Blog
Does value still matter?
In the early 1720’s, exactly 300 years ago, all of England was overtaken by a surge of stock market speculation which we now know as the “South Sea Bubble”. Ignited by a monopoly granted by Parliament to a company to trade in South America, all manner of companies suddenly were brought to the market, and their shares were purchased with wild abandon by all and sundry. Two strong emotions ruled; today we call them “FOMO – fear of missing out” and “YOLO – you only live once”. No idea was too bizarre and no scheme too outlandish.
The kids will be all right – How to save for your kids’ and grandkids’ futures
Generous parents and grandparents frequently look for the most beneficial ways to give their descendants a head start, often by putting funds aside in an investment for their benefit. This has perhaps become more common during the pandemic, as those who have been fortunate enough to have continued employment, and retirees, have seen their expenses decline with a corresponding rise in their savings. There are a number of different approaches available, each with its own pros and cons, and this article will expand on each.
Always think like a business owner
At Baskin Wealth Management we never stop learning. We always strive to improve our investment approach and to learn from our mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. However, in our lifelong pursuit to become better investors, we strictly adhere to one important rule: Always think like a business owner.
An Ernest Opinion
What’s next for Canadian banks after COVID?
Although banks now have diversified their sources of income to include major areas such as wealth management and trading, they still largely succeed or fail based on the performance of the loans they make to consumers and companies. COVID-19 shutdowns were a big risk to the Canadian banks. People who lose their jobs cannot pay their rent, mortgages and credit card debt, and Canadian household debt was already at historically high levels.
Breaking down CN and CP’s battle for Kansas City Southern
Canadian railroads are terrific examples of the types of businesses we like to own. They own irreplaceable assets that provide essential services, have a significant cost advantage vs trucking, and have strong pricing power. Given the low population density and reliance of the Canadian economy on resources, CN Rail and CP Rail together move about 70% of inter-city surface freight in Canada and virtually all the lumber, grain, fertilizer, and coal production. Most Canadians simply do not realize the degree to which our lives and the economy rely on the two major railroads.
Thoughts on the Rogers acquisition of Shaw
After failing to acquire Cogeco Communications in September 2020, Rogers turned its eyes to Western Canada and announced the acquisition of Shaw Communications on Monday morning for $26 billion ($40.50 per share). Shaw’s legacy business is its wireline footprint in Western Canada with 5.1m consumer and small business subscribers in B.C, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Rogers has no cable footprint in these provinces and does not directly compete with Shaw for wireline subscribers.
Media Appearances
David Baskin on BNN – Stock Comments
David discusses a number of stocks.
David Baskin on BNN – Market Outlook
David provides his outlook on the markets.
David Baskin on BNN – Top Picks & Past Picks
David discusses his top & past picks.
Outlook
Monthly Newsletter – May 2021
Other than vaccines, and more recently the Leafs, there is probably no hotter topic these days than housing prices. In this month’s newsletter, David provides some historical perspective on housing costs and some advice to those looking for a place to live now.
Monthly Newsletter – April 2021
There has been a steady stream of news recently about the rising cost of goods sparking fears about inflation. In this month’s newsletter David looks at how the pandemic has contributed to this and explores whether labour costs, the more important factor for inducing inflation, will add to the increases in the coming year.
Monthly Newsletter – March 2021
By now, everyone knows the story of GameStop, even if they’ve never been in one of its stores to buy a video game. In this month’s newsletter, David describes how the story of GameStop, and many other similar companies, is raising the question of whether this represents a new paradigm for investing. Not surprisingly, he concludes that, while he doesn’t know how long it will last, this “internet frenzy” will not lead us to change the way we do what we do.
Wealth Management
Charitable donations using securities
Making a contribution to a charity by way of gifting securities which have appreciated in value is a simple, easy and highly tax-efficient strategy. We recommend making use of this strategy to all our clients who have non-registered assets and who wish to make significant gifts to a registered charity.
The kids will be all right – How to save for your kids’ and grandkids’ futures
Generous parents and grandparents frequently look for the most beneficial ways to give their descendants a head start, often by putting funds aside in an investment for their benefit. This has perhaps become more common during the pandemic, as those who have been fortunate enough to have continued employment, and retirees, have seen their expenses decline with a corresponding rise in their savings. There are a number of different approaches available, each with its own pros and cons, and this article will expand on each.
OAS – To Delay or Not
An important topic for our clients nearing the age of 65 is how to best structure potential income sources during the retirement years. Timing of Old Age Security (OAS) benefits will be considered in the context of such discussions.