Blog

January 8, 2023

Don't Give Up on the 60/40 Portfolio

In 2022, the correlation between the two turned overwhelmingly positive. Many areas of the bond market faired worse than equities and naturally investors are questioning if the gold standard 60/40, 60% global equity - 40% fixed income, barbell approach to investing is dead. Read on.

December 2, 2022

The S&P 500 is Not the Economy

One of the biggest misconceptions investors have is the notion that investment markets are directly tied to the health of the economy. In other words, these two subject matters should perfectly correlate. Most of the time the stock market and the economy are moving in the same direction, but they also diverge on occasion.

December 1, 2022

How Many Years Does It Take for Investment Returns to Matter More Than Savings?

When it comes to building net worth as it pertains to your investment portfolio, have you ever wondered at what point investment returns matter more than your contributions? 

November 3, 2022

U.S Central Banks Raise Rates by 75 bps

On November 2nd, the U.S Central Bank announced another rate increase, lifting the overnight policy interest rate by 75basis points (bps) to 4%. The rate hike was consistent with market expectations. The Fed’s statement offered a limited view on the pace of the hikes going forward and acknowledged the lagged effect of monetary policy, which suggests that the Fed is perhaps becoming more patient.

October 21, 2022

With markets down, is now the time for young people to invest?

A common question investors are constantly asking me surrounds "is it safe to invest right now?" While in the short term there is always uncertainty, history has shown 'time over time' that when markets are at these discounted levels an investor with the medium to longterm time horizon will benefit immensely from putting money to work. Check out this great article from one of our partners.

October 19, 2022

Investors Should Think Twice Before Selling

Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro for Fidelity Investment Management, discusses where markets could potentially go from here based on valuation and the potential of less-hawkish Fed. Read on.

September 12, 2022

Understanding Bonds

You might not think you care about bonds. But if you’re an investor, you probably care about bonds even while you’re not caring about bonds. Especially now. 

August 31, 2021

Answers to Your 5 Biggest Investment Concerns

Even with markets at all-time highs, investors have plenty on their minds. The Capital Group investment team provides perspective on the most pressing questions of the year

April 23, 2021

The Emerging Markets opportunity (part 2) — These aren’t your parents’ emerging markets

While the emerging markets asset class has been mostly overlooked by Canadian investors, we believe exposure to this asset class in an investor’s portfolio is likely to enhance diversification benefits and improve long-term returns. 

April 13, 2021

One Year Since COVID Crash: How Far We've Come

It’s been one full year since the stock market crash on March 23rd, 2020, and a few months more since the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was first identified. Little did we know how much the world, our daily habits, and our portfolios, would be changed. Here, through our partner at Y-Charts, we reflect on the past year through data and visuals that illustrate the extent of COVID-19’s impact on the market and our lives.

April 13, 2021

Forgetting the lessons of 2020 – 1st quarter, 2021

George Droulias, investment analyst at Edgepoint, put together a great article discussing the stock market and how it displayed some unusual behaviours in 2020. Read on to see how the Edgepoint approach has benefitted longterm unit holders.

April 8, 2021

The World in 2030

The world in 2030 may seem a long way off, but helping clients invest we must always be looking into the distant future.

March 31, 2021

Roaring '20s - How Pent Up Demand Could Fuel Recovery

Could pent-up demand for travel and leisure drive a Roaring ‘20s today? There is lots of aspects at this point to be excited about in investment markets and as this year progresses, the theory of the "Grand Re-Opening" will become clearer and most likely extend through 2022.

March 8, 2021

The Emerging Markets Opportunity (part 1) — Demographics

Asian Emerging Markets are a rapidly growing area of the world that I believe will only continue to grow in terms of economic importance. While often overlooked by Canadian investors, exposure to the EM asset class in an investor’s portfolio is likely to enhance diversification benefits and shouldn’t be viewed as a “niche” investment.

