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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: I am wondering what benefit it would be to the U. S. to raise rates. On one hand is their economy that "hot" that it needs to be controlled ? They seem to be a consumer driven society so a strong dollar makes imported goods cheaper for the U.S. consumer. More consumerism makes their economy hotter. Was that not the scenario some years back culminating in a housing bubble? Also raising rates makes their goods more expensive for other countries. Some large U.S. corporations have experienced a drag on earnings with the dollar at its current levels relative to other currencies. How can the U.S. be an island of a strong currency when many other countries are weakening their currencies to promote growth? These are simple views but your thoughts on the effect assuming an interest rate hike in Dec.
Read Answer Asked by Clarence on November 04, 2016
Q: Hey folks
With it looking more possible that a Trump win is in the future, and the predictions of how the markets are going to fall ( which we may have seen the start of today), would it be prudent to take some gains off the table now and reinvest when/if the markets drop, knowing fully that they will recover in a short time, or should a person stand pat and ride it out? I am thinking there may be some gains to be realized by playing the over reaction that is sure to come if Mr. Trump wins.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on November 02, 2016
Q: Could you suggest some candidates to buy during year-end tax loss selling, either from the 5i universe or more generally? I am considering BOX, DHX.B, VCM, KBL, DH. Your views on these five would be appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by David on October 21, 2016
Q: SYZ, ZZZ, CZO, TNC, NFI, PBH and ITC These are all stocks that have been down considerably over the last month. They are stocks that 5i customers have or did have. Meanwhile, the TSX 60 has been flat for the last month. So I am wondering if the members are selling out on these stocks and possibly putting the money into oil which has been up for the last month or so. Should I have been getting out of some of these stocks over the last while and putting my money into oil which is one sector that is doing quite well and probably the reason the TSX is not losing ground this month. Thank you. Dennis
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on October 12, 2016
Q: I have about 10% cash right now. Normally I prefer to be fully invested because I like the steady dividends. My investing style is somewhere between your income portfolio & balanced portfolio and the portfolio is reasonable balanced. I don't need to take anything from my investments now but I will in a couple of years.

It "feels" like sitting on a bit of cash makes sense right now in the short term and maybe take advantage of tax loss season or other buying opportunities (seems like a lot of those recently).

Your thoughts?
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on October 11, 2016
Q: Good afternoon,
You recently responded to a question concerning put write etfs. My understanding is that such an etf may perform poorly in a bear market. Is there an etf trading in Canada employing an option strategy that would benefit from a bear market, apart from the highly leveraged short term products?
Thank you for your advice.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on October 07, 2016
Q: I have just recieved some new money to invest and woukd like to increase my expsosure outside Canada. Im thinking of a US index fund. Can you please tell me the difference between VUN/VUS, HXS and SPY? Which one is better? Do you think this is a good time to invest in the S&P with it at all time highs?
As always your advice is greatly appreciated.
Nancy
Read Answer Asked by Nancy on September 26, 2016
Q: OK the Trump effect ... would it be prudent to turn all investments into cash lets say a week ahead of the US election (50 stocks X $10/transaction =$500) and if Trump wins ride out the wave of volatility and then buy back into the portfolios for another $500 hit possibly avoiding the chaos that would follow the Donald into his presidency? If Hillary wins would you expect a positive response from the markets?
Read Answer Asked by Alan on September 23, 2016
Q: I have been a bit worried about the US market, as measured by cyclic PE it seems quite expensive. I have used the recent strength to sell some of my low conviction stocks and take half positions in what I consider to be better companies. My cash is now up to 10%.

My first question is do you think this cash level is appropriate for the market now? My second question is, given a pullback how would you deploy the cash. Immediately on the day of a big drop, say over 200 points on the Dow?. Or try to time the bottom using technical analysis? Or gradually ease into a position starting the day after a big drop in the market? Any other suggestions gratefully received.
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on September 23, 2016