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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: Hello from the Responsible Investing Club in Comox, B.C.
Thanks for your great service!
Do you have any suggestions for an ETF that focuses on Responsible/Ethical Investing, which does NOT use a "best of sector" approach? (i.e. the "best" oil company, the "best" mining company, etc).
For example, XEN on the TSE has Suncor as its third-largest holding, which isn't something that many ethical investors could invest in.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Read Answer Asked by Jonathan on December 05, 2016
Q: I have a portfolio consisting of mostly stocks, but also some etf's (ex IWO, ZPR, etc...) and BRK.B. Could you offer some advice on how the ETFs and conglomerate companies fit in to overall sector allocations? For example, in my case I have very little consumer discretionary exposure via stocks, but obviously some through IWO & BRK.B. I'm trying to figure out the best way to measure these for sector allocation purposes.

As always, thanks for the great service.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on December 05, 2016
Q: I am looking for short term (1 year) fixed income investments.With rates soo low,I have found best rates at People's Trust,Alterna Bank and Oaken.They are all CDIC .
What is your opinion of these 3 institutions and if too risky what alternatives would you suggest? As well, is the interest covered with deposit insurance.
You advise is most appreciated,
Thanks
Jean
Read Answer Asked by Sherrill on December 02, 2016
Q: My understanding is that financial stocks are rising due to the prospects of higher interest rates. Is the risk of defaults on consumer loans and mortgages due to higher rates and the impact on financials being overlooked?

I read consumer debt in Canada is at an all time high, a housing bubble and notice new billboards for debt restructuring services in my town. Am I valid in my concerns with the run-up in financials? I have my doubts that main street is prepared for higher rates without some sort of a crisis unfolding.
Read Answer Asked by John on December 02, 2016
Q: I thought I was being careful but I've still ended up overweight in industrials ( 17%) owning the above 5 companies. Is there any chance I could relabel any of them to get down to a better level, or must I drop some? If i "relabel" ECI as consumer staples, and SIS as health, I bring my holding down to 12%. Still high, I know, but acceptable? If I must sell some of them, would you rank them in order of reverse preference ?( Keep to not keep) Many thanks for your steady hand as always. I'd be on Advil without you!
Read Answer Asked by M.S. on December 02, 2016