“The best investors do not target return; they focus first on risk…” ~Seth Klarman How do the best investors decide when and where to invest today based upon headlines that swing so quickly between despair and euphoria?  Well, they actually don’t decide. The best investors hire fund managers so they can enjoy their lives! They have learned...Read More

“For the times, they are a-changin'” ~ Bob Dylan Do you ever wonder what are my money managers doing for me? Revisiting the New Playbook, by Robert Taylor at Canoe Financial, provides insight into how a fund manager thinks and acts in financial markets. This great article illustrates the benefits of active management while addressing the...Read More

“The most important lessons learned in investing are learned in the tough times.     ~Howard Marks Bear markets are inevitable.  If you are eighty-five, you have seen 14 and if you are forty, you have seen 5.  This chart tells how many bear markets occurred in your lifetime:  This next chart highlights some historical declines...Read More

“Recovery time” is a very important feature of our portfolio analysis. After all, quality financial advice is not just a matter of saying, “difficult times have historically been followed by better outcomes.” Specifically, we compare the length of time it takes for your portfolio to recover its former value after corrections versus the stock market...Read More

“It is important to realize that sensational predictions rarely come true.” ~Ben Carlson Failed forecasts are prevalent in the financial industry. But is anyone keeping score?   This article, Some Things That Didn’t Happen, by Ben Carlson, previews his upcoming book which catalogues many dire warnings of impending doom.     Just take a look at some of these...Read More

“Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to.”~ C.S. Lewis The Fidelity Retirement Report found that attitudes towards retirement have changed over the last twenty years as the number of Canadians over the age of 65 has increased 86% compared with the 27% increase in the general population.   In fact, Fidelity reports that...Read More

“Markets eventually recover despite volatility” ~Mackenzie Investments, Market Volatility, Investors guide Over your investment horizon, it is most likely many crises will occur in stock markets.  While past events are no guarantee of future results these two fascinating charts show: The numerous upheavals in our world and in markets The market volatility and recovery in...Read More

“Reliable, timely financial advice empowers Canadians to make informed decisions.” ~Shereen Benzvy Miller, Commissioner of Financial Consumer Agency of Canada How many people are well served by their financial advisor? A 2024 YCharts survey indicates 8 out of 10 of clients want more regular contact with their financial advisor while nearly 4 out of 10 receive “infrequent...Read More

In an environment where the media bundles business news with sports, we are conditioned to hearing stock market price updates along with the scores of games.  When a sports match is very exciting, we pay attention.  Likewise, when stock markets are volatile, we are captivated.  However, it is vital to maintain a balanced perspective so that...Read More

“That fear of missing out on things makes you miss out on everything.” ~Etty Hillesum As we are all aware, particular assets can rise very sharply from time-to-time. Predictably, news stories will create anxiety by focusing on the unusual gains other market participants are making, which can influence investor sentiment quite dramatically.  As more people...Read More