Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i Team,

This is an unusual question and feel free to take a pass on it, as it might not fall within the definition of the service you offer, and I would fully understand. Also, feel free, if answered to post or not.

There have been bank confiscations in Cyprus. And I believe, banking problems in other jurisdictions where the depositor has taken the hit. Rare, but they happen.

We were supposedly immune from such confiscation action by the rules and regulations of the banking industry, and also having relatively strong and stable economies and banking systems.

Since the Cyprus event, and the problems of the 2008 crash, according to articles in Canadian MoneySaver (May and June, 2013), the banking rules in the US and followed by Canada have been modified to allow for the backs to take money from their depositors, during an economic crisis, rather than rely on a government bail out.

This is not something that keeps me awake nights, but it does nag me as ... How does this make sense ?

I do not understand why the regulations were changed. Changes normally happen if there is a "really big reason to do so." In other words, If our economic and banking systems are in such great shape and are expected to be for the distant future, why change the rules ? The implication is that perhaps some sort of condition could occur that to save the "systems" (government budget and banking system), the investors will take the hit. (This also raises the option that ... Hey, why not just print money and give it to the banks as in the past - there was grumbling, but it did solve the problem).

I guess I am looking for a general comment on banks, safety of deposits, and why need to change regulations.

Thanks for the great service.

Jim,

Q: Any idea what spurred a 23% jump in CFW on Friday? I don't see any news, but volume seems be up about 3X normal.

Q: Hello Peter & Team, this is about sector allocation. In a recent answer to Tim, you suggest 10 sectors with their resptective percentages. Would you consider REIT to be the 11th sector, or is it already inserted in the Financial sector? If this is part of the Financial sector which is at 20%, then what should be the weight of Reit in that sector? Thanks, Gervais

Q: Stocks like Athabasca and BTE Baytex have had a good run this week, do they have a future, or should one take this as an oppurtunity to get out and buy into better quality. My time frame is 5-10 years

Q: Ryan - Congratulations on your performance on Market Call today. Very impressive to say the least!

Paul

Q: I wanted to congratulate Ryan on an outstanding performance on BNN today. I thought that after the first few minutes he really settled in and came across very well. It's so great to see a young guy coming into his own. Extremely knowledgeable, well spoken and confident. Very impressive! Also, keep the beard bro, it's killer. haha
cheers

Q: Any comments on the recent strength in the stock price ?

Q: Would you recommend 21/2% each for Pot and LIf for the materials sector of an income portfolio? If one or both are unacceptable, please provide your suggestions. Thanks.

Q: Good afternoon,

Would your comment ahange on this company since the last time you comment of February 17? And what is their dividend payout %?

Thanks

Paul

Q: It is hard to get financial ratios etc., I guess because it does not issue shares & perhaps it's corp. structure. Also, must be thinly traded: hard to get in and out without paying/getting price you want. I was thinking of buying for my non-registered account. Is it a safe long-term investment - I see they just incr. payout by 27%. I am retired - ergo, no more big fat pay checks to replenish any poor investment decisions. Oh, would this co. be a target for a co. like CCL for example?

Your comments would be appreciated.

JP

Q: With the growth in solar energy is there a way to play the space with batteries or substances used in batteries.

Thanks

Q: After seeing TCK.B rise from the ashes lately I thought I'd ask your opinion on some of your favourite stocks that are severely undervalued right now. Long term hold is fine. Also, what are your thoughts on TCK.B post resurrection>? Still too much debt? Thanks.

Q: A general question about voting and non-voting shares. How can a retail,investor find out if coattail provisions exist in case of a takeover.?
Many years ago I was burnt when laidlaw was taken over and the premium was not
Offered to non voting shareholders. Interesting , I did write a letter to investor relations at the time ( before email) and was assured that all shareholders would be treated equally.
I guess it was not written in stone
Thank you

Q: I own some XHY but am looking for something unhedged that would follow the $US if it goes up. It there an ETF that would fit the bill - and would you recommend this strategy?
Thanks
Paul

Q: Espial's volatility trading as high as $2.15 on decent volume is at least interesting to holders. I am not sure there is much to say besides small caps do that but I decided to ask for your comments anyway.

Q: Would you please provide a percentage sector allocation recommendation for an income portfolio with a 5 year time frame.

Q: Good day, can you provide a few names of fee for service advisors, that you would recommend in the GTA.

Thanks

Q: Reko International just released another strong quarter and the book value has climbed to 5.70 at the end of the quarter.
The debt has come down dramatically with over 5MM cash generated in the first half of the year.
The Reko family controls approx. 2/3 of the 6.4MM shares outstanding.
In December Reko announce a normal course issuer bid for 321,496 of its outstanding common shares.
What are you comments regarding holding/investing in this company?
Chuck

Q: Hi, Could you give us your thoughts on their 1/4, once again the market seems thrilled.
Thanks

Q: Hello Peter and team, how could you explain the 16% increase in LIF share value as of today, Friday? Thanks, Gervais