March 4, 2021

Investment Planning

Unfortunately financial and investment markets don't trend up in a smooth linear path. If they did, my job would be much easier! Volatility is something we have to learn to become comfortable with as there is always benefit for those who remain focused on their long term investment goals.

February 19, 2021

Valuation? No, its not on thin ice.

Far more money has been lost by investors preparing for corrections, or trying to anticipate corrections, than has been lost in corrections themselves.– Peter Lynch There has been much discussion these days about valuations within equity markets, specifically as it pertains to the trailing price/earnings (P/E) ratio of the S&P 500. At the time of writing, the trailing P/E sits at 32 times, well above its longer-term average of closer to 18. However, does that mean an immediate reversal is warranted?

June 8, 2021

Does Getting Vaccinated Effect Your Life & Health Insurance???

In light of misinformation circulating through various social media channels claiming that individuals who receive the vaccine will not be able to get life insurance or may be denied their disability or life insurance benefits the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has stressed: “Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will have no effect on the ability to obtain coverage or benefits from life insurance or supplementary health insurance.”‍

February 25, 2020

Insurance Planning

Working from home might mean your spare room, your basement, maybe even your dining room has become your office space. You’ve adapted to your individual situation. The same goes for insurance – it’s not a one‑size fits all approach and often requires a custom fit based on your clients’ needs… especially permanent insurance. 

March 20, 2023

Week in Review: Mar.13.2023 - Mar.17.2023

‍The S&P 500 index rose 1.4% last week, recovering some but not all of last week's tumble, as some investors saw the recent stock market declines as presenting buying opportunities while a show of support among big banks for First Republic Bank (FRC) also provided some relief.

March 13, 2023

Week in Review: Mar.6.2023 - Mar.10.2023

The S&P 500 index fell 4.5% last week as a larger-than-expected rise in February jobs added to rate worries while investors also were spooked by the collapse of SVB Financial Group's (SIVB) Silicon Valley Bank.

March 10, 2023

March Market Perspectives

Investors hoping for a less volatile experience in 2023 were reminded in February that ‘hope is not an investment strategy’. Read on as I discuss the economy, financial markets and take a deep dive on topics that aren't widely discussed that should help keep long term investors optimistic moving forward.

March 6, 2023

Week in Review: Feb.27.2023 - Mar.3.2023

‍The S&P 500 index rose 1.9% last week, led by the materials sector, as investors were encouraged by stronger-than-expected services sector data and a Fed official's comments supporting a "slow and steady" approach to monetary policy.

February 27, 2023

Week in Review: Feb.20.2023 - Feb.24.2023

‍The S&P 500 extended its losing streak to a third consecutive week as heightened concerns surrounding the Federal Reserve's campaign against inflation and its effect on the economy weighed on Wall Street.

February 20, 2023

Week in Review: Feb.13.2023 - Feb.17.2023

The market benchmark ended Friday's session at 4,079.09, down from last week's closing level of 4,090.46. The index is almost flat for the month with a February-to-date gain of almost 0.1%. It's up 6.2% for the year to date.The slim movement for the week came as data showed the producer price index rose 0.7% last month, surpassing the consensus estimate. 

February 13, 2023

Week in Review: Feb.6.2023 - Feb.10.2023

The S&P 500 index fell 1.1% last week, with the communication services sector leading a broad decline as Q4 earnings continued to come in mixed and rate concerns persisted. The market benchmark ended Friday's session at 4,090.46, down from last Friday's closing level of 4,136.48. It is still up 6.5% for the year-to-date.

February 10, 2023

January "Market Perspectives"

What a start to the year! Equity markets across the board finished the month of January strongly in the black, and so did bonds. Read on as we recap financial markets in January and address topics that are likely on your mind

January 17, 2023

2023 Market Outlook

Notwithstanding December weakness, Q4 brought some relief from 2022’s troubles with some reasonably healthy returns for global equities which also extend the long history of post-midterm positivity that I wrote extensively about last year. It remains too soon to know if the bear market has ended. Time will tell as turning points are impossible to predict and are only clear in hindsight. 

