Investment Q&A

Q: For someone looking at a retirement in 2 - 3 years that will be funded by personal investments, I am having trouble formulating an investment strategy that would currently include fixed income investments. Fixed income securities seemed destined to only go down in value in the foreseeable future as interest rates rise so why would I want to invest in them? Pipelines, utilities and telecoms may also drop but their yield is currently quite good and secure and capital appreciation is always a possibility, if not a probability, in the longer run.

It seems to me that much of the argument for holding fixed income assets is to ensure the preservation of one's capital. But if I am ultimately going to invest largely in quality dividend paying stocks eventually anyway to fund my retirement is capital preservation the main concern? Isn't dividend "preservation" more the issue?

I feel like I am missing something because it seems that all advisors, planners and analysts strongly suggest there be some fixed income in a portfolio, especially as retirement nears. What are your thoughts?

Appreciate the insight.

Paul F.

Q: Will be doing some re-balancing early next year and would appreciate your thoughts/ considerations/ suggestions.
Can. Tech :
Own CSU, DSG, and ENGH. Will keep CSU - which of the other two would be the better complement and the keeper?
Can. Industrials:
Own CNR, NFI, STN and SJ . Will keep CNR and NFI and leaning to STN due to SJ small over-lap with CNR but would appreciate your thoughts.
Thank-you.

Q: Looking at building my USD assets and then investing it in Vanguard ETFs. Would you invest in the S&P500 or maybe the specific sectors such as consumer staples? If so, what percentage would you put in each sector? Ultimately I would like to invest in specific companies but there is no 5i US equivalent so this would seem like the next best alternative.

Q: I have always struggled to categorize into sectors the companies I own. What guideline would you suggest to use to make this exercise accurate and hence more meaningful.

Q: I recall seeing a report on stocks that are good to buy at tax loss season, but cannot find it. Would you please guide me on how to find this report.

Q: Is there a Canadian equivalent or similar product to the American Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS? A Canadian TIPS-like ETF for the retail investor?

Thanks

Q: I hold both Blue Ribbon Income Fund ( 6.4% dividend) and Canoe EIT income fund (10.2% dividend ) Blue Ribbon is 6% of my total portfolio and Canoe is 1% of portfolio. Would appreciate your thoughts on both of these and would you suggest selling and if so what would you purchase.
Second question, a little out of the box but if you wanted to start a risk portfolio, maybe 2 stocks, which ones would you recommend. By risk I mean potential to lose but with a potential upside to make a big profit in the next year or two. You might call this a speculation portfolio that has the money you can afford to lose.

Regards

Wayne
I just joined in July and do enjoy the information you put forth.

Q: I am relatively new to self directing my investments. Now have my long term portfolio set up for my registered accounts that is progressing quite well, I am now looking for a home for some cash savings. As I have some significant capital losses accrued, what recommendations would offer to take advantage of them?

Q: I have some money in the Steadyhand Small Cap Fund, which recently changed managers, now Joe Sirdevan from Galibier. Do you know him and his track record at Jarislowsky, where he was previously? Would you recommend him as a money manager?

Thanks.

Q: Hi 5i: As part of my RIF portfolio I hold three ETFs, namely one S&P (45%), one TSX (35%) and one for developed ex North America (20%). Do those percentages seem reasonable to you? I also have a chunk of the portfolio reserved for fixed (safe) income, so I'm not worried about safety, just efficiency.

Q: From the balanced portfolio, which 5 stocks would you purchase at today's price and what size of position, 1/4, 1/2 or more?

Thanks

Q: Hi Peter and team
When making a diversification spreadsheet of my portfolio, how can I properly allocate my stocks in to the different groups like tech, telecom, energy etc?
Is there a place where I can find out.
Thanks
Margita

Q: How do capital gains work with US stocks? In addition to the gain, do you have to factor in the exchange differential rate from purchase to sale. If the US dollar increased in value during this period, does that increase the gain to be declared and the other way around? Thank you for the great service.

Q: Just to let you know, I tried to log on using Lana's link and I was told at 1:04 Toronto time that the session is full contact administrator.

Hope you will make recording available to those not able to enter the session

Sheldon

Q: I recently received Coty shares for my PG shares and since it will take time for Coty to bring benefits of merger with PG brands I am lookiung at switching 50% of my Coty shares for Nestle or UL. The funds are help in a RIF and my time line is two years. Please advise.
Hamish

Q: There seems a fanatical feeling that Reits and Utlities will be impacted by a higher interest rate moves by USA.How does that affect Canadian companies if Canada doesn't follow suit or by very little interest moves.Which Reits do you feel won;t be impacted ?

Q: NOT TO HAPPY WITH THIS FUND. SHOULD I SELL ALL NOW OR WAIT FOR DISTRIBUTIONS TO BE PAID THIS MONTH? WOULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE A BETTER PLAY FOR FIXED PORTION OF PORTFOLIO. WE ARE IN OUR EARLY 70'S AND RETIRED WITH 60% EQUITIES, 25% CASH, 15% IN GGF31222. WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN DEPLOYING CASH IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS FOR SANTA RALLY. YOUR THOUGHTS PLEASE.

Q: I am currently trying to diversify my portfolio with US and international exposure.I know you or i do not like fees but i have no experience in this area and you do not provide a US model so i am asking your opinion on investing in a hedge fund or looking at funds like Cambridge in particular provides but at a 2.45 mer.Please help me in my goal to diversify my RRSP

Q: Any suggestions for investing in US Stocks for long term period. Good safe investment with yield and growth potential.
Thanks so much.

Q: Hello,
I currently work for a company that has a share ownership program where my contributions are non-tax sheltered, while the matching contribution from my employer is tax sheltered. Starting Jan.1st they are now offering an option to have my personal bi-weekly contribution go into a TFSA instead of the non-tax sheltered option. Seems like a good option to me but I'd like to get your thoughts/comments before I make a decision. Thanks!