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Our perspectives

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Our perspectives

The Stan Clark Financial Team

“Building trust through transparency”

Our team is very keen on providing learning resources to clearly summarize the basics of investing and financial planning, and to openly explain what we do and why. We think it helps us develop a sense of partnership and trust, and helps keep our clients on track to reach their goals.

We don’t expect our clients to become experts in investing and planning – that’s our job, and we know you have other things you’d rather do. But we welcome clients who want to learn, and we want to support this.

We invite you to read our Perspectives newsletter or to explore: Financial and Estate Planning, Asset Allocation, Investing and Behavioral Finance. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions!

 

Canoe on a late looking at mountains.Financial Planning: Creating and using a roadmap for your future

Just like having a travel itinerary, a well-planned approach will provide peace of mind and help you achieve your financial goals. A good financial plan does take a lot of effort, but we make the process easier by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. A custom financial plan also helps you stick to it.

  • Why financial planning is important, and well worth it
  • Our financial planning process
  • Three important financial fundamentals
  • Personal finance 101

See all our Perspectives articles on Financial and Estate Planning

 

Asset Allocation: Your most important investment decision

The balance between different assets (stocks vs. bonds) dramatically affects the risk and return of your portfolio. So how you divide your money between assets is probably your biggest investment decision.

  • Why Asset Allocation is your most important decision
  • How we figure out your "Best Mix"
  • 154 year returns

See all our Perspectives articles on Asset Allocation

 

Investing: Constructing a portfolio by owning individual stocks using rules-based strategies that have beat the indexes

The stock market is remarkably consistent – in the long run. Investors who disengage their emotions when they make investment decisions stand a much better chance of building wealth with returns that outperform both inflation and the market. This needs strategies based on objective data and the discipline to follow those strategies.

  • Read about our rules-based stock strategies that have beat the indexes

See all our Perspectives articles on Investing

 

trees.Behavioral Finance: The relationship between human psychology and financial decisions

Behavioral finance explores the relationship between human psychology and financial decisions. Its main lessons are that, contrary to what is taught in most economics classes and business schools, markets are anything but efficient or rational. The consequences of our all-too-human tendencies are significant, especially when dealing with finances and investments.

  • Learn how emotions and biases affect our finances
  • Read Stan's story how behavioral finance helps you avoid common financial mistakes in order to outperform long-term market averages

See all our Perspectives articles on Behavioral Finance

 

PERSPECTIVES NEWSLETTER

 

PERSPECTIVES is a newsletter written by the members of the Stan Clark Financial Team. Each issue of Perspectives will present a quick, informative look at the world of finances and investing. We hope you find the stories entertaining, insightful and useful. We will have an occasional "Ask the Team" feature, and welcome your questions about investing or personal finances. We may also spring trivia quizzes on you – complete with prizes! This publication is for you. Let us know what you'd like to see in Perspectives.

Here's your special "Welcome" edition of PERSPECTIVES.

Perspectives - Welcome Edition

 

See below for our past issues

 

Perspectives - April 2025

It’s been a dramatic start to the year, with major fallout from U.S. President Trump’s tariffs across interest rates, credit and equity markets. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I look beyond the drama for a realistic assessment of the impacts – and how, whether the Trump tariffs last or not, Canada and other countries can adapt and even benefit. In my behavioral finance article, I discuss how we make decisions depending on whether we’re introverts or extroverts. And, how to avoid those often destructive emotional decisions even if your personality is inclined toward them.

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Perspectives - March 2025

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I explore the dangers of letting the instinctive mind prevail – and how instead to heed the rational. In Part 4 of his “Behind the Numbers” series, Michael Chu looks at the earnings momentum method of measuring a company’s growth. In discussing stocks vs. bonds, Elaine Loo explains that, contrary to Aesop’s advice, slow and steady is not always the wisest strategy. And Tom Cowans takes on a topic many Canadians are wondering about: the effects of President Trump’s tariffs.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2025

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2024? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful. Enjoy!

