Last week I offered to do an “Ask me anything” blog. I received several questions, a few of which I answered right on the spot (they were not “big” enough questions to do a full write up on). But I did select 3 questions that I thought might be of interest to all. Here they Read More
NAFTA, the TSX and the Loonie
Before we get started, I thought I’d shamelessly show off our new video from the ValueTrend website. I thought it was well done. But then again, I am just a wee bit biased! Click here to see this short video on how ValueTrend combines technical and fundamental analysis to formulate our managed process. And Read More
Is Bank of Nova Scotia a dog, or a bargain?
Somebody at the MoneyShow asked me after my talk why I had put Bank of Nova Scotia on my Top Picks list a couple of shows ago. My answer was that it certainly wasn’t trending up yet, but it has the makings of a base. Meanwhile, ValueTrend Fundamental Analyst & CFA Craig Aucoin feels it Read More
Canadian small caps: trading strategy
I have written about stocks that like to trade in sideways patterns in this blog before. For example, here and here. As I have noted on those two blogs – and others – a stock or sector that is trading sideways likey remains in that pattern until it breaks out – either up or down. Once Read More
How NAFTA and government affects business
This is a technical analysis blog. But I thought I would take a moment to share some notes I made while attending a special meeting between a group of prominent local business leaders in Barrie, Ontario – and PC leader Andrew Sheer. Attending the meeting were such predominant businesspeople as Ron McArthur, President of Napoleon Read More
Market musings
Sometimes, we have to just “muse” on the markets rather than make prognostications. Particularly, if things are at an inflection point. I feel that both the US and Canadian markets may be at such a point right now. The US and Canadian indices are attempting to bust their highs – although not in synchronicity. Will Read More
Short termed reprieve may be coming for the loonie, but it likely won’t last
The Canadian dollar continues to decline against the USD. I’ve noted many times before that I am bearish on the loonie, having posted an accurate prediction that we would see a decline in our currency over the summer here. I’ve also posted the backdrop behind my weak outlook for the loonie. On this blog, Read More
Canadian conglomerates: what to buy, what to avoid
Conglomerates appeal to some long termed investors because of their diversity. Some conglomerates are so widespread in their corporate interests that they act much like a diversified mutual fund or ETF. Only without the fees, and often WITH a management team holding significant skin in the game. That doesn’t mean that all conglomerates are worthy Read More
Canadian banks are still on trend
Here’s a monthly chart of the BMO CDN bank equally weighted index. Nice uptrend, I must say. However, the sector is not without its harrowing moments. For example, the period between mid-2014 and early 2016 was a lousy time to be in the banks. Sure, the trend returned, but you had to wonder if that Read More
Is steel a steal?
In mid-February the U.S. Commerce Department proposed a potential 24% tariff on aluminum and steel imports coming from foreign countries. Canada does have a significant exposure to steel producers via Stelco and Russel Metals. The U.S. is by far the largest customer for Canadian steel. However, the proposal is for a “surgical option,” which would Read More