Montreal under January's snow

We received quite massive snow yesterday in Montreal. I went outside for a walk. When I came back, my coat was all wet, which makes me realize that it isn't exactly waterproof. That snow was heavy and real wet. I saw people walking around with umbrellas, which I should have done too. I didn't take any pictures because the snow kept falling yesterday, but here's my view I got from my apartment's window. The tree facing my window had been covered with heavy snow. I like that tree. It is my protector. I sometimes see little birds playing around, which I adore. It makes this apartment a bit more enjoyable.

I like to go outside when it snows like that. With no surprise, COVID cases continue to rise in Quebec province, but not only. I continue to build on my food reserve here and there, even if I find it to be an extremely annoying task. My fridge is pretty much pack. I cannot fit anything more in my freezer section. I am thinking about buying a few other things, like rice. Currently, in Quebec province, we have a curfew starting at 8 pm, but since COVID cases are still heavy in numbers, I think we may face other restrictions, which may include an earlier curfew, and maybe even the impossibility to go outside if it's not to only go to the drugstore and do grocery shopping. In Europe, some countries had established such rules, but either way, it doesn't seem like such measures successfully stop the progression of the COVID. Europeans, like Quebeckers, are not doing enough. And it seems to be the case with Ontarians too, who are just not pandemic smart. Like always in New Brunswick, my home province is the best. We are currently dealing with only a few hundred cases, at least for now.  

In the meantime, Montreal is not a bad place to be. I am going through this pandemic quite smoothly, and strangely, I own this for living in Montreal. Here, I have my favorite spots that I visit all the time. Today again, I went to one of my favorite Montreal parks. And I notice that some tree branches had failed down because of tall the snow that we had received. For some trees, it's only small damages. But for others, the damages had been bigger.

When I saw the big branches, I taught: we need my father's chainsaw here!

 

While building up my pantry, I quickly realize how little I had. I couldn't find my flashlight, so I buy another one, among with some batteries. I even buy some lighters. I tried to pack a bit on my necessities. I think that in Montreal, we may face some more severe measures. It could lead to some waiting lines in front of grocery stores, among others. And who says waiting lines mean more chances to get exposure to the COVID virus. While shopping for necessities, I try to pick my stores carefully. I am avoiding Dollarama stores, which don't seem to be respecting basic sanitary rules.

Recently, many problems had been reported link to Dollarama stores, even back home in New Brunswick. Cheap store with cheap ways to take care of business. I like to do my shopping at Jean Coutu, and mostly Pharmaprix (Shoppers), which gives the impression to be well maintained. The next eight months are going to be quite critical. It will be interesting to see if the vaccine has any positive effect on the radiation of the COVID. We can only pray that it will help.

My Aphria Inc. (APH) is stealing the show at the markets opening!

My story with Aphria Inc. (APH) is far from being all perfect and smooth, but it is my story. :-) Back in 2018, Aphria Inc. (APH) was among my top performers. When pot stocks began to make their apparition over the TSX, APH was by far the most interesting one for me, because of its involvement with the medical field.

Like probably many other investors out there, I couldn't resist the temptation of trading Aphria Inc. (APH). So I took the liberty to buy some APH shares, to shortly after sell them for profit. It was fun, but I took a bad decision: to trade again APH. My intention was - again - to quickly sell my APH shares for a profit. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to proceed and I had been stuck with my Aphria Inc. (APH) shares inside my non-registered portfolio ever since. However, I didn't mind because I taught that sooner or later, I was going to be successful with Aphria Inc. (APH). Also, it's been said a bit everywhere in the financial press that it will take a while before pot stocks begin to engage profit. I decided to be patient. At the time, I could have sold my stocks and declared a capital loss, but it wasn't an option that pleased me, even if I was experiencing a capital loss in the 50%.

In this type of situation, selling or holding is always your choice, it's a personal decision that needs to be made. Like always, when I invest for "play" and not for regular serious investment purposes, I only played on an amount that I felt comfortable with. It took me a long time, but it seems like Aphria Inc. (APH) is on the right track for more great gain. I never doubt that I was going to make back my money, but at some point, it felt like a long process. Over time, APH stayed in my portfolio, but I barely look at it. It's one of the rare stocks in my portfolio on which I had experienced a capital loss, even during this pandemic. Not fun, but I was aware of the risks involved when I invested in APH. My first time trading APH, I was fine, but the second time is when I got stuck with the hot mess. One thing is, no capital loss becomes real until you decided to sell your x stock. Capital loss? I don't have any yet when it comes to APH, as far as I am concerned.

