April Showers Bring May Flowers
You know what they say… “April showers bring May flowers”… [...]
April Showers Bring May Flowers
You know what they say… “April showers bring May flowers”… If that is truly an accurate weather predictor then Northern Ontario will be absolutely blooming soon! As we face another very wet week here in [...]
A Note to Myself
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire (1770) Every year I find myself thinking about some version of this note…and I am willing to bet that each of you have [...]
The Discipline of Probability in an Uncertain World
When we turn on the news today or scroll through our social media feeds, it often feels like the world is spinning faster than ever. Headlines compete for our attention: geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainty, political [...]
Supersized valuation, hold the pickles.
AI, AI, AI. It is now less a buzzword than a background hum. News bulletins, dinner parties, even my new phone comes with Alphabet’s (Google’s parent firm) Gemini embedded deep in its operating system with [...]
The Rise of “Pig Butchering” Scams: What You Need to Know
As technology and artificial intelligence advance, scammers are evolving just as quickly. One of the fastest-growing and most damaging frauds today is the so-called “pig butchering” scam—a scheme I found eye-opening and worth sharing. Unlike [...]
A good credit history – 4th quarter, 2025
By Frank Mullen Published January 20, 2026 This last month marked the end of one of our longest-standing credit investments at EdgePoint, when Calfrac Well Services Ltd. called its high yield bond issue and repaid investors [...]
I Bet the Eight-Ball Didn’t See That One Coming – EdgePoint 4th Quarter 2025
By Claire Thornhill Published January 20, 2026 I think it’s fair to say that none of the market prognosticators I talked about in last year’s commentary could have predicted the events of 2025 in their crystal/Magic 8 balls. [...]
Three Things I Have Been Thinking About Lately (and why they matter to you)
Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern in my own thinking: instead of obsessing over market manias or the geopolitical scare of the week, I keep circling back to three quietly important things that don’t make the [...]
2026 Tax Updates, Announcements and Special Dates
Happy New Year from all of us at Thomson Financial Partners! We hope you had a safe, relaxing holiday season, and we’re wishing you all the best for a healthy and prosperous 2026. A few [...]
Gratitude…
As I sit down to write this week, I keep returning to a single word that quietly threads itself through everything we do: gratitude. All of us at Thomson Financial Partners feel deeply appreciative of [...]
The Deadweight Loss of Gift Giving
The weather is getting colder, and before long the snow will start to fall, the eggnog will be flowing, and the season of giving will be in full swing. That naturally brings up the question: [...]
Canada Federal Budget 2025: A Step in the Right Direction
Usually around this time of year you would be receiving a light-hearted communication from me, with our team’s favourite holiday recipes or anecdotes of our most ridiculous Christmas memories (has anyone else woken up on [...]
Haunted by High Prices: The Chilling Future of Cocoa
With spooky season in full swing, candy aisles everywhere are looking like a sweet graveyard of empty shelves. Chocolate bars are flying off faster than ghosts at sunrise — that little square of happiness that [...]
EdgePoint 2025 Q3 Commentary
This quarter, Jeff Hyrich talks about two things that are consistent over time – the investing patterns that appear to form around technology and the EdgePoint investment approach. On the credit side, Derek Skomorowski offers an alternative to “Alternative” [...]
Thinking Critically About Withdrawal Strategies
In Part 1 of this commentary, we explored the idea of the retirement spending smile — how retirees tend to spend more in the early years, taper off through mid-retirement, and then see spending rise [...]
CI GAM Market Review and 2025 Q4 Outlook
We are excited to bring you some market comments and Q4 outlook from our CI GAM team: click here: CI GAM Market Review and 2025 Q4 Outlook
Thinking Critically About Spending Habits
Retirement Expenses & Withdrawal Strategies Mini-Series - Part 1 of 2 As any retiree or near retiree will tell you, there are three factors that go into determining whether you can afford to retire. First, [...]
Investing in Your Children’s Future: A Balanced Approach
This time of year, many families reach out to access savings to help cover their children’s education costs. Having these funds set aside provides real peace of mind as kids pursue their goals and dreams. [...]
CRM3 Reporting & Active Management Value
At Thomson Financial Partners, our goal is always the same — to help you grow your wealth and reach your goals, while doing so as efficiently as possible. Recently, we’ve been introducing several artificial intelligence [...]
Views from the other side of the trade war
We live in remarkable times. I was born just before the collapse of the USSR, so my entire life has unfolded under a world order shaped by Western rules and influence. But the balance is [...]
All In The Family: Should You Add Your Child To Your Home Title?
We’ve all heard it: "My neighbour added their kid to the house title to avoid probate. Maybe I should do the same?" On the surface, it sounds like a smart, simple estate planning shortcut. But [...]
Permanent Loss of Capital
A week and a half ago, I was talking to Eric about a financial podcast that had an interesting take on the lone concern of the ultra-wealthy. Eric correctly countered that it should concern everyone, [...]
