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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: When I read thru the most recent MD&A, it screams to me that a turnaround is progressing very effectively. The new management had a massive mess to clean up. The sale of unleased single family properties to and post 09/30/16 as well as the resolution of all the municipal code violations/massive reduction in associated fines, gradual collection of former CEO funds owing with interest, paydown of expensive SSN and so on all seem very positive. I know this isn't something you endorse due to size and period of consistency, but do you agree with what I am reading that this ship is at least ostensibly turning around in a big way? Current management and board does have a solid track record with Firm Capital (FC) and significant insider ownership here, correct? Could you explain what the recent rights issue is about and how it works? Much thx!
Read Answer Asked by Tom on December 05, 2016
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: A few years ago you recommended to me the Powershares ETF QQQ for the IT portion of my holdings. It has been a very good performer, thanks. I also own CSU, MDA & ENGH.

Do you still recommend QQQ as your top ETF pick? Are there any other items you would recommend looking at. It can be a stock, mutual fund or etf.

Thanks

Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on December 05, 2016
Q: Hi Team.
In view of the current market rotation, cyclical stocks are performing better. Could you identify three US and three cyclical Canadian stocks that could still outperform in the new environment. What sectors other than finance will benefit from the new administration in the US.
I value your opinion.
Thank you
Raouf
Read Answer Asked by Raoul on December 05, 2016
Q: We are involving our kids (ages 7 and 8) in choosing companies that they are interested in for their RESP holdings. They love watching their dividends get deposit into their accounts, almost as much as I do.

My son has chosen: CGX (because he likes going to the movies), L (because he sees how busy the grocery store and Shoppers are) and ICE (because he likes playing hockey and noticed how busy the rinks are where we live).

My daughter has chosen: CTC.a (because she likes to go to Sports Check to buy her sports equipment) and CARA (because she likes going to a few of their restaurant brands).

I added T, for some stability and extra dividends.

I realize this mini-portfolio is pretty concentrated in the consumer sectors. Do you have any suggestions to diversify things?

Also, given their age, what percentage of their RESP would you recommend being in equities?

Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Jonathan on December 05, 2016
Q: Hi, I've sold my REITs in my cash account but am thinking of adding two or three in my RRSP accounts for long term holds. Is this a reasonable move? I've noticed that your recommendations generally include CSH, CAR, and REI. I can't help but be attracted to the yield on AX. Am I "reaching" for yield and likely to be disappointed if I buy AX? What would be your top 2 or 3 REITs for an RRSP that consists of a balanced group of etf's? I'm looking to be a bit more conservative here than in my cash account which mirrors the balanced equity model fairly closely.
Thanks, Rod
Read Answer Asked by Rod on December 05, 2016
Q: Mp portfolio closely mirrors you balanced equity portfolio (about 3 exceptions). I have been happy with its performance but note some analysts indicate a that the US economy will out[perform the Canadian economy over the next year. Do you think it is a good idea to pick up some U.S.stocks? What do you think. I favor ETS's at would make up about 20%of my portfolio.

Would you recommend such a move? If so, what ETF's would you prefer?

Raymond
Read Answer Asked by Raymond on December 05, 2016
Q: PIF dropped close to 22% this week with no news. It's technical support level is now a very weak $13.78 and today it closed at $14.60.

From a TA stand point it sure look like this will continue to fall through the bottom to the next strong support level of $8. Since my entry price was also only $8 I think I should just lock up my profit now and exit this name, even though I'm collecting almost a 7% dividend.

What is your recommendation in such situation? Even though I like this name I don't want to see so much gains vaporized. I can always buy it back later, right? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Victor on December 05, 2016
Q: Peter and His Wonder Team
I thought there 3rd Quarter results reflected progress as they have closed 85 stores and are restructuring. However the stock dropped 2.58%. So what happened? Was Mr.Market disappointed...is the whole sector down...tax loss selling...apparel stocks are out of favour...or all of the above? Ha!Ha! Your thoughts please!
With appreciation...
Dr.Ernest Rivait
Read Answer Asked by Ernest on December 05, 2016
Q: As a follow up to my question Dec 2nd about energy:
1. What is the difference between ENF and ENB?
2. My scepticism about energy, particularly upstream, is due to direct impact and volatility arising from commodity markets, in turn strongly affected by politics. This may now be compounded by low expectation of growth. Comments?
3. Philisophically, I don't like Superior Propane (SPB) much. When I bought it, it was as I recall in a single industry - propane. It since added divisions for specialty chemicals and construction products which seem wholly unrelated and lacking synergy with the core business. I vaguely recall their recently selling or planning to sell one of these unrelated divisions. In principle, I have a problem with companies expanding into unrelated businesses, unless their stated mission is to be a diversified investment vehicle. Comments?
Read Answer Asked by Carl on December 05, 2016
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