I had closed today's session with a capital loss of -37.06% on Aphria Inc. (APH). I am still holding on tight to my APH shares inside my non-registered portfolio, I think that I may have chances for APH to experiment more grow, so we'll see. Also, for the first time ever, I read an article saying that pot may get legalized in the US. It's not something I was aware of, but if it happens, it seems like Aphria Inc. (APH) could be in a good position to benefit from any future legalization in the US. I am holding on tight and I pray for even more good gain for Aphria Inc. (APH).

NFI Group Inc. (NFI) continues its road to stardom with a +3.076% gain (for today)

Since yesterday's return of Amber Kanwar at BNN Bloomberg, good news had been popping out all over the places!

First, let's begin with Trump facing a second impeachment procedure - I however doubt that will work out. To be successful, everything would have to come from Mike Pence, but since Pence took the bad decision not to call in the 25th Amendment on Trump, the chances to see impeachment happening are quite low. Americans now can enjoy the true face of Mike Pence. Pence is nothing more than another Trump's puppet. And the show is ugly to watch.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A) is desperately trying to acquire a business located in France, Carrefour SA. In France, Carrefour is kind of a Walmart. Despite Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A) extra generous offers, the situation is not looking good for ATD.A. So far, it seems like France's government is against the deal. Inside my TFSA portfolio, ATD.A is only a small investment, but every single of them is important, no matter how small the initial value of the investment made. If Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A) can possibly move on with the deal, it could be beneficial for ATD.A shareholders like me. I was listening to BNN today and at a point, it's been said that Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A) wanted to make this acquisition using mostly cash.

Again today, NFI Group Inc. (NFI) closed the session on positive gains, this time of +3.076%. It seems like NFI road is path with gold! Aphria Inc. (APH) also had a good day, gaining +5.92%. These days, Ballard Power Systems Inc (BLDP) is a bit like NFI Group Inc. (NFI). BLDP keeps gaining and gaining... But BLDP is not my type of stock. And Ballard Power Systems Inc (BLDP) is just not good enough for me. 

Ethereum and Bitcoins are showing slow signs of recovery. I like to watch out on Ethereum and Bitcoins, especially when the TSX is closed.

Amber Kanwar is making her comeback to BNN Bloomberg! From now on, everything is going to be ok :-)

Today marks the return of Amber Kanwar to BNN Bloomberg following her maternity leave. Amber is lived from Monday to Friday to cover the market's opening, among with Jon Erlichman. Amber space is looking nice and luminous. I personally hear a bit of echo maybe, but nothing too strong. She seems to be shooting in a little office located on a second floor. She seems to be located in a suburban area, with other nice houses surrounding hers. As for Jon Erlichman, it's impossible to figure out where he might be located, in a house or a condo, in the city or the suburban area, but at least now, his dry flowers bucket is better exposed and it makes it easier to see what the bucket is holding... I had been obsessed with that bucket for months now, which is hilarious - at least for me. In this time of pandemic, you need to take your fun whenever, whatever.

I was listening to Amber this morning and it just took me by surprise, the name of my superb NFI is not, like expressed yesterday, New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI), but NFI Group Inc.! Today, NFI Group Inc. (NFI) just rock on the TSX again, this time with a +4.658% really interesting gain. In my non-registered portfolio, I am currently experiencing a fantastic gain of +139.89%. It pays off to hold quality holdings. It makes everything a lot easier.

Amber Kanwar and Jon Erlichman are a good television duo. I really like The Open. For me, the market opening is certainly the most important part of the day, so I usually listen to BNN's The Open with attention during the morning.

I now have over $500 in cash inside my TFSA portfolio. I am not in a hurry to invest in something new. While checking over my beautiful TFSA portfolio, I am just noticing now that Cargojet Inc. (CJT) is on trading halted. It's probably because of this.

