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The Difference 30 Years Makes: How the Investing Landscape Has Changed

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The Difference 30 Years Makes: How the Investing Landscape Has Changed

As the front-page story highlighted, the investing landscape has changed dramatically over recent decades. Here are four ways:

1. Holding periods have become shorter — The average holding period of shares has fallen from roughly 8 years in the 1970s to just 7 months today. Automated exchanges have led to the rise of high-frequency trading using computer algorithms to analyze and execute trades. Retail investors have also become more active due to online trading platforms.

2. Public markets have shrunk — The number of publicly listed companies has declined by roughly 50 percent since the mid-1990s, largely in favour of private markets.2

3. Equity market participation has grown — Lower barriers to entry have democratized participation. Canada has the second highest equity market participation globally, at roughly 50 percent of households. The U.S. leads at 55 percent, with Australia ranking third at 37 percent.3

4. Equities account for a greater share of wealth — Alongside rising equity participation, Canadian household wealth has reached new highs. As the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.“

1. Based on TOTMKUS Index; holding period = 1/turnover ratio; https://www.cibc.com/content/dam/cibc-public-assets/asset-management/pdfs/short-term-orientationof-equity-market-en.pdf#
2. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/CM.MKT.LDOM.NO?locations=US;https://www.apolloacademy.com/public-equity-markets-have-changed-why-do-portfolios-still-look-the-same/
3. www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-top-countries-by-stock-market-ownership/; https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/survey-says-almost-half-of-canadian-adults-own-stocks-1.208778
4. https://www.nbc.ca/content/dam/bnc/taux-analyses/analyse-eco/mkt-view/market_view_250313.pdf

The information contained herein has been provided for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. Graphs, charts and other numbers are used for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect future values or future performance of any investment. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Particular investment, tax, or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. This does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell securities of any kind. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (WAPW) does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, nor does WAPW assume any liability for any loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Before acting on any of the above, please contact your financial advisor. Transactions of the type described herein may involve a high degree of risk, and the value of such instruments may be highly volatile. Such risks may include without limitation risk of adverse or unanticipated market developments, risk of issuer default and risk of illiquidity. In certain transactions prospective investors may lose their entire investment or incur an unlimited loss. This brief statement does not disclose all the risks and other significant aspects in connection with transactions of the type described herein, and prospective investors should ensure that they fully understand the terms of the transaction, including the relevant risk factors and any legal, tax, regulatory and accounting considerations applicable to them, prior to transacting. The information contained herein may include the opinions of representatives of third-party companies or organizations and may not necessarily reflect that of Wellington-Altus (WA) or its representatives. All third-party products and services referred to or advertised are sold by the company or organization named. While WA may have referral arrangements with some third-party companies or organizations, WA does not specifically endorse any of these products or services and is not liable for any claims, losses or damages however arising out of any purchase or use of third-party products or services. All insurance products and services are offered by life licensed advisors of Wellington-Altus Insurance Inc. or other insurance companies separate from WAPW.

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