Q: Does it make any sense to buy 5 year GIC's as part of a balanced portfolio given that interests rates are at all time lows and rates are forecast to rise over this time frame? Thanks. Michael
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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: Hi Gang, I was hoping to find a site that gives clear, easily readable, information indicating which sectors of the market are seeing the biggest influx of money and, more importantly, which companies lead the way.
Thanks
Kyle
Thanks
Kyle
Q: Hi team, just wondering about demographics and what sectors you feel will benefit longterm and what new trends might emerge. Thanks
Q: For someone retired, age 60, no debt, no pension other than Gov't, and capital of 1.5 million, what would be your recommended asset allocation between cash, bonds, stocks etc and which, if any, of your recommended portfolios (or both as the case may be) would be appropriate in the equation. Thanks as always.
Q: Good Morning Peter -- and all the 5 I team as well!
I have a general question about how "not" to time the market, and how to exercise the better part of wisdom if one is interested in growth over present dividend yield.
For instance, ... if one holds a fairly decent company, but its sector happens to be out of favour at this time, and hence the stock price is flat lining, or even reversing, would it make sense to pull out that money and re-deploy it into other sectors that are favourable and ride another sector wave for a time -- or is it better to stand and hold, through good times and bad.
It seems counter-intuitive to me to watch dollars erode while other sectors revive and feeling helpless not to participate because cash is already tied up. I see the logic of a long term hold, in one sense, if someone has many years to spend in the investment market. But, in a shorter term context, for instance two years or less, is there any proven statistic that says you're better off standing your ground?
In one general example, as I watch profits erode from the Tech sector while the Energy sector takes fire, is there any point in holding on to tech companies that are flat lining?
In general, I think I know what your answer would be in terms of overall investment strategies. And yet, I still wonder, what your strategy would be as a portfolio manager. Would you hold, through thick and thin, or would you re-assess and re-allocate as each sector takes favour especially given a shorter term horizon?
As ever, I appreciate your thoughts and opinions, as they have guided me very well through thick and thin. Even before the days of signing up to this newsletter, which is coming up to my 6-month anniversary with 5I, I garnered great wisdom and opportunities through watching you on BNN -- ACQ being only one of many opportunities that you led me to! I always listen closely to what you say. Thanks.
I have a general question about how "not" to time the market, and how to exercise the better part of wisdom if one is interested in growth over present dividend yield.
For instance, ... if one holds a fairly decent company, but its sector happens to be out of favour at this time, and hence the stock price is flat lining, or even reversing, would it make sense to pull out that money and re-deploy it into other sectors that are favourable and ride another sector wave for a time -- or is it better to stand and hold, through good times and bad.
It seems counter-intuitive to me to watch dollars erode while other sectors revive and feeling helpless not to participate because cash is already tied up. I see the logic of a long term hold, in one sense, if someone has many years to spend in the investment market. But, in a shorter term context, for instance two years or less, is there any proven statistic that says you're better off standing your ground?
In one general example, as I watch profits erode from the Tech sector while the Energy sector takes fire, is there any point in holding on to tech companies that are flat lining?
In general, I think I know what your answer would be in terms of overall investment strategies. And yet, I still wonder, what your strategy would be as a portfolio manager. Would you hold, through thick and thin, or would you re-assess and re-allocate as each sector takes favour especially given a shorter term horizon?
As ever, I appreciate your thoughts and opinions, as they have guided me very well through thick and thin. Even before the days of signing up to this newsletter, which is coming up to my 6-month anniversary with 5I, I garnered great wisdom and opportunities through watching you on BNN -- ACQ being only one of many opportunities that you led me to! I always listen closely to what you say. Thanks.
Q: If we get a 10 percent or more correction in the coming months would bond etfs or high yield bond etfs be a place to hide. Thanks.
Q: Do you disagree with David Stanley's " cautious" comment in a recent CMS?
"I could cautiously conclude that initial yield is of greater significance to a Canadian buy-and-hold investor than dividend growth. Of course, this statement has its limits." I ask because of a comment you make about preferring growth in dividends to height(so to speak).
Because I am a retiree, I tend to favour higher dividends because I don't have growth time, and because at this stage in my life I want to spend, rather than reinvest, them. Is this an OK approach? I'm aware that one needs to be wary of very high dividends.
"I could cautiously conclude that initial yield is of greater significance to a Canadian buy-and-hold investor than dividend growth. Of course, this statement has its limits." I ask because of a comment you make about preferring growth in dividends to height(so to speak).
Because I am a retiree, I tend to favour higher dividends because I don't have growth time, and because at this stage in my life I want to spend, rather than reinvest, them. Is this an OK approach? I'm aware that one needs to be wary of very high dividends.
Q: Peter and Team
I totally revamped this TFSA in January according to your group' sure commendations, but did hold back on what is now 7% cash, of the portfolio and am ready to invest that.. I currently hold 17% in REITS, 13% in BCE , 13 in ZWB, 11% in BAD, the remainder , evenly spread, in CDZ, XIU and XCS.
