The Invested

Mixed Signals: Trade Wars & The Fed

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the recent tensions between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, focusing on Trump's fluctuating stance on interest rates and its economic implications. She provides insights into the ongoing trade war with China, explaining its impact on consumers and businesses, and emphasizes the importance of de-escalating tensions. Lesley also covers the upcoming Canadian federal election and how the outcome could influence trade relations with the US. 

 

This episode was recorded on April 24, 2025. 

Active ETFs on the Rise: What's Driving the Momentum in Canada?

In this episode, Tiffany Zhang, Vice President of ETFs and Financial Products Research at National Bank Financial, explores key trends in the ETF markets in Canada and the US, cross-border ETF investment considerations, and the case for buying Canadian. She discusses the growing popularity of active ETFs and what's been driving this momentum in Canada. Tiffany also discusses the implications of investing in US-based ETFs, highlighting important tax and currency considerations. 

This episode was recorded on April 17, 2025. 

Trade Tension and Tariffs: Are We Headed Towards Stagflation?

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the current market volatility driven by trade tensions, tariffs, and changing economic regimes. Dustin examines the Bank of Canada's decision to hold interest rates at 2.75% and how the upcoming Canadian election may influence fiscal policies and potential rate cuts in the future. He also examines recent changes in US trade policy surrounding tariffs, the escalating tensions between the US and China, and potential for stagflation. Additionally, Dustin shares recent updates to the team’s fixed income positioning. 

 

This episode was recorded on April 16, 2025. 

How Advisors Can Support with Tax Planning, Intergenerational Wealth Transfer, and Strategic Philanthropy

Tax season is upon us, and with it comes a slew of changes and challenges. In this episode, Tim Brisibe, Head of Mackenzie's Tax and Estate Team, covers a range of topics crucial for navigating tax season and beyond. He discusses the implications of recent policy changes, including the suspension of the consumer carbon tax and the deferral of the capital gains inclusion rate increase. Tim explains the importance of understanding the complexities that come with significant wealth and how advisors can play a pivotal role in managing these complexities, connecting this to the concept of "homeostasis" for financial harmony. Additionally, Tim provides practical strategies for advisors to help clients plan for the financial needs of loved ones with disabilities and how to incorporate strategic philanthropy. 

This episode was recorded on April 4, 2025.

The Dividend Dream Team: Resilient Portfolios in the Face of Tariffs

In this episode, Katherine Owen, Vice President and Portfolio Manager on the Mackenzie Global Equity & Income Team, discusses the team's portfolio construction process amidst President Trump's turbulent tariff policy. Katherine explains the importance of pricing power and diversification across sectors, regions, and styles in the companies the team invests in. She also discusses how these factors have influenced the team's portfolio positioning, including exposure to defensive sectors. Katherine also shares two examples from the "Dividend Dream Team" that illustrate the team's investment process. 

This episode was recorded on April 1, 2025.

Small but Mighty: Growth Opportunities in US Small and Mid-Cap Companies

In this episode, Phil Taller, Portfolio Manager and Lead on the Mackenzie Growth Team, discusses the impacts of rising trade barriers and tariffs, and why now may be an opportune time to consider allocating to small and mid-cap equities. He explains how US small and mid-cap companies differ from those in the Canadian market, noting that these companies are often leaders in their niches. Phil provides a detailed overview of his team's investment philosophy and selection process, which combines qualitative and quantitative analysis, focusing on sustainable growth and the uniqueness of a company's offerings. Additionally, he explores the potential positive effects of corporate tax cuts and deregulation on small and mid-cap companies, which often face greater challenges compared to their larger counterparts. 

 

This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025. 

Global Economic Uncertainty Abounds

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the Federal Reserve's shift towards a more uncertain economic outlook, highlighting concerns about downside growth risks and rising inflation projections. He explores trade dynamics between the US and Canada, covering current and upcoming tariffs and the political context influencing Canada's response. Additionally, Dustin examines current events in Canadian politics, the Bank of Canada, and Germany's suspension of the debt brake and its commitment to military and infrastructure spending.  

 

This episode was recorded on March 20, 2025. 

Understanding Floating Rate Loans, CLOs, and ETFs

In this episode, Movin Mokbel, VP and Portfolio Manager on the Mackenzie Fixed Income Team, explores the growing investor appeal of floating rate loans. He highlights their ability to eliminate interest rate risk and unpacks common misconceptions about Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs). Movin explains the regulation, liquidity, and diverse risk-reward characteristics of CLOs and how floating rate loans and CLOs can be accessed through ETFs, offering attractive yields with minimal credit risk and enhance investment portfolios.

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2025.

Weathering Market Volatility With a Quality-First Approach

In this episode, Hussein Sunderji, Portfolio Manager of the Mackenzie Ivy Foreign Equity Fund, discusses the Ivy Team's unique investing philosophy. Focusing on high-quality companies, maintaining a long-term perspective, and adhering to strict valuation disciplines, Hussein explains how the team has navigated the volatile markets of the past two years. Hussein notes that market volatility can create opportunities to capitalize on valuation disconnects. Despite macroeconomic challenges such as trade protectionism and tariffs, the Ivy Team remains committed to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns over the long term, aiming for a smoother path of returns for investors. 

This episode was recorded on February 27, 2025.

The Potential Market Impact of Hot CPI and Universal Tariffs

In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Strategist for Fixed Income, discusses the ongoing volatile macro economic landscape in North America and Europe. Dustin explains how the market is perceiving the impact of both Canadian and US inflation data, and what the likely implications are for Bank of Canada and Fed policy. Dustin also speaks to how the Trump administration is viewing tariffs and where cross-asset markets might not be pricing what could happen next. 

This episode was recorded on February 19, 2025.