Along the Margins : EdgePoint 2nd Quarter Commentary
By Steven Lo July 21, 2025 When we hear investors talk about their portfolio or favourite investment ideas, they’re natural optimists. They often focus on the potential upside of their investments – views on a business’ exciting [...]
No Artificial Sweeteners: EdgePoint 2nd Quarter Commentary
By Sydney Van Vierzen July 21, 2025 A lot has happened in the year since I wrote my last commentary, but the most-common question topic over that time continues to revolve around artificial intelligence (AI). This wasn’t [...]
Challenge: 30 Minutes Unplugged
In the spirit of the summer holidays we all miss from our childhoods, this July I encourage you to take a vacation… a mental vacation! Shut off the news station that is on a loop [...]
Happy (?) Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th is traditionally associated with bad luck—a day to stay home and a number to avoid. But this Friday, let’s take a moment to look back and see whether this notoriously spooky day [...]
The Only Thing More Unpredictable Than The Market? The Canadian Weather Forecast!
Our team has had a busy few weeks attending due diligence meetings, presentations and events, not just on the investments currently in your portfolio, but also on those you don’t own. We’ve been in direct [...]
The Waters of Uncertainty
[EDITOR’S NOTE: As you know, we are thrilled to have added a fifth member to our advisory team, Mat Pepin. In the almost four weeks that Mat has been part of our group, we have [...]
The Great Canadian Bucket List
On April 24th, our local Assante Branch invited world-renowned speaker and author Robin Esrock to North Bay to provide an exclusive presentation on the rewarding merits of ‘bucket-list’ travelling. The timing could not have been [...]
Client Digital Tools: Instructions
Assante Investor Online AIO - How to Register & Find Your Web Log In ID AIO- Download the App AIO - Enabling ShareView Box - secure file sharing Box - How to use Box.com [...]
This Time It is Different
This Time It Is Different No it isn't...but that doesn't make things any easier! The reason these times are so challenging is simple: talking and thinking about money doesn’t involve math, it involves feelings. When [...]
Guns N’ Butter
In times like these, I find it helpful to reflect on past financial crises, such as the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both events triggered significant market downturns, and at the time, it felt [...]
We Have No Idea Where We’re Going But We Know Exactly How To Get There – EdgePoint
We start every day in the exact same position: We have no idea where we’re going but we know exactly how to get there. Our approach has successfully navigated us through worse times than today [...]
March Break from the Madness
It is easy to become overwhelmed when scrolling through online forums or flicking through the news channels these days. So much propaganda, so many choices, too many natural disasters, and way too many deals, discounts [...]
Not Your Grandma’s Scones
Jen’s ‘Not Your Gramma’s Scones’ – The world is strongly divided… Scones – a flaky, buttery treat or dry, boring brick of dough? If you have never entered a scone debate, be prepared for strong [...]
Changing of Seasons – Uncertainty is not new
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." – Anne Bradstreet As we look ahead, the gradual rise in daily temperatures and the sun's higher position in the sky signal the [...]
Is Africa Falling Behind?
I don’t know about you, but I can’t keep up with the news anymore. Tariffs this, tariffs that. What land is America trying to conquer next? Is NATO still a thing? I’m exhausted! I thought [...]
Black Swans, Fat Tails, and Surprises: Understanding Market Uncertainty in the Context of the US Trade War
In economics and financial markets, unexpected events play an outsized role. Black Swans are rare but have an outsized impact, while Fat Tails highlight the all-too-common frequency of extreme deviations from the norm. The US [...]
Wealth Matters- January 15 2025 Broadcast
“What got us here won’t get us there!” - Marc-Andre Lewis PhD, President and Chief Investment Officer CI GAM As we approach the end of January, it feels like we’ve had the equivalent number of [...]
Dropping the (crystal) ball – 4th Quarter EDG Commentary
Dropping the (crystal) ball – 4th quarter, 2024 By Claire Thornhill January 17, 2025 Every year around this time our inboxes are flooded with emails from all the major banks and research houses telling us what the [...]
Where Art Thou, Volatility? – 4th Quarter EDG Commentary
Where art thou, volatility? – 4th quarter, 2024 By Derek Skomorowski January 17, 2025 It’s been a while since we wrote a commentary proclaiming excitement for a flood of opportunities landing in our lap. Recent commentaries have [...]
Let’s Talk About the US Election
Let’s talk about what’s on everyone’s mind: the shocking news that NFL players eat over 80,000 Uncrustables throughout the season! That’s a lot of PB&J if you ask me.[1] Ok, seriously let’s talk about the [...]
Diversification
When we encounter frothy or volatile market conditions, it’s reassuring to revisit the value of diversification. While we’ve discussed this topic before, I believe it remains the single most important element in achieving your financial [...]
