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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: Interesting question/answer on Oct 1 "I would like to have a little fun with this question. Imagine a boxing match between Canadian companies and American companies". Can you please answer the winners among Netflix/Disney; Amazon/Shopify; Union Pacific/CP; AirCanada/delta. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Naren on October 06, 2020
Q: Hi all, I'm concerned about some of my holdings based on the rising US Covid19 cases. As such would like to raise my cash position for the eventual pullback in USA market. Please select from my list the first to last to sell or reduce in order. Thanks for all you do.
Read Answer Asked by Peter on June 30, 2020
Q: Good morning,
I own a small house in Ottawa that is free and clear with a current market value of approximately $350,000.
A recent discussion with my trusted mortgage broker confirmed that a 5 year term (Closed & Fixed) term mortgage can be obtained at a rate of 2.29%. This mortgage is said to be:
a. insured through CMHC,
b. portable, and
c. transferable.
At that rate of 2.29% and given that the interest paid would be tax deductible if I use the funds for investment purposes, I'm seriously considering borrowing around $200,000 and investing this amount for an initial 5 year period with an expected net rate of return on investment of 4.5% .
Q1. With $200,000, what are your thoughts of splitting this amount in 5 different chunks of $40K in the following instruments:
a. Mawer Tax Effective Balanced Fund,
b. Mawer Global Balanced ETF Fund,
c. Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio,
d. IShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio, and
e. BMO Balanced ETF

Q2. As an alternative to the above and given the 5 year time frame, would your preference be to invest the $200,000 in a selection of best in class individual stocks split between different sectors and if so, would you be so kind as to provide me with ya listing of your best ideas at this time.

I thank you and look forward to hearing your thoughts on both of these investment strategies.
Francesco
Read Answer Asked by Francesco on June 15, 2020
Q: I am about to triple the size of my investment in the portfolio above and give equal weighting to all. Virtually all of this new money will be in non-registered accounts. In total, this self-directed portfolio will represent 20% of my holdings; I also have 40% in a growth-focused pension fund, and 40% in a mix of ETFs through a robo-advisor.
Do you have any suggested changes to the list of names? I am primarily focused on growth, with a 3-5 year horizon.
Do you recommend a different weighting e.g. heavier on some, lighter on others?
What are your thoughts regarding timing? I am tempted to put all of the new money in now, betting on the sustainability of the recent recovery. But I understand that a phased approach will reduce risk.
Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Ben on May 12, 2020
Q: I would appreciate your thoughts about IDHD - Invesco S and P International developed High Dividend Low Volatility ETF. Thinking of selling and replacing with Corning or what?
Also your thoughts on PBH?
with thanks,
Connie
Read Answer Asked by Constance on April 23, 2020
Q: Hello you Guys,
My question is as follows :
A number of years ago (3 or 4?) on a portfolio review it was suggested I buy VOX as I had no telecommunications exposure. It has been up and down and currently down. Would it make sense for me to sell the VOX and swing into either Telus, Bell or any other holding you would suggest at this time? And while I have you, is there 1 particular stock you would say is a diamond in the ruff? I'm pretty well diversified so sector stuff not so important, just a really great company that you guys really like. Bet you hate these questions but you never disappoint!
many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by ralph on April 06, 2020
Q: Hi 5i team,

I follow the DOW stocks a lot as they are a barometer on the market. They form the core of my portfolio and I add and trim around them. You mentioned in an earlier question that big caps are likely the quickest to recover. Earlier I lightened up on some high beta tech names and have some dry powder. On the Dow, which ones do you see as are the top 3-4 names having the potential for the strongest recovery over the next year or so. I manage my portfolio closely, so I am not concerned about sectors or weightings here. There are a lot of candidates and some have really been beaten up and others not so much. The financials have been beaten up, but I stay in Canada for those anyway, and I have no interest in the oils.

Thanks again for the insight on the DOW stocks. Thanks for your great work, as some days you are turning out answers faster than I can read them.

Dave
Read Answer Asked by Dave on March 31, 2020
Q: Given the current environment, which do you foresee having a good recovery from today's lows. How would you rank these companies listed to purchase today to deploy some cash. Which would you rank this list for risk from high to low. (not considering sector allocation.
Do you have any other recommendations outside of this list that you think might have more potential?
Read Answer Asked by Gigi on March 30, 2020
Q: Hello Peter and co,
Thank you for your voice of reason in these crazy times! My 18-year old granddaughter has been talking about investments, and recently announced that she has decided she wants to invest in a cruise line company, since they are probably way down. Her thinking makes some sense to me, as the cruise industry will survive, and the strongest players may benefit from assimilation of weaker players assets. Similar thinking regarding airlines. In both cases, bankruptcy may be a risk. Is it safe to assume that buying these sectors is a good long term strategy, and if so, which companies would you suggest? Presumably strong balance sheet is a must. I think I read that Warren Buffett bought some Delta Airlines shares recently. Considering all that, what would you suggest for a young 18-year old?
Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Ed on March 26, 2020
Q: Realizing that all the above listed securities differ, they all got battered like everything else. Your opinion would be appreciated as to slowly buying into these positions and your preferred ordering.
Thank you, as always!
Read Answer Asked by Sigrid on March 23, 2020
Q: I hold these names In my $US RRSP and am comfortable holding them for several years. Can you provide comment given where they are currently trading if you would be comfortable holding.
Read Answer Asked by Aleem on March 17, 2020
Q: The report is excellent. I own 4 of the 10 BYD CSU CAE KXS. I plan to add modestly to these names. of the names I don't have I will okk at TMX adw plc . I need to rea the report again.
of the US stocks I have JPM dropped a lot say compared to TD . Shoud I add JPM. Among
Some of the other US stocks I have is SBUX SQ DIS . Any cooments on these will be helpful

Read Answer Asked by thambirajah on March 09, 2020
Q: I started picking away at these names a week ago and bought half positions in each (I'm always too early!!). I'll probably look to buy the other half in each this week if we get more spikes to the downside. I'm a relatively longer term holder (say next 5-10 years at least). With respect to IHI I usually stick to individual stocks but took a look at the top 10 holdings and decided they were all good companies so just bought the ETF. Do you see any issue holding these names?
Read Answer Asked by Richard on March 09, 2020
Q: Prof Galloway (pivot/section4/etc) talks a lot about unregulated monopolies, are there any companies that you would recommend (outside of the traditional faang names) that might be able to grow into this category? (canada or us)

thanks
Read Answer Asked by dan on March 02, 2020
Q: In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, there's no question that some of the big US names will experience a direct hit to their bottom line. I am currently considering purchasing Starbucks and Disney shares when shortsighted Mr. Market starts selling off.

Firstly, do you agree that there is an opportunity to be had for capital appreciation in the two companies I mentioned.

Secondly, can you please recommend three or more other US or Canadian companies with a huge presence in China (or Asia) that are directly affected by the pandemic but will most certainly continue to do well in the future given its durable competitive advantage?
Read Answer Asked by Maurice on February 26, 2020