US equities have taken center stage over the last few years and are touching all-time highs as consumers continue to show strength with healthy balance sheets and less sensitivity to higher interest rates. But is all this good news already priced in? &nbsp; What may be surprising is that returns are no longer being powered primarily by the “Magnificent 7”. Instead, forgotten and unloved sectors are now witnessing a steady bid. &nbsp; In this episode Rob sits with BMO’s Chief Investment Officer, Sadiq Adatia, to talk about their recent market outlook and why they believe a broadening market rally is in the cards for 2024. While high quality and financials in the US are in focus, gold and commodity-oriented equities could see a continuation of strength. &nbsp;

Is US equity still the easiest asset allocation decision?

Looking back on the month of April, it was a tough time for many investors. Broadly, many stock market sectors broke their winning streak. Bonds didn’t fare any better as continued strong global economic data pressured long-term yields higher.  &nbsp;  As the macro regime continues to unfold, Forstrong’s investment team continues to believe the world is transitioning toward an inflationary boom. Increased volatility is a key tenet of this shifting economic landscape. But the theme of broadening performance (away from the handful of US mega-cap stocks which carried markets last year) is alive and well. In April, commodity-sensitive exposures and emerging markets equities staged impressive rallies.  &nbsp;  In this episode, Rob sits down with Forstrong Lead PM, David Kletz, to unpack these latest development. They also dive into why an improving outlook in emerging markets could lead to outsized returns this year. &nbsp;

2024’s Rotation Trade Continues

Canadian ETF inflows continued at a brisk pace in May, bringing the year-to-date number to more than $24 billion (handily beating their mutual fund counterparts). Total assets now stand at more than $432 billion&nbsp;with 1407 ETFs to choose from. With all this selection, how do investors know which ETF to buy? &nbsp;  To help answer these questions Rob Duncan, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager &amp; Lead ESG Officer&nbsp;at Forstrong,&nbsp;sits down with Patrick McEntyre, Managing Director and Co-Head of Institutional Sales of ETFs at National Bank Financial Group, to discuss:    Key trends within the ETF industry   Where investors are allocating funds   How changes in ETF flows align with Forstrong’s investment outlook and positioning    In addition, Patrick walks through how National Bank provides liquidity on large trades, when ETFs can be more efficient than stocks and bonds, and why the rush to International and Emerging Market equities might be at a tipping point.  &nbsp;

Canadian ETFs - A Bull Market in the Making

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-541

Student loan debt can easily get in the way of financial independence, especially if there’s a high interest rate attached to your loans. But should you pay down this debt at the expense of investing for the future? There are several factors we’re going to explore in today’s episode!

Lauren is a physician assistant with a stable W2 job, a house hack, and a side hustle that provides her with a little “fun” money each month. But as she and her partner work toward their goal of reaching FI in twenty years, they’ve got some money issues to work out—namely, how to tackle the $150,000 in student loans hanging over their heads. Should they pay down this debt, invest in real estate, or both? Should they put their retirement contributions on hold? One day, they hope to travel the world and enjoy their favorite pastime, kitesurfing! But should they fast-track this dream before planning for a family?

Lauren is at a crossroads in her journey to FI, and in today’s episode, Scott and Mindy will provide her with an actionable blueprint she can use to achieve her financial goals, career aspirations, and dream lifestyle. Along the way, you’ll learn when to prioritize aggressive debt paydown, how to strike the perfect investment portfolio mix, and important things to consider before starting a family!

Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!

Finance Friday: I've Got $150K Student Debt at 6.95%, Should I Invest?

Everyone is talking about Nvidia. Just 2 years ago the stock was worth a mere $400 billion. Now, depending on the time of day, it is worth somewhere around $3 trillion and was briefly the most valuable company in the world. Investors should not overcomplicate things here:&nbsp;Nvidia and the broader AI theme are in the midst of a speculative mania. &nbsp; Of course, we have been here before. Investment stories, much like the current one, can be intoxicating and lure every last investor into the trade. During such times, diversification seems unnecessary. Who wants it when “one and done” portfolio decisions look so easy? Yet, investors invariably paying heavily for having taken on concentrated risk exposures. The late 1990s are a prime example. &nbsp; At times like this, it is always useful to revisit the role of the portfolio manager: why do clients pay us to manage their wealth? It is not for flawless clairvoyance. Rather, we are paid to anticipate probable risks, prepare for opportunities and, importantly, not lose our proverbial minds when everyone else has lost theirs. In the latest podcast, Rob Duncan, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager &amp; Lead ESG Officer, sits down with Tyler Mordy, CEO &amp; CIO of Forstrong, to discuss the recent volatility in Nvidia and implications for the broader market. &nbsp;

Navigating Nvidia’s Volatility:  Keeping Your Head When Others May Have Lost Theirs

Aaron Spitzner and Jeff Kowal discuss what to do with your 401k when you retire, share insights regarding discussing retirement finances with your spouse, and examine naming an executor to your estate.

