Market Insights

Commodities on a bumpy, but profitable road

Canadian investors have lucked out in many ways, because the domestic stock market is heavily weighted in producers of arguably the three most sought-after commodities — energy, gold and fertilizer. Physical resource prices have reached record highs, meaning investors could get burned if they try to time the market, but investment managers still see stock […]

By Mark Noble |July 30, 2008

6 min read

Cooling real estate industry still a good investment

(August 2008) Despite higher land transfer costs, property tax hikes and a shortage of homes, last year, across the nation, first-time homebuyers and real estate investors persevered. Now, halfway into 2008, the patience of would-be buyers is paying off. Riding the six-year tumultuous real estate ride (particularly in the last 36 months) — with record-setting […]

By Romana King |July 30, 2008

8 min read

Asset allocation can make or break a portfolio

(August 2008) Developing the right asset mix for your client can be tricky business. Advisors have to determine their clients’ risk tolerance, closely watch the markets, and there’s the not-so-small matter of making money. So what’s an advisor to do when clients’ portfolios are more volatile than an active volcano? Nothing. “I focus on the […]

By Bryan Borzykowski |July 30, 2008

5 min read

High prices make resource rebalancing risky

The general consensus from money managers seems to be that fundamental demand, particularly in emerging markets, will continue to drive the commodities market. The three major drivers of resource markets in Canada have been energy, gold and fertilizers. Investors who got in on this bull market earlier are realizing huge returns on commodity prices that […]

By Mark Noble |July 24, 2008

6 min read