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Perspectives - December 2024

Asked how we perform a skill, e.g., driving, most of us rank ourselves highly. This self-enhancement bias is only human. However, as I note in this month’s behavioral finance article, such overconfidence can lead to unwise financial decisions. In his Behind the Numbers series, Michael Chu looks at the dividend yield as an objective means of measuring stock values. Sylvia Ellis celebrates CIBC’s 40th annual Miracle Day, when our team donates all fees and commissions to help underprivileged youth.

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Perspectives - October 2024

According to economic theory, investors take risks based on the utility of potential gains, balanced by the dis-utility of incurring losses. In reality, as I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, two biases often influence investors into making emotional, rather than practical, decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Report, Michael Chu and I look at the growth of economy and stocks – and the factors that may or may not affect their continued growth.

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Perspectives - September 2024

Fear can be useful, alerting us to danger. But as an emotion, fear can prompt rash financial decisions. In my behavioral finance article, I discuss managing fear before it proves costly. Continuing his “Behind the numbers” series, Michael Chu explains how, in choosing stocks, the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) helps to evaluate companies. Sylvia Ellis looks at both the financial and the peace-of-mind advantages of life insurance. And Tom Cowans wraps up his “Personal Finance 101” series by recapping how to start providing now for your future self.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2024

Welcome to our 2024 mid-year review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2024 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course. Enjoy your summer!

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Perspectives - June 2024

Success is often random. You can have a string of wins, whether in coin tosses or investments. But with the latter, as I discuss in this issue’s behavioral finance article, don’t mistake short-term luck for reliability. Instead, look at long-term track records. In a new series, Michael Chu explains the strategies we use to make decisions best suited to your portfolios. And Tom Cowans explains how estate planning and insurance help ensure your loved ones will be taken care of should something happen to you.

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Perspectives - April 2024

Even experts make inconsistent judgments. All the information they have can cloud their reasoning! As I discuss in this issue’s behavioral finance article, algorithms, or step-by-step instructions for calculating a result, have proven far more reliable. In our Quarterly Economic Report, Michael Chu and I review the economy’s continuing good performance – as well as the factors that could influence whether this continues. And, looking at the hazards that prevent stock market success, Tom Cowans provides safety tips to avoid those hazards.

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Perspectives - March 2024

Humans have an addiction to prediction. The more information we have, the more confident our predictions. However, as I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, too much information can diminish the accuracy of our predictions – and lead us to unwise decisions. Michael Chu describes the customized benchmarks we use to show how your portfolio is doing. Studying 153 years of returns, Elaine Loo reveals the long-term advantage of stocks over bonds. And Tom Cowans supplies definitions of, and differences between, stocks and bonds.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2024

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2023? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful. Enjoy!

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Perspectives - December 2023

The stock market is subject to the workings of luck. When luck is good, investors may mistake that for skill by a company, CEO or fund manager. In this issue’s behavioral finance article, I explore the risks in the illusion of stock-picking skill. Michael Chu looks at what we can learn from several centuries’ worth of interest rate trends. Sylvia Ellis shares how CIBC’s annual Miracle Day, this year on December 6, supports children’s charities. And Tom Cowans explains why and how you can save for retirement, even if it’s a long way off.

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Perspectives - October 2023

Herding, or following the crowd, isn’t always an emotional behaviour. As I discuss in this issue, some investment managers practise herding deliberately. By joining other investors to chase after popular stocks, they achieve impressive results – but in the short term only. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I look at how, despite recession forecasts and rising interest rates, the economy remains resilient. And Tom Cowans explains why Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) are a great way for Canadians to build their financial assets tax-free.

