Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential – Winston Churchill
Markets I am pleased to report that the Growth Portfolio recorded its best month on record this April, up 15%, and that all mandates increased in value over the month, as of the time of writing. Our stocks performed well, many reaching new all-time highs. In the Income Portfolio our government bonds and corporate bonds also did well. Towards the end of the month we increased cash balances substantially in the equity portfolios to reflect a more defensive positioning.
Stock markets rallied significantly over the month, fueled by government stimulus and back-to-work optimism. Emerging challenges to this outlook include a slower than anticipated back-to-work rollout, structural long-lasting unemployment, and lower consumer demand. If investors switch focus to any one of these challenges, it could result in stock markets revisiting lows. For that reason, remaining cautious is important, even in the midst of the recovery narrative.
The companies we own in each portfolio share a simple but powerful set of characteristics including positive price trend, growing earnings, growing cashflow, and good balance sheets. We are invested to protect and grow.
Financial Planning
At some point in the not too distant future, the bill for all this government stimulus spending will come due. Investors should be prepared to see an increase in tax rates, likely both on income and capital. There are a variety of tools to help minimize taxes, each custom tailored to your individual situation as a business owner, professional, or private investor. In investment portfolios it may be an ideal time to crystallize unrealized capital gains, either against losses or as a strategy to avoid potential higher future tax rates. Please be in touch to discuss.
The opinions contained herein are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. Assumptions, opinions and information constitute the author’s judgement as of the date this material and subject to change without notice. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of this material, and it should not be relied upon as such. Before acting on any recommendation, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Graphs and charts 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. All third party products and services referred to or advertised in this presentation are sold by the company or organization named. While these products or services may serve as valuable aids to the independent investor, WAPW does not specifically endorse any of these products or services. The third party products and services referred to, or advertised in this presentation, are available as a convenience to its customers only, and WAPW 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. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Market Commentary
May 2020 Update
Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential – Winston Churchill
Markets
I am pleased to report that the Growth Portfolio recorded its best month on record this April, up 15%, and that all mandates increased in value over the month, as of the time of writing. Our stocks performed well, many reaching new all-time highs. In the Income Portfolio our government bonds and corporate bonds also did well. Towards the end of the month we increased cash balances substantially in the equity portfolios to reflect a more defensive positioning.
Stock markets rallied significantly over the month, fueled by government stimulus and back-to-work optimism. Emerging challenges to this outlook include a slower than anticipated back-to-work rollout, structural long-lasting unemployment, and lower consumer demand. If investors switch focus to any one of these challenges, it could result in stock markets revisiting lows. For that reason, remaining cautious is important, even in the midst of the recovery narrative.
The companies we own in each portfolio share a simple but powerful set of characteristics including positive price trend, growing earnings, growing cashflow, and good balance sheets. We are invested to protect and grow.
Financial Planning
At some point in the not too distant future, the bill for all this government stimulus spending will come due. Investors should be prepared to see an increase in tax rates, likely both on income and capital. There are a variety of tools to help minimize taxes, each custom tailored to your individual situation as a business owner, professional, or private investor. In investment portfolios it may be an ideal time to crystallize unrealized capital gains, either against losses or as a strategy to avoid potential higher future tax rates. Please be in touch to discuss.
Recommended reading
Venture Capital firm Andreesen Horowitz on how to stimulate growth through infrastructure investment https://a16z.com/2020/04/18/its-time-to-build/
Real time reporting via Yelp shows economic conditions https://www.yelpeconomicaverage.com/yea-q1-2020.html
For better or worse, policy is being shaped by popular narrative https://unherd.com/2020/04/how-to-end-lockdown-is-the-only-story-in-town/
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The opinions contained herein are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. Assumptions, opinions and information constitute the author’s judgement as of the date this material and subject to change without notice. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of this material, and it should not be relied upon as such. Before acting on any recommendation, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Graphs and charts 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. All third party products and services referred to or advertised in this presentation are sold by the company or organization named. While these products or services may serve as valuable aids to the independent investor, WAPW does not specifically endorse any of these products or services. The third party products and services referred to, or advertised in this presentation, are available as a convenience to its customers only, and WAPW 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. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.