Thx

Q: What is your opinion about SNN and why dropped today?Thanks.ebrahim

Q: Would EC be a good long term hold for my RRSP? Last report, comment
Thanks
Cec

Q: I saw your recent answer on FAP. Do you have any ET to recommend that give off shore exposure to the credit market? I would seem to me that some exposure to this sector would be important for diversification of income sources. FAP does fill that bill. I don't own it but am tempted by the yield (as you say).

Q: Hi Peter. The conference on Saturday at Four Points was most informative and fun. Thanks for putting it on. My question relates to playing the Japan market. Would you recommend a Canadian ETF that would give adequate exposure, or alternately and US ETF. Thanks

Q: A couple of recent BNN guests have brought the Swiss global giant consumer staples company to my attention. Their case seems to be a relative valuation one vs. Global peers Unilever and P&G. This, along with the fact my portfolio is too Canada-centric holding nothing comparable, has got me thinking this might be a good, long-term, defensive addition to my portfolio. Any thoughts you might add re.this company would be appreciated. Thank you.

Q: Looking for exposure to emerging
& frontier Markets in Cad & US$
Like the thought
that cheaper energy & commodities will help
the world to grow

Q: Are there any Canadian ETFs that are like CDZ (dividend aristocrats) or high dividend payers for the developing markets and emerging markets. And if not, in US$.

I believe CYH is for developed markets high dividend payers.

Q: Your thought please on IShares IDV and IXP ETFs for international dividend income? They appear reasonably well diversified.

Q: Hi 5i,

We hold the following ETF's with their portfolio weightings and MER's. All are held within RRSP's. My question is: Since these 5 ETF's all have MER's in excess of the 0.50% mentioned in a response to a previous post, should I switch to a lower-cost alternative and, if so, what would you recommend? All are Canadian Hedged and all are iShares offerings. The goal was to achieve geographic diversification across both bonds and equities.

CUD U.S. Dividend Growers Index ETF MER 0.65% Port. weighting 4.76%
CWO Emerging Markets fundamental Index Common MER 0.70% 4.78%
CYH Global Monthly Dividend Index MER 0.66% 4.91%
XEB JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index MER 0.73% 4.79%
XHY U.S. High Yield Bond Index MER 0.62% 4.89%

Thanks!!
Cheers,
Mike

Q: There are 2 types of shares for Shell on the NYSE. They are both the same wrt voting rights and dividends except that the B shares tend to trade slightly higher valuation and in smaller volumes. The other difference is that they are taxed differently.I know this from the Shell website (12 paragraphs writen by a Lawyer)
As a Canadian (buyin this Dutch company on a US Mkt)what is the better share to buy? which will let me keep more of the dividend that started out the same but is taxed diffrently?

Q: I've been holding this for about 3 years and basically spinning my wheels thanks only to the CDN $ dropping. What are your thoughts on this investment? I also hold the Vanguard Growth as well in my US side of my RIF which has done well. Should I switch to more of the Vanguard or maybe convert back to Cdn$ and invest here. Thanks