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Perspectives - September 2023

Once we humans reach an opinion, we don’t like budging from it. As I explain in this month’s behavioral finance article, cognitive dissonance is the discomfort we feel when confronted with new information. We have to be wary, as this dissonance can lead us to uninformed decisions, including in our investments. Michael Chu looks at the benefits of international diversification in stocks as opposed to buying only U.S. ones. Thinking of that all-important first home purchase? Tom Cowans has strategic advice for both buying now – and planning long-term.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2023

Welcome to our 2023 mid-year review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2023 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course. Enjoy your summer!

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Perspectives - June 2023

Intuition can serve us well in decision-making – but, as I note in this issue’s behavioral finance article, it has to be the right intuition. In investing, beware of the gut-feeling type. Michael Chu explains the likely business and economic impact of artificial intelligence, e.g., ChatGPT software that simulates human conversation. And, dispelling the myth that budgeting is difficult, Tom Cowans offers simple, sensible, stress-reducing ways to save for retirement. Your future self will thank you!

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Perspectives - April 2023

As I discuss in this issue’s behavioral finance article, humans have two minds. Our intuitive mind tends to reach conclusions faster than our more deliberate, logical one – yet often it’s the former we pay attention to. In our Quarterly Economic Report, Michael Chu and I look at how the year’s robust economic start got somewhat tempered, for example, by banking stresses. And Tom Cowans shows that saving on the cost of that daily Starbucks will add up to savings your future self will appreciate!

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Perspectives - March 2023

In this issue I discuss the cluster illusion, humans’ tendency to look for patterns – and how it may mislead investors into making unwise decisions. Examining risk and volatility in investing, Michael Chu finds that the terms have very different meanings. Elaine Loo looks to history for answers about putting money into stocks versus bonds. And Tom Cowans advises young members of the workforce, even with retirement being a long way off, to start preparing for it now. Their future selves will thank them!

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2023

Welcome to our special year-end review. How were the stock markets in 2022? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2023 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful. Enjoy!

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Perspectives - December 2022

Irrational impulses can lead us to unwise decisions. But sometimes, as I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, they can also prompt us to acts of generosity. There’s no self-interest involved – yet, as research shows, giving makes us feel good! On a similar theme, Sylvia Ellis lets us know that CIBC’s annual Miracle Day will be December 7. On this special day our team donates all fees and commissions to children in need. And, comparing inflation now and in the 1970s, Michael Chu suggests today’s inflation just may have a better outcome.

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Perspectives - October 2022

To combat inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have raised interest rates. But have they raised them too much and too fast? Michael Chu and I discuss this and other financial issues in our Quarterly Economic Update. Speaking of inflation, I look at the money illusion, the tendency to focus on the face value of money – without considering how inflation affects its purchasing power. Sylvia Ellis spotlights annuities: Is now the right time for you to invest in one?

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Perspectives - September 2022

As I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, we should beware of our innate optimism making us overconfident – and leading us into unwise decisions. Michael Chu finds that, despite slowing economic growth and rising interest rates, we may be avoiding a recession. And, continuing his look at quality stocks, Michael explains how we choose such stocks for your portfolio. Sylvia Ellis describes the advantages of deferring Old Age Security pension. Sylvia also details the government’s recent increase to OAS – the first in 50 years.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2022

Welcome to our 2022 midyear review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2022 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

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Perspectives - June 2022

Resisting a bad habit is just a matter of willpower. Or so we believe. As I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, our natural restraint bias leads us to be overconfident about withstanding temptation. We’re still vulnerable, whether it be to smoking, overeating, not exercising enough – or being influenced into making unwise financial decisions. Michael Chu takes an intriguing look at the factors that go into selecting the best stocks. Tom Cowans explores the Consumer Price Index as a way of gauging inflation. And don’t miss Sylvia Ellis’s insights on life insurance as a tool for safeguarding your estate.

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Perspectives - April 2022

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I discuss how history proves that crises, including financial ones, are quite similar – and by learning from the past we can better handle them. Speaking of history, Elaine Loo reviews 151 years of stocks-versus-bonds performance. In our Quarterly Economic Update Michael Chu and I find that, even with the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, there may be some reassuring news. And, with special attention to individuals and homeowners, Sylvia Ellis gives highlights of April’s Federal Budget.

