In May, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating from the top Aaa to Aa1. This move by one of the major credit rating agencies—S&P and Fitch are the other two—raised the question: Does a downgrade matter? First, what is a rating? A credit rating assesses a borrower’s ability and willingness
The Federal Reserve, central bank ideology, and the future of economic order “The Federal Reserve… is in the position of the chaperone who has ordered the punch bowl removed just when the party was really warming up.” – William McChesney Martin Jr., U.S. Federal Reserve chair, in a 1955 speech
Without a doubt, home ownership has become increasingly out of reach for younger generations (chart, bottom). Canadian home prices have risen faster than in any other G7 country—nearly quadrupling over 40 years (graph, bottom). As such, many families are stepping in to help. Beyond easing financial stress, this support can
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” —Admiral William H. McRaven In 2014, Admiral William McRaven delivered a commencement speech that quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views. In it, he shared 10 principles he learned during his gruelling Navy SEAL training—lessons that
“A dollar’s value depends on the tax trail it travels.” How and when you access your income sources can influence the taxes you pay, your eligibility for government benefits and your long-term financial health. Whether you’re accumulating wealth, transitioning between career stages or planning for retirement, a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy
It has been said that “there are decades where nothing seems to happen, and there are weeks where decades happen.” The sweeping global tariffs, announced by the U.S. on April’s “Liberation Day,” caught the world off guard—disrupting long-held norms in global trade and world order. This may signal the beginning
Debt, deals, and the dawning tech epoch The factors which really constitute prosperity have not the remotest connection with military or naval power, all our political jargon notwithstanding. – Norman Angell, The Great Illusion (1910) Download this PDF here. For decades, the American establishment clung to the gospel of globalization,
Download this PDF here. For business owners or incorporated practitioners that generate surplus funds not required to meet personal lifestyle needs or the needs of the business or practice, the question becomes how to maximize the value of these funds? As personal marginal tax rates can be significant, does it
The Mar-a-Lago strategy and the future of American power “War is the continuation of politics by other means.” – Carl von Clausewitz (1832) Download this PDF here. In an era of unprecedented geopolitical and economic shifts, the Mar-a-Lago Accord signals a decisive, disruptive strategy by the U.S. to redefine its
THE ILLUSION OF A REVIVAL OR A PRELUDE TO RECKONING? “I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.” – Thomas Jefferson Download this PDF here. Now that the Canadian election is over and Mark
Unlocking a new golden era for investors “The condition of man … is a condition of war of everyone against everyone;” yet, by the mutual agreement of sovereign powers, peace may be obtained, and the benefits of order secured. – Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651) Download this PDF here. The signing
Warren Buffett’s increasing cash reserves at Berkshire Hathaway have drawn significant attention from market watchers. In his latest annual letter—eagerly awaited each year by many investors for its sage wisdom—Buffett addressed the topic directly: “Despite what some commentators currently view as an extraordinary cash position at Berkshire, the great majority
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