Zelos Soundbites

March was a broadly negative month, with all four indices we track, the S&P/TSX Composite, S&P 500, MSCI World, and Canadian bonds, finishing in negative territory. The driver was less about any single data point and more about a change in market narrative. Following a period where markets were increasingly confident in moderating inflation and eventual interest rate cuts, March introduced...

Seven Years in the Market: A Full‑Cycle Perspective February marks an important milestone for Zelos, seven years of live performance across our pools and model portfolios. Over 7 years, Zelos model portfolios have returned between 6.4% to 8.9%. This track record has now spanned several distinctly different environments, including: The COVID‑19 market dislocation, The 2022 inflation‑driven drawdown...

A New Year Begins with Uncertainty   The start of 2026 has reminded investors that markets rarely move in straight lines. January was shaped by a mix of geopolitical developments, shifting expectations around artificial intelligence, and ongoing adjustments in global interest rate expectations.   One of the most widely discussed developments was the escalation of tensions involving Iran in the Mid...

We are pleased to share the December 2025 edition of the Zelos Ridgeline, our first update of the new year. As is customary, this edition reflects on how markets closed out 2025, highlights key contributors across the Zelos model portfolios, and outlines the themes shaping the investment landscape as we move into 2026. Markets Market Context: Strong Results, Uneven Leadership December saw a more c...

In the month of November, the Zelos model portfolios were relatively flat, ranging from -0.1%* and 0.2%. We view this as positive given the S&P 500 and MSCI International World Price Indices were down ~0.3%. This brings year-to-date performance to approximately 6.7% to 10.3%* as of November 30, 2025. Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year as we approach having seven years of track rec...

We are pleased to share the October 2025 edition of the Zelos Ridgeline. As always, you’ll find an update on the Zelos model portfolios and a summary of key market developments over the past month. Market Highlights & Model Portfolio Update October delivered steady results across the Zelos model portfolios, which returned between 0.5%* and 1.2%* for the month. This brings year-to-date performa...

We are excited to bring you the September 2025 edition of the Zelos Ridgeline. We have included the usual overview of the Zelos model portfolios and market commentary but have also included a brief mention of the 2025 Canadian Federal Budget. Market Highlights & Model Portfolio Update September was a strong month for the Zelos model portfolios, which gained between 1.5%* and just over 3%*, bri...

Zelos Investment Counsel partners with entrepreneurs to invest for the future and deliver tailored wealth management solutions for their clients. Whether you’re a financial advisor, accounting firm, or small business owner, you and your clients gain access to institutional-level investment opportunities, similar to those enjoyed by pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds. Finally, tr...

Market Highlights & Model Portfolio Update In August 2025, the Zelos model portfolios posted positive but more muted performance, rising between 0.7% and 0.8%* bringing year-to-date performance to 4.3% to 5.8%*. Structured Products was a stand out this month rising 3.9% on the back of a note being sold. Global equities posted solid gains with the S&P 500 Index advancing 1.3% and the MSCI I...

When it comes to building investment portfolios, one of the biggest challenges is balancing personal goals with financial realities. A suitability assessment using weighted scores offers a structured and objective way to do just that. By evaluating clients across both personal factors (risk tolerance, investment horizon, values, preferences) and financial factors (income, net worth, liquidity need...

In wealth management, pools are a powerful way to deliver operational efficiencies and improved client outcomes. By aggregating capital across multiple investors, pools allow firms to:Access high institutional minimums normally out of reach for individual investors. Provide mutual fund trust units that are eligible for registered accounts, broadening the range of investment options. Offer underlyi...

In today’s wealth management landscape, model portfolios have evolved from a back-office efficiency tool to a core part of how advisors deliver value to clients. By leveraging institutional-level portfolio construction, model portfolios provide a consistent, disciplined approach to investing, while freeing up time for advisors to focus on what matters most: client relationships and planning. Key B...

It’s a great time to be independent in Canada’s wealth management landscape. Here’s why: Clients want real choice & transparency. More Canadians are seeking fiduciary-style advice and best-in-class solutions rather than proprietary products. Technology and new products have leveled the playing field. Custodians and fintech platforms now give independents bank-level infrastructure, digital onbo...

In a world of rising living costs and market volatility, private real estate offers a compelling foundation for long-term wealth building. Here are three reasons why we continue to view it as a core holding for many investors: 1. Inflation Hedge Private real estate has intrinsic, tangible value. As the cost of goods and services rises, so too does the replacement cost of real assets like buildings...

At Zelos Investment Counsel, our culture is anchored in the belief that true partnerships create extraordinary outcomes. We are building Canada’s premier independent wealth management boutique, a place where partners have both the autonomy to act and a meaningful voice at the table. This isn’t just about managing portfolios; it’s about shaping the future of our firm together. Our model empowers co...