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September Market Insights: Trump’s Trade War
America’s Imperial Twilight or Dawn of a New Golden Age? A Non-Consensus Call for Interest Rates to be “Lower for Longer" Download this PDF here. The Rise and Fall of the American Empire Tales of empires are as old as civilization itself. From ancient...
The Value of an Investment Plan
“Any sound long-range investment program requires patience and perseverance. Perhaps that is why so few investors follow any plan. Investment success is the purpose of investment planning; but a by-product of a good plan is peace of mind.” — John Templeton It’s worth...
The Evolving Trade War: Is a Recession Looming?
When the U.S. launched a trade war in January, many were quick to warn of a possible recession. With Canada’s economy already growing at a sluggish pace—GDP growth is projected at just 1.8 percent for 2025—the Bank of Canada estimated that a blanket 25 percent tariff...
Investing Resolutions
Resolve to Review Your Will If you are looking for a financial resolution to start the year, why not make estate planning a priority? Every so often we hear stories about the consequences of not having a valid will. To die without one, known as dying “intestate,” can...
Buffettology
To a Trillion & Beyond... Warren Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most iconic investors of our time, and, arguably, the most successful investor alive today. At 94 years old, he ranks as the sixth richest person in the world on Forbes’ 2024...
Market Insights by James Thorne: From Trump’s Demands to Canada’s Destiny
Charting a new course in a shifting world order “A statesman must wait and listen until he hears the steps of God sounding through events; then leap up and grasp the hem of his garment.” – Otto von Bismarck Download this PDF here. Bismarck’s 19th-century declaration...
Safeguard Your Finances Against Fraud
As we enter a new year, why not resolve to better protect your financial security? Financial fraud continues to be on the rise and scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Scammers continue to seek financial gain by stealing identities, accessing login details,...
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Portfolio Rebalancing: Four Additional Benefits Rebalancing a portfolio involves adjusting the allocation of assets to bring it back in line with your original investment strategy, ensuring it remains consistent with your risk and return profile. Why is this...
Market Insights by James Thorne: From Extremes To Centre
Charting a New Path for Economics and Investing as Trump Returns and Trudeau Steps Down You have enemies? Why, it is the story of every man who has done a great deed or created a new idea. – Victor Hugo Download this PDF here. The Shifting Political Landscape In...
Federal Government Defers Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Increase to 2026
Download this PDF here. The Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, announced that the federal government will postpone the implementation of the proposed increase to the capital gains inclusion rate—from one-half to two-thirds. Originally...
DEBUNKING THE MYTHS
Investing After Periods of Strong Market Returns “The strongest of all warriors are these two: Time and Patience.”— Leo Tolstoy Following the notable gains in both Canadian and U.S. equity markets in 2024, some investors may feel hesitant about the prospect of...
Back to the Future?
As an investor, wouldn’t it be great to travel back in time 30 years to alter the course of the future? Knowing what you know now, would you choose to do things differently?1 It may be surprising to recall how the world has changed in three decades. Back in 1995, the...
Biggest Economic Shift in 50 Years Dr. James Thorne’s Bold Predictions for 2025 | Smoking Bulls Podcast
🌎 The Biggest Economic Shift in 50 Years! 📈 In this compelling episode of Smoking Bulls, we dive deep into the unprecedented economic and political pivots reshaping the global landscape with Dr. Jim Thorne, Chief Market Strategist at Wellington Altus. From U.S. energy...
Market Insights by James Thorne: The Globalization Myth in Canada
Are serious structural adjustments needed in Canada? With an upcoming election and changes in U.S. leadership, James Thorne says investors must be prepared for big economic changes. Stay tuned for more details in his February #MarketInsights coming soon. #Investing...
A New Year Check-In
Has Your (Or Your Family’s) Health Status Changed? As we enter a new year, if your or a family member’s health status has recently changed, it may be an opportune time to explore whether this could unlock access to valuable financial support. Many people are unaware...
SEEKING INCOME-SPLITTING OPPORTUNITIES?
