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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: Calamos has started these structured etf's the first of which commenced May 1. They are based on the S&P or the Nasdaq or the Russell. A new monthly fund starts each month with the aim to protect all the invested capital if the etf is held for one year with a capped upside of approximately 10%. They are targeting retirees who cannot replace lost capital as an alternative to holding cash. Structured investing isn't new however the etf wrapper providing capital gains after a one year hold for US residents and a 100% protection rather than some lessor protection as well as a .7% MER all seem to provide substantial improvement compared with other prior structured offerings regarding fees and advertised protection as well as tax treatment on gains in a cash account. Calamos also seems to have a long history of options and hedging investment and claims a significant expertise. As a retiree I am seeking, respectfully and if possible, Peter's assessment of this series of etf's as a way to seek equity-like returns based on the S&P etf set up Calamos is offering as an alternative to a money market holding or even an HSAV.CA corporate class holding which provides capital gains but at around 5% instead of the greater potential on offer. Any comment on the reset of downside protection and upside cap each year would be appreciated. Finally if there is any possible liquidity issue that needs consideration please comment. I recognize this as a big ask however these etf's should have wide interest among retirees seeking a US equity play which aims to protect against any capital loss while providing double the current return of a risk-free holding which likely applies to a substantial portion of your subscription base. Thank you in advance Peter. Hope you're not taking the summer off!!!
Read Answer Asked by Ken on July 05, 2024
Q: I saw this article on Reuters re NVO and assume that's why it has come off the past couple of days. Does this issue also affect LLY? If no, is it time to switch? If yes, is it time to get out of NVO? "Patients using Novo Nordisk's wildly popular weight-loss drug Wegovy and its similar medicines for type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk for a sight-threatening eye condition, according to data from a study published on Wednesday."
Read Answer Asked by Kim on July 05, 2024
Q: Looking at ETF SPYG for my $US Acct. Holdings are sub-set (about 228) of S&P 500 said to have better growth. MER=0.04%.

Appears similar to VOO, VUG, MER also similar. Looking for growth, not income. For 3-5 year hold, Please comment on SPYG and compare to the two Vanguard ETFs.

Thank you,
IslandJohn
Read Answer Asked by John on July 04, 2024
Q: Hi,

Long time subscriber and was curious as to the weightings of these four stocks in the BP. ranging from 1.15% to 1.76%. Conventional wisdom is that as weightings get closer to 1%, any movement has less effect on the overall portfolio.

What does one look for to justify holding on to these smaller holdings? I have a long time frame, and I know three of the four are recent additions, with OTEX being increased once.

Just looking for my held to be held, I suppose.

Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Kelly on July 04, 2024
Q: And another question about GSY, after a couple in the last day or 2. One answer was that there was no news that would explain its recent strong stock price. You have often said that new highs were a positive and not necessarily a reason to sell.....but I can't help but wonder if it is time to take profits, but of course would want to get your views. What is your current outlook for where the share price might go from here? With the rise in price, its financial matrices are thinning out....how does it compare to other similar financial alternatives? As always, thank you for your excellent service.
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on July 04, 2024
Q: My question is about "keeping cash", I read that prudent professionals like to keep between 10% and 20% on portfolio. Can you share your view on this? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Fernando on July 04, 2024
Q: May I have your current thoughts on FM? It seems the newly elected president is looking at getting third party verification of the mine’s level of environmental danger. Does FM have a good reputation in that aspect of the operation. There was a recent heap leach mine failure in Turkey with fatalities. Did that occur at an FM mine?
Thanks,
Jim
Read Answer Asked by James on July 04, 2024