What would you recommend that would provide substantial growth prospects and would it make sense to add a Canadian company with good foreign exposure?
In other accounts I own SGY, SYZ, SLF,, AVO, and ESL.
Thanks for your consideration. I have been pleased with the January changes made to this TFSA.
Ruth Ann
I totally revamped this TFSA in January according to your group' sure commendations, but did hold back on what is now 7% cash, of the portfolio and am ready to invest that.. I currently hold 17% in REITS, 13% in BCE , 13 in ZWB, 11% in BAD, the remainder , evenly spread, in CDZ, XIU and XCS.
What would you recommend that would provide substantial growth prospects and would it make sense to add a Canadian company with good foreign exposure?
In other accounts I own SGY, SYZ, SLF,, AVO, and ESL.
Thanks for your consideration. I have been pleased with the January changes made to this TFSA.
Ruth Ann
Q: As for diversifying equities where you have an RRSP, TFSA and stocks "outside": is the diversifying done over the total equity component or in each of the containment areas?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Q: At some point I would like to buy a vanguard canada etf that gives me US market exposure. VFV is the S+P index unhedged and VSP is the S+P index CAD hedged. Can you give me a simple answer as to when it makes more sense to buy hedged rather than unhedged? For example, if I think the canadian dollar is going back to par, which do i buy. If it stays at it's current level, which do I buy and why.
Thanks
Thanks
Q: Good morning, how many stocks would you recommend for a S40k non reg.investment a mix of your two portfolios would be good. I have the same amount for my tfsa where I am redeploying the cash. I have ideas but am very lnterested in yours of course. Great work, many thanks.
Q: What are your current sector waitings for moderate to aggressive investors? Thank you
Q: An alternative look at the UN Climate change announcement. Europe seems to be tearing up all those juicy contracts that business' signed in recent years. Cameron vows to eradicate all the land based turbines! it's hard to keep up! FinPost's Lawrence Solomon in todays edition:
http://business.financialpost.com/2014/04/04/lawrence-solomon-reversing-renewables/
http://business.financialpost.com/2014/04/04/lawrence-solomon-reversing-renewables/
Q: Hi.You keep talking about interest will be going up soon.Recently one of the bank decrease the interest for future mortgage and one does not get impression from all sources that interest will be down at least for next 3 years.I appreciate your response and the logic behind it.Thank you an have a good day.ebrahim
Q: Hello Peter
I have brokerage accounts at two large full-service brokerages [Scotia McLeod, and National Bank Financial] and one at TD Waterhouse. I use the TD Waterhouse one with the low commissions for smaller positions and for ones I may expect to trade.
To simplify things I am considering consolidating the two full-service ones into one account, however I worry that then I may have too much riding on the solvency of a single bank, and in view of possible troubles and the possibility of "bail-ins" as happened in Cyprus and in several other European countries, maybe I am better spreading the risk.
I understand that the Government of Canada has already passed into law the regulations for the bail-in of an insolvent bank whereby the depositors are the losers. What do you think?
Thankyou........ Paul
I have brokerage accounts at two large full-service brokerages [Scotia McLeod, and National Bank Financial] and one at TD Waterhouse. I use the TD Waterhouse one with the low commissions for smaller positions and for ones I may expect to trade.
To simplify things I am considering consolidating the two full-service ones into one account, however I worry that then I may have too much riding on the solvency of a single bank, and in view of possible troubles and the possibility of "bail-ins" as happened in Cyprus and in several other European countries, maybe I am better spreading the risk.
I understand that the Government of Canada has already passed into law the regulations for the bail-in of an insolvent bank whereby the depositors are the losers. What do you think?
Thankyou........ Paul
Q: Hi, as a follow up to your recent response for larger portfolios on using hedged products, real estate and large caps, can you please provide some further recommendations for these ? I have set up 3 seperate portfolios - eft portfolio recommendations from the moneyletter , your equity portfolio , and the new fixed income portfolio with an investment ratio of 2:2:1.
Thank you
Thank you
Q: In his recent shareholders letter, Warren Buffett gave this advice: "My money, I should add, is where my mouth is: What I advise here is essentially identical to certain instructions I’ve laid out in my will. One bequest provides that cash will be delivered to a trustee for my wife’s benefit. (I have to use cash for individual bequests, because all of my Berkshire shares will be fully distributed to certain philanthropic organizations over the ten years following the closing of my estate.) My advice to the trustee could not be more simple: Put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund. (I suggest Vanguard’s.) I believe the trust’s long-term results from this policy will be superior to those attained by most investors – whether pension funds, institutions or individuals – who employ high-fee managers." He doesn't suggest putting the money in BRK.
As a portfolio manager what would your thoughts be. I understand his wife is 66-67yrs old.
Thanks
Mike
As a portfolio manager what would your thoughts be. I understand his wife is 66-67yrs old.
