Global stock markets maintain double digit gains year-to-date, but as the recent selloff deepens market pundits continue to point fingers and provide reasons why this is the end. In this podcast we sit down with Forstrong PM, David Kletz, to discuss Evergrande's impact on markets and our recent portfolio rebalance. Not surprisingly, we see the macro environment remaining supportive into year-end. 

Forstrong Global Thinking

Ever-a-Grande Portfolio Rebalance

Viewing the globe, we note a very unusual situation — most likely attributable to the post-Covid rebound. For the first time on record, developed nations have been growing faster than global GDP growth. And global growth is currently faster than that of emerging countries. This must resolve itself in one way or another. What will be the likely outcome? Rob Duncan speaks with Forstrong Portfolio Manager, David Kletz, to discuss their recent rebalance and whether or not the reflationary trade still has room to run. 

Forstrong Global Thinking - A Phased Pandexit

What happens when the world is cooped up — in some cases against its will — for more than a year? We are now getting answers to this global experiment. To no one’s surprise, it turns out many are increasingly unwilling to delay gratification which has sent inflation soaring all around the world. Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's CIO, Tyler Mordy, to discuss how the pandemic is creating an inflationary regime shift with lasting impacts few can predict. 

Global Inflation: Has the Force Awakened

Has crypto-mania gone too far? Naysayers have an almost unlimited arsenal of reasons why this bubble will pop and leave investors in a wake of devastation. Citing everything from security issues to regulation, environmental impact to the explosion of offerings, these things should come with a warning label. In a recent Ask Forstrong, The Cryptocurrency Bug: Catch Me if You Can, our CIO, Tyler Mordy, hammers home these warnings with cold hard facts. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. Investors have lost billions in fraud and theft. There are now 4000 currency offerings claiming to be the future. And, last but not least, government regulation is cracking down to thwart tax-evaders and black market participants. Warning label firmly attached. Yet many investors still have burning questions. Will cryptos impact my life and should I care about them? This is a much harder question to answer. To tackle this question Rob Duncan sits down with Reza Samahin, Portfolio Manager and Professional Engineer, to provide insights into blockchain protocol, currency mining, differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, smart contracts and decentralized finance. We made the pivot from cryptocurrencies as the future of fiat to providing a future benefit and financial utility. It wasn’t easy and it took 40 minutes, but if you want to impress your friends on your next Zoom call then click the link.

Cryptocurrencies: Currency Replacement or Financial Utility?

Social media platforms take center stage as rWallStreetBets channels it's Reddit commentary to prop up stocks impacted by the pandemic and targeted by hedge fund short-sellers. In this podcast Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's CEO & CIO, Tyler Mordy, to discuss this incredible phenomenon and how situations like this have played out in the past. While it received incredible headlines, investors should focus on what is really driving portfolio returns.  

Ask Forstrong: Reddit's Rage

Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's CEO/CIO, Tyler Mordy, to talk about the year that was 2020, our outlook for 2021, and why we need to learn the Charleston in what could be seen as our generations roaring 20's. 

Is it Time to Learn the Charleston?

Is it possible to have unlimited money? If so, is that a good thing or a bad thing?  Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's CEO/CIO, Tyler Mordy, to talk about Modern Monetary Theory and why this new way of thinking could create new economic realities to increase growth globally. We break this theory down into its basic building blocks and challenge traditional thinking to see opportunities where others do not.   

Ask Forstrong: You, Me and MMT (Modern Monetary Theory)

Your Global Thinking host, Rob Duncan, sits down with Forstrong's CIO, Tyler Mordy, to discuss Covid's impact on markets, policy and their investment outlook. While a second wave forms and concerns over another shutdown looms, Tyler explains why these outcomes would be less impactful and how a paradigm shift in policy will power growth going forward.  If you would like to access the slides, please reach out to your Forstrong contact. 

Forstrong Portfolio Update: Rock, Paper or Scissors

Here we are again, as if nothing much has changed since mid-February. Never mind that the very existence and survival of the entire human race had been threatened in the interim. Most global equity markets have recovered the vast majority of their year-to-date losses, and in fact, the risk-on rally now appears to be broadening into additional sectors and asset classes. In this update Rob sits down with Forstrong’s portfolio manager David Kletz to discuss the current state of financial markets and the corresponding changes recently implemented in client portfolios.

Rob Duncan sits down with Michael Greenberg, Vice President & Portfolio Manager for Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions. Over the course of 30 minutes they discuss their portfolio positioning throughout the pandemic, the shape of the recovery and whether investor FOMO has dislocated markets from reality. While market challenges remain, Michael highlights opportunities within global credit, European equities and how investors are eagerly awaiting a dip.

Forstrong Macro Update with Franklin Templeton

Rob Duncan sits down with Horizons Executive Vice President of ETF Strategy, Mark Noble, to discuss why the recent spike in volatility has resurfaced old myths and misconceptions about fixed income ETFs. We get back to basics on their structure and mechanics to explain how they provide price discovery and liquidity, even in times of stress. 

Setting the Record Straight on Bond ETFs with Mark Noble and Horizons ETFs

Coronavirus and all its catchphrases - flattening the curve, social distancing and so on - has taken a wrecking ball to daily routines. Working from home has brought new challenges. Calendars have been emptied and commute times cut. But occupational hazards have emerged: cabin fever, the close proximity of the cookie jar and, for some of us, new colleagues of the Crayola-wielding kind.  Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's President and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to talk about their recent portfolio rebalance and how they are positioning in the face of an unprecedented and historical stimulus package. 

Ask Forstrong: Investing in the Time of Coronavirus

Corona virus fears finally pierced investor consciousness and markets have sold off dramatically this week. Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's President and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to discuss the market reaction and potential impact to growth going forward. How will this impact global GDP? Does this change our view for 2020? Is this a buying opportunity? We tackle these questions and more.   

Ask Forstrong: Misinformation Going Viral

Rob Duncan sits down with AGF's CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Kevin McCreadie, to review their 2020 Outlook and why he thinks this investment cycle could go into extra innings.  From investment prospects in Canada, US election outcomes, increasing EM exposure and even space travel. Over the course of 30 minutes we cover everything you need to start the year off right.    

2020 Outlook with Kevin McCreadie and AGF Management

Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong's Vice President and Portfolio Manager, David Kletz, to review the recent market rally, phase 1 US/China trade deal and UK elections impact on Brexit. While we see markets getting ahead of themselves, most can be warranted with the removal of key risks heading into the new year. Still, several things to consider. 

Forstrong Monthly Dashboard - Are Stocks Earning Their Keep

Go beyond the obvious and listen to the story behind the story. Global Thinking shares our forward-looking perspectives on emerging global macro trends. We review long-term economic, geopolitical and social trends, including second and third order effects, to help financial professions provide safer more predictable returns.

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Forstrong Global Thinking

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