Investment Q&A

Q: When reviewing the 3 year SLF chart, what is it that has happened to SLF the past 2 years, starting around Dec 22 and ending Jan 12...substantial declines? Is it related to quarterly reporting?

If it is not just a coincidence, do you think it will occur again this year?

Thanks...Steve

Q: So we've had the rate hike everyone knew we would have. The language was a tad more aggressive than expected and the market sold off. My confusion is why did Sun Life (and other insurance companies) and BNS (and most other banks) sell off too? Isn't this even better news for them?

Q: I am retired and looking for relative safety and dividends. I already own 3 banks and am looking to add a insurance company to the mix. What would be your recommendation on the companies listed above ? Or do you have another Canadian company in this area that you would recommend over this list?

Thanks Ken

Q: What would be your choice between these two for growth in the coming year bearing in mind interest rate hikes and the Trump administration effect? Would appreciate hearing your reasons. Thanks again.

Q: In a rising inflation and interest rate environment, what stocks would you sell and what would you buy. Please provide companies names / symbols to be specific. Thanks again for the great service.

Q: can you account for the weakness OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS in SLF, when MFC (MANULiFE) IS UP A SLIGHTLY.

A buying opportunity?

Q: Dear 5i
I currently do not have any stocks in the banking /financial sector .
I`m considering cxi , bns and slf . I was not sure either if cxi fit into this category.
Of these 3 which would be the better investment over the next 2 years ?
Thanks
Bill C

Q: I am considering adding to my positions in SLF and TD. Given murmers that Poloz is considering a cut in interest rates on Dec 7, I'm wondering if it's wise to wait until a decision is announced.
Further, could you comment on the implications for these 2 companies in an environment where we see Canadian rates staying the same or going lower while American rates are trending upward.
Thanks for the great service!

Q: Hello 5i,

I'd like to add some financial exposure to my holdings on the assumption of longer term rising interest rates and new political realities in America. Which of the three noted companies would be your preference for both growth and income.

Thanks

Q: All the insurance companies have had quite a run. Is there a preference among the 3 listed, or should I wait for a pullback?
Thanks again

Q: Hi Ryan + Group Presently I am over invested in WFP @$2:10 the thought was that the softwood lumber agreement risk was built in. Clearly now @$1:80- $1:90 range I would say it was not. My question is when I sell it (not if but when) what sectors / specific stock would you recommend Presently the market value is approx $200,000 . Thanks for your valued service

Q: I am light on Canadian Financials, I only own CXI.to right now. What are your best financial picks for growth?

Thanks!

Q: Hi 5i Team,

Can you provide your thoughts on the latest quarterly results? The stock is up 10% today, some of which is likely due to the increasing 10 year bond yield.

Thanks,
Angelo

Q: I am a retired, conservative, dividend-income investor and receive a pension, CPP and annuities. I own AD, ALA, AQN, BNS, BCE, CJ, CGX, ECI, FTS, PBH, RY, TRP, WCP, WEF, WSP, XIT, ZLB, RBC Cdn Equity Inc, Sentry Cdn Income and Sentry REIT.

I am almost fully invested with roughly 5% cash to top up my holdings, mostly in the industrial and consumer sectors and maybe a little in the financial sector. I have filtered it down to 4 candidates: ABT, KBL, MG and SLF.

Question 1 = are there any "red flags" within my current holdings that I should consider selling?

Q 2 = are there other candidates, besides the 4 that I have selected, that I should consider buying, that would compliment my current holdings?

Q 3 = are there any liquidity issues (ABT, KBL)? I think I have selected ok candidates.

Q 4 = Depending on the candidate, should I wait for the tax-loss season to wind down?

I am, for the most part, a buy-and-hold investor.

Thanks for your help,
Steve

Q: Many analysts are now advising building up positions in the lifecos in anticipation of a Dec fed raise. Obviously, these names have performed well over the last month and this is somewhat built into the valuations. Fortunately, I had sizeable positions in PWF and MFC before the run. Trying to buy more of any on a pullback but this may not be possible. Would you advise adding to any of these three names at these levels?

Q: I purchased Sun Life for some exposure to a rising rate environment even though I don't expect rates to increase very much. My concern with Sun Life and other insurance companies is there exposure to Canadian real estate as part of their investments. I know that Sun Life has an active real estate division and they purchased a real estate company in 2015 as well. Do you think this is a risk in the event of a real estate downturn in Canada? Safer to play Fairfax which I understand has zero exposure to Canadian real estate, despite its higher valuation? Am I over thinking things here?

Thanks,
Jason

Q: Looking for financial sector allocation suggestions as replacement for HCG/mortgage sector. Already have positions in EFN/ECN/CXI/BNS/SLF...any suggestions? or okay with going to 20% on tech vs current 15% 35 years old, money is all in registered accounts, little debt, and no need for money in next 10-20 years

Q: Recently, there has been much in the news about improved Canada-China relations, and the Liberal government pursuing a free trade deal with China. As it appears that more business opportunities are on the horizon (e.g., SNC-Lavelin, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board), what Canadian ETFs or specific stocks I should be considering?

Q: Hello 5i,
I hold GWO with only about a one percent gain, so not much cap gains tax to pay, and was wondering, since I know you like SlF, whether you thought it worthwhile to sell GWO in order to buy SLf. i would like to have the cash too, (GWO is in a margin account). So i would also sell it for that reason.
thanks

Q: Would you recommend buying SLF now for a long term hold?
Also, do you know how much of the company's business is non-life insurance (general insurance)? I think long term climate change will result in more wild weather over the next decade so I am more interested in life insurance.

Thank you.