Thanks
Mike
Q: HI PETER..we have about $35,000 in our online investment account and will be out of country until end of May. Not sure weather to let it sit for opportunities after summer sell off but prefer to invest in stocks with some growth and minimal downside while away. I may continue holding on return if prospects are good. I would look at about 5 or 6 stocks.
I am looking at BAD, MG, LNR, HLF, TOU, BEP.UN, DH, HCG, L, We already hold IPL, SU, PPL, BTX and banks
Any of your suggestions? Thanks enjoy your site. Gloria
I am looking at BAD, MG, LNR, HLF, TOU, BEP.UN, DH, HCG, L, We already hold IPL, SU, PPL, BTX and banks
Any of your suggestions? Thanks enjoy your site. Gloria
Q: Hello Peter,
We are new members on your site and are appreciating it very much. It is extremely generous of you to share your knowledge and judgement so graciously.
My question has to do with the amount of fixed income in a portfolio. We are both recently retired and have a one hundred percent equity portfolio. We have been considering getting some exposure to fixed income.
Our situation is such that we don’t really need our invested funds to live on. We do well enough with pensions and dividends. There are also many today who say that it is not a very good time to hold bonds. In fact, it is a bad time. One could actually lose money taking into account inflation and taxes. But, we keep circling around the fixed income issue, none the less.
Just to give you some background: we have been through the crash in 2008 and bought ( even if lightly) rather than sold at that time. So, we do have some experience of seeing our money go down and have been able to live with that.
So, we were interested in hearing your take on this issue. I know that in one of the interviews that you gave you said that even in today’s environment, most people would be more comfortable having a portion of fixed income. And if there was a fixed income component, what percentage of the portfolio should it be? I have heard people saying thirty percent might be a good level. But, even at that level, I am not sure how happy I would be that only thirty per cent was sheltered at a crash. What I mean by this is that I wouldn’t get the growth benefit of all equities and wouldn’t get a heck of a lot of comfort that only a relatively small portion is sheltered in a fall.
You did mention in another response about, I am not sure of the terminology, but possibly ‘variable rate’ fixed income, if one thinks that interest rates go up. I didn’t really know what these instruments were and how the work. Related to this is that some say that if you really must buy bonds, buy only government bonds, as they are totally secure and security is what you are after. But, I believe I noticed that you mentioned buying corporate bonds. We would appreciate any suggestions about what we might buy, if we did buy fixed income.
Hope this is not too long and convoluted,
Thanks Joe
We are new members on your site and are appreciating it very much. It is extremely generous of you to share your knowledge and judgement so graciously.
My question has to do with the amount of fixed income in a portfolio. We are both recently retired and have a one hundred percent equity portfolio. We have been considering getting some exposure to fixed income.
Our situation is such that we don’t really need our invested funds to live on. We do well enough with pensions and dividends. There are also many today who say that it is not a very good time to hold bonds. In fact, it is a bad time. One could actually lose money taking into account inflation and taxes. But, we keep circling around the fixed income issue, none the less.
Just to give you some background: we have been through the crash in 2008 and bought ( even if lightly) rather than sold at that time. So, we do have some experience of seeing our money go down and have been able to live with that.
So, we were interested in hearing your take on this issue. I know that in one of the interviews that you gave you said that even in today’s environment, most people would be more comfortable having a portion of fixed income. And if there was a fixed income component, what percentage of the portfolio should it be? I have heard people saying thirty percent might be a good level. But, even at that level, I am not sure how happy I would be that only thirty per cent was sheltered at a crash. What I mean by this is that I wouldn’t get the growth benefit of all equities and wouldn’t get a heck of a lot of comfort that only a relatively small portion is sheltered in a fall.
You did mention in another response about, I am not sure of the terminology, but possibly ‘variable rate’ fixed income, if one thinks that interest rates go up. I didn’t really know what these instruments were and how the work. Related to this is that some say that if you really must buy bonds, buy only government bonds, as they are totally secure and security is what you are after. But, I believe I noticed that you mentioned buying corporate bonds. We would appreciate any suggestions about what we might buy, if we did buy fixed income.
Hope this is not too long and convoluted,
Thanks Joe
Q: Hello Peter & Co.
I'm 70 years old and manage my RRIF portfolio. I need to withdraw 10% of its value annually; yield provides 3% and the remaining 7% is raised by selling stocks where "the story" has changed and by selling stocks that I have identified (with your input) as "not as good as the rest". Is this OK?
This exercise is hard enough that; it gets to be quite exasperating when people suggest to raise some cash in view of an "eventual" pull-back.
Would it make sense to raise 10% for income and another 5-10% for redeployment?
Keep up the good work,
Tony
I'm 70 years old and manage my RRIF portfolio. I need to withdraw 10% of its value annually; yield provides 3% and the remaining 7% is raised by selling stocks where "the story" has changed and by selling stocks that I have identified (with your input) as "not as good as the rest". Is this OK?
This exercise is hard enough that; it gets to be quite exasperating when people suggest to raise some cash in view of an "eventual" pull-back.
Would it make sense to raise 10% for income and another 5-10% for redeployment?
Keep up the good work,
Tony