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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: I understand that a covered call ETF will produce lower highs and higher lows compared to a non-covered call ETF. However, what would cause the ETF's to have an inverse relation on a trading day? For example, if we take ZEB and ZWB, I noticed on some trading days in the past (even before the current volatility), one ETF would be up a few % points, while the other ETF would be down a few % points.
Read Answer Asked by Craig on April 01, 2020
Q: Hi team
looking for an etf for real return bonds (short term) vs XSB which is also short term
what is the main difference in terms of safety and returns between the 2 ? it is meant to be in a RRSP
thanks
Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on April 01, 2020
Q: What's your favorite tech names right now? I'm looking to add name in a non registered account. Looking for growth.

Thanks

Dave
Read Answer Asked by David on April 01, 2020
Q: Considering the adverse effects of COVID-19, many specialists in the medical community are using online technology for appointments for there patients. What thoughts and recommendations might you have related to this statement in a PR Newswire release and the specific companies named?

"Global Telehealth Market 2020-2024 The analyst has been monitoring the global telehealth market 2020-2024 and it is poised to grow by USD 95.72 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of 25% during the forecast period. .... American Well Corp., Cisco Systems Inc., Doctor On Demand Inc., Enghouse Systems Ltd., General Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., Koninklijke Philips NV, MDLIVE Inc., Medtronic Plc and Teladoc Health Inc."
Read Answer Asked by David C. on April 01, 2020
Q: Good morning, I hold these smaller cap companies in my TFSA for more aggressive growth, a strategy I believe you endorse.
In this new reality, I am thinking of a more conservative approach and selling the above and converting to FTS, RY, XRE, SLF.
If things recover well I will get a great pop on the big caps without the individual company risk associated with the smaller caps. If things go poorly with the recovery, my large cap mix should drop a lot less than the smaller caps.
Also, any of the above smaller caps that you do not like.

Thanks
Rob

Read Answer Asked by Robert on April 01, 2020
Q: Hi I asked this question earlier. You answered with dividend paying stocks (thanks). but if your were not considering only dividend payers, what would be your choices?
thanks

thanks as always for your level headed thinking. I have a number of CAN dividend stocks as the core of my holdings. I now have cash that I want to deploy over the next couple of months. what are your top 5-10 US stocks (no regard to sector) that you recommend based on a 5 year hold.
Michele
Read Answer Asked by michele on April 01, 2020
Q: Could you explain”take or pay” contracts in regards to pipeline companies if the producer of the oil goes bankrupt who would own the oil in the pipe just a general explanation how that works whoit could or hurt.
Also mould you give your opinion on which U S company you would prefer either Plains American or Enterprise Energy Partners ...thanks
Read Answer Asked by Greg on April 01, 2020
Q: Apologies for repeating. Take credits freely. Two quick follow-ups to my Covalon querry. 1. I had assumed that the Saudi problems coincided with a Canadian government comment that the Saudis got offended and defensive about, not that it was a problem with COV, but with Saudis. If I remember correctly, the Saudis cancelled all contracts with Canada because of an innocent statement by a government minister. And 2, from what I have read Covid-19 is here to stay, and will return probably each year, and will need to be controlled with a vaccine, somewhat akin to flu (but more serious). We will still need Purell and anything else in the market to stay safe. I'm not trying to defend the company, but just trying to dig a bit deeper in why you don't trust the management anymore, aside from the Saudi issue. Also, the shares are in my TFSA so no tax loss benefit. The volume on the stock has always been very low, so perhaps I should let it go gradually? Again, any further insight would be much appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on April 01, 2020
Q: I'm looking to take positions in the following sectors. Could you please recommend 2 stocks in each category to hold in a non-registered acct.

-Utilities
-Healthcare
-Real estate

Thanks as always, Dave
Read Answer Asked by David on April 01, 2020
Q: My 22 year-old is slowly building and has a fully contributed 8 stock TFSA portfolio that includes GSY, KXS, PHO, PBH, SIS, BAM.A, CNR and TOY. Given his long timeframe (ideally, decades) this current market chaos will be far behind him by the time he will want to access the funds. That being the case, can you suggest a couple of names where he can direct this year’s TFSA contribution or are there some of his current holdings that you would add to instead of, or in addition to, any new positions?
Many thanks for your help.
Bruce
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on April 01, 2020
Q: Good morning, stay safe and keep up the good work.
My question is on hedged vs unhedged funds.
My son is 27 and his time horizon for any investment is long term.
Now that our Canadian dollar trades at an all time low against the USD, (last time we hit similar lows was in 2016/2017) and the chances that our CAD trades lower are relatively slim, wouldn't it be preferable to invest in a hedged fund version of the Nasdaq-100 indexed ETF. The reason being is that the return of an investment in a USD equity (when converted back to CAD) decreases in a strengthening CAD environment. On the flip side, in a weakening CAD environment, the same USD investment's return, when converted back to CAD, would be increased.
To recap: My assumption (might not be a valid one) is that our CAD can only increase in value against the USD. In this strengthening environment, isn't it better to purchase a hedged ETF ?
Read Answer Asked by Elaine on April 01, 2020
Q: What would be your top stock picks for the best returns over the next 2 years? US & CDN.
Read Answer Asked by Larry M. on April 01, 2020
Q: Haven't seen an analysis of this newish millennial based finance concern lately. They say they have a million plus clients and their advertising seems to be on target in this new financial world. How does their latest $ #'s release stand up to your fiscally grounded scrutiny??
Read Answer Asked by Ryczard on April 01, 2020
Q: I realize that in a recovery as you’ve noted, individual stocks will do better than ETF’s. If I’m looking for growth over a three to five year time frame would you suggest buying both SMU and XLK Or a list of individual stocks that could include MSFT JPM V WMT INTC ? I suppose a combination of the two options is also possible. This is for US exposure and it’ll be in my TFSA account which is presently sitting in cash. I believe you’d also suggest buying back in gradually. Thoughts. Thnks
Read Answer Asked by Dennis on April 01, 2020