Section
Spotlight
31 posts
The Retirement Savings Gap – Are Canadian Retirees at Risk?
Are Canadians’ retirement plans in a state of crisis? Given rising interest rates, inflation and extreme market volatility, many Canadian retirees may find themselves running out of money prematurely. This "retirement income gap" could mean the difference between thriving and just surviving in their golden years.
Navigating Volatility: The Case for Tactical Alpha
In today's volatile markets, alternative investments are key for diversification, resilience, and returns, but they demand expertise to navigate. Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners and Scott Radke, CEO and Co-CIO of New Holland Capital discuss...
The Active ETF Advantage: Discount Bonds
Last year we saw tremendous volatility in fixed-income markets around the world. The resulting drawdowns – not seen in decades – created havoc for investors as fixed income is generally expected to help mitigate portfolio risk. Prior to this, bond markets had the luxury of longstanding tailwinds: rates trended downwards, and the economy consistently gained strength after the Great Recession of 2008, albeit with occasional hiccups along the way.
The retirement crisis: Meeting longevity risk head on
The risk of outliving one’s assets, also known as longevity risk, is an important concern for investors about to enter retirement. Running out of money prematurely can be the difference between thriving and just surviving in your golden years.
Addressing the Challenge: A Simple Alternative to Yield
After years of stimulative and accommodative policies, we now find ourselves in a position where central banks are tightening monetary conditions. Over the course of the year, fixed-income markets have reflected this as yields have increased and financial conditions tightened.
Full Speed Ahead: The Great Energy Transition
While the environmental and economic threats posed by climate change are immense, the investment opportunities being created in the search for renewable power are equally unprecedented. It’s become evident that the great transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy stands to be one of the most important developments of the new millennium – for both investors and the planet.
The Transformation of Emerging Markets – Why an active approach is essential
There’s an exciting transformation taking place in the Emerging Markets – from Latin America and Asia to Central Europe and beyond. With more than 25 countries and over 85% of the world’s population, emerging markets have become important drivers of global economic growth, considerably outpacing developed markets since 20001.
Actively Managed Options for International Diversification
Strategic diversification remains one of the cornerstones of successful portfolio construction. Whether you're looking to strengthen your portfolio diversification or are searching for growth opportunities, international equities have an essential role to play in any overall investment strategy. International economies are expanding, productivity is increasing, and we're seeing the emergence of a growing global middle class. These trends suggest the case for truly international investing is likely to only get stronger.
The Changing Face of Emerging Markets
With more than 25 countries and over 85% of the world’s population, emerging markets have become important drivers of global economic growth, considerably outpacing developed markets since 20001. This growth story isn’t a recent phenomenon, and we understand well that macroeconomic growth does not necessarily mean shareholder value creation.
International Equities: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
While many Canadian advisors are able to easily build custom portfolios of U.S. and Canadian securities, gaining access to international equities can be a challenge, as their platform can only custody securities listed on a Canadian or U.S. exchange. Consequently, a truly international fund that invests exclusively outside North America could be the missing piece in helping advisors build fully diversified portfolios for their clients.
Rethinking the Retirement Investment Income Spectrum
For over a decade now, financial advisors have been challenged to provide sustainable retirement income for investors, as interest rates have declined and now hover near historic lows. For investors in the pre-retirement or retirement stage of life, income has always been the focal point. However, in today’s low-yield world,...
Extraordinary Opportunity: Investing in the Great Energy Transition
While the environmental and economic threats posed by climate change are immense, the investment opportunities being created in the search for renewable power are equally unprecedented. It’s become evident that the great transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy stands to be one of the most important developments of the new millennium – for both investors and the planet.
Precious Commodities: Assessing Gold and Oil in the Pandemic Age
Dynamic Funds' Portfolio Managers, Robert Cohen and Jennifer Stevenson views on gold and oil, and positioning in the current economic climate.
Diversification: A Key Theme in 2020
Without doubt, 2019 was a stellar year for equities – especially U.S. equities, which have enjoyed one of the longest bull markets in history. With ample support last year from the U.S. Federal Reserve, U.S. markets seemed to hit record highs almost every week.
Real Estate & Infrastructure: Compelling Alternatives for Superior Diversification
When it comes to alternative assets, real estate and infrastructure have long been a staple for pension plans and foundations. Tom Dicker and Frank Latshaw discuss the compelling diversification benefits provided by the two asset classes.
Alternative Assets: The Case for a Defensive Stance
The length of the current cycle by itself doesn't mean much; economic cycles and bull markets don't die of old age. However, as the cycle matures, it can become more susceptible to shocks. Given current U.S. equity valuations, it's only prudent to proceed with caution and perhaps to start thinking defensively.
