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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'm not sure of you do Tax questions or not. I am a new DIY investor (March 2017). I currently have Cash, RRSP, and TSFA accounts, all with CAD and USD capability. I did not do much tax research before I started building my portfolio. Currently I hold all my US equities and us funds in the USD Cash account (about 15% of portfolio). Now it seems to me from a tax point of view this is the worst possible place to hold US securities. Of course if I want to use the US cash then it's the only place I should actually put it. But I don't think I will need to use the US cash any time soon. So it seems to me that despite the 15% withholding tax the TSFA would be the best place for US equities, since the US gains are much higher than Canadian, and I could get the money if I do need end up needing it. Does that make sense? Would it be prudent to put a portion of both RRSP money and TSFA money into US funds accts with the CAD relatively strong right now? I have cash available in both accts to do so, but would be raising my overall US funds to about 25%. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by John on September 11, 2017
Q: I'm switching from mutual funds to ETF's and making a portfolio makeover. I have 3 years to retire and wanted to make sure I chose the correct Canadian Fixed Income ETF (at 40% bonds and 60% equities). I'm looking at HAB, ZCS, VSB, ZAG and ZEF. Of these 5 ETF's which one should I go with?
Read Answer Asked by Bert on September 11, 2017
Q: Good morning,
It 'appears' GE's downward trend will continue. That would soon take our current US$23k investment below our book value. I prefer holding, but don't like the notion of underwater for years waiting for this ship to turn around. So I'm 'inclined' to move on, in which case probably by adding that to SPY which most of our US$ are in. Your thoughts will be appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Bill on September 11, 2017
Q: Canaccord has identified CanadianTire as one of their top 10 dividend stocks.

2 questions here:

1. Is there any information as to the sales volumes and comparable profitability between their 3 major divisions: Canadian Tire stores, Marks Work Wear House and Sport Check? And if so, projected future numbers.

2. Would you agree with Canaccord's opinion?

Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on September 08, 2017
Q: Hello Peter,
With the increase in interest rates, i was expecting Sunlife and Manulife to go higher but they have dropped. Any comments? I want to increase my weighting to 5 percent for Enbridge and Alimentation Couch Tard but both stocks are not responding well eventhough Alimentation had good results. Would 5 percent be too much? Also, if you had a choice between fairfax africa and india, which one would you prefer and finally, I was thinking of Jean Coutu for a 5 year hold. Can you see it doubling in 5 years? Lastly, all the stocks that the shorts went after have not really recovered (CXR, HCG, CRH, etc). What does this say about the analysis that was done by various managers including ones on BNN? I am not blaming anyone but it is discouraging that the shorts were right. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by umedali on September 08, 2017
Q: I invested in Methanex as a longer term investment but must admit that I do get frustrated by the volatility of the share price. More and more it seems like a trading stock as opposed to a longer term hold. About four years ago the shares were trading at today's prices with lots of downs and ups in between.. Definitely not a positive long term trend. Can you comment on this please with your thoughts as to why this company's shares should be held over the next 2-3 years. What is different now compared to the last four years?
Read Answer Asked by John on September 08, 2017
Q: I currently owner PONY and I'm down almost 50% on what I own, it only represented 3% of my portfolio when purchased, I'm thinking of averaging down on it, is that a good idea or not.
I've been looking at Neo Lithium for a few weeks now and was thinking of purchasing some and wanted to know what you think of it if you follow it at all?
Read Answer Asked by Don on September 08, 2017