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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 am an income investor and hold equal weighting in all 5 big banks. I’m looking at the quite larger than normal yield spread between RY and BMO and TD and am thinking of either halving or even fully selling my RY position to add to BMO and TD. Someday when the spreads go back to being much closer, I would likely repurchase RY. Do you see anything wrong with this logic? Would you prefer one of TD or BMO for such a move? Half or full position? I’ve held RY for a long time, thus my little bit of doubt!
Read Answer Asked by Mark on April 17, 2023
Q: I was wondering if you would indicate which US banks have been acquired by the above mentioned banks and how risky these acquisitions might be considering the differences in the banking regulations between the two countries.
Thank you very much. Any information you provide will be greatly appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Mary Jean on April 13, 2023
Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team

In your answers to other members, I’ve observed that National Bank isn’t one of your recommendation, and I’m wondering why.

Their 5 year CAGR is 9.4%. For the 3, 5, and 10 year periods, the beat their peers (BMO, CM, RY, BNS, and TD) by 6%, 6%, and 3% respectively.

Watching the negative news involving GSY, I’m considering switching it to NA. Since we’ve held GSY for some time, we’re still up quite substantially.

In our combined accounts, we also own TD, which we’ll keep.

I’d appreciate your thoughts on this proposed switch. Thanks in advance for your insight.

Read Answer Asked by Jerry on April 04, 2023
Q: Hi 5i, my question is on all financials impacted new taxes.

"Dividend tax change: Ottawa is planning to raise billions of dollars from banks and insurers through a change in tax rules on dividends that financial institutions receive from Canadian companies."

Can you put a guess on how this will impact investors?

Thx

Read Answer Asked by Christopher on March 30, 2023
Q: Hello,
I already have a large position in TD and a small position in BMO, and would like to add to one or two more banks that won't keep me awake at night. Its quite clear that banks have trillion of dollars in loans . Last report that I read $4.12 trillion. And $1.5T of loans come due in Canada by January 2024. So even if 2% default, we have $30B in losses. And that's just Canada. Therefore, of the Canadian banks, which ones have the least exposure to the US. ? Today which ones are your recommendations?
Finally, in terms of deposit insurance, is it $100K per bank account or per individual taxpayer.? Brokerage account like RBC - Direct investing, the $1M is it for the total portfolio or just the cash? Again, per account or per investor?

Thank you
CR
Read Answer Asked by Carlo on March 28, 2023
Q: I wonder if any of the big six own any US or CAN MBS or CMBS ? Thanks a lot .
Read Answer Asked by Lai Kuen on March 17, 2023
Q: Please rank the above companies for level of risk and do you think that our Canadian banks could ever be subject to the issues at SVB? Is BN risky? I read one person writing how his advisor won't let him buy it. Feeling like I don't have much trust in anything right now. How is an investor to handle this uncertainty? I definitely see the benefits of diversity as you had always pushed. I'm also somewhat confused as most advisors have been pushing financials due to the benefits associated with rising rates. Your calm advise would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Neil on March 13, 2023
Q: Hi
In looking at the big 5 Cdn banks, it is easy to think they are all being somewhat affected by the SVB shut down, or pressure on US regional banks...or is that jumping to a far fetched conclusion? I see that the Cdn banks have been marching steadily lower lately and have started to wonder whether this is sector related or a fundamental change occurring. Although this may be a bit early in the game, at what point would you feel the Cdn banks are excellent bargains, or is that too optimistic a view of the Cdn banking system, vs the US's regional banking system? As always, I greatly appreciate your thoughts on this!
Dawn
Read Answer Asked by Dawn on March 13, 2023
Q: In layman's English, could you explain why SVB went under and whether it will cause any lasting damage to Cdn Banks...and are there any Cdn banks you would add to today? Thanks, great service.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on March 13, 2023
Q: I have owned these stocks in my non-registered account for 12 years except ETF IGM, T, CTC.A (bought 2 yr ago - up a fair bit). T bought 5 years or so ago. GSY, MFC & GRT.UN a year ago - all 3 up nicely. I buy dividend growers for the most part. I have been retired for quite a while - so, more interested in dividend growth. Large portfolio with banks 40% of total. Do not worry about market downturns: add to positions when they go on sale -08/09 and 2020. Sitting on cash and looking to add to these positions . Do not own ENF.CA - typo. Suggestions?? IFC 5-6 years up 220% including dividends.
Read Answer Asked by James on March 10, 2023
Q: Hello Peter & team,

If a similar question which I missed has already been asked, please ignore this question and point me in the right direction.

The big 5 are reporting over the next few business days. Can you please share with us what we might expect? Good news bad news? Also, please rate each of the 5 in order and whether you think each of the names are a sell, hold or buy at this time and the reasoning for your logic.

Thanks for all you do

gm
Read Answer Asked by Gord on February 28, 2023
Q: Can you rank these banks, best to worst. With a buy sell or hold and an entry price.
How much downside risk is there to the stock price if there is a worse recession than expected? Buy now or wait and see how economy plays out in the next couple of months?

Thanks
Brian
Read Answer Asked by Brian on February 23, 2023
Q: Which Canadian Bank has the best current risk adjusted appeal. 3-5 year hold.
Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Lawrence on February 10, 2023
Q: Good evening, 5i team

I appreciate having your thoughts on keeping 2 out of these 5 for a pretty condensed portfolio. I sided with BNS & CM among the big 5. Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Nhung on February 10, 2023
Q: I am looking to put some USD, currently held inside an RSP to work on either of these Cdn banks. Is there a preference, or should I look at buying both? Also, would it be better to buy the US listed stock, as I have USD - or convert to Cdn dollars and buy the Cdn listed stock?
Many thanks!
Dawn
Read Answer Asked by Dawn on February 07, 2023
Q: I own the above Canadian Stocks.

Please rate each of the above as a BUY, HOLD or SELL and the reasons for your rating. Thank You.
Read Answer Asked by ALNOOR on January 20, 2023
Q: Good morning team, BMO, TD and Royal have all announced big acquisitions in the past year. Do you expect each of these to be positive for shareholders in the next 2-4 years. What are some of the individual risks to these deals being accretive? Which of the 3 deals do you expect will provide the best return for investors and why?
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 20, 2023