Blog
How we are navigating through the tariffs
Almost exactly 5 years ago amidst the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wrote a blog post about our framework for investing amidst a crisis. Today, we find ourselves again in a similar situation only this time, not from [...]
Staying the Course: Why We Don’t Sell in Down Markets
We know that many of our clients are concerned about the recent sharp drop in the stock markets in both Canada and the US. The last six weeks have seen the most precipitous slide in prices in the past few years and it is far from clear what will happen next. We do not have any special ability to tell the future, but we have been doing this for a long time, and I hope our experience can help bring some perspective to the situation.
Registered Plans and Tax Reporting Dates for 2024
Following are the contribution limits and dates for the various registered plans as well as the planned mailing dates for the 2024 income tax slips.
an ernest opinion
What I’m watching from first quarter earnings
Beyond looking at reported macroeconomic figures from the Federal Reserve or the US Bureau of Labor, individual company results can provide an alternative gauge of the economy and business sentiment. Our portfolio companies tend to be leaders in their respective industries, and therefore give good insight into various dynamics at play within their various sectors.
What to do when a stock doesn’t work
Legendary investor Warren Buffett famously said that his favorite holding period is forever. Our aim at Baskin Wealth Management is to replicate this by owning great businesses managed by skilled & honest CEOs, and then sit back and let these [...]
How Patrick Doyle Can Fix Restaurant Brands
Last November, shares of Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes, shot up on the announcement that Patrick Doyle would be the incoming Executive Chairman. The market’s enthusiasm is well founded: Doyle is best known for leading the turnaround of Domino’s Pizza as CEO from 2010 to 2018 with Domino’s Pizza being the #1 performing stock in the S&P 500 during that time.
media appearances
Ernest Wong on BNN’s The Open – Hot Picks in tariff defensive stocks
Ernest Wong shares his hot picks in tariff defensive stocks on BNN's The Open.
Benjamin Klein on BNN’s The Open – Hot Picks in big tech
Benjamin Klein shares his hot picks in big tech stocks.
Barry Schwartz on BNN’s Market Call – March 3, 2025
Barry Schwartz joined BNN to discuss the market outlook, past and top picks.
Outlook
Monthly Newsletter – March 2025
Someone (perhaps Mark Twain) once said that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes. Right now, the market seems to be composing a particularly unpleasant limerick. The sharp drop after President Trump’s Liberation Day speech was jarring, but if history is any guide, it will soon fade into the background noise of investing—much like every other “once-in-a-lifetime” market panic. As always, the best strategy is to take a deep breath, resist the urge to run for the exits, and remember that time in the market beats timing the market.
Monthly Newsletter – January 2025
The stock market is looking more like Vegas these days—minus the free drinks. With Trump’s second term kicking off a frenzy in meme stocks, crypto gambles, and sky-high speculation, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. But as Morgan Housel wisely reminds us, the key to successful investing is knowing your game—and not accidentally wandering into someone else’s. In this month’s blog, we break down the latest market madness and why sticking to fundamentals is still the best bet (no dice required).
Monthly Newsletter – December 2024
As 2025 dawns, Canada faces unprecedented challenges: a turbulent U.S.-Canada relationship under a Trump presidency marked by annexation threats and trade tensions, paired with domestic political instability and a weakening economy. Investors must stay ahead, leveraging opportunities in robust U.S. markets, a depreciating Canadian dollar, and transformative technologies like AI and sustainable energy. Amid uncertainty, vigilance and adaptability are key to thriving in this new global reality.
Wealth management
New and Improved – Savings plans get even better
The past year has seen the addition of a new registered plan aiming to help first-time home buyers, as well as increased annual contribution limits for both the Tax Free Savings Account and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan driven by inflation. In light of these changes, this article will provide an update of the various registered savings plans available in Canada.
Getting Wealthy and Staying Wealthy
Everyone worries about money. Daniel Kahneman, a behavioural economist and winner of the Nobel in economic science once said “Money does not buy you happiness, but lack of money certainly buys you misery”. Money worries are the greatest source of stress, more than work, personal health and relationships.
Don’t Hesitate; Just Designate
Designating a beneficiary on your registered accounts is one of the most important decisions in estate planning. By designating a beneficiary, you inform the financial institution of your plans for your estate after your death. While it is a simple act requiring little in the way of paperwork, it can do a great deal of heavy lifting in establishing your wishes for your estate and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die.
podcasts
Tariffs and the market volatility
In this week's episode of the Long-Term Investing Podcast, Barry and Ernest discuss the market uncertainty relating to tariffs in the US and how Baskin Wealth is responding to the macroeconomic uncertainty.
CNQ’s tar-rific 2024
This week, Barry and Ernest first discuss how Baskin Wealth is navigating the upcoming Canadian federal election before reviewing 2024 results of Canadian Natural Resources and Tourmaline Oil.
Constellation’s stellar year
In this week's episode of the Long Term Investing Podcast, Barry and Ernest discuss Constellation Software and Topicus.com's 2024, whether they can continue to grow at the same pace and what potential risks they face from AI.
