The Canadian Investor

In this episode, Simon breaks down a type of risk that often flies under the radar for everyday investors—counterparty risk. Whether you're dealing with a brokerage, bank, crypto exchange, or even a gold custodian, you're exposed to the risk that the other party might not hold up their end of the deal. Plus, we touch on lessons from great investors like Bill Nygren and Stan Druckenmiller&mda...

In this episode of the Canadian Investor Podcast, we talk about Canada’s February CPI print that came in much hotter than expected at 2.6% year over year. We also discuss the Bank of Canada’s latest rate cut and how rising inflation will likely make their next interest rate decision even more difficult. We also dive into Google’s massive $32B acquisition of Wiz, the fastest-growi...

Markets hate uncertainty, and it’s showing. We break down the recent volatility, from the steep drawdowns in the Nasdaq and S&P 500 to the tariff-fueled market jitters. We also discuss why knowing what you own and being diversified is so important when markets are volatile.  We also talk about how the recent volatility is creating opportunities for investors with capital to deploy....

In this episode, we talk about recent market volatility with the NASDAQ dropping 4% in one day, marking its largest single-day decline since 2022. We unpack what's driving this volatility, including uncertainty surrounding tariffs, Trump's ambiguous comments on recession risks, and the unraveling of the Yen carry trade. Big tech companies are feeling the pinch, with Tesla down 46% year-to-date. We...

The trade war between Canada and the U.S. is evolving fast, and its impact on investors is undeniable. In this episode, we break down the latest developments, including the U.S. granting automakers a temporary exemption and potential carve-outs for agricultural products. Simon shares his critical take on the Canadian government’s counter-tariffs and why they could hit the most vulnerable Can...

The tariffs are officially here. As of March 4th, U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have gone into effect, and Canada has responded with a massive $155 billion counter-tariff package. We break down what’s getting hit, Trudeau’s potential non-tariff measures, and the broader economic implications. Then, we shift to Canadian bank earnings. TD, RBC, National Bank, and CIBC all reported, givi...

In this episode, we dive into Paul Graham’s essay on how wealth creation has evolved over the past few decades. We explore why inherited wealth is on the decline, what industries are driving the newest fortunes, and how compounding still remains a powerful path to wealth.  Then, Simon gives his key takeaways from Warren Buffett’s latest letter to shareholders. Including why Buffet...

In this episode of The Canadian Investor Podcast, Simon and Dan begin by analyzing Apple's monumental announcement to invest over $500 billion in the United States over the next four years. The discussion then shifts to TFI International's challenging quarter and the brutally honest commentary provided by their CEO during their conference call. Next, they examine Air Canada's financial turbulence,...

In this episode, Simon takes a different approach by using a stock screener to uncover a Canadian small-cap company he had never heard of—Calian Group (CGY). He breaks down the company’s diverse business lines, financials, and key questions he’s looking to answer about its long-term potential. The episode then shifts to the timeless investing lesson of simplicity vs. complexity....

In this episode, we talk about the latest Canadian CPI print that came in at 1.9%. We break down the key components and discuss where CPI could potentially head in the coming months. Meanwhile, U.S. inflation came in hotter than expected at 3%, raising big questions about the Fed’s next move. On the earnings front, Goeasy continues to post strong growth but with some increased risks as a slo...

In this episode, Braden shares his first impressions of the cruise industry, how Royal Caribbean built a dominant brand, and whether it’s worth a deeper investment look. We then break down the latest tariff announcements from Trump and their impact on Canadian aluminum and steel exports, including key players like Alcoa, Rio Tinto, and Algoma Steel. Next, we discuss Uber’s record-break...

Following Dan’s debate with Kanwal from Simply Investing, Simon and Dan dive into one of the biggest debates in investing—dividend income vs. total return. They break down the pros and cons of each strategy, discussing capital retention, income predictability, sequence of return risk, and sector concentration. Is relying solely on dividends a sustainable retirement strategy, or does a...