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Perspectives - March 2022

As human beings, we’re of two minds – literally. We have a rational and an emotional mind, both useful in their own ways. Nevertheless, as I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, we must be careful the emotional one doesn’t fool us into making unwise decisions. Michael Chu takes a comprehensive look at seven popular, but not necessarily sound, myths about investing. And, if you’re looking for a way of giving, Sylvia Ellis describes one option that might appeal to you: setting up a personal foundation.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2022

How were the stock markets in 2021? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2022 and beyond. We hope you fi nd this review informative and useful.

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Perspectives - Dec 2021

This month I continue our look at how emotions can lure us into unwise decisions – often at great cost. I describe the tools our team uses to steer your investments clear of such pitfalls, or Financial Sirens. Michael Chu discusses whether the current inflation will be transitory or long-term, as well as possible impacts on the stock market. Michael also suggests what we can learn from famed magnate Warren Buffett about investing. And Sylvia Ellis shares how our donation of all fees and commissions on CIBC Miracle Day goes toward helping children in need.

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Perspectives - October 2021

Intuitively, the human mind seeks patterns from information. But when we make financial decisions based on intuitive insights, rather than careful, evidence-based thinking, the results can be costly. In this issue, discussing how to avoid such mistakes, I look back to the shrewd, wise Greek hero Ulysses. Meanwhile, in our Quarterly Economic Report, Michael Chu and I review 2021’s mostly positive third quarter, as well as what may lie ahead. And Sylvia Ellis explains the four-step cycle our team uses in creating and maintaining your financial plan.

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Perspectives - September 2021

The important thing is to be aware we have biases. Or so we like to believe. In fact, as I discuss in this month’s behavior finance article, the biggest trap of all with biases may be that knowing about them makes us confident we are free of them. Michael Chu looks at the tempting, but ultimately unreliable, strategy of trying to time the market as opposed to staying in it for the long haul. And Sylvia Ellis explains the importance of financial planning – and why we shouldn’t put it off.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2021

Welcome to our 2021 mid-year review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2021 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

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Perspectives - June 2021

As I relate in this month’s behavioral finance article, we prefer what we’ve been exposed to: the familiar over the unknown. The danger of the mere-exposure effect is that we may opt for stocks we’ve heard about – and miss out on other, more promising ones. Michael Chu and I look at how earnings yield, a stock’s earnings divided by its price, can help forecast market returns. In “Behind The Numbers,” Michael explains how we integrate our strategies to work for your portfolio. And Sylvia Ellis discusses when to start drawing on your Canada Pension Plan.

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Perspectives - April 2021

Due to our innate availability bias, we assume whatever disaster is on the news — violence, abduction, unethical corporations — will soon happen to us. As I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, such assumptions can if unchecked prompt us to make panicky, unwise investment decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I examine why the stock market continues to prosper in the pandemic. And Elaine Loo reveals the wisdom of looking back over 100 years of stock performance: The past really can inform the future.

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Perspectives - March 2021

Rationally, we know that forecasting events is a dubious practice. But emotionally, we crave future insights – and we trust forecasters more than we should. For investments, this hindsight bias can be dangerous, as I explore in this month’s behavioral finance article. In Part 5 of Behind the Numbers, Michael Chu looks at price momentum and how to benefit from it. Michael also explains how our team’s 100-year Stress Tests help ensure a solid financial plan going forward. And Sylvia Ellis reveals how donor advised funds are a strategic, tax-efficient way to give.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2021

How were the stock markets in 2020? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2021 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

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Perspectives - Dec 2020

Fear is a prime motivator in investor herding, or following what others do rather than thinking for oneself. I look at what causes such fear – and how to avoid it. In Part 4 of Behind the Numbers, Michael Chu looks at ways to measure a company’s growth. Continuing her discussion of Return Assumptions for Financial Plans, Sylvia Ellis cautions against simple return assumptions especially when there are cash flows. Sylvia also describes CIBC’s annual Miracle Day, this year on December 2, when the Stan Clark Financial Team donates all fees and commissions for kids in need.

