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, [email protected]