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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: Ours is a very conservative portfolio, with one third in dividend-paying equities, half of that individual stocks and half no-load funds. The latter's performance doesn't seem to justify the MER's so I would like to reduce, maybe eliminate, that cost, roughly $5,000 per year. Any thoughts you might have on how best to effect that change and what form that should take, eg less funds, more stocks and/or ETF's, will be much appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Bill on June 01, 2016
Q: Hi,
There's something I just don't get.

If banks make their money by borrowing short term money (e.g. at .25%) and lending at long term rates (e.g. at 1.75%), then if the short term rates are raised (as is so often spoken about when discussing the FED), and long term rates cannot be controlled by the FED, then why do I constantly hear analysts say that when the FED raises rates it's going to be good for the banks? esp. since I believe such a move would curtail inflation and inflation is not a big threat anyway and as I understand it, long term rates mainly go up in conjunction with the expectation of inflation?
Read Answer Asked by John on May 31, 2016
Q: I have held a position in PWF for several years and have been disappointed recently. I fear it is collateral damage to low interest rates and too much exposure to that dinosaur of the 21st century - the mutual fund. Maybe it is time for me to move on but think there may be some link between PWF and Wealthsimple. I think the last mentioned may be a privately held recent start-up in the fin-tech space. Could you help me , please. Thank you for all you do.
Read Answer Asked by Bill on May 24, 2016
Q: Hi Peter and Ryan
I have held HSBC for several years and am down about 40%. It is in a registered account and provides a good dividend. I have some US cash in the account and am considering adding to it. Do you think the dividend is sustainable?Do you think this is a worthwhile move? I realize you don't cover ADRs but your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do.
Gary
Read Answer Asked by Gary on May 24, 2016
Q: CXI is pretty quiet these days. Have they ever given any indication regarding the status of their bank application? Have they indicated any type of time frame for such a process? Is a change in government typically an obstruction to these types of applications? I never viewed it as a politically sensitive issue.
Thanks for your valued advice
Clarence
Read Answer Asked by Clarence on May 24, 2016
Q: I read with interest your recent article in the Post and was intrigued by the comment that research shows 90% of portfolio returns come from sector allocation - if a person wanted to take advantage of that, in a simple, easy to manage and inexpensive way (ignoring taxes for the moment) what would be your view be on an approach where one's equity component of their portfolio consisted entirely of a number of ETF's with each one of the ETF's focused on a particular sector, with a periodic (say quarterly) rebalancing? What specific ETF's would you suggest for such a portfolio? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by RICHARD on May 20, 2016
Q: CWB & NA recently declared provision for loan losses related to energy loans resulting in sharp drop in their stock prices.Meanwhile the big 5 Canadian banks are doing well with 4 reporting next week starting Mar.25 & BNS on June 1.What will the effect when they report their results & loan losses? Please advise if I should sell some of BNS & the 4 prior to release of results.Always appreciate your great services & views.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on May 20, 2016
Q: Sent a question yesterday so if it is still in the queue, please ignore this.January 2016 you considered MIC to be 'an attractive stock for long term investors willing to go against the current market craziness.' The delinquencies 12% in Alberta in January would likely be growing with the Ft. McMurray fires and Saskatchewan industry being hit also. Should I continue to hold for the dividend?
Read Answer Asked by Gayle on May 19, 2016
Q: I am reviewing my 2% holding in PWF and would like your view of a switch over to SLF. Since 2013 I have watched it tread water. It is my main sector holding but is below my cost point. In doing the switch I am taking small loss plus a small drop in div payout, but having reviewed both feel I will be gaining a stronger a company in SLF. Do you think SLF will outperform PWR going forward or is it just best to sit tight. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by James on May 19, 2016
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