Market volatility isn’t new, but over the past year it has intensified due to tariff tensions, unpredictable interest rates, and persistent inflation, leaving investors to navigate contradictory and confusing economic signals. This raises a critical question for investors: how can you make wise decisions when news cycles outpace policy changes and traditional indicators seem  unreliable?

In this episode of Smart Advice, host Carissa Lucreziano welcomes back David Wong, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Total Investment Solutions at CIBC Global Asset Management. With decades of experience guiding investors through economic storms, David brings clarity to a chaotic moment. He breaks down what’s really happening with Canadian and global markets, discusses the potential for recession amid tariff uncertainties, and highlights the evolving roles of fixed income, gold, and alternatives in a diversified portfolio. Additionally, David also explores the impact of artificial intelligence as a future growth driver and its potential implications for investment strategies. He emphasizes the importance of staying invested during turbulent times and offers insights into low-volatility equity strategies as a practical approach to managing risk.

This episode provides a strategic perspective on investing, offering practical insights on managing risk and refining your investment strategy amidst the noise of the headlines.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Understand how global tariff tensions and inflation are shaping Canadian markets—and what that means for your investment strategy.
2. Discover effective strategies for building a resilient, diversified portfolio that can weather short-term volatility without sacrificing long-term growth.
3. Explore the influence of artificial intelligence and alternative investments on market trends and your investment approach.

Resources

• CIBC's "Smart Advice" Podcast and Website
• Visit CAM Investment insights for timely expert insights and research 
• Visit CIBC for more Smart Advice
• Chicago Mercantile Exchange FedWatch Tool

C.D. Howe Institute’s Business Cycle Council

• McKinsey Study on AI Adoption
• Goldman Sachs Forecast on AI Impact

Episode Highlights[00:25] Navigating 2025 with a resilient investment strategy

• Market turbulence in 2025 means Canadians need to adapt their investment strategy.
• David Wong describes the current market in one word: “challenged”.

[02:41] David: “More than anything, the uncertainty surrounding where tariffs will ultimately settle is creating challenges on planning for investments from businesses and big ticket purchases from consumers.”

• He outlines the major factors distorting traditional economic indicators—particularly tariffs—and explains how these distortions complicate policy decisions.
• As uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook, the importance of adaptable, long-term strategies becomes even more apparent.

[04:23] Impact of tariffs and interest rates on investments

• Two possible economic scenarios are in the Bank of Canada’s latest monetary policy report—one involving tariff resolution, and the other pointing toward global trade conflict.
• Interest rate expectations in the U.S. have shifted; markets are now pushing back rate cut forecasts due to persistent inflation.
• In Canada, rising unemployment and stubborn core inflation have increased the risk of recession, adding more weight to central bank decisions.
• Rather than react to every policy shift, a better investment strategy may be to build diversified portfolios that reflect multiple possible outcomes.

[09:07] Volatility and market reactions

• Market movements in April reflect just how reactive investors have become to tariff-related headlines, swinging sharply with each new development.
• David emphasizes that inflation remains a key concern—one that hasn’t been resolved post-COVID and could be exacerbated by global trade tensions.
• In times like these, staying invested and resisting panic is more valuable than ever, especially for those with a long investment horizon.
• Low-volatility equity strategies are suggested as a practical way to stay the course while addressing investor concerns around risk.

[13:08] Investment allocation and diversification

• Carissa raises the question of whether investors should stay Canada-focused or explore U.S. and international markets for growth.
• David explains that while U.S. exposure has historically delivered strong returns, overconcentration can pose risks—especially in uncertain times.
• Artificial intelligence is flagged as a future growth driver with long-term potential. However, it likely will not make a significant impact for several years.
• Diversification across regions, sectors, and asset types—including gold and fixed income—is presented as a foundational strategy for resilience.

[20:33] Risk management and investment approach

• Risk isn’t just about volatility, it’s about understanding what drives market changes and how to prepare for them.

[21:06] David: “Reward and risk are related concepts, and you simply can't get reward without taking some level of risk.”

• David introduces CIBC’s Managed Solutions framework, built on three pillars: purpose, structure, and fulfillment.
• By focusing on fundamental diversification, his team aims to deliver consistent value even in unpredictable market conditions.
• Balancing short-term noise with long-term discipline remains key, especially as markets send mixed signals on a daily basis.

[26:07] Final thoughts and investment framework

• David urges listeners to develop a clear investment framework aligned with their financial goals.
• He reinforces that earnings growth and bond yields—not daily headlines—are the real engines of long-term returns.

[26:49] David: “The fear of missing out can be just as dangerous as overreacting to negative news. It's the Scylla and Charybdis of investing.”

• It’s critical to contextualize media-driven fear and avoid impulsive decisions; overcorrecting due to media can severely damage a portfolio.
• Canadians can confidently navigate market uncertainty, but have to remain disciplined while diversifying their portfolios and utilizing expert insight.

About David 

David is responsible for CIBC Global Asset Management’s managed solutions investment process and portfolio management. His Total Investment Solutions team helps to determine the asset allocations and the construction of portfolios, researches, evaluates, and helps select the managers, and monitors the investments of the firm’s roughly $80 billion managed solutions programs. The team is also responsible for trading execution, beta management, and performance and risk oversight across all of CIBC Global Asset Management. In addition, David is a member of the CIBC Family Office’s Leadership Team and provides institutional asset allocation advice to ultra-high net worth individuals and families.

David joined CIBC Global Asset Management in July 2011, and served as Managing Director, Investment Management Research (IMR) until June 2021. David has more than 26 years of industry experience in New York and Toronto.

Connect with David Wong on his LinkedIn.

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