In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong Portfolio Manager, Terry Shaunessy, to unpack how investors are navigating a world where political theatrics, including Trump’s tariff flip-flops, no longer move markets like they used to. They explore why the U.S. may need to consider a GST-style tax, why service-based economies could be the next big growth engine, and how market strategies need to adapt to volatility fatigue.

The conversation also dives into the Canadian economic puzzle: a stable banking sector weighed down by real estate drag and stagnant productivity. Meanwhile, global markets are showing signs of normalization, and gold continues its quiet rally as a store of value. It's a wide-ranging, timely discussion that blends macro insight with practical takeaways, ideal for investors trying to keep their footing through the policy-induced whiplash of today’s markets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

01:06 Insights from Terry on Global Markets

02:19 The Impact of Tariffs and Trump's Policies

08:43 Market Reactions and Economic Signals

12:51 The Future of U.S. Markets and Economic Growth

20:06 Analyzing the Canadian Economy and Investment Opportunities

24:04 Final Thoughts on Economic Outlook and Gold Investment

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

Thank for you listening, please considering leaving a review and subscribing for future episodes.

For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com

Global Thinking: Power Shifts, Trade Rifts, and Investment Lifts

In this no-holds-barred episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with AGF Investments CEO and CIO, Kevin McCreadie, to unpack the chaos, clarity, and contradictions shaping markets in 2025.

From political plot twists in Canada to the unpredictable theatre of Trump 2.0, they dive into how power moves and policy pivots are reshaping capital flows. Is U.S. exceptionalism running out of runway? Will Canada finally find its economic groove? And what does Europe’s fiscal awakening and China's evolving role mean for global portfolios?

Kevin brings hard-earned insight on asset allocation in uncertain times, the growing appetite for alternatives, and why investors can’t afford to ignore geopolitical risk anymore. They also touch on AI’s rapid disruption and how smart advisors are getting ahead of the curve.

If you're looking for sugar-coated optimism, look elsewhere. But if you want the unfiltered take on where markets are headed and what it means for your money, this is the episode.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

(01:06) Kevin McCready's Role and Tenure at AGF Investments

(03:20) Transformations in the Asset Management Industry

(06:30) The Importance of Asset Allocation

(08:07) Market Commentary: Understanding Current Trends

(12:08) US Market Dynamics and Sector Performance

(15:20) The Concept of US Exceptionalism

(18:23) Political Landscape and Its Economic Implications

(19:54) Interest Rates and Economic Strategies

(24:04) The Trade War and Its Consequences

(26:47) Canada's Political Shift and Economic Outlook

(27:43) Navigating Political Landscapes and Economic Agendas

(30:55) Canada's Global Standing and Trade Dynamics

(34:36) Geopolitical Impacts on Europe and Defense Spending

(38:04) Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges

(40:20) Investor Sentiment and Market Outlook

(42:14) The Future of AI and Its Implications

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

Books Mentioned:

The Coming Wave…Mustafa Suleyman

Nexus …Yuval Noah Harari

AI 2024….Kai Fu-Lee

Thank for you listening, please considering leaving a review and subscribing for future episodes.

For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com

In this episode of the Global Thinking podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong CEO and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to unpack a rowdy stretch in markets and politics. From Canada’s recent election to Trump’s tariff tantrums, the conversation dives into how economic confidence has taken a hit on both sides of the border. But while Canada seems to be finding it’s way with new leadership and domestic competition; American markets wrestle with political uncertainty and slowing economic data. Capital is quietly on the move finding greener pastures in Europe and Asia.

With European fiscal stimulus acting as a catalyst, global sentiment is shifting quickly. Tyler makes the case for investors to roll up their sleeves, rebalance portfolios, and lean into global diversification. It’s a timely conversation filled with sharp insights and a reminder that when markets get volatile it pays to maintain a global perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

(01:06) Canadian Politics and Election Outcomes

(05:09) Macroeconomic Trends in Canada

(12:37) US Market Dynamics and MAG-7

(20:15) International Economic Opportunities and Desynchronization

(25:31) Economic Performance Overview

(27:54) International Markets: A New Catalyst for Growth

(30:42) Navigating Uncertainty: Investor Sentiment and Strategy

(35:19) The Importance of Global Diversification

(38:27) Personal Insights and Future Outlook

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

For any questions, comments or suggestions please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com