Investment Q&A

Q: I am mostly (90%) invested in US markets . (Had desperately wanted to allocate 30% to Canadian , but have done horribly on every Canadian stock I bought ( ENB, GUD, ALA) .Therefore , for next couple of months I have gone back to buying US , when markets dip. To take advantage of the dips , I keep cash reserve. That reserve was reduced somewhat as stocks fainted last week. This is a what-if question about raising cash for next big dip.
Question: I hold both PRu.us and MET.us. Which one (IF ANY) would you sell to add to cash reserve (there being no urgent need). Between PRU and MET if you like one a lot less than the other, your reasoning would be most helpful.

Q: Why has PRU declined so much? Do you think it has much farther to fall? Would you start a position in it today? I’m curious about its prospects, especially in relation to the big US banks. Thanks for your advice.

Q: Could you please recommend 2-3 US insurance companies that you would buy today for long term hold.

Thanks,
Milan

Q: In a previous answer, you wrote:

"SLF cites that a 10% downturn in real estate assets would lead to a $175 million decrease in net income. With operating net income in Q2 of $474 million, while a real estate decline would 'hurt', we do not think it would be a company ending event."

The figure you cite here represents a 37% loss of net income in a 10% downturn. I've heard a number of times that a 40% downturn is possible, or worse, so wouldn't that mean SLF could find itself in very serious trouble? If so, are there any other insurance companies (Canadian & US) that you might recommend as a way of capitalizing on rising rates, which could weather a severe real estate decline more easily? The names I've been considering are POW, MFC in Canada and AIG, MET, PRU, CB of in the USA. Thanks for any thoughts on these or other companies.

Q: In these financial stocks I am currently up on PRU but down 13% with JPM and it looks as if these dollars are probably dead money for the next 6 to 18 months. I would like to reallocate the funds from one of them to the Staples or Industrials sectors. What are your thoughts on this? Which holding should be better to reduce, or sell completely, and would you have a preference for a reallocation at this time? Thanks.

Harvey

Q: Hello, what is your opinion on PRU- Perseus Mining? They are no a producer and seem to have a decent balance sheet. Is this a good buy?

Q: Could I please have your opinion on Perseus Mining (PRU).
Thank You
Garry

Q: Peter, could you comment on PRU? The stock appears to be attractive (strong financial & large gold deposits) but the stock has been flat for the past year+?