Investment Q&A

Q: The SVB rescue seems to have ushered in some fundamental changes in banking in the U.S which one would assume will have ramifications here in Canada.

Now that the Fed has essentially recognized that depositors are no longer unsecured creditors and bonds are valued at par regardless of market rates, what are the implications for investors?

Equity investors will have to assess their position and risk. Certainly giving every Canadian the option of having an account at the Bank of Canada would solve the security issue for depositors, and would avoid the considerable expense of extending insurance to all deposits regardless of amount.

But are Canadian banks and their investors now significantly disadvantaged if one central bank accepts government bonds as collateral at par regardless of market value while the other doesn't? Your thoughts as always would be appreciated.

Mike

Q: hi
I own MFC. Would it be pointless to add another for diversification? Is SLF still your favourite? Or would you just add to MFC?
thanks

Q: I have owned this company for several years and are up over 100% in it. The past few days have been a bit disconcerting. Thoughts? Thanks

Q: Please rank the above companies for level of risk and do you think that our Canadian banks could ever be subject to the issues at SVB? Is BN risky? I read one person writing how his advisor won't let him buy it. Feeling like I don't have much trust in anything right now. How is an investor to handle this uncertainty? I definitely see the benefits of diversity as you had always pushed. I'm also somewhat confused as most advisors have been pushing financials due to the benefits associated with rising rates. Your calm advise would be appreciated.
Thank you!

Q: Do you have any concerns for GSY considering the current banking situation. Thanks for your response.

Q: Hi 5i,

Any reason for the LifeCo's selling off? Is it just all financials being caught in this sell-off? I'd have thought rising rates would be good for them. Thx.

Q: Please provide any relevant comments on FRC. I bought some early today and think it is well capitalized to do well going forward.
thank you Gordo

Q: There has been very little press on the other ((rather large ) bank default, that of Signature Bank.
Did this bank have similar issues as SVB in terms of deposits and composition ? Wondering how many other smaller ( relatively ) banks could be in similar situations. Thanks Derek

Q: HELLO 5I
I have some cash in my USD RIF and want to add at one the above for a long term hold. Which one would you add to?

Thanks

Q: Hello 5i team,
I was thinking of taking advantage of this SVB fiasco by adding to my BNS shares.

I mainly hold BNS for income and was wondering what was the payout ratio at this time? Has the ratio increased over the past few years (BNS shares declined ~30% from its all-time-highs in the past year)? How comfortable are you in adding for income purposes?

Thank You,
Andrew

Q: It has dropped significantly in the last two days. Do you buy or watch? Clayton

Q: Hi Peter, what are your thoughts on IGM and CWB for purchase here ? IGM especially has been very strong. Thank you !

Q: Wondering why National Bank seems to have better momentum than the other banks like TD even though you recently added TD to one of the portfolios, I believe around $88. BNS has also been a laggard over the years. What is it that prompted you to add TD over NA and would you support selling BNS, TD, or CM to enter NA or RY? It seems like NA and RY seem to have better momentum than the other banks. What would be the risks with this move?

Q: Hello Peter,

How would you trade the collapse of SVB? Banks and Financial companies are taking a hit. Is it time to buy? If yes, what would you prefer- BAC,MS, BX? Or none of the above.
Do you think there is a contagion risk here?
Regards.
Rajiv

Q: Recently TD seems to be underperforming other banks (Scotia, Royal) by quite a bit. Any reason for it? Has there been any news to explain?

Q: I'm confused when looking at the value in bond funds going up when the talk in town is that the rates will continue moving up even in Canada maybe a bit later this year. How is that? How do one reconcile that the the rise in yield moved in tandem with the rise in value Thursday and Friday?

Yves

Q: Hi there,

Is the collapse of SIVB an isolated event, or do you think its an indication or something larger happening under the hood of the financial markets? Is it possible that this could lead to a huge market correction to the downside across all sectors?

Thanks!

Q: With whats happening in the markets currently with CM's admission of mortgage issues with SIVB debacle, rising rates, volatility etc could be the beginning of a big mess in the Financial services sector.

Although long term you are bullish on 4 of the 5 names do you think it would be prudent from a risk aversion viewpoint to step aside on these names and wait till things settle?

Can you also please comment especially on EQB and GSY and their outlook/risks in this cyclone.

Thanks

Sheldon

Q: Not sure which entity in the Brookfield group walked away from a loan obligation nor do I know the details. They along with PIMCO and Blackstone were mentioned on Bloomberg Wall Street week as entities that did this. I am very concerned about this. Could you share any details you might have on this.

Q: Do any Canadian banks have any direct relationship with SIVB that could affect their health and welfare?

Sheldon