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
October means sweaters and fluffy socks, crisp mornings and beautiful sunsets, full moons and full bellies. For many of us, it is a time of thanksgiving. October is also Cyber Security Awareness Month. As a [...]
Keeping it Simple When it Comes to Risk
by Tracey Chen The latest round of interest rate cuts by central banks around the world has reignited enthusiasm for bonds, as shown by recent flows into U.S. fixed income assets. Demand has outweighed supply [...]
Clones
by Jeff Hyrich This is Dolly. She was a female Finn-Dorset sheep whose claim to fame was being the first mammal to be successfully cloned from a non-embryonic cell. Born on July 5, 1996 at [...]
Mortgage Renewal Options
"This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." – Earl Wilson I have to admit, I chuckled a little at the above [...]
Examining The All-Mighty U.S. Dollar
The greenback, Benjamins, dead presidents - it goes by many names, but we all know it refers to the all-mighty U.S. Dollar. As the world’s reserve, and most important currency, the U.S. Dollar affects us [...]
Do Election Results Matter to the Market?
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato 2024 has not been lacking in headline news! Whether environmental, financial, or political, [...]
CPP Enhancement & Trust Reporting Changes
Although we are in the Dog Days of summer, last week the government made a vitally important announcement that should not be missed. I have paraphrased the following from CI Global Asset Management: "For the [...]
The Great Escape
It doesn't seem to matter how hold we get, the excitement of 'summer vacation' seems unavoidable. Even when we have secured 12-month-a-year job commitments, and even after our kids and our grandkids are no longer [...]
This time’s different, right? – 2nd Quarter 2024
By Sydney Van Vierzen Cymbria, which owns 20.1% of EdgePoint Wealth Management Inc., recently held its 16th annual Cymbria Day in Toronto at the architecturally stunning Koerner Hall, otherwise known as the headquarters of The Royal Conservatory [...]
Calling a foul on benchmarks- 2nd Quarter 2024
by: Steven Lo If you’re familiar with EdgePoint, you know we rarely pay much attention to economists. I never thought I would start a commentary by quoting one, but I recently came across an adage [...]
Retirement Readiness: Focusing Beyond Finances
We hope everyone is enjoying their summer and spending time with loved ones. It’s hard to believe July is almost over. Previously, I shared Dr. Riley Moynes’ TED talk about the four phases of retirement: [...]
Some Observations From Abroad
Since we’re in the dog days of summer and many of us are anticipating an upcoming vacation, I thought I’d write about my recent holiday. I visited Bangalore, a vibrant city in southern India. I've [...]
Let’s Talk About Aging & Financial Planning
Before sharing a cautionary tale, we want to highlight a wonderfully practical book: "Let’s Talk About Aging Parents: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations." Written by Ontarian Laura Tamblyn Watts, it’s [...]
Education Focused
In today's age of information overload, finding credible sources is more critical than ever. With countless sources vying for attention, you can find support for virtually any belief on the internet. As Patrick Daniel Moynihan [...]
Embracing Change
16th Annual Cymbria Investor's Day - May 15 2024 Every year, Thomson Financial Partners has participated in the annual Cymbria Investor Day. Ted, Eric, Chris, Shiv, and I attend both the public meeting and also [...]
TFP is looking a little different…
TFP is looking a little different online... We are excited to announce that our website has had a full makeover. Not only does it now offer very simple navigation, but it does a great job [...]
EdgePoint Q1 Commentary – 2024
Levers, not themes – 1st quarter, 2024 This quarter, George Droulias discusses the three key levers that we believe drive a business’ worth. The Certainty Bubble – 1st quarter, 2024 This quarter, Frank Mullen talks [...]
The 2024 Federal Budget Breakdown
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year, we have a new federal budget! Ok, I’m kidding, its easy to conclude that the budget is duller than reading a snail’s travel blog. However, it's extremely important, so [...]
Balance Risk With Resilient Portfolios
This is undoubtedly our busiest time of the year. It is a combination of tax season and heightened due diligence for investment products that are in our client portfolios and new ideas that deserve consideration [...]
Stacking Loyalty Points
Recently, my son has been complaining about how much it costs to fill the car and has been frustrated with the recent increase in the carbon tax at the pumps. On Monday of this week, [...]
Grey skies are going to clear up…
This fantastically educational, inspirational and slightly terrifying book introduces us to the very unique perspective of Yvon Chouinard, the CEO of Patagonia.
Creating Generational Wealth
“Give your kids enough so they can do anything but not so much that they’ll do nothing.” Warren Buffet Generational Wealth. Warren Buffet is giving 99% of his wealth to charity but will still leave [...]
As the kids say…”It’s Complicated”
2023 was a strange year. Markets were good, then bad, then good again. The economy was bad, then good, then bad. That's not even mentioning all the strange geopolitical events throughout the world: from Poland [...]
