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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 am developing my portfolio to be an income generator and like many Canadians, have a significant portion of my capital in Canadian banks. What do you feel is a suitable % range for Canadian banks in an income portfolio? I am certain I am too heavily invested today in the banks but the recent drop was too inviting so more had to be bought. Thanks in advance.
Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 09, 2015
Q: Hello,
Back on January 22, 5i was commenting on Albert`s question that VUN has had consistently better performance than it`s hedged cousin, the VUS.
How does that occur when they both track the same index? Does the VUS have added admin costs with converting back into CAD dollars daily, which negatively impacts it`s performance numbers? Thanks for clarifying.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on February 09, 2015
Q: Hi,
After the recent miss on earnings, do u think I should continue to hold and wait for better days given 6% annual growth in China? I am about 12% under water and have a substantial holding, about 15% of portfolio. I know some are suggesting shorting it which worries me.
Read Answer Asked by tara on February 09, 2015
Q: Does this look like a buying opportunity for this co.?
Are there any other car suppliers that might complement this co or stand on their own.
Many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Helen on February 09, 2015
Q: Hi
Looking for an update on a few of your recommendations I currently own:
Surge- Seems like oil has found some footing for now. Would seem like some kind of move to the middle would be in order after such a panic adjustment. Looks like you are suggesting a hold here. Do you have a sense for the underlying commodity price going forward.
Avigilon- seems to have recouvered from weakness. is there upside here or a good time to sell.
Descartes- same
Fiera Cap - same
Questor-same
Read Answer Asked by LJ on February 09, 2015
Q: Hi team. Thanks to your guidance and the present market, I have been able to shave a few of my equities, that are from your PFs, and am ready to purchase more U.S. I am thinking of this ETF. I understand you prefer unhedged. I have Canadian $ which I suppose I can convert. But having read answers on these ETFs am still confused. Which of the 2 is preferable? Is it best to convert my Can $ to US $ and then buy? (which one of the 2?) Or is that a waste of time and should I purchase with Canadian $ ?(again which one?) I am sorry for the confusion. Thank you as always for your sage advice.
Read Answer Asked by El-ann on February 09, 2015
Q: My question relates to what one should hold in an RRSP for minimum taxation long term.
I have quite a diversified portfolio but I rely more on dividends from stable companies instead of bonds for "fixed income." I treat all accounts as one account for diversity.
Some rules of what to put where are clear eg Cdn dividend stocks go in cash accounts to get best tax treatment. However if cdn dividend stocks are held in an RRSP I conclude you lose the favourable tax treatment because when you take money out, its taxed at the marginal rate. REITs appear to be better because the yield is not all dividends. My conclusion is that the priority for picking stocks to hold in an RRSP should be US dividend payers and interest paying securities first and Cdn REITs after.
Does this make sense?
Read Answer Asked by Don on February 09, 2015
Q: With the small improvement in Cuba-USA relations and their nickel mine start up on time would you consider a small position in S a good investment or another name?

Thanks to all
Read Answer Asked by Warren on February 09, 2015
Q: The question about CXI and reporting got me to checking my portfolios. Do I have to fill in Form 1135 for ETFs based on the S&P 500, like VFV and XSP, which trade on the TSX? What about EWWS and EWU which trade on an American Exchange?
Read Answer Asked by Roland on February 09, 2015
Q: Looking for dividend paying stocks Wanted to get 5i thoughts on HNL
Read Answer Asked by Paul on February 09, 2015
Q: Good morning,

Natural gas prices have been trending lower recently due to increased supplies and lower demand.

What are your thoughts on price direction going forward and what would be your favorite names that would benefit the most if we are indeed approaching a bottom in gas prices. I would like one small to mid cap and a large cap that would provide the greatest leverage (% price appeciation).

Also I would appreciate one name that you think would benefit the most from the lower natural gas prices in the near to medium term (lower feed stock and higher margins)

Thanks once again for your wonderful investment insights!

