Investment Q&A

Q: With some of the advance news coming out re the content of the upcoming throne speech, what impact will the speech itself have on the TSX, and what further impact will implementing the policies have on the TSX should this government remain in power. Is there anything proactive an investor should be doing to protect their portfolio for this? Thanks

Q: Hi 5i,
I'd like to ask another one of my "what are you thinking these days" questions.
Obviously predictive and won't hold you to it but what's the mood on the street and what would expect short to medium term?
Just curious
Thanks
Mike

Q: There is no doubt carbon energy stocks are out of favour for many reasons, not least of which is the green movement. The future is all leaning toward electric vehicles (which I agree with), but I also realize electricity isn't going to appear out of nowhere. I could be completely wrong, but I don't believe wind and solar will be able to replace fossil fuels anytime soon. It's "very" possible more sustainable energy will appear down the road to replace fossil fuels, but so far I haven't seen a golden goose. I also think the Big Tech Companies are getting away easy when it comes to climate change. They are using a lot of electricity (and producing Co2) to run the steadily growing Data Centers (the Cloud). They claim they are using mostly sustainable energy, but I don't buy it. At work, even small communication rooms need a fair amount of cooling. Also most computer components, phones, etc. are throw away items filling landfills. So this is just an opinion I have today which could change, but wondering what your thoughts are on this?

Q: hi. clearly, the stock markets are highly manipulated now with direct government purchases of stock and bonds, and with central banks manipulating rates to the extreme lower side to force investors into stocks. the markets clearly are out of step with reality on Main Street. do you think this matters anymore, or is the stock market and it's players also post truth now?

Q: Morning team,

I've recently taken some profits and have some cash to deploy for long term holds. And I would be interested to know what your top investment "themes" would be for the next 5+ years are? For instance, ideas that come to mind for me are Cloud computing, "green" investment, and cyber security. Are there others that you find more intriguing? And which companies/ETFs would you recommend as investments?

Thank you again for you insights!

Q: From what I am reading the federal government is going to go significantly increase spending in the next budget [latest number I am seeing is $100 billion]. This will take Canada's debt well over $1T, probably a further downgrade in Canada's debt rating from the current AA. As a retired person would I be correct in thinking a larger part of one's portfolio should be shifted to basic materials including precious metals, to foreign and US bonds and to a healthy cash balance in foreign currencies such as the USD, GBP and EUR?
As you are aware inflation is a killer for people living mainly on pension income so I'm trying to look forward and take action in small steps over time.
Thanks.

Q: I am wondering where you see the Canadian dollar headed in the near term and early 2021. If I am interested in purchasing US equities do you think I should convert now or wait for our dollar to go higher. Since I am also anticipating volatility in the next few months I don't want to miss my chance at converting and acquiring US equities. Thank you!

Q: hi 5i,
Would you please comment on this article;
David Rosenberg: No matter how you slice it, markets are in a bubble of historic proportions; And the higher they are, the harder they fall.
https://financialpost.com/investing/investing-pro/david-rosenberg-no-matter-how-you-slice-it-markets-are-in-a-bubble-of-historic-proportions/wcm/ccfab059-78b1-480e-8b01-b3ae4cefe8d0/

thanks

Q: How worried should we be?
The current government seems determined to bankrupt Canada
The latest headlines:
Parliamentary Budget Officer States, "The federal government has no more than one or two years to rein in the hundreds of billions of dollars in deficits it is wracking up through coronavirus spending, or risk the debt being “unsustainable.”
- And there have been recent reports of plans to increase spending, with CBC News citing one Liberal insider as saying the government plans on spending “on a scale we haven’t seen before.”
- Trudeau plans to roll out an “ambitious green agenda”. He said the country needs to focus on a green economic recovery to climb out from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Trudeau has also touted the need for expanded employment supports, including new child care and social spending.

This is very disturbing and seems to confirm a government that is completely out of touch with reality and economics, and leading Canada down a path of debt that our grandchildren will be paying for.

