You are a Financial Advisor at XYZ Bank. Kelly and Leslie (age 55) are seeking your advice on how to manage their $100,000 RRSP portfolio. It is currently in cash and they will start drawing on the funds in 7 years.

They have read recently where the typical balanced portfolio with an asset allocation of 40% bonds and 60% stocks doesnt work these days. (In other words, this allocation will no longer provide a good rate of return).

A) Why is the 40/60 balanced portfolio being challenged? Provide 2 reasons and explain why.

B) Leslie likes having a portion of their RRSP in bonds and asks you if it would be better to buy individual bonds, or a bond mutual fund. Provide 4 reasons why individual bonds would be a better choice and provide 4 reasons why a bond fund would be a better choice. Support your arguments.

C) Kelly mentions that preferred shares might be a better alternative than bonds. Why might she feel that way? Provide 2 reasons.

D) Leslie comments that bond funds did really well in 2020 and because of this thinks it would be a good idea to hold more than 40% in bond funds. You feel otherwise. What concerns you about Leslies statement? Explain why