In this episode of Insight is Capital, Pierre Daillie sits down with Tony Dong, founder of ETF Portfolio Blueprint and lead ETF analyst at ETF Central, for a comprehensive dive into the fast-evolving world of exchange-traded funds. Tony brings sharp insights and a dose of healthy skepticism to today’s ETF landscape—from flashy private credit products and speculative options-based funds to underappreciated core portfolio strategies like the “cockroach portfolio.”

Tony pulls back the curtain on everything from buffer ETFs and zero-day options to smart beta, tax efficiency, and how to write an investment policy statement that keeps you grounded when FOMO strikes.

You’ll learn:

• What to watch out for in private market ETFs like PRIV and XOVR
• The performance gap between growth and value ETFs—and what to do about it
• Why simplicity beats complexity in volatile markets
• How the “cockroach portfolio” can deliver long-term resilience
• The importance of resisting shiny object syndrome with new ETF launches

Chapters & Timestamps:nn00:00 – Risk in Private Credit ETFs: A Sanity Checknn01:45 – Tony Dong’s Background: From Risk Manager to ETF Expertnn03:50 – Market Outlook: Why Allocators Are Skittish in 2024nn05:00 – Growth vs. Value ETFs: Are Investors Missing the Point?nn08:00 – The Better Way to Access Factor Investingnn10:30 – Risks and Red Flags in Private Market ETFs (PRIV, XOVR)nn14:30 – Authority Bias and Fund Due Diligencenn16:45 – Best New ETF Launches: Canada vs. USnn18:50 – Derivative-Based and Zero-DTE ETFs: Caution Requirednn20:15 – Liquid Alternatives and Bridgewater’s All Weather ETFnn22:25 – Return Stacking and Trend Following Strategiesnn23:45 – The Problem with “1+1” S&P 500 + Bitcoin ETFsnn25:00 – Buffer ETFs Explained: Training Wheels for Risk-Averse Clientsnn27:00 – Why You Need an Investment Policy Statementnn29:00 – Building the Cockroach Portfolio: Resilience Firstnn32:00 – The Psychology of Staying Investednn34:00 – Where to Find Tony Dong and His Research

Featured Guest:nnTony Dong – Founder, ETF Portfolio BlueprintnnLead ETF Analyst, ETF CentralnnWebsite: https://etfportfolioblueprint.comnnLinkedIn: Tony Dong on LinkedIn

Is Wall Street turning investing into a casino? Dave Nadig reveals the hidden cracks in the ETF system, the explosive risks no one’s prepared for, and what financial advisors must understand before it’s too late.nnThe ETF market has never been more innovative—or more dangerous. In this controversial conversation, industry veteran Dave Nadig breaks down the evolution of financial markets, the rise of speculative ETF products, and why unchecked leverage in the options market could be the next major financial disaster.nnNadig also highlights Canada’s unique role in ETF innovation, the psychological battle between retail FOMO and institutional stability, and why financial advisors need to filter out the “black hats” from the “white hats” in today’s investing world.nnThis is a must for investment professionals, advisors, and anyone trying to navigate an increasingly chaotic financial landscape.nnChaptersnn0:00 – The ETF Industry’s Hidden Risksnn1:21 – Canada vs. U.S.: Who Leads in ETF Innovation?nn3:32 – Financial Chaos: Why Markets Feel Like a Circusnn4:34 – The Power Play Behind Market Volatilitynn9:51 – Black Hats vs. White Hats: The Real ETF Battlenn14:29 – Retail Speculation: A Dangerous Game?nn17:13 – Why Passive Investing Still Wins (For Now)nn26:15 – How to Survive as an Advisor in a Speculative Marketnn39:55 – The ETF Market’s Next Big Blow-Upnn48:58 – Are Financial Regulators Being Dismantled?nn53:40 – The ‘Buy The Dip’ Mentality: Will It Ever Break?nn1:05:04 – Final Takeaways for Investors & Advisorsn

nnn #Investing #ETF #Finance #Markets #WallStreet #FinancialAdvisors #PassiveInvesting #StockMarket #OptionsTrading #RiskManagement #Trading #WealthManagement #InvestSmart

? Is your portfolio riding the edge of chaos? Discover why diversification is back—and how to future-proof your investments before it’s too late.nnnThe investment world is shifting, and your portfolio needs to keep up. In this must-watch episode of The Insight is Capital Podcast, Pierre Daillie sits down with Paisley Nardini, portfolio manager and multi-asset strategist at Simplify Asset Management, to break down the rise of alternative investments, the return of diversification, and how to navigate today’s unpredictable markets. They tackle the evolving role of derivatives, flow-driven investing, and the institutional strategies now accessible to advisors. Paisley shares her insights on market cycles, interest rates, geopolitical risks, and how to hedge against uncertainty without making high-conviction bets that could wreck your returns.nnnIf you’re an advisor looking for smarter ways to manage risk and capture new opportunities, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.nn