In this episode, Dan Foch from the Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast joins Simon. The duo takes a deep dive into how Canadian real estate and REITs performed in 2024 and what could shape the market in 2025. They explore why REITs and utilities underperformed compared to stock indices despite expectations of lower interest rates, the challenges posed by tight cap rate spreads, and how different...

In this episode, we break down what happened over the last week with the threat of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico. From the initial 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico to the last-minute deals that temporarily paused them.  We explain how tariffs actually work, who really pays for them, and why Canada is particularly vulnerable in this trade battle. We also explore the broader implications, from p...

In this episode, we discuss the recent cut of 25bps by the Bank of Canada, bringing the overnight rate to 3%. We break down the key takeaways from Tiff Macklem’s press conference, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and why QE could be back on the table if government spending ramps up. We also break down big tech earnings from Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, analyzing what’s driving their...

DeepSeek’s latest AI model sent shockwaves through the market, triggering the largest single-day market cap decline in history. Simon and Dan break down what makes DeepSeek-R1 different, why its cost efficiency could challenge Nvidia’s dominance, and how this news could reshape the AI landscape. They also discuss the implications for Big Tech’s massive AI investments, the impact...

In this episode, we explore where value might be hiding in today's high-valuation market. From overlooked oil and gas plays to global opportunities in Japanese railways and Chinese big tech, we break down areas of potential interest for savvy investors. We also discuss the pitfalls and potential in pharma, defense, and precious metal miners, as well as the challenges pandemic darlings face in a po...

In this episode of The Canadian Investor Podcast, we discuss the latest Canadian CPI data, which reveals the impact of the GST break and implications for interest rate cuts. We discuss Donald Trump's potential 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and the launch of the Trump and Melania meme coins. We also take a look at the recent earnings from BlackRock earnings, Cogeco Communications and Richelieu Hard...

In this episode, we dive into the world of leveraged ETFs, exploring how they amplify exposure to assets through debt and derivatives. From the explosive growth in leveraged ETF inflows to the risks of daily rebalancing and long-term viability, we break down what investors need to know before jumping into these high-risk, high-reward products. Braden also takes a dive into Adobe, one of the most u...

In this episode, Simon goes over the alarming findings from the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index. How Canadians are grappling with financial strain, rising insolvency fears, and shrinking disposable incomes, despite declining interest rates. Simon also analyzes Terravest’s impressive Q4 and full-year results, highlighting their growth, acquisitions, and dividend increase. Aritzia’s stand...

In this episode of The Canadian Investor Podcast, we dive into the fundamentals of Porter’s Five Forces, exploring how shifts in industry dynamics create opportunities for savvy investors. Using real-world examples like TSMC and Delta Airlines, we analyze how changes in competition, bargaining power, and substitutes impact profitability. We also break down the complexities of bond investing,...

In this episode, we tackle listener questions on portfolio allocation, diversification, and investment strategies. Simon and Dan share their personal approaches to asset, sector, and geographical weightings, emphasizing the importance of individualizing your portfolio to fit your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. Tickers of Stocks/ETFs discussed: XYLD, SPY, VSP.TO, ZUE.TO, VFV.TO, VO...

In this episode, Simon starts by giving props to Braden for one of his bold predictions coming through on the last day of 2024. Simon then goes over the stocks he sold in 2024 and how they’ve performed since he sold each position. We wrap up the episode with Braden going over the metric he uses the most for screening for companies. He goes over the pros and cons of the metric and why he uses...

In this special new year episode, Simon, Dan, and Braden review their 2024 bold predictions and give some fresh bold predictions for the year ahead. From the future of Bitcoin, Canadian banks, and BCE’s dividend, to Shopify’s rise and the fate of the Canadian dollar, the trio shares their bold takes on what the new year could hold.  Tickers of stocks discussed: BCE.TO, SHOP.TO, RY...

In this episode of The Canadian Investor Podcast, we explore the major investing stories of 2024 that reshaped financial markets. We begin with the Bank of Canada’s aggressive 175-basis-point rate cuts and their ripple effects across the economy. Next, we analyze the sharp decline of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, plunging to levels not seen in two decades. We also dive into Bi...