January 9, 2023

Invasion, Inflation, Recession? 2022 in Charts

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, record inflation, potential recession on the horizon – it’s fair to say that 2022 was challenging on many fronts. For investors, this context has resulted in pullbacks for both stocks and bonds in the first half of the year, followed by a six-month period of ups and downs with no clear direction.

December 13, 2022

December Market Perspectives

The correlation of returns with Presidential election cycles, coupled with seasonality & the historical pattern of market action following a 25% market decline introduces compelling arguments for adding risk to your portfolio. While there will be bumps in the road and volatility may be heightened, the historical evidence supports an attractive outlook for stocks and other risk assets as we move into 2023

November 3, 2022

October Market Update - WYNTK

After a trying month in September, investors’ risk appetite strengthened in October, with equity markets in large part beginning the 4th quarter with a sharp rebound. Moving forward, with the US Midterms approaching next week does this play a role in investment markets? History would show that markets love political gridlock.

October 12, 2022

Market Update - WYNTK

While there may be continued short-term volatility and additional downside risk, it’s impossible to time the bottom. The good news is the consensus across the board is we have more clarity today than we did 6-8 months ago and in turn I am much more positive than at any time in 2022. 

October 11, 2022

Market Update Webinar w/ Kevin Headland

On October 11th I had the pleasure to have Kevin Headland join me on an interactive market update webinar with clients. The information was so insightful I felt compelled to share it with everyone! Check it out as Kevin discusses the 2022 Q4 Market Outlook, What to expect heading into 2023, some Potential opportunities and risks before closing out with a brief Q&A. Hope you enjoy.

September 15, 2022

September Market Update

The tug-of-war between bulls and bears continued throughout July & August, with U.S. equities initially trending higher, only to pull back towards the end of the month. All in all, it was still the more bullish investors who gained the upper hand over the hot summer months. Read on to what I think is driving today's markets.

July 7, 2022

Market Insights - Patience and Perspective

As we wrap up the first half of 2022 it has been rather turbulent, to say the least, and this time calls for patience and perspective. 

June 15, 2022

Market Perspectives

This has undoubtably been the worst start of a calendar year for both stocks and bonds in over 50 years and investors are looking for answers. The most difficult conversations have been with conservative and balanced investors as equity markets in general are down 20% YTD, but the bond market has not been the standard gatekeeper and ballast in the portfolio it has been in the past, down 12% YTD.

May 6, 2022

How to Survive a Bear Attack

Are we entering a bear market? We have four simple rules that we use as a framework during these periods of heightened volatility. They are loosely based on advice in the event one comes face to face with a bear in the wild. 

April 26, 2022

Understanding Recession Indicators

While there has been no shortage of news and internet headlines discussing the headwinds we have faced thus far such as interest rate hikes, soaring CPI, yield curves (inverting?) and the war in Ukraine, it is important to always get back to the fundamentals.

April 11, 2022

Q1 2022 Market Perspectives

Q1 has been difficult for equity and bonds markets. Discussions to begin the year surrounded ‘the pace in which global central banks’ would increase interest rates, which transitioned into the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on risk assets and now has moved on to ‘whether the odds of a recession have increased’ spurred by the very brief inversion of the U.S. Treasury 10 – 2 year interest rate curve. 

March 8, 2022

Monthly Market Perspectives

The start of 2022 has been incredibly exhausting for investors. Oil prices are sky-rocketing & global markets are down across the board. The S&P 500 and Dow Index have entered correction territory (down -10% from peak) while the Nasdaq, Russell 2000 and European indexes have entered or are getting near bear market territory. Where do investors go from here?

March 4, 2022

Seeking Clarity in the Fog of War

Uncertainty is the name of the game; risk premiums are rising – equity markets are see-sawing on the volatile situation. Bond yields are stable, providing some risk protection to balanced investors. And other safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar and gold are also rallying.

