Investment Q&A

Q: How would you expect the healthcare sector to perform in inflationary times?

Q: Hi
Ignoring tech industry companies, are there any companies that you think will benefit from market changes that have/will occur as a result of Covid-19? Covid-19 has changed so many ways people do everyday things and companies that will benefit from this change are my target.

Q: Considering how Trudeau and Freehand are cranking up our deficit what are thoughts longer term thoughts on the direction of the loonie?. I’m guessing that with the strength in oil lately our dollar does rise but when does debt override the price of oil? I am leaning more and more towards the world’s reserve currency because of the current “green leaning” government but the recent loonie strength gives me reservations.
Your thoughts please.
Thanks for your great work!
Bob

Q: Hey guys,

I have $18,000 in an RRSP and I am looking to split up my Money into Canadian Currency ETF's. I am thinking of an S&P 500, TSX 60, Emerging Markets and European ETF's.
What are your recommendations and allocation % for each. Timeline is 25-30 years.

Thanks a bunch

Q: Hi there, would you now give the green light to start purchasing oil stocks? The stars sure seem to be aligned here! For a trade or investment? Short or medium term? Economies are going to start opening up, planes are going to start flying, and old economy cars are going take to the roads again, in droves!!
Also, lets not forget about all those newly purchased RV's hitting the highways again for the summer driving season...

Or, would you be selling into this strength as a contrarian move to whats happening in the market with oil stocks these days?
Thanks!

Q: Hello 5i team,
Before a change in a weather system strong winds pick up with extremes of air pressure close together, then a calm before the storm hits. Over the years it was a big deal to see a holding jump 50 cents either way. NOW, we see the likes of not only growth stocks such as GWG and LSPD moving $5 and $6 at day but also ETF's such as IWO and VGT. Some "staid" stocks such as MSFT also move a chunck at a time. Are these moves indicative of a major change coming or is it smart money rotating or dumb money jumping on the bandwagon? Or is it anybody's guess? Should I be worried but stick to the plan?
Stanley

Q: AS Oil stocks were much beatonup and now recovering very well,Which other sector is in similar position.Being A Realtor I think Commecial reits,office and retail US AND
Canadian are but Need your Opinion and advice.

Q: In one of your recent replies you said that “while the declines are big, we are not so sure we are at capitulation just yet.” I remember similar comments in early 2020. Recognizing it’s tough to predict a bottom, what signs do you look for that suggest we are at or very near the point of capitulation? I believe quick reversals is one, but are there others?

Thanks.

Q: In recent years, and especially during Covid, the central banks have effectively been printing money to fund the national fiscal deficits. In theory, governments are to repay the central bank for their bond purchases. However, there is a possibility that governments will choose to write off these debts (as is being recommended now by many economists). Should the governments write off these debts, what investments do you feel will do well in this environment, and which will not do well? Would a write off not have the effect of diluting the currency?

Thank you for this wonderful service!

Q: Apologies in advance if this has already been asked but....
Interest rates up- what sectors/etfs act better in this environment.
Interest rates down- sectors/etfs act better in tis environment.

Many thanks for your help.

Q: There is a lot of nattering now about interest rates rising. When I look at historical charts I see that they are still very low when you take a long term view. Is the concern over done here?
Also wondering what sectors you would favour at this time with a shorter term horizon; i.e. where are we in the rotation?

Thanks

Q: Hello 5i,

The BOC has clearly indicated that interest rates will not be increase until 2023 at the earliest and it does not appear that we will reach full employment anytime soon as long as the current pandemic continues to act as a drag on the economy.

My question: Why all this talk about interest hikes. What are the criteria supporting this conclusion and what is your view about imminent interest rate increases?

Q: Hi group watching these high growth/high valuation stocks going down..down....down. Is it time to cash out and lock in what profits I have left usually do nothing is the best strategy but i am struggling to make any sense of that as the present environment feels different - your thought on sell or hold would be appreciated

Q: With lots of chatter in the business press about reflation, how likely are we to see a rise in interest rates? Governments worldwide are cranking up their spending and this is adding to their debt burdens. If the central banks are the ones who set interest rates, why would they willingly increase the interest rates since this would have a perhaps catastrophic effect on the ability of governments to repay their debt? Or can interest rates jump simply because lenders demand higher rates because of the risks of default. I can certainly see that in the municipal and provincial /state borrowing. I suppose the answer to my question may require an article rather than just a reply reply, (hint, hint).

Q: Could you list a few companies (in Canada/ U.S.A) from each sector that may benefit if inflation catches hold and supercedes target rates set by their central banks?

Art

Q: In this time of rising yield where is is safest place to find income in a RRIF. I assume corporate bonds better than government, short term better than long. What about preferred and senior loans. Equity sectors negatively affected would be real estate trusts, utilities, consumer discretionary and tech. Financial, industrials and energy are positively affected. What about telecoms? Thanks for your help. Stay safe.

Q: Hi there,

Do you think we are closed to the beginning of a sell off/correct, or the end? Also, do you see this as a good opportunity to start a position in ARKK (~$135)?

Thanks!

Q: To me, inflation is a super irritating economic phase, it's the neighbours calling the police because everyone was having too much fun at your party. Trillions of (COVID) dollars have been injected into the global economy with more on it's way, rising interest rates are on the distant horizon, I don't want to be caught off guard. What's the best way to position my portfolio to reduce the negative effects of this trend?

Q: Hi Everyone at 5i!! Peter, I would like to thank you for your article in the National Post this weekend! It gave me quite a bit to think about. I am stepping into retirement next month with a very comfortable nest egg. 60/40 stocks and GICs. Stocks are diversified dividend players and growth. It seems though, that any direction you turn, if the stock market develops one kind of an issue or other, we are getting hit. If inflation goes up( which anyone who does the grocery shopping will tell you, it is happening at a goodly pace), and interest payments do not, there goes the purchasing power of your money. Gold could be a portfolio holding...but how much of the stuff is effective to protect the portfolio ? Dividend players may not offer much protection....well there goes that idea. GICs pay piddly amounts. Bitcoin? How could something that technically is based on nothing have so much value??? Real Estate? Stupidly expensive...So, I have a come to two conclusions: 1) start a small hobby farm in my backyard and grow my own vegetables, should things really go egg shaped. 2) Ask for a 5i article, which outlines specific portfolio protection advice considering the times we are living in. Right now, like you, I am trying to stay optimistic,, though sometimes it is hard, and I am staying the course. Thank you for all you do! Cheers, Tamara

Q: Hello

Our US holdings are up 36.25%, where as our Canadian holdings are only up 17.22%.
The five mentioned above are our only real shining stars at this point.
Is one better to have all US holdings and forget Canada?
Thank you
Mike