Tom
Read Answer Asked by Thomas on February 09, 2015
Q: Good day. I would first like to thank you for your service and unbiased advice. It is a great service and I have been very happy with everything you do.

This is mostly a strategy question regarding portfolio allocation in regards to too much energy sector exposure.

I have had to much exposure to energy mostly due to my wife receiving options and some private investments that went public. With your advice I have been adding exposure to other industries, but I am still heavy with energy. I am patient and don't mind waiting out the ups and downs.


Do I take and loss now and re-allocate to other sectors?

Do I keep these stocks and wait for the market to come back?

Do I leave these stocks but stay in the sector and add BDI or Surge?

Basically, if other companies may improve better than the current listed stocks, do I take my licks now and move on. I am underwater on TEI, LXE, but I am a bit above with PGF.

I am overweight PGF and TEI. LRE I received through Crocotta, and I don't know if it can weather this storm?

I am a long term investor and I am sometimes too patient.

Thanks again for you guidance.
Read Answer Asked by Colin on February 09, 2015
Q: I currently hold these 3 pipelines in equal weight and want to reduce pipeline exposure. I consider Enbridge a core holding, so looking to sell one of the other 2. In terms of future prospects and diversification (least similarity to ENB business lines), which one would you recommend I keep, or should I simply reduce each by half?
Read Answer Asked by Benjamin on February 09, 2015
Q: I hold VTV.US...it is a vanguard value ETF. It has done very well by me...any thoughts on VTV? Any other US ETFs you might suggest I look at.
Read Answer Asked by John on February 09, 2015
Q: Why is it underperforming others like Atrium. Down 20% over 2 years. What is your opinion for it going forward. I hold TMC, AI and MCAN to diversify the risk. Also what are your thoughts on MCAN which is also a fair bit off its highs.
Read Answer Asked by Husseinali on February 09, 2015
Q: Hello 5i Team,

A co-worker is basically starting out on the investment journey and I mentioned your expertise in portfolio development/management. My question is, can you recommend a group of ETF’s that would offer good diversification (international included) with little maintenance. The idea would be to have the basic structure there and as more funds become available he would just add to them. I think this would be a good start. I recommended he become a member so his investment knowledge grows over time with the portfolio, the portfolio is approximately $100,000.

Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 09, 2015
Q: Shire has offered me $46US per share. Would you recommend sell or hold? My position is small.
Sorry to ask something outside your specified scope but, as an inexperienced investor, an advice is very welcome.
Read Answer Asked by Ron on February 09, 2015
Q: Hi Peter, I wrote a few weeks ago but haven't heard back so I will try again. Also, up to you if you decide to publish but any assistance you can offer would be appreciated.

My Father-in-law passed away in 2009 and since everything was co-owned with my mother-in-law we did not have to go through probate. Subsequently, we have now located a number of old stock certificates in his name only. We have been advised by his lawyer that we will need to register these certificates at probate in order to have the ownership transferred to my mother-in-law. Most of the certificates are nearly worthless, However, he had certificates in Young Davidson Mine which was taken over by Aurica Gold last year. He purchased 1,000 shares in 1984. Through various takeovers we believe he would now own 789 shares of Aurico Gold today so it is certainly worth the time and expense to get these shares registered in my mother-in-laws and surrender to Aurico gold. Could you tell me how I can find out what the value of 1000 shares of Young Davidson Mines would have been at the time of his death - December 26, 2009 - this is requried in order to file the probate with the courts.
Also, he had purchased 10 units in 1991 for $10,000 of Lakewood VIII Limited Patnership (National Trust Company is listed as the Registrar and it states the subscription is acepted by 170944 Canada Inc as the General Partner). Any ideas how I can find out if this is worth anything? I haven't had much luck on the internet.
Peter thanks for any help you can porvide to me so we can finalize the estate. I must say it was pretty cool finding all these old stock certificates in the basement and I am sure other boomers are also encountering this as they clean out their parent's home. Might make a good article for Money Saver - what to do with old stock certificates.
Thanks again.
maggie
Read Answer Asked by Maggie on February 09, 2015