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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: Based on your previous answers you seem to have a luke-warm response to Visa as a stock and appear to favor U.S. banks for example over Visa. Can you expand on that preference and what your thoughts are on Visa alone. Folding Visa Europe into the company seems to offer a lot of potential. Do you think the risk of different payment alternatives becoming available puts Visa at too much risk given its relatively expensive multiple. Thanks for your input.
Read Answer Asked by Christopher on January 30, 2017
Q: Lately there’s been a profusion of articles warning about the deeply negative effect Trump’s policies might have on Canada, with respect to trade agreements, taxes on imports, foreign investment shifting from Canada to the USA, etc. To the extent an investor should be influenced by this new outlook, I was wondering if you could list the sectors and associated companies in Canada which you think would be hurt the most if the dire warnings come true, and which ones would be the most resilient. Also, are there any particular foreign investments Canadians should be considering at this time? Let’s assume a time horizon of at least four, and possibly eight, years. Thanks for your insights.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on January 30, 2017
Q: Hello!

I am mirroring your model portfolios and I currently have 50% of my holdings invested in Balanced, 25% Income and 10% Growth. I also have 10% of my portfolio equally split between VEF and VSP.

I have the opportunity to increase my holdings by about 30% and I'd appreciate your help in deploying those additional dollars.

Should I allocate across the board based on the same percentages? Should I up my percentage in VEF/VSP? Or is there something other investment(s) you would recommend?

I foresee a 6-8 year horizon before needing to draw down on any of these investments.

Thank you for all that you do. I really appreciate all your effort.

Best regards
M
Read Answer Asked by Michael on January 30, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and Co.:
I have never had any kind precious metals in my portfolio but I'm thinking with the way things are going and possibly inflation coming around in the next few years it might not be a bad idea to have some. I recently became aware of a company called Goldmoney. Is that a good way to hold gold? I really don't know anything about all of this so am looking for your advice and opinion. cheers
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on January 30, 2017
Q: I have a question about USD corporate bond ETFs

I have some funds in USD that I want to use to buy a US corporate bond ETF with.

Can you give me your opinion on HYG? ishares

Also can you tell me if HYG is considered a <Junk Bond ETF> ?

Lastly if you could also suggest another USD corporate bond ETF that has slightly lower yield than HYG.

Thank you

Regards
Stephane
Read Answer Asked by Stephane on January 30, 2017
Q: For covered calls, can you see a reasonable risk adjusted return profile if you can only write 1 or 2 contracts? Or do you think the friction will be a setup for failure (based on typical CDN bank commission structure of 9.99 + 1.25/contract). I've been wanting to dip my toes (maybe with something like Loblaws) but the healthy chunk coming from my payout has me wary. Also, do you happen to know of a good beginner resource for understanding if the contract price is at least reasonable for the option writer (I know it is fairly speculative but don't want to get completely fleeced). Thanks for everything.http://www.5iresearch.ca/questions/category/miscellaneous-misc
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on January 30, 2017
Q: Greetings 5i Team: First I wanted to say how much I appreciate the "Five from 5i" every week, I usually find some nuggets in areas that I wouldn't otherwise discover or even seek out. I found the article "Changing Investor Expectations" as it relates to Millennials particularly compelling. I believe that Thomson Reuters has ESG research data that isn't available to me but may be to you. My question is whether you know of an ETF that has ESG as a theme that you think is currently investable? Also, though I hate to add to the suggestions for additional portfolios, would you ever consider an ESG themed model portfolio?

Regards,
Read Answer Asked by Stephen R. on January 30, 2017
Q: I see in past Q&A's you are not fond of Nobilis.
I was wondering if you could provide insight as to why?

Last years short report was disproven. Their delay in earnings was well explained.
I agree the move off the TSX was perplexing but they seem to be executing their business well. Assuming they meet guidance for Q4 I don't see what's not to like.
I have a small position and considering its current valuation I am thinking of adding.

Your expert option would be much appreciated.

E.
Read Answer Asked by EVAN on January 30, 2017
Q: Peter & Co., I am planning to add to my small positions in one or two of these American banks. I have compared P/E, P/B, ROE and payout ratios and I am in a quandary. Would you please list them in order of your priority for possible purchases.
With great appreciation for your excellent service.
Read Answer Asked by Ed on January 30, 2017
Q: I'm trying to create an Index portfolio and I have allocated 35% to the U.S. through the iShares Core S&P 500 Index (IVV). Of that 35%, I am looking at adding exposure to mid cap and small cap U.S. companies to generate more growth. Do you agree with this strategy. I plan to retain a 27% weighting in the IVV and add 5% to a mid cap ETF and 3% to a small cap ETF. I am leaning towards the IJH and IJR due to the low fees.

Thanks,
Jason
Read Answer Asked by Jason on January 30, 2017
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