InFocus Podcasts

Canadian Banking Insights: A Deep Dive into RBC

In this episode of InFocus, Candis Fitch, CIM®, CIWM, portfolio manager at TriCert Investment Council, is joined by fellow portfolio manager Lee Grimshaw, CFA®, to discuss the financial sector, with a particular focus on the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). They highlight RBC's impressive performance, including its position as the largest company on the TSX 300 and its significant market cap. The discussion covers RBC's diverse portfolio, global reach, and recent financial results, including a strong quarterly performance driven by acquisitions and growth in various segments. They also address some challenges RBC faces, such as increased provisions for credit losses and economic headwinds in Canada. The episode concludes by comparing RBC's performance to that of other major Canadian banks.
Recorded on December 5, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

Energy Investments: Balancing Risks, Opportunities, Policies, and Politics

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO of TriCert Financial Group, is joined by Grayson Waechter, CFA®, TriCert Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager specializing in the energy sector. Together, they discuss the state of the oil and gas industry, focusing on the benefits of international diversification with investments in Shell, Exxon, and Chevron.
Grayson discusses the performance of oil and pipeline companies' stocks, which have seen significant gains this year. The increase in stock prices is attributed to healthy margins, dividend expansions, and interest rate cuts, which have driven demand for investments with stable dividend yields.
The discussion covers the impact of U.S. election results, specifically Trump's return, on energy policy and market expectations. Grayson noted that federal support for oil projects could increase, but state-level resistance might still pose challenges.
Recorded on November 13, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

Investment insights: Last quarter's review, outlook, and Trump's U.S. election victory impact

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO of TriCert Financial Group, and Joel Baker, CIM, MBA, Chief Investment Strategist at TriCert Investment Counsel, delve into the investment landscape of the last quarter.
They discuss the implications of the recent U.S. election and Trump's victory, analyzing its potential impact on fiscal policies and the economy. The conversation covers key topics such as inflation trends, GDP growth, interest rates, and market reactions. Listen to gain valuable insights into how these factors influence our investment strategies.
Recorded on November 11, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

Income-producing investor insights: From rate cuts, yield curves, and bonds

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO of TriCert Financial Group, is joined by Nicholas Leach, CFA®, TriCert Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager, to provide an update on the income-producing portion of our portfolio. They discuss recent interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada, market reactions, and the implications for bond yields and corporate credit spreads. The conversation also covers the impact of upcoming U.S. elections on the bond market, the normalization of the yield curve, and the performance of preferred shares.
Recorded on October 30, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

TD Bank's Setbacks and an Update on the Financial Sector

In this episode of InFocus, TriCert Financial Group CEO Mike Gassewitz speaks with TriCert Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager Lee Grimshaw, CFA®, about the financial sector's performance over the past quarter. Lee notes a divergence between U.S. and Canadian financial markets, with U.S. institutions faring better due to a more robust economy, while Canadian banks face stress, particularly in the mortgage market. The discussion also touches on interest rate movements, their impact on Canadian banks, and the outlook for rate cuts. Additionally, they address TD Bank's recent challenges, including a significant penalty related to anti-money laundering failures, and discuss TD's market performance amidst these issues. Despite setbacks, Lee believes TD Bank's valuation provides ‘suppressed’ value in addition to a strong fundamental Canadian franchise.
Recorded on September 6, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

Market Movers: Technology and Industrials Insights

In this episode of InFocus, TriCert Financial Group CEO Mike Gassewitz and TriCert Investment Counsel Portfolio Manager Dave Gill, CFA®, MBA, discuss the performance of the Industrials and Technology sectors.
Dave highlights strong earnings despite a subdued economic backdrop. As Dave remains optimistic about Apple's fundamentals, they delve into the company's recent performance and Warren Buffett's decision to reduce Berkshire Hathaway's stake in it.
They also discuss the impact of macroeconomic indicators on industrials. Looking ahead, Dave identifies artificial intelligence as a key tailwind for the tech sector and accommodative monetary policy as a potential support for industrials. The episode wraps up with insights into how interest rate decisions may impact equity markets.
Recorded on August 29, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

The Stability of Consumer Staples: Resilience in Volatile Markets

In this episode of InFocus, guest host Candis Fitch, CIM®, CIWM, Portfolio Manager at TriCert Investment Counsel, welcomes Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager Brian Durno, CFP®, CFA®, to discuss the unique role of consumer staples in investment portfolios. Brian provides an in-depth look at how these essential products—from groceries to cleaning supplies—offer stability and consistent returns during market downturns. Focusing on the performance of consumer staples during recent economic disruptions, the conversation sheds light on why these companies are considered a cornerstone for long-term investment strategies.
Recorded on August 22, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

From Uranium to Hydrogen: The Future of Energy

In this episode of InFocus, Candis Fitch, CIM®, CIWM, Portfolio Manager at TriCert Investment Council, is joined by fellow Portfolio Manager Grayson Waechter, CFA®, to discuss the evolving energy sector. They explore the resurgence of uranium in nuclear power, the emerging role of green hydrogen, and the continued importance of traditional oil and gas. Grayson shares insights on how these energy trends influence strategic investment decisions while emphasizing long-term growth and sustainability.
Recorded on August 20, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

From rate cuts to yield curves: key insights for income-producing investors

In this episode of InFocus, guest host Candis Fitch, CIM®, CIWM, Portfolio Manager at TriCert Investment Counsel, sits down with fellow Portfolio Manager Nicholas Leach, CFA®, to dissect the recent developments in the income-producing investment landscape. With the Bank of Canada making rate cuts and the US Federal Reserve holding steady, what does this mean for bond markets, corporate spreads, and preferred shares? Hear Nicholas unpack the implications for investors, from the impact on yield curves to strategic moves in today's volatile environment.
Recorded on August 14, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.

Second quarter investment review and outlook

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO at TriCert Financial Group, and Joel Baker, CIM, MBA, Chief Investment Officer at TriCert Investment Counsel, discuss recent economic trends. Inflation and interest rates show improvement in Canada and the U.S., but Canada's GDP growth lags behind the U.S. Concerns about a potential recession remain due to indicators like the inverted yield curve and low manufacturing numbers. While interest rates may decline, the impact on the economy remains uncertain.
In equity markets, July saw gains across various asset classes, with a shift from tech stocks to value-oriented sectors. Global markets outside the U.S. may offer better valuations, though risks remain. Additionally, a significant amount of cash is currently in money market funds, which could move into other assets should interest rates change.
Recorded on August 2, 2024
 
DISCLAIMER: This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.