investment management
Our two top Canadian insurance recommendations will be slowed by the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly their Asian operations. Much of that drop stems from the global stock market downturn; it hurts their wealth management fees as their clients’ stock portfolios drop in value....
All of the major Canadian and U.S. stock markets are down in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But we think the worst is over for many stocks, and one way to profit, while at the same time cutting risk, is to invest in ETFs.
The best of these offer a diversified group of stocks while charging you low management fees....
The best of these offer a diversified group of stocks while charging you low management fees....
ISHARES S&P/TSX REIT INDEX ETF, $13.33, is a hold. The ETF (Toronto symbol XRE; buy or sell through brokers; ca.ishares.com) lets you tap all 19 Canadian real estate investment trusts in the S&P/TSX REIT Index.
Investors pay a reasonable MER of 0.61%, and the REIT fund gives you a high 7.1% yield.
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Investors pay a reasonable MER of 0.61%, and the REIT fund gives you a high 7.1% yield.
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Spurred by the dramatic impact of COVID-19 on the economy, the Bank of Canada has now cut its benchmark interest rate to 0.25% from 1.25%. Whether it continues to hold that rate steady, or cut it further, depends on the country’s economic growth and unemployment levels.
Meanwhile, even for our conservative investors, we caution against investing in bonds....
Meanwhile, even for our conservative investors, we caution against investing in bonds....
The COVID-19 outbreak will slow the growth of these top insurance companies, particularly in Asia. The shock to their investment portfolios will also limit their earnings.
However, both firms should rebound quickly once the outbreak eases. That should also let them keep raising your dividends.
MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORP....
However, both firms should rebound quickly once the outbreak eases. That should also let them keep raising your dividends.
MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORP....
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. $105 (www.iff.com) is still a buy. The company plans to merge with the nutition and biosciences business of DuPont (New York symbol DD). DuPont shareholders will own 55.4% of the combined company, with IFF shareholders owning the rest....
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP. $2.28 is still a hold. The company (New York symbol BGG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 42.5 million; Market cap: $96.9 million; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.1; Dividend suspended in March 2020; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; www.briggsandstratton.com) makes lawnmower engines, portable power generators, pressure washers, and snowblowers and throwers.
Under a new strategy to protect investor value, Briggs will focus on making engines for industrial and consumer uses, standby power generators and commercial battery systems....
Under a new strategy to protect investor value, Briggs will focus on making engines for industrial and consumer uses, standby power generators and commercial battery systems....
The COVID-19 outbreak could prompt many businesses to cut their spending on important equipment such as video surveillance systems (made by Motorola Solutions) and self-serve cash registers (NCR). However, we believe many other businesses will see that as a false economy because these products help them operate more efficiently....
Cintas investors already expect the COVID-19 pandemic to hurt demand for the company’s uniform services, particularly from restaurants and hotels.
However, invests will benefit from higher demand for uniforms, including scrubs, from hospitals and healthcare providers....
However, invests will benefit from higher demand for uniforms, including scrubs, from hospitals and healthcare providers....
ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO. $33 is a buy. This company (New York symbol ADM; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares o/s: 556.7 million; Market cap: $18.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.3; Divd. yield: 4.4%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.adm.com) is a leading processor of corn, wheat, soybeans, canola and other crops for flour, oils and other food ingredients....