“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
“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
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
“There is a symmetry to bear markets in the short-term. In the long-term there is an asymmetric relationship between bull and bear markets. You just have to survive the short run to get to the long run.” ~ Ben Carlson Bulls and bears represent stock markets because of the way they attack. Bulls fight by...Read More
Our “pension-style” portfolios provide opportunity as well as safety for Canadian investors. Here are two reasons we diversify your funds outside of Canada: Canada represents only 3% of the world’s market capitalization. Investing internationally diversifies risk.  While our fund managers do invest inside Canada, even our “Canadian” funds have invested the maximum (up to 50%)...Read More
Our CommonWealth “pension-style” portfolios participate strongly in market upside while incorporating a diverse set of effective strategies to adjust risk on your behalf. This multi-strategy approach is specifically designed to protect your funds against market downside. Each fund employs a unique risk management tool and in combination they provide you with a complementary suite of...Read More
A question that clients occasionally wish to discuss is the issue of debt. While being debt free is a great objective, it is important to distinguish between good debt and bad debt and to think in terms of achieving your overall financial goals. Good debt can contribute to your wealth and happiness in the long-term....Read More