The Retirement Clinic-6-29-24 – Retirement Finances

When asked about the prognosis for markets, American financier J. P. Morgan once famously quipped, “they will fluctuate”. &nbsp; That statement is not meant to be dismissive of recent market volatility: the first half of 2024 has faced a long list of new realities from an AI fervour to contentious global elections. But, today more than ever, wealth accumulation demands a focus on fundamentals and looking beyond recent hype. Currently, there are historic opportunities to pivot into new investment themes as markets find a new footing and fresh macroeconomic trends emerge. &nbsp; In this discussion, Rob Duncan, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager &amp; Lead ESG Officer, sits down with Forstrong Portfolio Manager, Terry Shaunessy, to explore where investors might be succumbing to market exuberance and identifying strategies to navigate volatility while achieving their financial objectives. &nbsp; Disclosures:   &nbsp;

The Great Market Rotation: Is It For Real?

Investors have been pouring into Canadian ETFs at an unprecedented rate in 2024. While cash and US equity ETFs have dominated flows this year, recent trends suggest a shift is underway. Weaker economic data and volatility in Japan have investors worried, while international markets present compelling opportunities. &nbsp; In the latest Global Thinking episode, Rob sits down with Daniel Straus, Director of ETF Research at National Bank, to discuss recent ETF trends and investment flows. Together, they explore why investors should focus on global opportunities and how to navigate the period ahead.  &nbsp;  Show Notes:  00:00 - Exploring ETF Flows and Market Trends  05:08 - The Growth of the ETF Market  08:25 - Fixed Income Flows and the Demand for Cash  12:41 - The Appeal of International and Emerging Market ETFs  15:47 - The Unwinding of the Carry Trade in Japan  19:59 - Interest Rate Policy and Rate Movements  22:55 - Canadian Equity ETF Inflows and Home Bias  23:25 - Investing in Canada's Energy Markets  25:16 - Canadian Banks: A Demand Spot  28:06 - The Growth of Active ETFs in Canada  30:25 - Covered Call ETFs: Present Income vs. Future Upside  37:46 - Exploring Consciousness and Free Will &nbsp; &nbsp;

Keep Calm and “Carry” On – Seizing Global Opportunities in a Shifting ETF Market

Over the past year, China has grappled with escalating challenges—from a real estate meltdown to tech crackdowns and slowing growth—leading many investors to deem the country "un-investable." However, recent policy moves from Beijing, including significant interest rate cuts and liquidity injections, may point to a major inflection point ahead.  &nbsp;  In this episode, Rob Duncan speaks with Forstrong’s Research Analyst, Shibo Gu, on the ground in Northern China. Together, they unpack the latest stimulus measures and their potential impact on investors eyeing opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy. Is this renewed optimism justified, or should caution still prevail? &nbsp; Chapters 00:00 Introduction to China's Economic Landscape 03:28 Stimulus Measures and Their Implications 08:42 Investment Opportunities in the Wake of Stimulus 12:04 Market Outlook and Investor Sentiment 18:09 On-the-Ground Insights from China &nbsp;  &nbsp;   &nbsp; Previous posts on visiting China.

Podcast From China: Beijing's Policy Shockwaves

2024 is proving to be another year full of surprises. Investors have been bracing for recession as a waterfall of misleading signals have dominated headlines. While many braced for a looming recession, markets defied expectations with strong returns—leaving many sidelined in cash or GICs, missing out on the upside. In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, Rob sits down with Forstrong’s CEO and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to unpack the themes from Tyler's latest article, . Together, they tackle the big questions shaping today’s investment landscape: Where are we in the economic cycle? Are geopolitical shocks here to stay? What impact could the U.S. election bring? Is China’s economic stimulus a real game-changer? And, finally, what does the future hold for the powerhouse MAG-7 tech stocks? Join us for a deep dive into these pressing topics and find out why keeping perspective—and staying invested—matters now more than ever. &nbsp; Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 The Five Questions 02:36 Where are we in the Economic Cycle? 10:40 Are Geopolitical Shocks Becoming More Frequent? 17:06 What are the Implications of US Elections? 24:54 Are China's Economic Stimulus a Game Changer? 30:14 What is the Future of the MAG-7 Tech Stocks? &nbsp; Disclosures:&nbsp; Global Thinking Podcast Series -&nbsp; Global Thinking Insights -&nbsp;&nbsp; Who is Forstrong Global -&nbsp; Ask Forstrong -&nbsp; Invest With Us -&nbsp; &nbsp;

5 Questions Keeping Investors Up at Night

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With retirement just around the corner, you need a partner you can trust to help navigate the ins and outs of retirement planning. Kowal Investment Group was founded to help you take the necessary steps toward making your retirement match up with the one you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re looking for a final push heading into your retirement, retirement asset management and consolidation, or assistance in transferring business assets to retirement assets, our team’s focus is on helping you realize your vision.

You can listen to the Kowal Investment Group's "Retirement Clinic" podcasts, with retirement and investment planning tips and news right here on Soundcloud. **This is a previously recorded show.**

Kowal Investment Group is a registered investment advisor. For important disclosures please visit our website www.thekowalway.com

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New tracks tagged #asset allocation