Investment Q&A

Q: I think I know why more members don't use the Forum feature. It's a bit difficult to find! I suggest that you add a link in the top "Members, Market Data, Podcast, Blog, About...." Once members see the usefulness of the Forum, they will start using it, and there should be less "inappropriate" questions.

Q: Hi,
I read with interest your latest Market Update. I am curious, given your interest rate and market analysis, does the Russell 2000's performance (e.g., IWO) this year indicate anything to you about the possible future direction of markets and the economy? Thanks, Michael

Q: We have accounts in RRIF and TFSA. We like to keep approx 6 months of cash in case of economic downturn. Is this too long a period or keep 3 months and invest the rest to produce income. I thought maybe because of interest rates starting to come down it maybe would change economics to positive. Will elections play a role with all the gov't calling elections in the future. we have pensions and dividends that keep us happy .We live within our means.Thanks 5i

Q: Any predictions of when the $CAD is going to increase by about $.05 US? What will drive the increase?

Q: portfolio strategy question

I have adopted a dividend investment strategy of investing predominantly in canadian dividend paying equities and as expected am overweight in financials, telecom and utilities, this strategy allows me to sleep well at night, I am looking at enough dividend income from the portfolio to retire on and not have to touch the principle investment.

besides the lack of diversification in geography and sector. can you give me your opinion about concerns you may have with such a strategy and what you would suggest doing otherwise ?

Q: Well well...the stock market on both side of the border are in the red, at least for my 3 portfolios, aka income, balance and US. What gives???....thanks for any insight you can provide about this, aka RED.....tom

Q: There has been lots of good discussion about these 6 stocks on your forums section over the last year BDT, DRX, GSY, HPS.A, PRL, VHI. All have been big winners. Do you think they are still promising investments at current prices?

Q: Hi,
Can you provide a comment on the thesis that hyperinflation is coming and gold is the best protection as recently written about by Frank Giustra?

https://www.thestar.com/business/opinion/why-the-u-s-is-heading-for-hyperinflation-and-what-will-happen-when-it-arrives/article_aecbb71c-187b-11ef-9557-874c8614cf9c.html

I was surprised by some of the statements, like gold has outperformed the S&P500 since 2001.

Thank you.
Michael

Q: I use ratio analysis to help curb my buy enthusiasm. Please rate 200mda, rsi and macd for their ability to identify a buy situation. Thank you

Q: I’m hoping to get your current thinking on emerging markets. If I look at VEE as a proxy I see maybe a 50% gain over 12 years plus a small dividend, not exactly setting the world on fire but “ok” I guess as a diversifier. Do you see any catalysts suggesting the next 10 or 12 years could outperform? What about short term downside due the U.S. election? History suggests the final months leading up to U.S. elections are not great for the market and can be choppy, this year should be a doozy. Emerging markets I believe can be sensitive to the U.S. economy and the U.S. dollar in particular? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Q: Portfolio analysis relates that I am over in Energy by 16% and financials by 6%. I am well distributed in all the other sectors. I am a 78 year old value investor with some growth stocks. Energy: SU, CNQ, CVX. NXF, ENB, XOM, PKI, PSI, PPL: FINANCIALS: BAC, BNS, BKCC, HMAX, JPM MFC, SLF, X, TD. I enjoy the dividends as they help contend with the ever increasing taxes and surprise expenses such as a septic tank inspection, boat repairs, new garage doOrs and general upkeep. Should I just leave well enough alone or is this a big deal?
thank you for your excellent advicd and service.

Q: Hi 5i
I'm curious if there is any way of knowing (stats-wise) whether the "younger generation" expect interest rates to stabilize at the "normal" near zero rates vs "older generation" who are less inclined to believe that (making assumptions here)
I just read a question regarding the inevitable "long slow decline of rates" .... I'm not so sure being in the "middle generation" :)

What are your thoughts on what "normal" rates could/should be (coming from the "wiser generation").


Thanks

Q: Just a simple question.

Do you know why the TSX and DOW both have a huge pop at 3:35pm yesterday - less than half an hour before closing? TSX jumped about 200 point, any news there? Thanks.

Q: Soon interest rates should begin the inevitable long slow slide down. Can you rank these three sectors, banks, REITs & long term bonds, when the interest rates begin falling? Keep up the excellent work... Thanks.

Q: What are the reasons for the significant drop in the Cdn and US stock markets since last Friday???.....thanks for your insights.....Tom

Q: Is TSX 60 ETF a buy today?

Q: Everyone, as a 70 year old retired person what investment(s) should I not purchase. Clayton

Q: Hello 5i,

We are retired and in our mid 60's. We and have started pulling out 5% of our RRSP portfolio each year to pay bills and take vacations. One of our laddered GIC's came due on Monday. We can choose a 5-year at 4.59% but this is in an RRSP which we will pay 20% tax on upon taking funds out. Our equity to fixed income is 65 equity/35 fixed at this time.

Do you have any suggestions other than taking a 5-year GIC at 4.59%? We would be ~70/30 if we select equities.

Thank you
D&J

Q: Hello 5i Team

From review of various questions I surmise that that 5i mainly uses Bloomberg Terminal and/or Refinitive EIKON for research. However I realize these data packages due to monthly prices are beyond an individual investor.

Therefore I am trying to compare the various subscription versions of TIKR Terminal versus the subscription versions of KOYFIN which seem to be more reasonable. I have signed up for the "free" access versions of each to explore their features and I am quite satisfied with what I see. The choice is now which product to use and what subscription version to sign up for.

Does 5i use either TIKR Terminal or KOYFIN service and if so which subscription level do you use?

This may be best addressed as a blog article exploring both packages.

Thanks

Q: Is the P/E ratio of the TSX too high today and does it need to decrease?
Is the P/E ratio of the S&P500 too high today, and does it need to decrease?