? Chapters & Timestamps:nnn0:00 – What is Flow-Driven Investing? Unlocking institutional alpha for advisorsnn1:37 – Introductionn2:16 – Meet Paisley Nardini—From equity analytics to multi-asset strategynn5:06 – Why Fixed Income Isn’t “Boring” The real driver behind macro trendsnn10:47 – The ETF Revolution How rule changes reshaped portfolio diversificationnn11:58 – The Noise Problem Separating innovative investing from speculationnn15:49 – Hedging for Tail Risk Using derivatives for capital-efficient protectionnn20:13 – The FOMO Dilemma Why one group of investors is missing the big picturenn26:21 – Where Are Rates Headed? The advisor divide on higher-for-longer vs. duration betsnn30:38 – Riding the Edge of Chaos The thin ice we’re skating on in today’s marketsnn33:53 – Market Outlook for 2025 Why the game has changed for growth & earningsnn36:05 – Correction or Collapse? What’s really happening under the market’s surfacenn38:15 – Hard Assets & Inflation Commodities, gold, and the hidden drivers of price actionnn42:28 – True Diversification The difference between academic & structural returnsnn47:32 – Breaking the 60/40 Model How advisors should adapt their portfolios nownn50:24 – Avoiding Costly Mistakes Why gradual changes beat high-conviction betsnn55:26 – How to Implement Change The ETF solutions making diversification seamlessnn58:49 – Final Takeaways The key to building resilient, forward-looking portfolios

nn #Investing #FinancialAdvisors #PortfolioManagement #ETFs #AlternativeInvestments #Derivatives #MarketOutlook #InterestRates #StockMarket #InvestmentStrategy #TailRiskHedging #WealthManagement #Diversification #HedgeFunds #FinancialMarkets

In this episode Som Seif, CEO of Purpose Investments, joins us to challenge common misconceptions about private markets. First, we discuss the current state of markets. Seif explains why private assets—private equity, private credit, and private real estate—are becoming essential components of modern investment portfolios. He discusses how institutional-grade private investments have become accessible to retail investors, debunks myths about risk and illiquidity, and outlines how these assets can enhance diversification, generate uncorrelated returns, and offer a more stable investment experience. Finally, we delve into how private sub-advisor managers like Apollo, Pantheon, and BlueRock are taking a significant role in democratizing access to these private market opportunities.nnn01:22 – Introduction: Debunking Private Marketsnn01:39 – Opening Disclaimernn01:58 – The State of Markets in 2025: Uncertainty & Opportunitynn04:50 – Emotions vs. Rational Investing: Avoiding Reactionary Mistakesnn09:17 – Why Private Markets Matter Now More Than Evernn10:04 – The Rise of Private Investments for Retail Investorsnn14:56 – Breaking the Myth: Institutional vs. Retail Accessnn16:58 – How Private Market Investments Are Being Democratizednn21:03 – The Role of Private Assets in Portfolio Constructionnn23:34 – Private Equity: The Strategic Edge Beyond Public Marketsnn29:26 – Private Credit: A Rising Opportunity Amid Bank Retrenchmentnn33:55 – The Convergence of Private Equity & Private Creditnn37:41 – Addressing Liquidity Concerns in Private Market Investingnn45:27 – Purpose Investments’ Approach to Private Market Accessibilitynn47:48 – What Advisors Need to Know About Private Marketsnn49:79 – Final Takeaways: A Call to Reevaluate Private Investmentsn

nnn#PrivateMarkets #AlternativeInvestments #PrivateEquity #PrivateCredit #RealEstate #PortfolioManagement #WealthManagement #InstitutionalInvesting #InvestmentStrategy #FinancialMarkets

Private markets are undergoing a seismic shift, with assets poised to surge from $13 trillion to $23 trillion in just five years. As interest rates fluctuate and the new U.S. administration reshapes the financial landscape, where should investors look for opportunities, and what risks lie ahead?

In this episode, we are joined by Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners, to unpack the evolving world of private equity, private debt, and absolute return strategies. We discuss:

• The impact of rising and falling interest rates on alternative strategies
• The growth of private credit as banks tighten lending
• The role of continuation vehicles in private equity
• How alternative investments can enhance returns and mitigate risk
• What the Trump administration’s policies mean for markets
• The increasing institutional and retail adoption of alternatives

As markets face volatility and uncertainty, alternative investments offer new ways to build resilient, high-performing portfolios. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of alternatives with insights from one of the industry’s top experts.

Subscribe for more exclusive insights on markets, investments, and strategies that shape the financial world.

#PrivateEquity #PrivateDebt #HedgeFunds #Investing #AlternativeInvestments #Finance #WealthManagement #Markets #AGF #PrivateMarkets #EconomicTrends #FamilyOffices #FixedIncome #MultiStrategy #InvestmentTrends

? Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 Canadian adults struggles to read a simple sentence?

