As the New Year approaches, it’s the perfect time to set your financial goals and ensure your investments are on track. Discover the benefits of portfolio rebalancing, check off essential tasks from your New Year’s financial checklist, and stay ahead with important reminders like the RRSP deadline. Plus, learn how spousal RRSPs can offer unique advantages for your retirement planning. Let’s make 2024 your best financial year yet!
Read the full report: Download/View this PDF here
Beyond ESG ratings: How we evaluate responsible investments
Understanding our responsible investing process
Responsible investing has become an increasingly important part of the investment landscape. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing has become more widely adopted, many investors are surprised to learn that different ESG research organizations often assign different ratings to the same company.
Rather than viewing these differences as a weakness, we believe they reflect the complexity of evaluating corporate sustainability. No single research provider captures every dimension equally well.
For this reason, we developed a proprietary ESG assessment methodology that combines multiple independent sources of research into one disciplined and consistent investment framework.
Why this matters
Responsible investing is about more than simply selecting companies with favourable ESG ratings. It requires a disciplined investment process that balances sustainability considerations with sound financial analysis.
Our methodology is designed to identify companies that demonstrate responsible corporate behaviour while continuing to meet the financial characteristics we believe are important for long-term investment success.
Our layers of ESG due diligence
What happened in July? Geopolitical developments in the Middle East remained an important influence on global markets during July. Renewed military activity involving the United States and Iran contributed to continued uncertainty, while developments surrounding shipping routes and energy infrastructure kept oil markets particularly sensitive to changing events. Oil prices experienced renewed volatility throughout the month, rising following heightened tensions in early July before easing later in the month as markets responded to changing geopolitical developments. Despite the late-month decline, oil prices finished July more than 20 per cent above their levels at the end of February, reflecting the ongoing impact of geopolitical risk on global energy markets. While geopolitical developments remained the primary focus for investors, economic data and central bank decisions continued to shape expectations for inflation and interest rates. The Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve both maintained their policy interest rates during July, while inflation data suggested that price pressures remain above central bank targets despite some moderation from recent highs.
As we move through summer 2026, it’s a great time to take a step back from the headlines and focus on the bigger picture of your financial plan.
Discover how evolving market dynamics are shaping the investing landscape, explore the lessons that Jevons Paradox may offer for energy markets and artificial intelligence, and learn practical ways to support the next generation through homeownership, tax planning, and financial education. Plus, gain valuable estate-planning insights on navigating the transition when children reach adulthood.
Let’s make this summer a season of perspective, preparation, and opportunity – helping you stay focused on your long-term goals while we continue to navigate changing markets together.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remained a key influence on global markets during June. Developments involving the U.S., Iran, Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon contributed to periods of heightened uncertainty, particularly in energy markets. Concerns surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, led to temporary increases in oil prices during the month. However, as tensions eased, oil prices retreated approximately 30 per cent from their June 3 intraday high, ending the month near where they finished in late February.
The markets have given investors plenty to think about during the first half of 2026.
The information contained herein has been provided for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. 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. 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.
© 2024, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO USE OR REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION. www.wellington-altus.ca