Investment Q&A

Q: Good evening,

I am wondering if you have any possible suggestions regarding companies that focus predominately in the application layer or operate full-stack models of AI.

The reason why I am asking this is because of an article entitled: "AI's revolution is just beginning" in Sunday's Globe and Mail. Sadly, there are a few parts that I don't fully comprehend which unfortunately prevents me from investigating more fully. A starting point would be great!

Take a peek to the article as it draws parallels to the dot com/internet crash of the 2000s.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated so I may begin to investigate.

Conversely, state any points you think should be taken with a grain of salt!

Thanks!
Arturo

Q: I currently have about half my investments in US dollar (unhedged) assets. I would appreciate your view about the US-Canada dollar? Do you continue to see the Canadian dollar decreasing in value to the US dollar? Do you see the US dollar as having peaked, and trending lower versus the Canadian dollar, and versus the DXY?

I have been very surprised to see how strong the Canadian dollar has been recently given the tariff questions, and the fact the Bank of Canada has been decreasing interest rates more than the Fed.

Many thanks for your valued and insightful advice.

Q: Without getting political can you please comment on the following scenario. Donald Trump is successful in weakening the independence of the judiciary in the U.S. and it becomes clear to people and businesses that the U.S. is moving towards a sort of Russia style 'sham' democracy. Would this produce a rerating of U.S. stocks? And if so what kind of guess can be made as to the percentage drop as the reality sets in over a few years? Thank-you.

Q: What 5 stocks either USA or Canadian would you feel could be good shorts prospects if we get a full blown Tariff war

Q: Hi team,

My question is regarding Bitcoin. Do YOU hold it, and maybe an explanation why or why not?
An attractive entry price?
Are there other cryptos that seem appealing?

Thanks

Q: I recently read that the US has a major debt renewal pending in 2026. In order to save money it would therefore be in its interest to lower rates, significantly if possible, by lowering their current exchange and slowing their economy. Does this seem like a probable scenario to you and would you mind shedding light?
I realize also that bond prices are affected by other factors including creditworthiness. But it seemed an interesting theory of economic management, and US debt reduction is a hot topic right now.

Q: Which sectors do you favor most if we get a full blown tariff war

Q: hi
do you see any data/signs of money flows out of US markets. I am wondering if there is the start of loss of confidence in the US markets for foreign investors (and domestic) vis a vis the current government?
Further, where do you see money flowing into right now or shortly ( China, Europe/Germany, Canada )?
cheers, Chris

Q: I am concerned that the next few months will be as volatile as the past month as the US continues its tariff agenda. Do you think it is a good strategy to invest in other currencies. If so what is your opinion of these two ETF's. (Swiss Franc & Japanese Yen)

Thanks Stew

Q: In the context of Return on Equity (ROE), what is the ideal ROE? I am asking because, when we examine company profiles, we can see significant differences in companies’ ROE. For example, here are the figures for: RY-CA 14%, DOL-CA 104%, and HD-US 405%. Why is there such a disparity? Thank you

Q: A UCLA Anderson forecast just issued a recession watch. Its analysis was called…
“Trump Policies, If Fully Enacted, Promise a Recession.”
Can you provide your analysis of this report. Is this a legitimate forecaster with a decent record?
Thanks

Q: Hello
Can we get your advice on Canadian companies that have the least exposure to a tariff war
It would help us having to re balance
Ie should we reduce stocks in the financial sector
Thanks

Q: What do you think about bringing back US dollars to CDN dollars? I would like to diversify the currency portion of my portfolio, is there any other choice ? And for my third question how would I use Norberts Gambit to exchange those US dollars to Canadian dollars ?

Q: How important/accurate is the Atlanta Fed's GDP Now forecast. As you know it has turned negative for the last two readings. What does this suggest for the US economy? Please feel free to wait for the March 17th reading if that might affect your answer. Thank-you.

Q: I’m down on the above stocks in my cash account. Total loss is $6000 CAD. I like the names and want to own these long term. Would you sell and wait the 30 days? Buy proxies? Keep and decide when the madness ends? As always. Thanks.

Q: Hi - I'm trying to get a sense as to how much these companies have the trade/tariff war issues priced in. I know it's a short term question here, but would you wait to buy these great companies given the economic uncertainty? My sense is purely anecdotal, but my gut tells me that people are pulling back on extra spending....so while COST and WMT benefit from people looking for low prices, they may also avoid the spending on extras. Thoughts? In other words, would you expect negative earnings revisions over next few months on these companies? Even if trade war averted (unlikely), they still may miss this quarter as people are already tightening their belts.

Q: I am a senior in my 80s and have long appreciated the insights and research provided through your publications. They have been invaluable in helping me self-educate and manage my investments over the years.

That said, my portfolio has taken a significant hit over the past 3–4 weeks, largely due to the evolving economic and political environment. The ongoing rhetoric between Canada and the U.S., coupled with major changes in our Canadian leadership, has created uncertainty. Additionally, with a federal election approaching in the coming weeks and the impact of tariffs, the investment landscape remains challenging.

I’ve followed Peter’s advice that “the best action is to do nothing,” which I have largely adhered to. I have already sold most of the lower-hanging fruit and currently hold approximately 40% in a money market fund. The remainder of my portfolio is primarily invested in 5i’s three model portfolios.

Given the current environment, I would appreciate your insights on the following:

Do you foresee further downside in the market?
Would it be prudent to sell some of the winners now, or should we hold steady and consider adding to certain positions?
I value your perspective and would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide.

Thanks in advance for your time and insights.

Best regards,
Rick Tysick

Q: When I see forward-looking metrics (e.g. P/E, PEG ratios, etc.), they can be last twelve months (LTM), next 12 months (NTM) and one or two fiscal years out (FY1, FY2). What are your thoughts/what would you think should be favoured? Thanks.

Q: Hello ,
I was thinking of buying TD technology leaders etf (TEC) instead of XQQ , the nasdaq 100 etf as it has performed the nasdaq and seems to be more diversified. Any comments please?

Also, I looked at the details of VUN and XUU etfs, They both seem to have similar holdings and over 5 year period both have similar performance. However , going over more than 5 years, why has VUN out performed XUU. I am not clear on this..

Regardless of the tariffs situation, the US market seems to do well over time, and hence i thought instead of total Europe exposure, go with VEQT etf. Any comments please..

Also, do you prefer unhedged products like VUN as opposed to VUS? Lastly, i use yahoo to to compare charts. Do you know a better site please? Thanks very much

Q: I still have trouble with market response to interest rates. Assuming Bank of Canada cuts lending rates further by the end of the year.

What is the expected effect on dividend paying stocks like Canadian banks, utilities and telecoms? What other factors could affect those sectors or is interest rate the key determinant?

thanks
Ernie