The Biren Team at Raymond James

08/11/2026

Are Canadians too invested in Canada?

We live here, work here, own homes here, and our future income is tied to the Canadian economy.

Yet many investors also have a significant portion of their portfolio invested in Canadian equities.

Canada represents roughly 3% of global equity market capitalization, but many Canadian investors allocate far more than that to domestic stocks.

The argument for Canada:
Familiar companies
Dividend income
Tax advantages

The argument for more global diversification:
Broader opportunity set
More sector diversification
Reduced concentration risk

There isn't a universally correct answer. But it's an interesting question.

What percentage of an equity portfolio do you think should be invested in Canada?

07/28/2026

Everyone talks about housing, taxes, and interest rates, and tariffs.

But Canada's biggest economic challenge may be productivity.

Productivity doesn't generate headlines like rate decisions, yet it drives wage growth, corporate profitability, government revenues, and long-term market returns.

If Canada wants higher living standards over the next decade, we likely need:
-More business investment
-Faster project approvals
-Greater technology adoption
-Improved infrastructure

As investors, it's easy to focus on what's happening this quarter.

The bigger opportunity is understanding what will shape growth over the next 10 years.

What do you think is the single biggest factor holding back Canadian productivity today?

07/22/2026

The Gordie Howe Bridge debate is focused on revenue sharing, particularly given that Canada looks to be stuck with the construction bill.

The bigger investment question is value creation.

Infrastructure assets don't just generate cash flows.
They improve productivity, strengthen supply chains, and enhance economic competitiveness for decades.

The real return may be far greater than what shows up in the toll receipts.

bnnbloomberg.ca

07/20/2026

Sometimes the best response to a noisy market is no response at all.

When markets are volatile, it can feel like every headline demands action.

Usually, it does not.
Headlines are designed to grab attention. Good decisions often require a slower, more deliberate approach.

During uncertain periods, it helps to pause and ask:

What actually changed?
Does this affect my long-term plan?
Is this information, or just noise?

This does not mean ignoring what is happening. It simply means recognizing that not every update requires a reaction.

In many cases, perspective matters more than urgency.

A calm, consistent process may not look exciting, but it often leads to better outcomes than reacting to every short-term move.

07/09/2026

Retirement is often described as an end point.

In practice, it's usually a redesign.
A redesign of how we spend our time, where we find purpose, how we stay connected, and what role work continues to play in our lives.

That's why the most important retirement questions aren't always financial.

They're often personal:
What do I want more of?
What do I want less of?
What does an ideal week actually look like?

Financial planning matters because it helps support those answers. Not because retirement is a finish line, but because it creates the freedom to choose what comes next.

The people who navigate the transition best are often the ones who started thinking about it long before they needed to.

06/30/2026

For Canadians and U.S. persons with cross-border ties, the way you donate can make a meaningful difference.

From treaty-based tax benefits to donating appreciated securities, a thoughtful strategy can help maximize both your impact and tax efficiency.

raymondjames.ca

06/23/2026

Markets can feel uncertain at the top, but trying to time an exit and re-entry point often backfires.

For long-term investors, staying invested and letting compounding work has historically been more effective than waiting on the sidelines.

Time in the market still beats timing the market.

06/16/2026

Interesting article on how segregated funds can help business owners balance growth with downside protection - especially when sitting on retained earnings inside a corporation.

They can be a useful bridge for clients who want market exposure but struggle with volatility, thanks to insurance features like death benefit guarantees and potential for tax-efficient growth.

One point I often emphasize: unlike many traditional investments, seg funds can also allow you to name a beneficiary - even when held in corporate or non-registered investment accounts. That can streamline estate planning and help bypass probate.

theglobeandmail.com

06/09/2026

How cyber-savvy are you?

Cybercrime is on the rise - and increasingly sophisticated.

A few simple steps (like MFA and stronger passwords) can go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information. Review these tips to help keep your personal information safe.

raymondjames.ca

05/13/2026

Brain health isn't just a medical issue - it's a financial one too.

With nearly 1 million Canadians expected to be living with dementia by 2031, the impact on decision-making, caregiving, and family finances is only growing.

Planning early can help protect independence, reduce stress for families, and support better long-term outcomes.

It's a reminder that proactive conversations - around finances, care, and legacy - are more important than ever.

raymondjames.ca