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Perspectives - Oct 2020

Peer pressure may cause us to join in herding, or following and acting with a group instead of as individuals, without realizing it. In this issue’s behavior finance article, I discuss the danger of herding tendencies to investments. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review how the pandemic has influenced the economy – and what we may experience ahead. And in the first part of a series on Return Assumptions, Sylvia Ellis shows why it’s advisable to not only to take the long view in making financial plans, but to allow for the unexpected.

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Perspectives - Sept 2020

In this issue’s behavioral finance article, I look at framing and how it can influence our actions. Faced with a dropping stock, for example, an investor might hold on rather than sell at a loss – convinced the stock will always be worth its original price. Michael Chu examines benchmark indexes such as the S&P 500 and how to interpret them, as opposed to just accepting them at face value. And in part three of his Behind the Numbers series, Michael discusses dividend yield and how this traditional measure of value works.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2020

Welcome to our 2020 midyear review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2020 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

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Perspectives - June 2020

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I explore the dangerous power of stories in investing. Like the mythical Sirens, stories filled with wonderful forecasts lure investors to expensive stocks – while ignoring statistical evidence to the contrary. Michael Chu discusses why we should stick with value investing despite the recent underperformance. And Sylvia Ellis advises how you can save taxes on investments by making a prescribed rate loan to a lower-earning family member.

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Perspectives - April 2020

With the recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the longest bull market in history abruptly ended. In this special edition of Perspectives, we look at the economic effects of this pandemic, previous bear markets, and what we’re doing. We also offer our insights for braving the short term while being optimistic about the long term. We believe that sticking to your financial plan, having patience, giving things time and investing wisely is still the best approach. In the meantime, please stay safe and stay healthy!

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Perspectives - Mar 2020

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I examine a tendency we have but are often unaware of: anchoring, that is, relying on information irrelevant to a decision we’re about to make. Michael Chu continues his “Behind the numbers” series by discussing the use of price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios in evaluating companies. Reviewing the performance of stocks vs. bonds over the past 100 years, Elaine Loo shares an intriguing lesson. And Sylvia Ellis looks at whether to put money in a Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan.

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Perspectives - Jan 2020

How were the stock markets in 2019? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2020 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

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Perspectives - Dec 2019

In this issue I continue exploring our all-too-human tendency of confirmation bias. Unaware of the dangers in this bias, we favour information that supports our beliefs. Michael Chu introduces a new series, "Behind the Numbers," about the investment strategies our team uses. Citing the fascinating book The Happiness Curve, Elaine Loo reveals that – surprise – we actually get happier as we age! And in this season of giving, Sylvia Ellis writes about CIBC Miracle Day, December 4, when we donate our fees and commissions to children in need.

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Perspectives - Oct 2019

It's only natural to prefer opinions that support our own views. But, as I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article, our all-too human confirmation bias can lead us to unwise decisions – in investing as in life. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review the continuing good performance of market and economy, despite headlines and supposedly reliable indicators that suggest otherwise. And Sylvia Ellis explains the advantages to retirees of checking out something not many taxpayers are aware of: the Pension Income Tax Credit.

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Perspectives - Sept 2019

Deciding on investments is like flying a plane. Feeling off-balance by what's around you, you're tempted to change course. But, as I explain in this month's behavioral finance article, emotional reactions to the unexpected can lead to disaster. Instead, trust your instruments: the rules, guidelines and strategies that keep you on course. Meanwhile, amid the media panic about the inverted yield curve, Michael Chu takes a level-headed look at what the curve really means. And Sylvia Ellis sets out the options for withdrawing funds from a Registered Education Savings Plan.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2019

Welcome to our 2019 mid-year review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2019 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we're keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

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Perspectives - June 2019

Human intuition is valuable in many ways. But it doesn't serve us so well in understanding probabilities. As I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article, using intuition alone can prevent us from making the best choices — and that includes investments. Then, Michael Chu and I, take a close look at life expectancy. Also, Michael takes a long-term view of the value of value investing. And Sylvia Ellis gives you need-to-know information about the federal budget changes to Registered Disability Savings Plans.

