Question 1: The share market has been doing well for the past three weeks. Do you reckon it’s time to sell stocks?

Answer: The $64 question! It is a bull market, so I think that for your core position, you stay long and play the trend. It has had a big run so a bit of profit taking/position lightening is probably in order. First sell the ones you have always wanted to exit but haven’t. And then consider lightening those stocks that have had a really great run or have become super expensive.

Question 2: Where do I find a list of dates when companies go ex-dividend?

Answer: Most broker sites (e.g. CommSec, nabtrade) publish information around companies going ex-dividend. Also:

1. Most companies publish a financial calendar, which includes details of expected dividend payment dates and ex-dividend dates. Visit the company’s website.
2. When profit announcements are made, details of dividends and ex-dates are also announced.
3. Typically, there isn’t much variation from one year to the next. So if (a) or (b) doesn’t help, have a look at what happened last year. 

Question 3:  Can we consider listed investment company (LIC) investments as “set and forget”? Or do we need to check the performance every year?

Answer: Definitely not “set and forget”. I’d certainly be reviewing their performance at least every six months.

Question 4: My Bunji Corp (BCL) shares have been reconstructed (not sure if this is the right word) downwards so that I now have only two shares in the company. I’m told this is not a saleable  parcel. Can I get the company to write them off (for a tax deduction) or force it to buy them? What can I do with them?

Answer: Bunji Corp Limited (BCL) shares are suspended and are not tradeable. I don’t think they have yet been declared worthless so that you can book the capital loss. I suggest you check with your broker.

Important: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. Consider the appropriateness of the information in regard to your circumstances.