Yesterday, Susan Brunner posted a review of a stock that I hold in my TFSA portfolio: Calian Group Ltd. (CGY). I barely ever write about Calian Group Ltd. (CGY), but it's not because it's a bad investment. Everything seems to go smoothly for my CGY stocks. At 1.71%, its dividend distribution is reliable. CGY closed today session on a good +1.13%. Calian Group Ltd. (CGY) had been in my TFSA since April 2018. On that stock alone, I am on an enormous capital gain of +113.78%. If I don't write much about CGY, it's simply because it is perfection. Back on January 1st, Susan had reviewed another stock baby of mine: Metro Inc. (MRU). In both cases, Susan Brunner's review of Calian Group Ltd. (CGY) and Metro Inc. (MRU) seems to me to be positive ones.

Today on the TSX, something just unbelievable happens: Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) gain +5.38%. Inside my TFSA portfolio, Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) is finally registering a gain. Today, NTR closed today's session with a gain of +10.13% for my TFSA portfolio, which is awesome and unbelievable! I had a real difficult time getting in the green zone with NTR. Everything was much easier when NTR was Agrium. I miss Agrium!

Watch out, Canadian investors! New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) is on fire with a +15.278% gains on the TSX!

Today, New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) had closed today's session on a spectacular 15.278%. It's been a rough road for New Flyer, so I am happy to see the stock going on a hype. New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) had been part of my non-registered portfolio since 2011. Back in the days, New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) was known under a different name: New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI.UN). I always like the name "New Flyer". It's a real cool name!

In 2021, I am celebrating my 10th anniversary with NFI. Since 2011, many things happen for NFI. Its chart speaks for itself.

Since I had been holding NFI for a really long time, its price drop of 2018 didn't really bother me. By the way the chart is looking right now, I am under the impression that we are in for more great capital gains. I cannot imagine my non-registered portfolio without any New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI) stocks in it. Back in 2011, New Flyer went under a complex restructuring procedure. I never understood anything about it, but I was happy to see that the New Flyer team was doing something to save their business. That restructuring was giving me a good impression. I felt confident and I had little to no worries.

That restructuration happens to be a success. In 2015, interesting stuff was happening for NFI. Already in 2019, I was announcing with real enthusiasm that you could get rich on NFI. :-) 

Over the years, NFI's road hasn't been an easy one, but there have always been some good business announcements made around that stock, a contract had been win here and there, etc. It's fun to hold on to a good Canadian company that is strong and knows where it's going. Now it is not too late to benefit from NFI, but be aware that in this pandemic-economic environment, nothing is easy, no investment, especially in stock, is guaranteed.

I am extremely pleased to announce that I am a proud stockholder of New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI), so let's go NFI! GO!

My situation with Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) and an old stock of mine may makes a comeback in my investment portfolio

Today in Montreal, the sun wasn't out like yesterday, but it didn't stop people from skating at the La Fontaine Park. I was surprised to see many people skating like that. Back home, it's not safe to do such a thing. The weather is simply not cold enough to secure the ice on the lake and others. Looking fun, isn't?

Earlier today, I was exposing my situation regarding one of my oldest holding Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). Knowing that I had been holding that bank stock since my early beginnings. Knowing that I had been holding BNS for such a long time, 10+ years, I would have expected my capital gain to be much better than the +15.65% that I am currently experiencing. For comparison purposes, I am on a +10.89% gains on the JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN)'s shares that I hold inside my TFSA portfolio. Inside my TFSA, I had been holding JFT Strategies Fund Class A Units (JFS.UN) since October 2020...

Of course, it's frustrating because gaining high capital gain is important for me. I want to see the value of that portfolio of mine to grow and grow and grow. However, I just cannot deal with the idea to sell my BNS shares so I decided - for now, not to sell. It's also OK to remain in your position when things are getting messy. I am holding all of my assets for the long run, I can deal with a little weaker investment. I may appear to be too emotionally involved with my stocks, but it is the case. I have absolutely nothing to hide about what I do, and why I do it.

I currently have over $450 cash inside my TFSA. I won't invest using that money for now as I would like to make a bit bigger investment, but I was thinking about getting back in one of my old babies: Exchange Income Corporation (EIF). I also previously mentioned Pollard Banknote Limited (PBL) as a possible future investment, but my excuse for not investing in it at present is its involvement in the finance sector. 

