BridgeBytes

Nicole Limper and Ben Larsen discuss GQG Partners’ views on investing in China today. Ben discusses two of the biggest reasons for GQG Partners not joining in on the “Grand Reopening” – political risk and fundamentals. Ben uses Brazil as a comparison where, in GQG Partners’ view, valuations and earnings quality are more attractive and there is less political risk. (Published March 2023).

Steve Ford provides a recap of GQG Partners’ 2022 outlook – focusing on China, inflation and valuations. Josh Snyder provides an in-depth discussion on three things that GQG Partners has flagged to look out for in 2023 including inflation, tech earnings and the potential fall of the U.S. dollar as a catalyst for non-U.S. outperformance. (Published March 2023).

Kim Shannon speaks to the recent trend of following the global benchmark index and shunning new allocations to Canadian equities. Kim touches on a study of 100+ years of data that suggests Canada offers one of the best returns with the lowest risk. (Published: January 2023)

Kim Shannon discusses the three major steps in Sionna’s investment approach; an approach that Kim has been using since 1986. Kim spends some time outlining the quantitative, qualitative and portfolio construction aspects of the investment approach. (Published: January 2023)

Kim Shannon shares her insights around Sionna’s style of investing, as well as how she draws on her relationships with finance, science and history to ensure a well-rounded approach to investing. (Published: January 2023)

Stephen Jenkins speaks about his history in the industry and what led him to working at Sionna. Stephen shares that his career began when Kim Shannon hired him into the industry in the early 90s. (Published: January 2023)

Stephen Jenkins outlines what investment opportunities excite him the most in Canada and shares a few soundbites about the Sionna Opportunities Fund. (Published: January 2023)

Rajiv Jain explains how GQG Partners looks at active share and portfolio turnover. (Published July 2022).

Rajiv Jain explains how his decades of managing emerging market equites helps him navigate the challenges of inflation today. (Published July 2022).

Rajiv Jain provides his opinion on the performance of GQG Partners during this market downturn. (Published July 2022).

Rajiv Jain explains his thoughts on utilizing technical analysis to decide when to buy or sell. (Published July 2022).

GQG Partners had a lot invested the technology sector in 2020 before reducing exposure in 2021. Rajiv Jain provides his insight on the technology sector today. (Published July 2022).

In a recent panel discussion, Chris Duncan, Director, Investment Group at Brandes Investment Partners, explained why supply is growing slower than expected from North American shale oil. (Published July 2022).

In a recent panel discussion, Aleksy Wojcik, Portfolio Manager at Sionna Investment Managers, offered insight in opportunities he sees in the oil and gas sector in Canada. (Published July 2022).

In a recent panel discussion, Chulantha De Silva, Senior Investment Analyst at GQG Partners, explained why his team sees opportunity in energy stocks. (Published July 2022).

Adam Patterson, Client Portfolio Manager at GQG Partners, examines the downturn in global equity benchmarks and provides insight on the current market environment. (Published June 2022).

Jackie Au, Portfolio Manager at Sionna, offers his insights on Nutrien in light of the recent conflict in Ukraine. (Published March 2022).

Kim Shannon, Sionna’s President and Co-CIO, provides insight on some of the recent changes implemented in the Sionna Canadian Equity Fund, examining the changes through a value investing lens. (Published March 2022).

Kim Shannon, Sionna’s President and Co-CIO, explains why Sionna Investment Managers is overweight on Canadian banks. (Published March 2022).

In light of recent geopolitical risks, monetary policy changes and COVID-19, Brent Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Brandes Investment Partners, provides a view on Brandes fund performance over the next five years and explains how the portfolios are set up to manage risk and generate returns going forward. (Published March 2022).

Brent Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Brandes Investment Partners, explains how Brandes factors interest rates into its valuations of companies in which it invests. (Published March 2022).

Brent Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Brandes Investment Partners, provides insights on value and earnings in European markets going forward. (Published March 2022).

While not explicitly designed to be tax efficient, GQG Partners funds value keeping tax costs low due to the impact they can have on returns. Rajiv Jain explains how they accomplish this. (Published November 2021)

Rajiv Jain explains how he balances mid-term company outlooks with short-term selling. (Published November 2021).

