Market and Investment Insights
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Portfolio Commentary – October 2025
October delivered mixed results across key holdings, with tech-linked names showing strength while others faced short-term sector pressures.
Insights
The Difficult Task of Achieving Price Stability – September 2022 Review
Equity markets reversed course in September, following the longstanding pattern of weak returns at the start of the ‘fall’ season. Comments from central bankers left little doubt about…
How High Will Rates Go? August 2022 Review
Equity markets slumped in the second half of the month after central bankers from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to tackling inflation through higher interest rates
Bad News is Good News – July 2022 Review
North American equity markets moved higher during the month, contrary to disappointing economic data. Despite the US having negative GDP growth in the second quarter
Consumption Slows with Sustained Inflation – June 2022 Review
Consumption Slows with Sustained Inflation June 2022 Commentary & Performance Review Stubbornly high inflation led the U.S. Federal Reserve to quicken the pace of their rate increases to 0.75%. The last time the ‘Fed’ raised rates this much in a single meeting was...
Inflation Relief Rally – May 2022 Review
Inflation Relief Rally May 2022 Commentary & Performance Review The stronger performance in financial markets last month may reflect easing investor concerns about inflation and a willingness to re‐enter the market at more attractive valuations given the sell‐off...
Navigating Market Volatility – April 2022 Review
April 2022 Commentary & Performance Review – April brought more volatility to equity markets as investors remain unsure of the central banks’ plan for future rate hikes. The Bank of Canada and Federal Reserve have not ruled out a 0.75%…
Strong Spending on Luxury – February 2023 Review
French stocks, particularly luxury goods producers LVMH, Kering, and Hermes International, have emerged as the breakout stars of 2023. Investors are betting that the sales and earnings of these luxury companies will remain robust now that…
Scorching Start for Equities – January 2023 Review
The new year has brought a surge in equity markets as slowing inflation has led to the anticipation that central banks are near peak rates. Canadian CPI rose 6.3% year over …
A Year of Price Discovery – December 2022 Review
December rounded out a year of particularly poor performance for financial markets. High inflation and rapidly rising interest rates led to abnormal losses…
Signs of a Slowdown – November 2022 Review
Equities continued to rally through November, shedding the risk‐off dynamics that have presided over markets for most of 2022. Two macroeconomic factors were supporting the push higher…
Market Uncertainty Remains – October 2022 Review
After a period of poor performance following the rally in risk assets which started in July and ended mid‐August, global financial markets once again rebounded in October. With US equities leading global stocks…
Avoiding the Family Feud – Part 2
Brent continues the creative discussion with long-time friend, Colin White, Portfolio Manager, WLWP Wealth Planners – iA Private Wealth, co-hosting the WLWP Wealth Planners weekly Podcast, Barenaked Money. In Part 1, they began discussing inter-generational wealth...
November is Financial Literacy Month
From the desk of Erin Gendron... In October, Financial Planners Standard Council (FPSC), Canada’s governing body for financial planning conducted a survey* of over 1500 Canadians. They found that 41% of Canadians lack confidence in their financial affairs. 33% of...
Protect Your Family’s Future AND Get Rewarded for Being Healthy!
From the desk of Erin Gendron... This is a message for our younger clients or those who are "young at heart". Insurance: Something no one enjoys talking about, but a 'must have' conversation. We feel a sense of responsibility to have this conversation with you - or...
Don’t Look Now
Don't Look Now...but U.S. stocks are in a decided uptrend as a period of market anxieties appear to have faded—at least for the moment. There are a number of factors that investors say are underpinning the recent resurgence in risk-taking that’s lifted the market....
Can I retire?
From the desk of Erin Gendron... At the beginning of the year, over 1500 randomly selected Canadians were polled on their retirement goals and expectations. How do your retirement goals and savings stack up against these findings? Not quite sure if you’re on track?...
Some Thoughts on the Medicinal Marijuana Sector
"A growth opportunity, yes, but at what cost?" These days it seems that many clients are interested to invest in the stories of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc), artificial intelligence, automation/robotics and cannabis. They are exciting and I can certainly...
Tax Slips and Supporting Documents You May Receive
How you receive tax slips will be a little different this year. Due to the ownership change of HollisWealth midway through 2017, you will be receiving tax slips from both Scotia Capital Inc. (from Jan – Aug) and Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. (from Aug – Dec)....
The Slow Down – October 2023 Review
In our October 2023 commentary, we discuss: The effect of high borrowing costs; A downturn in commercial real estate; A lawsuit against the Russian central bank; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
Q3-2023 Review & Update
Brent Vandermeer, Senior Portfolio Manager provides a video overview of Q3-2023 and the ever-changing markets.
Shifts in Commodity Markets – September 2023 Review
In our September 2023 commentary, we discuss: A new baseline for gold; Unintended consequences of the Russian oil price cap; Prices of metals needed for the transition to renewables; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
Challenging Credit Environment – August 2023 Review
In our August 2023 commentary, we discuss: Lasting impacts from central bank policies; Bankruptcy from the UK’s second-largest city; Opportunities in private credit; and as we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
What Does “Legacy” Mean to You?
Your legacy includes both tangible and intangible gifts. Tangible gifts are easy to identify – financial and non-financial assets. But don’t forget the intangible gifts – your knowledge, values, and time spent with loved ones hold immeasurable value. They are cherished and shared while you’re still here.
Estate Planning Should Be More Than Assumptions
Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and unintended consequences. By avoiding assumptions, you can ensure your estate plan accurately reflects your desires and provides the necessary guidance. Secure your assets, protect your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are carried out effectively after your passing with a well documented estate plan.