Currently, what I hold of Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) inside my TFSA portfolio result from a DRIP, some shares arrived after I had sold my EIF shares. Back in July 2017, Marc Cohodes, an American, destroyed the confidence that investors had in Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) by publicly questioning EIF's ability to pay its dividend distribution, among others. By doing so, he negatively affects the value of Exchange Income Corporation (EIF). I got scared and since I was able to sell with a little profit, I did so. Since 2017, Marc Cohodes is nowhere to be seen. My Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) baby had proved to be a super stock. And I now regret it. EIF belongs to my portfolio.

To sell or not to sell Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) - that is the question

The TSX closed this past Friday session on a super-18,042.07 strong points, but it's not making much sense knowing that our economy loss over 60,000 jobs in December. It just doesn't feel right and it make me feel somewhat anxious, more than the COVID, but nothing I cannot deal with. It's not something that keeps me awake at night. COVID had been part of our life for now several months now, it's a drill.

New footage from the Capitol sad events came out and it was just too sad to watch. One policeman was suffocated, he was on the front row, stuck between other officers and the rioters. The rioters did nothing to help him, they didn't leave to make some space to the poor man. One rioter actually touches the officer mask, in a move to maybe help him breath, I don't know. It was horrific to watch. It's over for Donald Trump. I used to have a somewhat admiration for him, but that is all gone now. He can't possibly move on from those sad events. This is his legacy to the US. Blood and deaths.

Here in Montreal, we are dealing with the newest thing since yesterday: a curfew. Under the new rules, it is required to stay home between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. This doesn't affect me much. I am always home during those hours, especially now since the gym is close. If the hours would have been set starting 5 p.m., I would have been upset, but a curfew starting at 8 p.m. is, in my opinion, more than reasonable. Yesterday was day 1 of the curfew. The sun was out, it was a beautiful day despite the circumstances. Take a look for yourself:

With such beautiful places in Montreal located just a few minutes away from my apartment, going through this pandemic is not difficult for me. I try to go out for walks outside as much as possible.

I spent a big part of yesterday shopping around to build up a bit my reserved. I am probably good for a little while, except for milk, that I buy at least once a week because I like milk too much for not having any every week. Otherwise, I won't need much. Toilet paper: check lol. Cleaning products: check. Groceries: check. And a bunch of other things: check, check and... check. With my last run completed, I was exhausted. And happily watched Harry Porter, last chapter was being screened on a French channel.

Yesterday, pass 7 pm, it happens that I was watching Ethereum (ETH), and precisely at that time, ETH hit on its highest value ever: $1,641.34 CAN. It seems like especially during the weekend, ETH likes to hit on highest value over and over again. Yesterday again, at exactly 8:44 pm Eastern Time, ETH is trading - again - at its highest value ever, now being established at $1,691.12 CAN... And so on... For now, I am enjoying quietly watching ETH. And while doing so, I am thinking about what I should do with my Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS).

Back on Friday, I learned by listening to BNN that an important analyst had revised its economic forecasts downwards for Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). Bank of Nova Scotia had been in my non-registered portfolio since the early beginning. Back in the days, BNS was a Derek Foster's stock. I am collecting a good amount of dividend income on that one. However, this pandemic had shown the weakness of Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). For a while in past recent months, I was experiencing a capital loss on my BNS shares, while my other bank holdings, like Royal Bank of Canada (RY) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) were doing just fine. 

Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM) is another stock bank that I hold that had, like BNS, show off some sign of weakness. However, I don't worry about CM. I know how CM is. And its dividend is too good to turn my back against Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM). BNS had been more problematic than CM. While facing time like this, the dividend is the last thing I have in mind. What I want is to protect the capital that is invested. 

This past Friday, I was tempted to sell all of my Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) stocks. I didn't proceed, at least not yet. In the past, when I was having problems with a stock, what I did in some occasions was to partly sell the x stock, in order to reduce my exposure to the problematic stock. Other times, I just sell all of my stocks for x holding. To partly sell or not remain your own personal decision. In the case of BNS, I am tempted to partly sell it. Or I may even not. It's just really hard for me to decide but I will let you know what I decide.