Taking a pragmatic view, Rajiv Jain explains how he has always planned for inflation and a rate-changing environment. (Published November 2021).

Rajiv Jain explains how he instills an investment philosophy at GQG Partners that encourages opposing views and unique insights. (Published November 2021).

After having largely exited positions in China back in 2020, Rajiv Jain and his team are now slowly and cautiously rebuilding some holdings in the country. Rajiv discusses some of the companies GQG Partners has been looking at as well as his thoughts on China as a whole. (Published November 2021).

The shift to the metaverse by big tech opens unique opportunities on the supply side. Rajiv Jain explains that with more demanding technology comes a higher demand for the semi-conductors that run it. (Published November 2021).

Rajiv Jain explains why he has been growing his energy exposure while other funds have been divesting from the sector. (Published November 2021).

Embraer is one of the largest holdings in the Brandes Global Small Cap portfolio and recent price movement around the Covid downturn and recovery has proven to be beneficial for the Fund. Mark Costa explains what drives the price of this unique and well-positioned Brazilian aerospace company. (Published November 2021).

Mark Costa explains what the Brandes Small Cap Investment Committee looks for when evaluating small-cap companies from around the world. Their approach goes beyond just looking at companies from a value perspective, delving deep into the fundamentals and the bigger picture. (Published November 2021).

Due to the economic turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been many mergers and acquisitions in the small-cap equity space. Mark Costa explains how these have unfolded and what they mean for the Brandes Global Small Cap Equity Fund. (Published November 2021).

Mark Costa explains how Brandes finds solid value opportunities in the small-cap space. He examines how much variety there is in small-cap equities and how there is ample selection for those willing to do the research. (Published November 2021).

GQG Partners' Josh Snyder provides his insights on the impact policy change is having on Chinese companies with regards to foreign ownership and variable interest entities. (Published September 2021)

Brian Kersmanc discusses GQG Partners' outlook on Vale, the iron ore business out of Brazil and how, on a go-forward basis, Vale’s ESG commitments are looking promising after a recent catastrophe. Brian also touches on how the non-traditional analysts at GQG Partners helped to gather important information to help shape their view on the company. (Published: June 2021)

Brian Kersmanc discusses why GQG Partners places a premium on liquidity, noting that it’s often underappreciated by a lot of other managers. Brian outlines why liquidity gives GQG Partners the ability to shift and react based on data points and gives examples of how they have managed to do that during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Published: June 2021)

Brian Kersmanc discusses GQG Partners’ outlook on China and touches on their exposure to Chinese companies as well as other EM holdings that may be beneficiaries to Chinese policy. Brian also discusses additional EM trends as they relate to the GQG Partners’ International and Global portfolios. (Published: June 2021)

Brian Kersmanc discusses GQG Partners’ outlook on inflation, noting that their plan is to keep analyzing the data points and be ready to react if necessary. Brian also touches on the impact of the current market environment (COVID-19 recovery) and its impact on economic growth. (Published: June 2021)

Gary Chow provides an update on Suncor Energy and outlines why Sionna believes the holding is an attractive opportunity for value investors. (Published: June 2021)

Brent Fredberg provides insight on the performance of value-driven companies from Q1 2021 and beyond. He examines four different catalysts that could continue to propel value’s recent run of strong performance. (Published: June 2021)

Brent Fredberg discusses the time span of value investing and how, over the long term, many companies are still trading at a discount. He dives into how Brandes uncovers undervalued equities in sectors that have started to experience a decrease in value, such as financials, energy and industrials. (Published: June 2021)

Brent Fredberg examines how value-based companies tend to perform in an economy with increasing inflation. He looks at how value can be a great complement to growth stocks in a portfolio during this environment of rising rates and costs of conducting business. (Published: June 2021)

Speaking about the Brandes Global Equity strategy, Brent Fredberg takes a long view on growth prospects and cash flow generation. As the world re-opens and normalizes, business fundamentals are improving alongside attractive valuations. Brent touches on a number of areas that Brandes is excited about right now and into the future. (Published: June 2021)

Jackie Au provides an update on one of Sionna's Large-Cap Canadian holdings, Alimentation Couche-Tard. Jackie touches on Sionna's thesis as well as the opportunities that they see in the name. (Published: March 2021)

