Read, Listen & Watch

We rode for more than just the challenge. We rode to raise funds for youth programs and underserved communities through the Willis Family Foundation.

Most of our recent updates have focused on trade, tariffs, and the increasingly entangled dance between fiscal and monetary policy. But this month, we’re taking a step back from all of that-not to ignore those themes, but to shine a light on something equally consequential: the acceleration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how it’s beginning to shape the investment landscape in ways that are both exciting and deeply uncomfortable.

We were supposed to be talking about financial technology this month. That was the plan. A deep dive into how artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and blockchain are reshaping financial markets, and how that ties into a strategy we’re launching. But, tariffs have interrupted everything. When a policy shift disrupts global trade, drives inflation, forces central banks into action, and has the potential to realign capital flows across the world, we shift gears. So, here we are, and Ryan will save his Silicon Valley roleplay for later in the month.

Much has transpired in North America since we released our traditional, playful holiday poem and at this rate, we may not be able to lose a month on lighthearted coverage. By the time this newsletter is published, it’s likely that another executive order, artificial intelligence (AI) breakthrough, government resignation, prorogation, tariff, or other market-moving development has emerged—somehow still managing to be absent from our 2025 bingo card. Among the latest disruptions, President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods have created a new economic landscape, one that demands strategic adjustments rather than reactionary panic.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, and Parliament was prorogued. As a result, all Parliamentary activities, including committee sittings, have been terminated. All bills and motions before the House effectively “die on the Order Paper”.

T’was the night before rate cuts, and all through the street,
The markets were hoping for Powell’s retreat.

Bonds were hung by portfolios with care,
In hopes that soft landings soon would be there.

Investors were nestled, snug with their gains,
While Nvidia’s profits soared up like planes.

Has anyone ever seen a sequel that was better than the original? Let’s take a closer look at this yearend “blockbuster”. With former President Donald Trump’s recent re-election, the U.S. faces new economic priorities that could impact financial markets, everyday expenses, and long-term investments.

To our valued clients, we are trying something a little different this month. We have offered our market update in two formats – video or editorial. Please review both options below and let us know which one you prefer using

It’s my pleasure to share some exciting news with you and congratulate Gold Seal Financial Group for being recognized as one of Wealth Professional Canada’s 5-Star Advisory Teams of 2024!

We’re excited to announce that Gold Seal Financial Group has been honored as a 2024 5-Star Advisory Team by Wealth Professional Canada!

This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to you, our clients, and our commitment to providing exceptional financial advice and personalized service. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us every day.

The 5-Star Advisory Teams list celebrates the best in the industry, and it’s truly an honor to be included. This award is not just about us—it’s about our client’s success, the unparalleled support of Wellington-Altus, and the shared journey toward achieving our client’s financial goals.

Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of our Gold Seal family. We’re excited to keep working together to create a bright financial future!

Exclusive Investment Opportunity with Overbay Capital Partners 2024 Fund
We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity with you! For the next two weeks, Gold Seal Financial Group is teaming up with Overbay Capital Partners to raise capital for their 2024 Fund. This fund is a fantastic chance to dive into mature, diversified private equity investments at significant discounts to their net asset value (NAV). Overbay Capital Partners, known for their expertise in the secondary market, has built a strategy designed to seize market inefficiencies and deliver impressive, risk-adjusted returns.

Barstools and Backdrops – Growth Themes Defy Traditional Gravity
What movie won Best Picture at the Oscar’s in 1994? You’re not realistically expected to know offhand, and I’ve reflected recently that I may be in the final demographic of Advisors that remembers a time when this once-asked barstool trivia question simply ended with an “agree to disagree” outcome. Where today the resolution to our spirited evening debate would be solved by a quick consult with “The Google”, my Motorola flip-phone of the era and its numbered keypad were of no use in providing assistance with my query that evening. Instead, we’d all go home, do our independent dial-up research, and return to ridicule each other for lack of trivia knowledge at a later date.