Podcasts from RBC Global Asset Management

Last week, America’s big banks kicked off the second-quarter earnings season. While the results were mixed, they could suggest that perhaps the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Will Canadian businesses share this same cautious optimism? Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on the results and what investors can e...

Stu Morrow, Vice President & Head of Investments, RBC Phillips, Hager & North Investment Counsel Inc., breaks down his team’s process to help investors maintain focus and stay the course through recent market swings. Stu also highlights the importance of diversifying portfolios beyond Canadian markets, and why a global approach can lead to long-term opportunities. (Recorded July 14, 2020)...

This episode, Mike Reed, Partner & Senior Portfolio Manager, BlueBay Asset Management, joins Dave for an insightful discussion about how he and his team have approached managing portfolios through the course of the pandemic. (Recorded July 13, 2020) To view the transcript and disclosure for this podcast, please visit https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/insights/podcasts/positioning-portfolios-for-rec...

Michael Kitt, Head, Private Markets and Real Estate Equity Investments, joins Dave for an update on the real estate sector in the wake of COVID-19. Michael also provides his perspective on the opportunities that could arise in commercial real estate, as businesses find ways to evolve and adapt beyond the pandemic. (Recorded July 9, 2020) To view the transcript and disclosure for this podcast, plea...

In this episode, Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, gives his thoughts on the factors driving market behaviour over the last few months, and how they play into investment decisions. Stu also unpacks the forward-looking nature of the market -- how it not only saw ahead during the depths of the crisis, but also projected the economic rebounds seen in recent w...

Dan Chornous, Chief Investment Officer, RBC Global Asset Management, joins Dave to discuss the importance of evolving our strategic asset mix over time. Dan also highlights the importance of time horizon when determining asset allocation in order to ensure that return targets are realistic. (Recorded July 6, 2020) To view the transcript and disclosure for this podcast, please visit https://www.rbc...

When markets are down, many investors move money from their investments into cash. Doing so can help them avoid short-term risks associated with volatility. But, what they may not be aware of is the “silent assassin” lurking in the midst – a.k.a. inflation. As prices go up over time, the overall value and purchasing power of their money is chiseled away. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equiti...

With all that has occurred in markets over the last few months, it’s essential that portfolio managers make decisions to ensure portfolios withstand the highs and lows. For long-term investors, it means their investment plans may look a little different now. In this episode, Sarah Riopelle, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Investment Solutions, details the recent strategic asset alloca...

As many regions across North America begin to reopen their economies, how companies operate and provide services will certainly have a different look and feel. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, offers his perspective on what traditional companies should be mindful of when making the move online, and how they can make the most out of digital real estate. (R...

Throughout the course of the pandemic, Canadian investors may have been heavily focused on the stock market activity closer to home. Yet, there is a lot to be said for how markets are doing abroad, particularly in emerging market economies. Philippe Langham, Head, RBC Emerging Markets Equity, RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, joins Dave for an overview of the latest developments in emergin...

When it comes to investing, the only certainty is uncertainty. Last week, we saw a return to some of the volatility of earlier this year. Could it be that these continual highs and lows will be a permanent feature of our post-COVID future? Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, talks to Dave about the factors causing this volatility at this time – from business...

We’ve seen the importance of ESG investing through the short-term lens of companies’ performance during this pandemic. Yet, Jeremy Richardson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Equity, RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, suggests that it’s more about looking at how businesses have stepped up to their environmental, social, and governance responsibilities that will pay back over the long-run....

This pandemic has highlighted an urgent need for companies to respond to concerns over employee health and safety, supply chain risks, and business continuity planning, among others. Melanie Adams, Vice President and Head, Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment, RBC Global Asset Management, takes a look at the renewed importance around companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG...

From showing up early, to preparing and sticking to a list of necessities – managing portfolios is a lot like going shopping. Inspired by a recent trip to the hardware store, Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, discusses his portfolio construction process, and why it’s not only about identifying good companies to invest in, but also understanding what’s required for these companies’ sha...

Habib Subjally, Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Global Equities, RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, joins Dave for a deep dive into how he and his team have managed portfolios throughout the current crisis, and what they are focusing on into recovery. He explains that his approach centers on a balance between navigating companies’ short-term survival today, and positioning for long-ter...

This episode, we continue the discussion around quarterly earnings reports with a look at the results of Canada’s top banks. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, details the three major themes he’s paying attention to affecting the financial sector as a whole, including banks’ capital positions, when their loan deferrals will end, and what their earnings power will be on the other side o...

Earnings season kicked off on Tuesday, with Scotiabank reporting their results for the second quarter. Not surprisingly, the results speak to how heavily hit the Canadian financial industry has been during this pandemic. Globally, certain sectors are rebounding faster than others. For investors focused only at home, this may lead to missed opportunities. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equiti...

On Monday, both the Dow and S&P 500 saw their strongest rebounds since early March, due in part to recent news of a prospective coronavirus vaccine. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, breaks down the role of key players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook in the rally. He also looks at how these positive developments in medicine and economic reemergenc...

From declining oil prices to the economic shutdown, the Canadian dollar has faced a tough year so far. With the potential for bumpy roads ahead for the Loonie, what can investors expect going forward? Sarah Riopelle, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Investment Solutions, joins Dave to discuss her view on the Canadian dollar and how she manages currency exposures across her portfolios....

While Q1 earnings reports of many Canadian and U.S. businesses may not reflect the full impact of COVID-19, there is still a lot to learn from these statements. Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, covers some of the key trends to consider, including a focus on companies’ balance sheets. To view the transcript and disclosure for this podcast, please visit htt...

In today’s episode, Dave and Stu Kedwell, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, reflect on takeaways shared by Warren Buffet during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual stakeholder meeting. They discuss Buffet’s optimism towards economic prosperity, and what we can learn from the master investor’s more cautious approach to buying this time around. To view the transcript and disclos...

In the midst of this pandemic, headlines have been dominated with constant bad news. Yet despite all the negativity, markets remain resilient. With more bad news expected to come, could market reaction take a turn? Stu Kedwell, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, shares his thoughts, and discusses how liquidity plays a...

Dave is joined by RBC Global Asset Management’s Chief Economist, Eric Lascelles. Eric provides his current view on the economy during this rapidly-evolving event, including indicators of possible stabilization and steps towards gradual recovery. To view the transcript and disclosure for this podcast, please visit https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/insights/podcasts/an-outlook-on-post-pandemic-recovery/d...

Recently, there is renewed optimism around high-yield bonds following the Fed's announcement of measures to help keep the market functioning. Sarah Riopelle, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Investment Solutions, breaks down how she and her team are taking advantage of these opportunities to help position portfolios for long-term success. To view the transcript and disclosure for this...

On Monday, U.S. crude oil futures fell into negative territory for the first time ever, with WTI Crude closing out the day at just over -$37 per barrel. Stu Kedwell, Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Co-Head, North American Equities, RBC Global Asset Management, reflects on the significant drop in demand for oil amidst the crisis, and what the pandemic-induced sell-off could mean...