Jackie Au shares Sionna’s outlook on the telecom industry, providing both short- and long-term views on the changing dynamics of the industry. Jackie also provides insights into opportunities Sionna sees with Rogers and Telus. (Published: January 2021)

Gary Chow gives an overview of Sionna’s outlook on the energy sector as well as some of the challenges (and opportunities) that have arisen. Gary speaks to some of the positions that Sionna has added and provides thoughts on the opportunities presented with Pembina Pipeline. (Published: January 2021)

Stephen Jenkins provides insights on Sionna’s High Conviction Strategy – Sionna Opportunities Fund – their “best ideas” portfolio. Stephen talks specifically to Ambev (Anheuser-Busch-InBev) and how it fared in 2020 as well as why Sionna believes the name has room to run going forward. (Published: January 2021)

Jackie Au discusses the current negativity and bifurcation in the physical retail space as well as recent trends to make physical retail a wholesome experience. Jackie notes that there is a need for both a good retail experience and online distribution to build an omni-channel experience for consumers. (Published: January 2021)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, discusses how managing people’s money is a privilege and sheds some light on the importance of client alignment. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, explains the importance of diversity amongst the team in terms of where team members are coming from and what they were doing before joining the firm. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, discusses why both growth and value investment styles are imperative to survive in the long term. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, describes COVID-19’s effect on the economy and outlines where he’s finding quality and sensible prices. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, explains his views on the debate around inflation and why it’s important to react to the data rather than trying to predict the future. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, discusses why he has been described as a “ruthless seller” in the media. Rajiv also explains the danger of anchoring to past decisions. (Published: November 2020)

Rajiv Jain, co-founder & CIO of GQG Partners, details his bias towards mega-cap stocks and why bigger companies are better-suited to weather the storm and stick around. (Published: November 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee details Lazard’s approach and specialized investment tool to avoid overpaying for fine businesses. (Published: August 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee describes how the Lazard International Compounders Fund fits in Canadian investors’ portfolios and its potential effect on risk and performance. (Published: August 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee explains that, although COVID-19 infection rates have increased at a slower rate in Europe and Asia compared to the U.S., the Lazard investment team avoids taking macro bets. (Published: August 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee details a Japanese company held in the Lazard International Compounders Fund. (Published: August 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee explains why the Lazard International Compounders portfolio has never held energy, utilities or mining companies to date. (Published: August 2020)

Marlena Zabielska explains why Sionna has not added Shopify to any of its portfolios. (Published: July 2020)

Marlena Zabielska dives into some of the causes of the recent increase in portfolio volatility. Marlena also touches on specific sectors that have been contributing factors to the volatility. (Published: July 2020)

Marlena Zabielska explains why Sionna has stayed out of marijuana stocks. Marlena differentiates between junior gold stocks and marijuana stocks and illustrates why junior gold stocks may be a more attractive opportunity for Sionna. (Published: July 2020)

Marlena Zabielska explains why Berkshire Hathaway is an attractive opportunity for Sionna. (Published: July 2020)

Marlena Zabielska describes how Sionna has been navigating the fixed income space. Marlena dives into a few sectors and positions that Sionna has been looking at and investing in. (Published: July 2020)

Marlena Zabielska describes Sionna’s view of the economic recovery in Canada, post COVID-19, and its impact on Sionna’s investment approach.(Published: July 2020)

Louis Lau discusses the growing divergence between growth and value valuations and some of the factors we can attribute this to. Louis also explains how fair value valuations have dropped significantly, creating opportunities for the long run. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses how the investment team analyzes balance sheet performance. Louis also explains which areas the investment team pays close attention to when looking at companies within the emerging markets landscape. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses what the post-pandemic emerging markets landscape might look like. Louis also explains what the investment team is looking for within EM regions moving forward. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses the rationale behind increasing the Fund’s exposure in China. Louis also discusses potential opportunities in China stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses what the investment team has observed in India over the past few years. Louis also explains which specific sectors have been attractive and the new opportunities that have stemmed from the global pandemic. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses how the investment team is valuing businesses during times of uncertainty. Louis also explains which sectors are expected to recover faster than others coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses the effect of COVID-19 in the Fund’s Latin American holdings. Louis also explains the currency appreciation factor during times of crisis. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau discusses the long-term effects that COVID-19 may have on emerging markets. He explains how some countries’ responses to the pandemic have affected the team’s outlook on investment opportunities in those respective countries. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Lau explains YTD performance for the Brandes Emerging Markets Value Fund, including the impact of COVID-19. (Published: May 2020)

