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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: The one-year returns of Canadian life insurance companies over the last 52 weeks have been rather unexciting, but over the last quarter they have suddenly blossomed. What has caused this revival, and can we safely invest in them for the next two to three years? Thank you. Walter
Read Answer Asked by Kurt W on April 15, 2019
Q: According to Portfolio analytics, I own about 7% of my portfolio in 3 Canadian banks and another 7% in 3 US banks. I also own another 25% of my portfolio in BAM, Visa, SLF, BRK.B and GSY which are in the "Financial" sector but are very different from each other as well as different from banks. How concerned should I be with this aspect of my portfolio. I don't need the money for 25 years.
Read Answer Asked by Wes on April 12, 2019
Q: Hi 5i and team
Thanks for your sound advice during this last market correction. It made me finally understand why it's important to concentrate on limiting losses rather than going strictly for gains. I need to eliminate two Financials from portfolio. It is in a RRSP account. I do prefer a combination of income and Growth. Thanks for your help.
Gilles
Read Answer Asked by Gilles on April 12, 2019
Q: Using your portfolio analytics we find we are underweight in Financials and need to add to these stocks. The percentages from highest to lowest are SLF, BNS, TD, GSY, VB. Which ones would you add to first. These are held in a RRSP account with a 5 year timeframe.
Thank You
Read Answer Asked by Louise on April 09, 2019
Q: Hello I was wondering if you know of any ETF's like the ZEB for banks that would represent the insurers either traded in the US or Canada that you would recommend for a long term hold in and RRSP. DRIP eligible preferred.
Read Answer Asked by Kolbi on March 09, 2019
Q: Long term TFSA. I am currently down 11%BNS;26%GUD;8%STN and 6%SLF. Have Plus 10% weightings in all 7 stocks.
Should I add to the (current) losers or add something new or add to my (current) winners.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 07, 2019
Q: Our 32 year old daughter has $30k for initial positions in her TFSA. She’s looking for balance + growth with a timeframe of 3-5 years. Could you suggest some of your preferred companies at the present time.
Read Answer Asked by Warren on March 05, 2019
Q: I have $25,000 in my TFSA invested in the above companies, eaqch with a weighing of between 8% - 10%. Looking to add another $10,000. I'm 63. Preference is dividends and some growth. Looking for stability if another December 2018 were to repeat itself.
May I please have your suggestions, in order of preference. Please deduct appropriate credits.

Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Larry on February 26, 2019
Q: I own all of the above in roughly equal weights in my TFSA. I am attempting to replicate your Balanced Equity Portfolio. I am also trying to get more defensive. I think I am overweight in the Info Tech sector. I am looking at a 5 year hold. I have cash to buy another position. What would your advice be - hold the cash or make a purchase. If purchase what would be your recommendation for defensive position?

Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Ron on February 22, 2019
Q: I recently asked a question about a substitute for SLF for tax selling purposes. I was wondering what you might think about a US substitute for slf? I know there is no dividend tax benefit. But, I will be rebuying whatever I buy in a RIF, therefore no tax consequences.
thanks for the great service as always
Read Answer Asked by joseph on February 06, 2019
Q: Good afternoon 5i,
On Dec 5 Terry asked this question:
Which company would you recommend for a proxy to SLF tax loss selling? IAG or GWO? I dont like MFC because they cut their dividend in 2008.
Thanks

I don't mind mfc that much and besides, I will only be holding it for a month. Can I get your updated view on what would be a good placeholder for Slf, no conditions of any kind applied?
thanks
Read Answer Asked by joseph on February 04, 2019
Q: 2:10 PM 1/29/2019
Hi: I am concerned about deteriorating trade relations between Canada and China. Could you please indicate which of the big 6 Canadian banks and big 3 Insurance have business in China and what percent of their entire business is located there.
Thank you.......... Paul K
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 29, 2019
Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and team,

In a recent post in Stock Chase, Barry Schwartz was commenting on MFC and gave it a "Don't Buy" rating, for reasons similar to 5i's. He then goes on to say that "he avoids this sector".

Is there a compelling reason to own SLF (or any other insurer) in the Financial Sector?

Our sector holdings across all accounts are BNS at 2%, GSY at 3.8%, SLF at 2%, TD at 6%, and TRI at 0.9%.

Should we 'stay the course' and keep things as they are, or should changes be made?

As always, I really value your advice.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on January 29, 2019
Q: I currently hold Markel (MKL) for some conservative balance to my portfolio, and I have (had) high hopes as it's commonly called a 'mini Berkshire' and hey, it's insurance they always win... While my position is still up, it's underperformed relative to my expectations. Further, I'm increasingly anxious about how extreme weather events (read climate change - fires, hurricanes, floods) will effect the insurance business.

In light of the above, I have two questions:
1. How do you feel about MKL, and;
2. Can you recommend an insurance company that is less exposed to property and more exposed to life insurance, travel insurance, or other?

Best.
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on January 21, 2019
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