February 17, 2022

Quick Macro: Ukraine/Russia

How does geopolitical risk play in markets?‍ With the current news headlines circulating surrounding the possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia we have seen geopolitical tensions or issues in the past. While markets typically have a risk-off attitude they have been market disrupters and not destroyers.

February 13, 2022

Market Perspectives

What's driving market weakness? The US stock market has suffered its worst start to the year since the global financial crisis, as the threat of rising interest rates, slowing corporate earnings growth and geopolitical tensions have sent stocks tumbling across the board. 

January 11, 2022

2022 Outlook - A Mid-Cycle Market

With 2021 in the rear-view mirror, we turn our attention to the new year and capital markets as we continue to navigate through the headwinds/tailwinds 2021 and this pandemic have provided. Keeping the short-term headline noise in context, I still have reason to believe we're still in the secular bull market we have been in since 2009. 

December 9, 2021

November Market Commentary & WYNTK

Read my latest "Market Commentary" as we reflect on capital markets for the month of November and topics that are top of mind for investors including Omicron, Q3 Earnings and Monetary Policy.

November 5, 2021

U.S. Economy

Are indicators pointing boney fingers towards a scary recession? The Capital Markets Strategy Team at Manulife put together an interesting piece dissecting this topic and looking at the key indicators of a recession in the U.S.

November 4, 2021

October Capital Markets Recap

After a disappointing September, the month of October welcomed vulnerable equity investors with open arms to kick off the 4th quarter of the year. I believe the month of October had three key topics; corporate Q3 earnings season, increased talk of US recession risks, and the Bank of Canada’s very hawkish tilt. We uncover these issues in the October Monthly Market Comments.

October 8, 2021

September Market Update: Q3 Recap, Q4 & Beyond Outlook

In this month’s monthly roundup of market commentary we reflect on how financial markets performed in Q3, how September lived up to its historic reputation as being the weakest month of the year, and some interesting economic points as we move into the final quarter of 2021 and into 2022. 

September 10, 2021

Back to School Market Update

As we escape from the summer doldrums and life starts resuming back to normal I address capital markets and what you need to know as we enter into a historical volatile period.

July 20, 2021

Recent Market Volatility

After yesterday’s broad selloff here's a quick note for our valued investors to help put this into context. Although we are seeing a strong rebound today, the question remains “is the volatility expected to be more frequent ahead?”

July 14, 2021

Capital Groups "2021 Midyear Outlook"

Capital Group released their 2021 Midyear Outlook and it resonates the message we have been communicating with our clients. Click to see the report as they discuss how major economies roar back, inflation, rate hikes, value vs growth, dividends and what to do with your bond portfolio in this rising yield environment.

July 9, 2021

Q2 Market Update

In this edition I highlight on why the US 10 Year Treasury has retracted since March 31st, the implications for financial markets and how markets performed in the second quarter of 2021.

June 7, 2021

May Market Commentary and WYNTK

"Sell in May and Go Away"... These catchy phrases just don't pack any punch. Click to read my market commentary for May and some key themes on what Investors Need to Know

May 4, 2021

April Recap - Market Outlook

Equity markets performed well through the month of April, extending the gains made since the beginning of the year. The S&P/TSX rose 2.2%, while the S&P 500, Nasdaq and MSCI EAFE respectively gained 5.2%, 5.4% and 2.7% in U.S. dollar terms for the month of April.

April 12, 2021

Q1 Recap and "Where Do We Go From Here?"

Q1 2021 showed us that the market is very efficient at discounting all known information that’s out there. The market was early, and right, in pricing in the exact scenario that has been unfolding. So the question is “Where Do We Go From Here?”…

February 26, 2021

Market Update

We’ve been seeing a rotation from the growth stocks that have done so well over the past decade and during the pandemic, into value and cyclical areas that have been underperforming. With that said, I believe that this is a natural correction that’s driven by sentiment.

February 15, 2021

Financial Market Update

Financial Market Update Access the latest communication as I discuss current financial market developments, themes and opportunities available to investors.