Jai Jacob explains the Fund’s asset allocation bands and the flexibility he has with it. Jai also discusses which mandates are used for dividend equity and fixed income exposure within the portfolio. (Published: May 2020)

Jai Jacob explains what target volatility investing is, why it's important and how it fits within the Lazard Global Balanced Income Fund. (Published: May 2020)

Jai Jacob explains the 6-12 month market forecast process and volatility targeting that has assisted in the mitigation of YTD downside protection within the Lazard Global Balanced Income Fund. Jai also discusses how Lazard views the global economic response to COVID-19. (Published: May 2020)

Jai Jacob discusses how he and the portfolio team create value across an array of asset classes while still protecting capital using their target volatility approach. Jai also discusses how advisors can fit Lazard Global Balanced Income Fund into their clients’ portfolios. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee discusses which business he believes will weather the COVID-19 pandemic the strongest and outlines why ESG factors will play an even larger role in a post-COVID-19 world. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee tackles the difficult question of where we are in the economic recovery process and what Lazard is looking for in the markets. Louis also discusses what Lazard is looking for in countries that are coming out of COVID-19 lockdown measures. (Published: May 2020)

With historically low fund turnover, Louis Florentin-Lee discusses the rationale behind fund movements and the portfolio management team’s criteria in selling/holding companies through a crisis. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee outlines the contributing factors to performance since the beginning of increased market volatility. Louis also provides specific insight into a couple of key Lazard holdings. (Published: May 2020)

Louis Florentin-Lee discusses what classifies a compounder and identifies companies that would fit within the Lazard Global Compounders Fund. (Published: May 2020)

Brandes Institute manager, Bob Schmidt, discusses what clients often focus on that might be detrimental to their long-term focus. He also suggests that the way that some materials are presented to investors might be emphasizing short-term performance. (Published April 2022)

Bob Schmidt, Manager of the Brandes Institute, discusses the framing bias and the notion that how you present data and information can have a serious impact on your clients’ perceptions. (Published April 2022)

Brandes Institute manager, Bob Schmidt, discusses the importance of having a sound investment process and why it’s necessary to focus on the factors that you can control, rather than those that you have no control over. (Published April 2022)

Bob Schmidt, Manager of the Brandes Institute, discusses the importance of the relationship between price and value and why it’s a good idea to remind clients of these dynamics to help reorient them toward a longer-term perspective. Bob also mentions the potential dangers of short-term, emotional reactions and how to avoid them. (Published April 2022)

Brandes Institute manager, Bob Schmidt, points out that people under 60 have spent their adult lives in a period of declining inflation. He looks at the Canadian inflation rate over the last year and provides insights on the “stocks vs. bonds” debate during inflationary periods. (Published April 2022)

Bob Schmidt, Manager of the Brandes Institute, discusses why it’s an important time to construct thoughtful portfolios that can lessen the impacts of inflation. He also highlights the importance of having an advisor during these periods, suggesting that, if left on their own, many investors would find it difficult to look beyond short-term price fluctuations and remain focused on the long term. (Published April 2022)

What should investors consider if they’re thinking of selling off their investments during a market drawdown? Dr. Murtha provides potential scenarios and tips to aid investors during these challenging times. (Published: June 2020)

Dr. Frank Murtha explains how using CURE with clients can help ease emotional strain due to financial pressures or stress regarding the health and well-being of loved ones during these unprecedented times. (Published: May 2020)

Extrapolation is when investors make long-term projections from short-term trends. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the tendency for extrapolation may be exceptionally high. Frank Murtha explains why this wealth-destroying bias is so insidious. (Published: March 2020)

Investors may tend to focus on “all-time high” anchor numbers for their account balances or net worth, but these values may be inappropriate benchmarks to drive decision-making during volatile markets. Bob Schmidt explains why. (Published: March 2020)