In this eye-opening episode of the Insight is Capital Podcast, host Pierre Daillie sits down with Mélanie Valcin, President & CEO of United for Literacy, to discuss the life-changing impact of literacy on individuals, families, and the Canadian economy.

We explore:

✅ The hidden literacy crisis in Canada and how it affects employment, health, and civic engagement

✅ The $50+ billion GDP boost that raising literacy levels by just 1% could create

✅ How United for Literacy is helping individuals overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities

✅ The vital role of financial literacy in economic empowerment

✅ Ways YOU can help make a difference

? Join us for “Game Night for Literacy” on March 5, 2025!

? Arcadian Loft, Toronto

This fun-filled fundraising event will bring together leaders from the financial industry to support literacy programs across Canada. Play Scrabble, Trivia, Taboo, and more—while making a meaningful impact.

? Get your tickets now! ? gamenightforliteracy.ca

? Want to get involved?

Volunteer, donate, or learn more at unitedforliteracy.ca

? Subscribe for more insightful conversations with thought leaders shaping the future of finance and society.

#UnitedForLiteracy #GameNightForLiteracy #FinancialLiteracy #EducationMatters #RaiseTheBar #InsightIsCapital #AdvisorAnalyst #Podcast #LiteracyMatters #Impact #GameOnForLiteracy

Market uncertainty, rate cuts, U.S. exceptionalism, and a potential Canadian dollar shock—are we prepared for 2025? In this must-watch episode, Pierre Daillie sits down with Ilan Kolet, Institutional Portfolio Manager at Fidelity’s Global Asset Allocation Team, to dissect the most pressing questions investors and advisors are facing right now.

• Is the Canadian dollar heading for a collapse?

• Why are U.S. equities still the best game in town?

• Have investors misunderstood the bond market?

• Should portfolios brace for a new investment paradigm?

“A 25% tariff on Canadian exports could trigger as much as a 6% GDP shock, a 3% surge in inflation, and send the Canadian dollar plummeting to 52 cents.” — Ilan Kolet

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro & Welcome – Kicking off 2025 with uncertainty

00:02:00 A Market on Fire – Why a balanced portfolio returned 20% in 2024

00:03:00 The Elephant in the Room: Political Instability & Tariffs

00:07:00 Canada’s Hidden Economic Weakness & The BoC’s Dire Post-Tariff Simulation

00:13:00 Inflation or Deflation? What a Shock Would Mean for Investors

00:18:00 Are Investors Front-Running Inflation?

00:22:00 Positioning for Uncertainty: How to Build Resilience into Portfolios

00:27:00 The Bond Market Paradox: Higher for Longer?

00:30:00 Why U.S. Equities Are Still the Best Bet in 2025

00:36:00 Rate Cuts: Canada Has to Cut, The Fed Wants to Cut

00:42:00 Will the Canadian Dollar Go On Sale?

00:49:00 The Rise of Alternatives & Why They’re Critical in This Market

00:54:00 The ‘Magic’ of Portfolio Construction in Volatile Markets

00:55:00 Closing Thoughts – An Elegant Solution for Complex Markets

*****

Get Fidelity’s latest whitepaper: 11 Questions into 2025

*****

Listen to the full episode and get ahead of 2025’s biggest investment challenges!

#Markets #Investing #Finance #Economy #InterestRates #PortfolioManagement #WealthManagement #Stocks #Bonds #Canada #USMarkets #Alternatives #Fidelity #Tariffs #MacroEconomics

In this episode, host Pierre Daillie dives into the essentials of marketing success with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite. Samantha shares her expert insights on how financial advisors can thrive in a digital-first world, where competition is nationwide, and the rules of client acquisition are constantly evolving.

? Key Topics Discussed:

The Changing Face of Marketing for Advisors

• Why a digital presence is non-negotiable in the era of $30 trillion in millennial-controlled assets.
• The importance of niche marketing and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Strategies to Build a High-Converting Website

• The 5-second rule: how to grab visitor attention and convert leads fast.
• Creating engaging, hyper-targeted content that speaks directly to your ideal client.

The Role of AI and Social Search in Advisor Marketing

• How tools like ChatGPT and TikTok are transforming how clients find advisors.
• Practical tips for staying ahead in the AI-driven search era.

Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth

• Proven techniques for building meaningful professional relationships.
• Why comments are the secret sauce to LinkedIn success.

Events That Drive Engagement

• Memorable online and in-person event ideas that keep prospects talking.
• Tips to host impactful webinars and fun client gatherings.

The Power of Video Marketing

• How short, authentic videos can build trust and expand your reach.
• Creative ideas for content that resonates with clients and prospects.

