Q: Thank you, TSI, for all the great advice over the years. I’d like your opinion of Verisk (VRSK) on Nasdaq. Thank you.

A: Verisk Analytics, $136.39, symbol VRSK on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 163.1 million; Market cap: $21.2 billion; www.verisk.com), offers risk-assessment services for property/casualty insurers and other businesses. Its decision-analytics technology helps clients understand and manage risks through fraud detection and prevention. In addition to property/casualty insurers,… Read More

Q: Pat, with so many businesses and consumers increasingly vulnerable to hackers, what do you think about investing in the First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF? Thanks.

A: The First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF, $22.81, symbol CIBR on Nasdaq (Units outstanding: 46.3 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; www.ftportfolios.com), gives you direct exposure to companies in the cybersecurity industry. Their products and services help protect the integrity of data in private and public… Read More

Here’s a look at two new ETFs for investors

This month we analyze two new offerings for ETF investors from Dynamic Funds (a fund manager wholly owned by Scotiabank). The first hands you an actively managed, international dividend-paying portfolio while the second aims to provide investors with exposure to the top internationally listed infrastructure… Read More

Q: Pat: Could I have your opinion on a stock: Intuitive Surgical. Thank you and I enjoy the Inner Circle.

A: Intuitive Surgical Inc., $517.36, symbol ISRG on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 116.0 million; Market cap: $59.2 billion; www.intuitive.com), develops, manufactures and markets the da Vinci Surgical System along with related accessories, training, and services. Intuitive Surgical is based in Sunnyvale, California.

Da Vinci is a computerized… Read More

Q: We are holding a position in Blue Ribbon Income Fund (RBN.UN). We are considering building on that position. May I have your thoughts, please?

A: Blue Ribbon Income Fund, $8.37, symbol RBN.UT on Toronto (Units outstanding: 12.8 million; Market cap: $107.1 million; www.bromptongroup.com), was formerly called the Citadel Diversified Investment Trust.

This fund holds a lot of former oil and gas trusts, pipeline or other utility trusts (most if not… Read More

Q: Pat, can I get your opinion of Lowe’s? Thank you.

A: Lowe’s Cos., $111.04, symbol LOW on New York (Shares outstanding: 766.5 million; Market cap: $85.1 billion; www.lowes.com), operates a chain of 1,977 hardware and home improvement superstores in the U.S. and Canada. Product categories include appliances, lumber/plywood, paint, flooring, millwork, building materials, seasonal living,… Read More