The Invested

Navigating Market Uncertainty With Low Volatility ETFs

In times of heightened market uncertainty, low volatility ETFs have increased in popularity. But can they help advisors manage risk without sacrificing their clients’ equity exposure? In this episode, Prerna Mathews, VP of ETF Product Strategy, and Nicholas Tham, Portfolio Manager on Mackenzie’s Global Quantitative Equity Team, explore the concept of low volatility ETFs, their performance, and common misconceptions. Nicholas highlights the team’s unique approach and investment process behind Mackenzie’s suite of low volatility ETFs. Lastly, Prerna and Nicholas share advice on how advisors can discuss low volatility ETFs with their clients.

This episode was recorded on September 5, 2024.

Benoit Gervais – Generating Alpha Within the Resource Sector

In this episode, Benoit Gervais, Portfolio Manager and Head of Mackenzie Resource Team, discusses the current state of the resource sector and provides his short and long-term outlook and trends on the commodity complex. Benoit shares his advice on managing exposure to the resource sector within a Canadian equity allocation, highlighting the importance of diversification and potential for alpha generation.

This episode was recorded on September 6, 2024.

Lesley Marks – Mixed Signals: Unpacking Jobs Data and Market Trends

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the latest US non-farm payroll report, unpacking its mixed results and the implications for the Fed’s upcoming moves. Lesley also examines the Bank of Canada’s recent 25 basis point cut, exploring how it fits within the broader Canadian economic landscape. Lastly, Lesley previews the upcoming US presidential debate, offering insights on key economic policies to watch for.

This episode was recorded on September 9, 2024.

Dustin Reid – Making Sense of Market Volatility

On this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, analyzes the latest US CPI and PPI data, shedding light on the current state of inflation and its potential impact on the Fed’s decisions for the remainder of the year. Dustin shares his insights on the recent surge in market volatility, examining both technical factors and fundamental concerns. Additionally, Dustin discusses the Bank of Canada’s rate cut trajectory and highlights his team’s recent portfolio trades.

This episode was recorded on August 14, 2024.

Optimizing Portfolio Construction with ETFs

On this episode, Prerna Mathews, VP of ETF Product Strategy, and Luc Lafleur, AVP of Portfolio Construction at Mackenzie Investments, share their insights on how advisors can optimize portfolio construction with ETFs and how ETFs can contribute to running efficient advisory practices. Prerna and Luc explore the impact of global economic drivers on portfolio strategies and the importance of aligning strategic asset allocation with investment goals. Prerna and Luc also discuss active and passive investing, how to avoid common portfolio construction mistakes, and the versatility of ETFs in both strategic and tactical allocations.

Further Reading:

- How advisors can fight behavioural biases with ETFs

- Your step-by-step guide to active ETF due diligence

This episode was recorded on July 26, 2024.

Dustin Reid – Will the Fed Cut Rates in September?

Although the market did not anticipate a rate cut, early indications suggest the Fed is leaning towards cutting rates in September. On this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the recent Fed meeting, analyzing the Fed’s forward guidance and the likelihood of upcoming rate cuts. Dustin also highlights key Canadian economic data and potential further rate cuts by the BoC, updates from the Bank of Japan, and insights on the US election’s potential impacts on market volatility.

This episode was recorded on August 1, 2024.

Lesley Marks – The Bank of Canada Cuts Rates Again

On this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the Bank of Canada’s latest rate cut decision, explores the driving factors behind monetary policy and its implications for the Canadian economy. Lesley also offers her insights on the commodity market, highlighting how copper is poised for growth and its crucial role in the energy transition and AI infrastructure.

This episode was recorded on July 26, 2024.

US Election 2024: Political Shifts and Market Impacts

On this special episode of Market Exchange, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, recaps the pivotal events leading to Vice President Kamala Harris’ rise as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Dustin analyzes the potential market and economic implications of a Harris administration. Dustin also explores the dynamics of the so-called ‘Trump trade’ and examines how the Vice Presidential nominees could influence this year’s election.

This episode was recorded on July 25, 2024.

Richard Wong – Value Investing: Why the Style Is Relevant in Today’s Market

Is value investing poised for a comeback in the current market environment? In this episode, Richard Wong, Portfolio Manager and Head of Mackenzie Cundill Team, explores this question. Richard discusses why he believes the market is shifting towards value, highlighting value investing’s historical outperformance during periods of structurally positive inflation and interest rates. Richard also discusses three categories of value stocks – quality, cyclical, and deep value – and where he sees opportunities.

This episode was recorded on July 9, 2024.

Dustin Reid – Analyzing the Latest CPI Report, US Elections, Upcoming BoC Decision

On this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the latest CPI data and its implications for the Fed’s monetary policy. Could this suggest a path forward for the Fed to begin a rate cutting cycle as we approach the end of the summer? Dustin also explores the potential market implications of a Trump victory and a Republican sweep in the upcoming US elections.

This episode was recorded on July 11, 2024.