? Resource Spotlight:

? FMG 2025 Marketing Guide for Financial Advisors

Discover 31 pages of actionable marketing strategies tailored for advisors.

? Download it here: 2025 Marketing Guide for Financial Advisors

✨ Key Takeaways:

?️ About Samantha Russell:

Samantha Russell is a marketing trailblazer with a passion for empowering advisors to excel in a competitive digital landscape. As Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite, Samantha has transformed how advisors approach growth through modern tools, strategies, and expertise.

? Connect with Samantha:

LinkedIn: Samantha Russell

FMG Suite: fmgsuite.com

What does 2025 have in store for investors? Join us as we dive deep into the markets, macroeconomics, and the evolving landscape of risk and opportunity with Aahan Menon, Founder and CEO of Prometheus Research. In this special kickoff-to-2025 episode of Raise Your Average, Aahan breaks down his systematic and probabilistic approach to navigating today’s unpredictable economic environment, shares his investment outlook, as well as asset allocation. You may be surprised.

Key Insights:

Macro Trends for 2025: How growth, inflation, and interest rates are setting the stage for the year ahead.

Managing Risk: Why a systematic framework is essential in a time of elevated uncertainty.

Market Narratives Unpacked: The disconnects between popular sentiment and economic data.

Probabilities, Not Predictions: How Prometheus Research quantifies risk and uncovers market opportunities in real time.

Actionable Takeaways: Prometheus’ 4 ETF portfolio model, for investors looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly shifting environment.

Quote of the Episode: “Investing today isn’t about certainty—it’s about managing probabilities in a world of growing complexity.” – Aahan Menon

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:19 Ahan Menon’s Investment Framework

01:58 Market Dynamics and 2024 Review

05:48 Economic Indicators and Forecasts

10:21 Interest Rates and Economic Impact

24:51 Liquidity Conditions and Market Implications

46:52 Manufacturing Sector Challenges

53:15 Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector

53:26 Impact of Borrowing and Leverage

53:58 Wage Costs and Interest Burden

54:46 Investment and Borrowing Trends

56:10 Commodity Market Dynamics

58:02 Alpha Portfolio Strategies

01:01:38 Manufacturing and Economic Growth

01:03:53 Recession Indicators and Economic Slowdown

01:11:29 Real Estate Sector Analysis

01:17:14 Signal Strength and Portfolio Allocation

01:21:34 Bond Market Insights

01:31:58 Commodity Market Outlook

01:36:12 Asset Allocation – What to do now

01:43:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Stay Ahead of the Curve:

Subscribe to Raise Your Average for more market insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to elevate your investing game.

Connect with Us:

Follow Aahan Menon on Linkedin

Prometheus Research on Substack

ReSolve Asset Management

Mike Philbrick on Linkedin

#Investing2025 #RaiseYourAverage #MarketInsights #EconomicOutlook #PrometheusResearch

In this episode of Insight is Capital, we’re joined by Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at Franklin Templeton Institute and author of the soon-to-be-released Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity. Tony shares his expert insights on the revolution in private market investing and why it’s reshaping wealth management.

We explore how private equity, private credit, and private real estate are transforming portfolio construction, offering uncorrelated returns, greater diversification, and resilience during market downturns. Tony demystifies the illiquidity premium, highlights the growing role of secondaries, and explains why advisors must embrace alternatives to meet client expectations in today’s financial ecosystem.

Key Topics

• Rethinking the 60/40 Portfolio: Why traditional strategies are no longer enough in today’s volatile markets.

• Private Markets for All: The innovations democratizing access to private investments.

• Illiquidity as a Feature: Why patience is key to unlocking higher returns.

• The Secondary Market Boom: Shorter J-curves and better diversification for private equity investors.

• Enhancing Advisor Value: How mastering alternatives strengthens client relationships and retention.

Chapters

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction

2:00 – The End of Easy Money: 2022’s Portfolio Wake-Up Call

6:30 – Tony’s Career & The Power of Private Assets

11:45 – Demystifying Private Market Accessibility

16:00 – Structuring Portfolios: Growth, Income, and Diversification

21:00 – Overcoming Client Hesitations Around Alternatives

26:00 – The Hidden Opportunities in Private Markets

34:00 – Illiquidity: A Feature, Not a Bug

42:00 – The Growing Role of Secondaries in Private Equity

47:00 – Trends Shaping Private Markets Over the Next Decade

55:00 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Tony

Links & Resources

• Tony Davidow on LinkedIn: Link

• Franklin Templeton Alternatives – Canada: Link

• Franklin Templeton Institute’s Alts Knowledge Hub: Link

• Tony’s Book: Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity (Coming February 2024).

#PrivateMarkets #AlternativeInvestments #PortfolioConstruction #WealthManagement #PrivateEquity #PrivateCredit #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentStrategies #FinancialAdvisors #TonyDavidow

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