What are you thoughts? How badly could this play out? How concerned should we be?

Q: Hello 5i team,
Let’s say the S&P500 decreases by -15% from its high earlier this week over the next few days or weeks for no specific reason other than stretch valuations, COVID, elections and fiscale stimulus uncertainties. By how much would you expect each of the following stocks (DND, DCBO, LSPD, REAL, DSG, WELL, XBC, VEEV, BYD) to go down (a guesstimate for each)? Among other of your favorites, what other stocks could see an even worst correction?
Thank you for your collaboration, Eric

Q: Any bad news causing the TSX has a big drop today? Specially, the technology sector declined more than 5%, any reason behind?

Q: Hi,
How are the very large gov't deficits ($3T + US / $300B + CDA) being financed at such low interest rates. I understand the FEDs are buying a fair share but how can this be sustainable long term? How can private investors accept long term rates lower than inflation? I know this coul fill a book. Your general comments are appreciated. Thank you!

Q: Good day team,

I'd like for you guys to put on your Nostradamus hats and describe to me what you feel/predict will be the major investment trends over the next 10 years. Do you foresee any major paradigm shifts taking place that folks can really capitalize on? This is all assuming you have a crystal ball ;)

Q: Thoughts on the market that seems to defy gravity? I have to admit I’ve been tempted to sell many times since the rally started and I would have been wrong every time. Would you suggest keep holding?

Q: This is just a big thank you to 5iResearch. I thought I had a nice basket of solid stocks with many dividend payers, including a whole bunch recommended by 5iResearch. My stock portfolio was down 40% in the COVID-19 world and because I'm nearing retirement, I was getting worried and thinking about selling so that I'd least have the 60% left and maybe put it into GICs and try to live off that. But, your team kept advising me and others to hang on, suggesting that selling at that point was the wrong thing to do. I held on. I'm now back up to 100% and more. Thank you!

Q: Hello, inflation has been in the spotlight lately.
1) What kind of stocks would ward off inflation?
2) Are metal stocks good for fighting inflation, and which stocks
would you recommend?
3) What kind of stocks would suffer the most from inflation?

Thanks

Q: Hi, are you willing to comment on a macro issue of the economy? I am perplexed by the housing market where volume of sales and prices seem to be hitting highs in some Canadian urban centers (not Alberta). Lumber companies are doing well. The long term Covid impact on the economy and jobs seems murky at best. Why is there so much confidence in the Canadian housing market? Due to historically low interest rates and some pent up demand? Federal policies designed to prop up the economy? I keep thinking this is all going to end badly if the jobs aren’t there to pay those mortgages. Appreciate your service. You may post this question publicly if you feel it’s Of general interest.

Q: I have been following a gradual dollar-cost averaging type approach to adding cash into the markets over the past several months.
With the US presidential election coming in the fall and a possibility of substantial political volatility there, would you advise deviating from this general approach? ie, is there a substantial chance of this event causing a market drop, that would merit changing a market approach?
Are there specific events that you are watching for that may act as triggers for coming market movements? The one that is holding my attention is Trump's overtures that he may not cede power if he loses, or if the election decision is unclear.

Thanks for your valued input,

Peter

Q: Hello,

I know they don't ring a bell at the bottom (or the top), but I am wondering whether any of the airlines, hotels, cruise lines or restaurants seem compelling right here. Not really the restaurants that are Covid beneficiaries like the pizza joints or Chipotle, more than the ones that have yet to recover. I am very concerned that with more gov't money being plowed into these industries the pre-restructuring shareholders would be wiped out. Thanks.

Q: Peter and team
I unfortunately jumped (like many others) part way down the crash in March.
I simply cannot believe another correction is not coming.
What do you recommend as a safe place to park cash and earn at least a bit of interest other than a GIC while waiting.
Also I know you don't have a crystal ball, but what are your thoughts on a correction ahead.
Thanks
Phil