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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: As a new member of 5i Research, I first want to thank you for the service you provide. Fantastic.

I am reviewing the Canadian portion of my RRSP, sector by sector. I have a balanced approach and 15+ years ahead of me before transferring to a RRIF.

I find myself a bit underweight and concentrated in Healthcare, owing only NHW.UN (4% of Canadian portfolio). I was thinking of switching half into CSH.UN for diversification within the Real Estate/Healthcare space, then add a 3% position in GUD for more growth. What are your thoughts?

Note: The US portion of my RRSP, which is half the size of my Canadian portfolio, is invested in Mutual funds with Healthcare/Big Pharma representing about 16% of my US holdings. So my strategy would bring Healthcare to 10% overall in my RRSP.

Thx.
Read Answer Asked by Christian on August 25, 2017
Q: For diversification of U.S. blue chips I have been looking at a combination of HBF and ZWH. There is about a five company overlap in holdings, HBF is not as liquid or as diversified in its holdings, is smaller in size but pays a higher dividend. Income and reduced risk are my primary objectives. What are your thoughts on HBF, would it be desirable to hold both and if you were to consider a combination what percentage would you consider?
Thank you for considering my questions
Read Answer Asked by Gail on August 24, 2017
Q: My portfolio is in need of US and global exposure. Currently I only own two US stocks FB(3%) and BAC (2.8%) I also own VEE(2.4%). Can you recommend how I can add to my US and Global exposure. Also what percentage of a portfolio would you make them? I'm 38 and a rather aggressive investor.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on August 24, 2017
Q: Do you have any insights into Smart Sand versus Fairmont Santrol.
The price has dropped significantly and usage of sand within the industry is falling at this point in time. Is Smart Sand highly leveraged or do they have a good balance sheet and will survive ...... maybe it's time to add to my position.
Thanks DAN
Read Answer Asked by Daniel on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi Team,
Following a question about Canadian and US health care sector opportunities, I am trying compare and contrast IBB (iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF) with XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF). I realize the former focuses on large companies and has more concentrated positions in top holdings while the latter focuses on small companies with a more even distribution of holdings. What are your thoughts about a risk/return trade off between the two ETFs and what timeframe would you be considering to hold either one for an investment thesis to pan out? If you had to pick one, which would it be and why?
Many thanks, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@
Read Answer Asked by James on August 18, 2017
Q: I've noted in the Q&A section you continue to support both CSU AND CGNX. I already own CSU and note that with all the 'noise' these days it seems to go about its business and is much more stable than some of the other tech. companies. Would you consider CGNX to be the same kind of company and do you think it would be a top American company to complement CSU? Are there 1 or 2 other tech. companies (Canadian or American) you could recommend that you favour that would help me to gain good diversification to the technology sector. As further guidance, I appreciated Mike's caution about the importance of being patient, but I must admit, I personally find it easier to maintain my patience when I'm invested in less volatile companies. As always, I appreciate your guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Les on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello 5i. I'm overweight in CBI and have taken a big hit (35%). Stock sits in my Lira account which I'm unable to touch for 10 yrs. Would you recommend I sit on this and hope for bounce back with possible infrastructure bill to be passed or take my hit now and move on? if so, what would you recommend to replace stock with in U.S. or Can? Please offer 1 stock on each side of the border.

Thx Rob
Read Answer Asked by Robert on August 18, 2017