The “10-30-60” rule can help guide investment decision-making in retirement. Bob Schmidt explains how this rule can help investors manage the balance between seeking safety and achieving their long-term investment goals. (Published: March 2020)

Losses can weigh on investor emotions. During market volatility, investors may want to sell stocks and bonds to avoid the pain of loss. Bob Schmidt explores Prospect Theory and how it may impact investor decision-making. (Published: March 2020)

When watching or reading financial news, it’s important to understand how it may impact emotions and decision-making. Bob Schmidt provides advice on how investors should approach the news. (Published: March 2020)

Also known as Recency Bias, Bob Schmidt explains why people may overestimate the severity or frequency of an event based on recent exposure or emotional impact. (Published: March 2020)

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, discusses his thoughts on what work/life is evolving into and how workplaces are changing as a result of the pandemic. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, gives his tips for employers and employees regarding flexible work environments. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, identifies a few “COVID keepers” for health and safety – new habits that can keep us physically and mentally healthy as we move forward through the pandemic. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, talks about social proof statements and how you, as an advisor, can use social proof to connect with your clients when having difficult conversations. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, outlines the differences between stress and anxiety and shares examples of the stresses and anxieties that advisors have been faced with during the pandemic. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, discusses COVID-19 challenges and the impact these challenges can have on our mental health. (Published: September 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, discusses the importance of checking in on your own mental health and of those around you. (Published: May 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, describes “languishing” and why more people may be experiencing it. He also offers helpful advice on how to move from languishing toward flourishing. (Published: May 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, explains Seasonal Affective Disorder and provides a few tips to help mitigate the impact it may have on your day-to-day life. (Published: February 2022).

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, provides three tips (plus a bonus) on how to best manage holiday stress. (Published: December 2021).

Arthur Fish, experienced lawyer and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, discusses the pros and cons that may arise if a client’s POA is also their TCP as sometimes it’s unavoidable. (Published: December 2021)

Arthur Fish, experienced lawyer and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, provides valuable insight into the benefits of naming a TCP for you, your firm and your clients. (Published: December 2021)

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, explains how best to have the conversation about designating a TCP in a remote world where cues from clients are not always as evident. (Published: December 2021)

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, examines several prominent behavioural biases and also explains how quality communication can eliminate the hurdles these biases can present. (Published: December 2021)

Adam Wiseman, Mental Health Subject-Matter Expert and member of the Bridgehouse Advisory Panel, shares strategies on how emotional intelligence can mitigate unproductive responses when having difficult conversations with clients. (Published: December 2021)

Tyler Fleming, Director of the Investor Office at the OSC, discusses the role of a Trusted Contact Person (TCP) and why clients should appoint one. He also touches on the impact that language can have when designing a TCP consent form. (Published: December 2021)

Tyler Fleming, Director of the Investor Office at the OSC, explains the regulatory frameworks around the TCP. He also discusses why it is important for investors to have a TCP. (Published: December 2021)

Carol Lynde, Bridgehouse President and CEO, explains the role of a TCP and outlines its benefits to advisors and their clients. (Published: December 2021)

Adam Wiseman explains the difference between mental health and mental illness: terms that are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. (Published: October 2021)

Adam Wiseman discusses the difference between stress and anxiety and how to identify what you may be feeling. As things return to normal after the pandemic you may notice an increase in both – being able to identify the difference helps when it comes to working toward a healthier mental state. (Published: September 2021)

Adam Wiseman discusses some pros and cons of using social media and provides a method to determine its impact on your current mental health. (Published: August 2020)

Adam Wiseman explains how a simple breathing technique can help you manage stress. The Box Breathing technique is used in many lines of work, including the military and police, to keep calm before or after a stressful event. (Published: May 2020)

Adam Wiseman provides tips on managing anxiety during these challenging times. Adam explains how a 24-hour news cycle can trigger anxieties and increase uncertainty with its viewers and notes that it’s important to be cognizant of how often you tune in. (Published: May 2020)

Adam Wiseman discusses the decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to change its terminology from social distancing to physical distancing and the importance of social interaction. (Published: May 2020)