As he used to do with his employees at the National Bank, Louis Vachon offered to answer questions from our readers, which touched on a wide variety of subjects.
Published at 7:00 a.m.
Investments and geopolitics
I am a 63-year-old retiree and my RRSPs are placed in a Balanced account (FBN) – 60% stocks and 40% bonds. With everything that is happening in the world (Ukraine, Middle East, American elections), would it be better for me to reduce my portion in stocks and think about less risky investments (read cushy), like a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC)?
François Addison
Project Northvolt
I am interested in the Northvolt project and I read with attention the multiple chronicles of The Press+ about this. Having had the pleasure of working at the National Bank under your leadership, I would like to have your opinion, that is to say the opinion of someone who would give me the truth as you have always done. Your point of view as a financier and that of a born entrepreneur would be interesting. Whether it is about the financial package or the fact that our government is investing so much in private projects, I will have pleasure in reading you.
Louise Landry
Boss salaries
As a former president of a bank who had a successful professional career (congratulations, by the way), my question is professional and personal at the same time: when is the salary commensurate with the management position from a financial institution? Are the exorbitant salaries that bank boards of directors vote for themselves justifiable, especially when the institution has had a poor year of performance or a major leak of personal data of its customers? Or is it justified to vote for huge increases for salaries that are already in the millions of dollars? I guess my question is too incisive to expect an answer, but if it’s a little food for thought…
Stéphane Achim
Value of shares
As an entrepreneur and stock market investor, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while. We hear many stories to this effect, I would like to have your opinion on the matter. As a senior executive of a public company, how were you able to keep a level head (and not deviate from the plan) when the stock value did not reflect the intrinsic value or profitability of the company? What was your priority then? What interests should then be prioritized?
Jean-François Fafard
Cryptocurrencies
What is your opinion towards cryptocurrencies now?
Francois Dion
Investing in the stock market
If I want to invest in the stock market, without having experience, how can I get the knowledge to get started? Do you have any tips and references you can pass on?
Nathanael Lopez
Mr. Vachon chose to answer these six questions on video, but all readers who wrote to him before October 3 at noon will receive a response by email.
Read the article “Advocacy for Financial Independence”
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