Are active ETFs really just ‘lite’ versions of mutual funds? In this episode, Prerna Mathews, VP of ETF Product Strategy, and Chad Wood, ETF Strategist at Mackenzie Investments, debunk this and other common ETF myths and misconceptions. Their conversation also explores how ETFs are built, what can be included in them, and how they are brought to market.

Further reading:

- Your step-by-step guide to active ETF due diligence

This episode was recorded on October 16, 2024.

In this episode, Shah Khan, Portfolio Manager and Co-Lead of Mackenzie Bluewater Team, discusses the team’s unique approach to investing emphasizing the importance of free cash flow as a key driver of growth. Shah also shares his insights on the current AI infrastructure build-out, the structural challenges facing China and its potential implications for the Canadian equity market, and how the energy transition is impacting oil demand.

This episode was recorded on October 3, 2024.

Investors widely expected a rate cut from the Fed, but the bold decision to lower interest rates by 50 basis points took many by surprise. In this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, delves into the Fed’s first rate cut decision since 2020, its future outlook, and how it could affect other central banks worldwide. Dustin also examines recent Canadian inflation data, highlighting signs of economic weakness compared to the US, and how this might influence the Bank of Canada’s future decisions. Lastly, Dustin touches on the upcoming US presidential election and its potential impact on economic policies, particularly regarding immigration and labour market dynamics.

This episode was recorded on September 19, 2024.

In times of heightened market uncertainty, low volatility ETFs have increased in popularity. But can they help advisors manage risk without sacrificing their clients’ equity exposure? In this episode, Prerna Mathews, VP of ETF Product Strategy, and Nicholas Tham, Portfolio Manager on Mackenzie’s Global Quantitative Equity Team, explore the concept of low volatility ETFs, their performance, and common misconceptions. Nicholas highlights the team’s unique approach and investment process behind Mackenzie’s suite of low volatility ETFs. Lastly, Prerna and Nicholas share advice on how advisors can discuss low volatility ETFs with their clients.

This episode was recorded on September 5, 2024.

In this episode, Benoit Gervais, Portfolio Manager and Head of Mackenzie Resource Team, discusses the current state of the resource sector and provides his short and long-term outlook and trends on the commodity complex. Benoit shares his advice on managing exposure to the resource sector within a Canadian equity allocation, highlighting the importance of diversification and potential for alpha generation.

This episode was recorded on September 6, 2024.

In this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the latest US non-farm payroll report, unpacking its mixed results and the implications for the Fed’s upcoming moves. Lesley also examines the Bank of Canada’s recent 25 basis point cut, exploring how it fits within the broader Canadian economic landscape. Lastly, Lesley previews the upcoming US presidential debate, offering insights on key economic policies to watch for.

This episode was recorded on September 9, 2024.

On this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, analyzes the latest US CPI and PPI data, shedding light on the current state of inflation and its potential impact on the Fed’s decisions for the remainder of the year. Dustin shares his insights on the recent surge in market volatility, examining both technical factors and fundamental concerns. Additionally, Dustin discusses the Bank of Canada’s rate cut trajectory and highlights his team’s recent portfolio trades.

This episode was recorded on August 14, 2024.

On this episode, Prerna Mathews, VP of ETF Product Strategy, and Luc Lafleur, AVP of Portfolio Construction at Mackenzie Investments, share their insights on how advisors can optimize portfolio construction with ETFs and how ETFs can contribute to running efficient advisory practices. Prerna and Luc explore the impact of global economic drivers on portfolio strategies and the importance of aligning strategic asset allocation with investment goals. Prerna and Luc also discuss active and passive investing, how to avoid common portfolio construction mistakes, and the versatility of ETFs in both strategic and tactical allocations.

Further Reading:

- How advisors can fight behavioural biases with ETFs

- Your step-by-step guide to active ETF due diligence

This episode was recorded on July 26, 2024.

Although the market did not anticipate a rate cut, early indications suggest the Fed is leaning towards cutting rates in September. On this episode, Dustin Reid, Chief Fixed Income Strategist, discusses the recent Fed meeting, analyzing the Fed’s forward guidance and the likelihood of upcoming rate cuts. Dustin also highlights key Canadian economic data and potential further rate cuts by the BoC, updates from the Bank of Japan, and insights on the US election’s potential impacts on market volatility.

This episode was recorded on August 1, 2024.

On this episode, Lesley Marks, Chief Investment Officer of Equities, discusses the Bank of Canada’s latest rate cut decision, explores the driving factors behind monetary policy and its implications for the Canadian economy. Lesley also offers her insights on the commodity market, highlighting how copper is poised for growth and its crucial role in the energy transition and AI infrastructure.

This episode was recorded on July 26, 2024.