Blog
New Tax-Free First Home Savings Account – A faster way to save for that down payment!
In its 2022 Budget this past Spring, the Federal Government announced a new account to help first time homebuyers save for a down payment on their first home. While this Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) will not be available until sometime in 2023, no time like the present to beginning planning.
Why we are buying an oil company
Why we are buying an oil company Not that long ago, I wrote a blog explaining why we don’t own oil companies. We recently purchased shares of Canadian Natural Resources, one of the largest Canadian oil sands producers, for many [...]
Shaken, but not Stirred – Presented by Barry Schwartz and Ernest Wong
Given the current environment, interest rate hikes, inflation, further disruption to supply chains and the Russian invasion which resulted in a very bumpy start to 2022, Barry & Ernest share their views on the market as well as specific examples of companies we are holding and how we analyze them.
An Ernest Opinion
ESG & Canadian Energy
In recent years, it has become common for companies to include a section on Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) during investor calls and presentations. As an example, here is a slide from RioCan explaining their initiatives on ESG: I usually glaze [...]
The bottom line for big tech
The recent underperformance of the so-called “FAANG” stocks has led some investors to question whether a strategy of owning these large technology companies remains sound. Ernest outlines why the long term prospects for these companies remains attractive.
Creating value in volatile markets
Amidst the market volatility, investors sometimes forget that stocks and bonds fundamentally represent sources of capital for business operations. When capital is plentiful and prices are high, it is cheap for companies to invest in growth to open new stores, spend on marketing, hire employees, and make acquisitions by issuing new equity or cheap debt.
Media Appearances
Barry Schwartz on BNN – Market Outlook
Barry discusses his outlook for the markets.
Barry Schwartz on BNN – Top Picks & Past Picks
Barry discusses his top & past picks.
Barry Schwartz on BNN Bloomberg: CNQ has proven that they can make money in different oil and gas price scenarios
Barry Schwartz joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the reasons to buy Canadian Natural Resources.
Outlook
Monthly Newsletter – February 2023
Investing using an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) certainly can be compelling for several reasons. However, for high-net-worth investors, there are at least 4 good reasons why owning the individual stocks may be a better approach. David explains these in this month’s newsletter.
Monthly Newsletter – January 2023
Why are the central bankers still raising rates? In this month’s newsletter, David explains that this is likely because the tools they are using are incredibly complicated to interpret and are perhaps not as relevant in today’s environment. As such, our focus will always be on the companies we own, and less about what the sometimes confused central bankers might do next.
Monthly Newsletter – December 2022
The phrase “annus horribilis” was used some 30 years ago by Queen Elizabeth II to describe an awful year for her family but, for several reason, it is an apt description of 2022. In our year end newsletter, David recaps why it was such a bad year but also offers some optimism for 2023.
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
Podcast – March 27, 2023
In this week’s Long Term Investing Podcast, Barry & Ernest discuss Live Nation and misunderstandings about it's business model.
Podcast – March 9, 2023
In this week’s Long Term Investing Podcast, Barry & Ernest discuss the prospects for the Canadian energy sector and our recent investment in Canadian Natural Resources.
Podcast – February 24, 2023
In this week’s Long Term Investing Podcast, Barry & Ernest discuss 2022 earnings results and TFI International’s outstanding track record of acquisitions.