RRSP Season: Don’t Overlook the Spousal RRSP It’s RRSP season once again! Over the decades, the federal government has eliminated many income-splitting opportunities available to taxpayers. However, if you have a spouse/common-law partner, don’t overlook the spousal...
Prorogation Purgatory: What Parliament’s Shutdown Means for Proposed Tax Changes
Download this PDF here. On January 6, 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, effective upon selection of a new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and requested that Parliament be prorogued. The Governor General consented to the request, terminating all...
January Market Insights: The Digital Gold Rush
How Bitcoin Became America’s Unlikely Saviour “If you are going to put a legend on the greenbacks, I would suggest that of Peter and Paul, ‘Silver and gold I have none, but such as I have I give to thee.” – Abraham Lincoln [1] Download this PDF here. In our fast-paced...
NEED IDEAS ON WHERE TO START?
Your New Year’s Financial Checklist The beginning of a new year is an opportune time to revisit certain aspects of your wealth management. If you don’t know where to start, here are a handful of ideas. For more information, please call the office. Contribute to the...
Canoe Defensive Questions with Nicolas Papageorgiou | Smoking Bulls Podcast
Learn the secrets to mitigating investment risks while staying fully invested in the market! In this episode of the Smoking Bulls Podcast, we’re joined by Nicolas Papageorgiou, a seasoned portfolio manager at Canoe Financial, and Wayne Myers, District Vice President...
SURPRISING TFSA STATISTICS
Are You Overlooking the Tax-Free Opportunity? There are few “gifts” that the government gives us, and the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of them. The opportunity to invest and grow funds on a tax-free basis over a lifetime should not be overlooked. Yet, the...
2024 Fall Economic Statement
Download this article as a PDF. On December 16, 2024, amid a tumultuous day at Parliament Hill, the Federal Government released its heavily delayed 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES 2024). Earlier that day, Chrystia Freeland resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and...
FINAL MONTHS OF THE YEAR
The FHSA Carryforward Rules & More... The final months of the calendar year are a time when tax strategies are often top of mind. As a reminder, the tax rules allow you to carry forward certain tax credits or deductions not used in the current year. Be aware that...
THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES: A Year in Review
As we reflect on the market journey from late 2023 to the present and look ahead to 2025, the resilience and dynamism of the global economy stand out as defining characteristics. Throughout this period, a bullish outlook has been maintained, often swimming against the...
IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME…
The RESP: Would You Turn Down “Free Money”? There are many reasons to consider a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to save for a child’s future education: tax-deferred growth within the plan, earnings taxed at the child’s tax rate when eventually withdrawn and,...
Estate Planning: Worried About Beneficiaries?
Though the pandemic may now feel like a distant memory, it did bring about some positive changes. One notable outcome was that many clients began to take a closer look at their estate planning .In doing so, some discovered that they were concerned beneficiaries might...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Liquidity Matters
How will Trump’s U.S. election victory and recent #InterestRate cuts shape the future economy? James Thorne reminds investors that liquidity matters and shares where he still sees opportunities. Stay tuned for his 2024 recap this December. #MarketInsights. #Investing...
A Primer on Structured Notes
A Primer on Structured Notes With the return of equity market volatility and the high concentration among a handful of mega-cap names, alongside volatile bond markets as central banks have raised and lowered interest rates, there has been significant interest in...
Higher Rates for Longer?
Mortgage Debt & the Great Renewal It has been termed ‘the great renewal’: A significant number of Canadian mortgages are coming up for renewal. By one account, around 2.2 million mortgages, or 45 percent of all outstanding mortgages, are set to face higher...
U.S. Election Special Market Insights: American System 2.0
A Trump Victory – Propelling the U.S. into a New Gilded Age “Let us be brave in the face of hazards. Let us not fear wrongs, or wounds, or bonds, or poverty.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca Download this PDF here. As the Roman philosopher and statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca...
January Market Insights: The Digital Gold Rush
How Bitcoin Became America’s Unlikely Saviour “If you are going to put a legend on the greenbacks, I would suggest that of Peter and Paul, ‘Silver and gold I have none, but such as I have I give to thee.” – Abraham Lincoln [1] Download this PDF here. In our fast-paced...
THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES: A Year in Review
As we reflect on the market journey from late 2023 to the present and look ahead to 2025, the resilience and dynamism of the global economy stand out as defining characteristics. Throughout this period, a bullish outlook has been maintained, often swimming against the...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Liquidity Matters
How will Trump’s U.S. election victory and recent #InterestRate cuts shape the future economy? James Thorne reminds investors that liquidity matters and shares where he still sees opportunities. Stay tuned for his 2024 recap this December. #MarketInsights. #Investing...
U.S. Election Special Market Insights: American System 2.0
A Trump Victory – Propelling the U.S. into a New Gilded Age “Let us be brave in the face of hazards. Let us not fear wrongs, or wounds, or bonds, or poverty.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca Download this PDF here. As the Roman philosopher and statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Money For Nothing
The Illusion of Easy Wealth in Today’s Economy “That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it; Money for nothing and your chicks for free.” – Dire Straits Download this PDF here. There are moments in life that leave a lasting impression. For me, two significant memories...
Market Insights Video by James Thorne: Money For Nothing
What does Dire Straits’ 1985 Live Aid performance of “Money For Nothing” have to do with our current economy? James Thorne highlights how the lyrics reflect the turbulence of today in his November hashtag#MarketInsights, coming soon. hashtag#Investing Click here to...
Market Insights by James Thorne: THE GREAT DELUSION
Are We Trapped in a Cycle of Change That Never Changes? A Forecast for 2025 and Beyond The Mirage of Recovery: How We're Fooling Ourselves As we emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, a narrative of robust economic recovery has taken hold. Yet, beneath this veneer of...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Trump’s Trade War
America’s Imperial Twilight or Dawn of a New Golden Age? A Non-Consensus Call for Interest Rates to be “Lower for Longer" Download this PDF here. The Rise and Fall of the American Empire Tales of empires are as old as civilization itself. From ancient...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Trump’s Fiscal Frenzy
Godfather of Modern Monetary Theory Warns of “Drunken Sailor” Spending “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet Download this PDF here. At this very...
Market Insights by James Thorne: NAVIGATING THE DUAL REVOLUTIONS
AI’s Underestimated Truth and the Coming Fiscal Storm Mark Twain once delivered a sobering reminder of humanity’s tendency to disregard transformative ideas while allowing misconceptions to persist. As we stand on the precipice of two seismic shifts—the AI revolution...
Market Insights by James Thorne: THE GRAND CHESSBOARD
Navigating Geopolitical Investments In the grand geopolitical game, it’s not always the most powerful states that hold sway, but often those positioned in critical locations. Their vulnerability can significantly impact the strategies of the world’s power players. –...
Market Insights by James Thorne: Out Of Options
Navigating An Era Of Fiscal Dominance, Rate Cuts And Debt Monetization Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it. – Sir Winston Churchill The Ghost of Arthur Burns U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, deeply mindful of Arthur Burns’ missteps...
Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid: Why Corporate Executors Make Sense | Smokin’ Bulls Podcast
https://youtu.be/rYkeZDwVtbc ⚖️ How do smart Canadians avoid costly family fights over inheritance? ✅ The answer: choosing the right executor — and in many cases, that means hiring a corporate executor. In this power-packed Smokin’ Bulls episode, we talk with Jandy...
When Less Is More: Simplifying Your Finances
Former Wall Street Journal finance columnist Jonathan Clements has long advised readers to plan on living past age 90. But when, at age 61, he was diagnosed with an illness that gave him just a year to live, his financial priorities shifted. His focus turned to...
Is It Time to Revisit Your Insurance Strategy?
For many investors, insurance traditionally starts as a risk management tool to provide income protection in the event of unexpected life events. However, over a lifetime, insurance can evolve into a versatile tool that serves the multiple needs of high-net-worth...
