RE:general stock commentHello Sarge, I read your post with great interest, and I think it's terrific that you share your experience.
I note that your investments are in the Canadian sectors of Financial (banks), Telecoms, Energy, Utilities and some REITS. I presume that, like me, the big draw is that they pay good dividends, something we all need in retirement. May I ask . . .
1. That portfolio doesn't appear diversified, either geographically or by all sectors or even cap sizes. Have you ever found this limiting in any way? Have you been uncomfortable having "all your eggs in one basket"?. (As an aside, most of my monies are also in Canadian investments, but I do have an S&P 500 ETF)
2. Have you been fully invested, or have you access to cash or short term gics? If you keep cash, what percentage do you keep?
3. Have you ever been inclined to invest in more growth-centric stocks, for example the industrials of CN and CP? Of course they pay a small dividend, but growth over a longer period is substantial.
4. I've never been a big fan of reits, but at one time many years ago, I bought NWH.UN, sold a while later since I thought they couldn't maintain their larger 8% dividend. But they always did; I see that it's price has been coming down - is that reflecting concern about a dividend cut, as you've suggested? Is there a realistic price where you would consider adding more?
You're very generous with your time, and I greatly appreciate your efforts, thanks, Karl