Market and Investment Insights
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Portfolio Commentary – November 2025
November returns were largely flat amid heightened volatility, as tech-sector valuation concerns and ongoing expectations for U.S. rate cuts limited market gains.
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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%…
Equity Rebound Amid Tightening Financial Conditions – March 2022 Review
March 2022 Commentary & Performance Review – Equity markets recovered after a precipitous drop through February, with both the S&P 500 and S&P/TSX rising. However, fixed income securities struggled to hold value as high inflation readings raise the potential for a more hawkish…
February 2022 Commentary & Performance Review
Volatility as a result of the invasion into Ukraine caused a selloff in equity markets, with the S&P 500 down 3.2%, the S&P/TSX stayed almost completely flat, and considerable losses for…
February 2022 Market and Portfolio Update
Brent Vandermeer gives a brief market and portfolio update in this short video where he talks about what’s happened in 2021 and where we might be headed next in terms of the economy and markets.
January 2022 Commentary & Performance Review
North American equity markets had one of their worst starts to the year on record, coming off all‐time highs from the prior month. Inflation readings for Canada…
2021 Year in Review
Brent Vandermeer gives a brief overview of 2021. It was undoubtedly a year of significant highs, a bit of volatility, and COVID was and remains a force in all our lives. As those challenges hopefully fade, we are ready and excited to meet whatever challenges and opportunities that 2022 has to offer!
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...
Avoiding the Family Feud – Part 1
Brent Vandermeer joined long-time friend, Colin White, Portfolio Manager, WLWP Wealth Planners – iA Private Wealth, to co-host WLWP Wealth Planners weekly Podcast, Barenaked Money. Colin & Brent do a deep dive into the subject of estate planning. In Part 1, ...
COP26: Keeping Climate Issues on the Front Burner
“Investors today aren’t just investing for performance; they also want the ability to make an impact beyond returns that aligns with their personal values.” Check out the latest article in WP where Brent Vandermeer talks about Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) AKA Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and the upcoming COP26 conference – an annual summit aimed at accelerating progress towards Paris Agreement emissions targets.
A Tale of Two Markets
Bond markets and stock markets usually move opposite to each other, hence their diversification benefits. Today, they appear to be indicating the same thing by moving strongly upward together. One of them must be wrong. Historically, the smart money is the bond market viewpoint. Yet today, central banks are distorting true risk and value by their market operations. The bond market is likely saying that recession is coming. This leads us to continue our shifts to a more defensive portfolio posture.
iA Financial Group Completes the Acquisition of HollisWealth from Scotiabank
QUEBEC CITY, Aug. 8, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. ("Industrial Alliance" or "iA Financial Group") (TSX: IAG) and The Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank") (TSX: BNS) (NYSE: BNS) today announced that Industrial Alliance has...
4 Financial Tips for Active Young Families
4 Financial Tips for Active Young Families From the desk of Erin Gendron... With the start of a new fall season and the end of care free summer days, the ‘responsible, let’s get organized’ side of me kicks into high gear. Fall has always had a 'fresh start' feel about...
Stay the Course
Following the US election results, we would like to share some research on the impact this may have on markets and the economy. We also want to remind you about our investment philosophy and what that means in terms of portfolio management strategy during times like...
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.
Markets Still on Edge – July 2023 Review
In the July 2023 review we discuss improvement in the IMF’s growth outlook; Changes in Japan’s monetary policy, and the funding crisis in renewable energy. As we do each month, we highlight the top and bottom performing assets in our portfolios.
Optimize Your Wealth with a Viable Risk Management Strategy
Risk Management is an area where one misstep or oversight can significantly negatively affect your family’s wealth. The earlier one adopts a Risk Management mindset, the better.
What Does Retirement Mean for You?
Planning for retirement isn’t a one-time exercise you can do in one meeting. It will be an ongoing process that will involve a lot of thinking and modifying your plans as you age and your situation changes.
Get Good Advice About Tax and Estate Planning
It’s crucial to recognize that the quality of advice you receive in Tax and Estate Planning can significantly impact your family’s wealth. Exceptional advice can lead to positive outcomes, while anything less can prove costly.