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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: Hi,

I have held fairfax for several years, primarily as a hedge against negative market events. With the trump election win, and the unwinding of many of fairfax's bearish hedges, it now seems to trade much more in lock step with my other financials (bfs, slf, ry). Do you still feel fairfax offers a good hedge against negative market events? If not, what you would generally recommend in it's place?

Regards,

Robert
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 27, 2017
Q: In December, you suggested that, with its investment profile now dominated by insurance holdings, Fairfax might lose its premium multiple. But many insurance co's offer a better dividend and at least as good a growth profile; what's actually to like about today's Fairfax - or is it, essentially, still coasting on its outstanding performance during the Great Recession?
Read Answer Asked by John on January 19, 2017
Q: I recently purchased 50 shares at $650, with a multi-year horizon, following a thorough article about FFH being a top-ranked stock when it comes to long-term value AND growth. It has recently been on a steady decline, down by about 5%. Where could I find a relevant explanation for why this is happening and what is your outlook for FFH moving forward ?
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 13, 2017
Q: Fairfax, has been extremely weak lately, near yearly lows. Yet, they have unwound I believe half of their hedges against the S&P falling, sold off many of their bonds, and they are in the Insurance business. To me, it would appear that they are in a much better position now, than what they were just a few months ago. In your opinion why is Fairfax so weak currently?
Read Answer Asked by LEN on December 13, 2016
Q: I noticed you mentioned while FFH is a good company it is not one of your favourites. Would like a suggestion for a replacement.
Second question, with hydro rates in everyones mind and the thought Kathleen MAY DO SOMETHING, I was wondering what affect reducing hydro rates might have on the stock.Hard question to answer but appreciate your thoughts. What would you suggest as a replacement. I reply on dividends in my retirment and safety is also a concern.

Wayne
Read Answer Asked by Wayne on November 22, 2016
Q: FFH and ECI have set new lows. Their charts are ghastly and their RSI numbers are in the oversold category, especially FFH. I am now at the point where I am debating adding more funds to these stocks (buy low, right?) or selling them and moving on. Currently they are a small part of my portfolio: FFH 1.2% and ECI 1%. I can see that ECI has fallen with income stocks, but I would appreciate your views on the collapse of FFH stock.
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on November 21, 2016
Q: Hi there

I was thinking of investing about 2.5% of a diversified portfolio in Fairfax Financial as a bit of a hedge on the maket not really going the way it is going now - up. But I see today Fairfax is removing many of it hedging positions betting the market would decline. Two questions:

1) Will this cost them much to get out of these contracts and will this affect their next quarter results?

2) Given it has pulled way back from its highs do you see it as a buy here?

Much thanks

Stuart
Read Answer Asked by Stuart on November 14, 2016
Q: I'm considering an investment in India. What do you think about a long-term (5+ years) in that country? Capital gains are my primary interest. How should I invest there - Fairfax India (FTD.UN), Excel India Growth & Income Fund, INDY or XID? Do you have other suggestions for that market?
Read Answer Asked by George on November 10, 2016
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
Read Answer Asked by Jason on October 19, 2016
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