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Perspectives - Apr 2019

Human beings love trying to guess the future. But our age-old fondness for predictions can lead us to make unwise financial choices. In this month's behavioral finance article, I look at our addiction to prediction – and why we should be wary of it. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review how stock markets snapped back into positive territory in recent months; also, the factors keeping the economy fairly good even as various issues remain a concern. And Sylvia Ellis gives us need-to-know highlights of the 2019 federal budget.

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Perspectives - Mar 2019

Humans think in linear terms, an intuitive trait we inherited from our early ancestors. In this issue, I discuss how such a trait can bias us into making bad financial decisions. Michael Chu compares two experts' views on predicting the long-term performance of stocks. Elaine Loo looks at the results of stocks vs. bonds over the past 100 years—and reminds us that we can use the past to inform the future. And from the B.C. government's recentlyannounced 2019 budget, Sylvia Ellis brings us highlights we should be aware of.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2019

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2018? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2019 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

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Perspectives - Dec 2018

In this season of hope, get ready to be agreeably surprised. I resume my discussion of how ongoing progress around the world goes contrary to our natural – but misguided – negativity bias. Drawing on two seminal books, Enlightenment Now (Pinker, 2018) and Abundance (Diamandis and Kotler, 2012), I share findings about increased life expectancy, reduced violence and other promising developments. Speaking of the positive, Sylvia Ellis apprises us about December 5, CIBC Miracle Day, when all fees and commissions go to support children's charities.

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Perspectives - Oct 2018

If you believe the media, things look pretty bad. However, as I suggest in this month's behavioral finance piece, looking at clear, objective data gives a brighter, more realistic view of the world – and helps in making good investment decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I argue that, while stocks had mixed results, overall the economic fundamentals remain strong. And with changes to tax rules in the 2018 federal budget, Sylvia Ellis explains why an Individual Pension Plan might just be right for you.

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Perspectives - Sept 2018

In this special issue of Perspectives, we discuss asset allocation – that is, the way you divide your money into different types of assets. Here's why we felt the topic was compelling enough to deserve its own issue: Asset allocation is probably your most important investment decision. We examine what exactly asset allocation means; the types of assets; and how they differ. Finally, we look at how to decide on the best asset allocation for you.

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Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2018

Welcome to our 2018 mid-year review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2018 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we're keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

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Perspectives - June 2018

At New Year's, we all make resolutions. Now that we're halfway through 2018, I suggest revisiting those resolutions – and actually carrying them out. The key: changing bad habits. Michael Chu and I discuss the importance of planning for both life expectancy and inflation. Looking at active vs. passive investing, Michael suggests using the best of both. And Sylvia Ellis explains why you should be proactive about preparing your Will.

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Perspectives - April 2018

Citing Susan Cain's book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article how tendencies to extroversion and introversion can affect financial decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I look at how developments thus far in 2018 may impact the economy. And Sylvia Ellis reveals advantages about having disability insurance that many people may not have considered.

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Perspectives - Mar 2018

In this issue, I review Michael Lewis's fascinating, insightful The Undoing Project – A Friendship That Changed Our Minds, about the two founders of behavioral finance: Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Michael Chu looks at the results our team achieves from our stock selection process. Sylvia Ellis provides highlights of the recently announced BC Budget. And Elaine Loo updates a previous report on how stocks vs. bonds have fared over the past 100 years.

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Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2018

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2017? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2018 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2018 Opens in a new tab / window the PDF Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2018
 
 
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