Next month I’m turning 40. For those of you who follow the zodiac signs, you’re dealing with a stubborn Capricorn here. We’re represented by the mythological hybrid called a “sea-goat”. Sharing that about myself didn’t land me a lot of dates in high school or university.

Capricorns are said to be ruled by the planet Saturn. Being ruled by Saturn, and therefore the sign of Capricorn, is about authenticity, realness, and honesty. Saturn also rules with the wisdom of old age.

I really don’t know too much about zodiac signs and horoscopes. They have never really helped me prepare - especially when the daily newspaper wasn’t delivered until the afternoon. Perhaps it is a coincidence, or perhaps not, but I do like how Capricorns are known in astrology to be authentic, real, and honest. Those are the traits with which I approach the management of the Tactical Growth mandate. Each week, I want to be as transparent as possible about my thoughts and plans to earn returns in the portfolio and help protect against risk. As I’ve said before, I invest your money in the same manner in which I invest my own.

As 40 approaches, I don’t feel I have reached old age, but rest assured I’ve gained a lot of knowledge over the years of how not to run a portfolio. In that respect, this Capricorn has benefited greatly from the wisdom of over two decades of investing experience.

Going into this week, we’re 60% invested in equities. The big sell off in the final hour of Friday hasn’t been sitting well with me. We’ll see what this week brings, as I am prepared to become even more defensive.