Food for Thought: A Weaker Canadian Dollar
The Canadian dollar’s (CAD) weakness has raised questions about its broader impact and the path forward: The CAD is trading below its historical average. To start 2025, it fell below 68 U.S. cents—a level not seen in two decades. The decline has been driven by factors...
Why Warren Buffett’s Cash Reserve Is Growing
Warren Buffett’s increasing cash reserves at Berkshire Hathaway have drawn significant attention from market watchers. In his latest annual letter—eagerly awaited each year by many investors for its sage wisdom—Buffett addressed the topic directly: “Despite what some...
Oh, Canada: Trade Perspectives, in Brief
In brief, here are four perspectives on Canada/U.S. trade: 1. The U.S. is Canada’s main export market. In 2023, Canadian total exports were valued at C$965 billion, with 77 percent going tot he U.S. No other nation accounts for more than 5 percent of Canada’s...
A Turning Tide? Work From Home (& Tax Reminders)
Is the golden age of working from home (WFH) nearing its end? Last fall, the federal government mandated that employees return to the office (WFO) three days a week. Major corporations like Amazon and Dell have gone further, requiring full-time in-office work. The...
A Cloud of Uncertainty
The rhetorical tautology, “Predictions are difficult, especially about the future” may feel particularly relevant today.1 The start of 2025 has been marked by low visibility, with two events casting a cloud of uncertainty over investor sentiment: the launch of...
The Value of Disciplined Investing
As we have entered a new era of uncertainty, with an evolving trade war, slower economic growth and significant geopolitical conflict emerging regularly from south of the border, it’s worth a reminder: Your portfolio has been structured to provide solid risk-adjusted...
Uncertain Times: Defensive Strategies for Investors
“The desire to perform all the time is usually a barrier to doingwell in the long run.” — Howard Marks With slower economic growth, an evolving tariff situation and rising geopolitical uncertainty, many investors may be looking at ways to take a more defensive stance...
The Value of an Investment Plan
“Any sound long-range investment program requires patience and perseverance. Perhaps that is why so few investors follow any plan. Investment success is the purpose of investment planning; but a by-product of a good plan is peace of mind.” — John Templeton It’s worth...
The Evolving Trade War: Is a Recession Looming?
When the U.S. launched a trade war in January, many were quick to warn of a possible recession. With Canada’s economy already growing at a sluggish pace—GDP growth is projected at just 1.8 percent for 2025—the Bank of Canada estimated that a blanket 25 percent tariff...
Are You Retirement Ready? A Closer Look at Retirement Planning
You don't quit saving and stop planning once your hit retirement! Dave and Tyler delve into retirement planning and how to ensure that you are ready to take the big step.
Six Reasons Why: A Business Owner/High Net-Worth Individual Should Look at Life Insurance – Part 1
How can business owners & high net worth individuals use insurance to manage this and other problems? Special guest Paul Fawcett of PPI joins Dave and Tyler to elaborate on the potential benefits of life insurance for high net worth entrepreneurs.
Efficient Ways to Distribute Your Wealth to Charities: Giving Strategies
Planning to donate? Make your donations count! Join Dave and Tyler in discussing Charitable Giving Strategies when donating and giving.
August Market Insights: The Global Economy has its Hamlet Moment
Rebirth or a Financial Crisis “To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” — Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1, William Shakespeare Words and phrases derive much of their meaning from the...
The Choice for Long Term Care Insurance: Is it Worth It?
Dave and Tyler delve into the world of Long Term Care Insurance by discussing the costs, planning, benefits, and more. Subscribe to the Smokin’ Bulls Channel on Youtube for more hot topics every week!
Smokin Topic: Oil, Markets & Alternatives in Alberta, Canada with Greg Bentz
Flow Through Shares and Using Tax Credits for Investment Returns
Corporate Basics: Protecting Assets in Business with Greg Bentz
Smokin’ Topic: Living in the Metaverse – A Reality within the Virtual World
What do Dave and Tyler think about the Metaverse and its potential effects on our everyday lives? Subscribe to the Smokin’ Bulls Channel on Youtube for more smokin' topics every week!
Market Insights in 2022: The Year of the Fed with Dr. James E. Thorne
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