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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 had the experience of buying US stocks with Canadian funds.As the settlement date was three days later and during this time the Canadian dollar weakened my base cost was rising while waiting for the settlement date;the actual cost of the shares in US dollars remained the same.I was advised by the rep to convert first the required Canadian funds and then buy the US stock I was looking for in US dollars;ie I could convert at my own preference.
Read Answer Asked by Sam on May 12, 2016
Q: Regarding Cheryl's question concerning U.S.$ registered accounts with ScotiaiTrade, I am not sure if this is what she is looking for but for RRSP accounts (maybe TFSA?) one can make the account US$ friendly so the 2% premium on Forex is not charged for sales, purchases and dividends. You make your account "US Friendly" and they charge $30 per quarter per account that is converted to that service. There is a way to do it online but one can also call them. I hope that helps.
Read Answer Asked by Derek on May 12, 2016
Q: With reference to Cheryl's question: I too have an iTrade account and I think they convert the US dividends, paid by TSX listed companies, without a (substantial) fee.

I have 20 shares of Constellation Software (CSU) and on April 5, I had $25.96 in Canadian funds deposited in my account (in case you want to do the math and figure out if whatever fee is involved is worth your while or not).

Good luck.

John

I hope this helps
Read Answer Asked by john on May 12, 2016
Q: Hi Team,
I received notice from Economical Insurance, as a policy holder, that it plans to go public (demutualization). Apparently if I choose to participate, I can receive shares (or cash in lieu of shares). I have been informed I am an "eligible non-mutual policyholder." This affects 630,000 policy holders.

I am completely unfamiliar with this process. Do you have any information you can share about what this means and do you have an opinion on the value this may offer?

Many thanks. Michael

Read Answer Asked by Michael on May 12, 2016
Q: I'm afraid I'm a bit like a dog with a bone, I don't let go until I have the correct answer. so I phoned back to Scotia and talked to a very informative person who states that because they don't have $US accounts for registered accounts they have to convert them back to $CA at there FOREX rate with a 2% premium. I am now comfortable with this information and hope it helps others as well. Thank you again!
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on May 11, 2016
Q: Further to my question re Canadian stocks paying $us dividends in a Canadian account I phoned Scotia itrade to ask about the fees for the conversion. They stated that no fee is charged to convert the dividend. In disbelief I asked well is there a premium charged on the conversion rate. They again said no fee is charged, I double checked. If this is true I don't need to do anything. But somehow I have a hard time believing this...your thoughts and if anyone else has any experience with scotia itrade to confirm this it would be greatly appreciated. thank you
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on May 11, 2016
Q: Could you suggest 5 companies with a dividend and with some growth projected in the next years. The objectives is to start using the dividend in around 4-5 years as an income source. I would appreciate if you could focus on companies that are 'cheap' right now or at a discount to their usual price ratio.
I already own AW.un, DIV, KBL, NFI, PBH, ECI, GSY and WSP that sort of fit in the kind of companies i'm looking for. Note that the portfolio is more diverse than that with around 30 names. I'm looking to slowly move from pure growth to dividend with some growth. So i will select names from your list and rebalance the portfolio accordingly.
Read Answer Asked by Olivier on May 11, 2016
Q: Hi,
Thanks for the tip of TMXMONEY to identify the sectors. It turns out I had miss-classified 3 of my stocks (SJ, IPL and ECI). I'm now questioning my weightings. I currently have the following:

Cons. Cyclical 11.9%
Cons. Defensive 0.0%
Financials 17.1%
Healthcare 3.6%
Energy 14.7%
Precious Metals 13.9%
Real Estate 0.0%
Industrials 9.2%
Utilities 0.0%
Technology 24.5%
Materials 4.6%
Communication 0.0%

I'm ok with some risk, which is probably evident from above. My precious metals may be a little high due to the recent bounce in this sector.

Based on the current market environment, do you see these weighting as appropriate? Are there any particular red flags that you see?

Thanks, Ian
Read Answer Asked by Ian on May 09, 2016
Q: Pertaining to stock charts, I use the free Globe Investor Stock Charts which are user friendly but periodically they act up. I tried freestockcharts.com and I found them not user friendly and seemed to be for professionals only. What I am looking for are other free stock charts that are user friendly like Globe Investor. Any help appreciated. Thank you Dennis
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on May 09, 2016
Q: Hello. Enbridge Gas represents a 4% in my total investment. Other than that, my portfolio is low in energy stocks. My questions are (1) Should I count ENB as part of an energy investment? (2) What should be the ideal percentage of energy sector in a balanced portfiolio? (3) Could you suggest several energy stocks or related energy stocks that have the most potential? (4) To your opinion, it is now a good timing to enter the market? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Read Answer Asked by Esther on May 09, 2016
Q: What do think about comparing the current dividend yield to the historical yield of a stock as a way of assessing its value as an investment? i.e., if the current yield is greater than the historic yield (the average yield over the past five or ten years), than the stock would be a "buy" (notwithstanding other factors) or a better value than companies in the same peer group with yields lower than the historical average yield.
Read Answer Asked by David on May 06, 2016
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