Published by Matthew Phillips on Oct 16, 2018
Have you ever sat at the cottage watching a storm roll in? The sun might be shining where you are but you can see the tops of those high, billowing, cumulonimbus clouds off in the distance. Gradually the wind picks up and you hear the first deep rumblings... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Mar 15, 2017
Why do we do what we do? This may sound like a deep philosophical question but lately it has been asked of us many times. In most cases, it is aimed at acquiring a better understanding of why we are holding certain investments at that particular point... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Mar 22, 2016
In June of 1971 Peter Townshend wrote the song, Won’t Get Fooled Again which promptly reached the top 10 in the UK. I’m sure you’ve heard it. Peter programmed human traits into a synthesizer and used it as the main backing instrument throughout the song... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Dec 01, 2015
Canada’s new Liberal government ran their election platform with several initiatives and promises that will affect taxpayers. Amongst other things, they promised to: Reduce the TFSA annual contribution limit from $10,000 to $5,500; Increase the federal... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Oct 08, 2015
It is incredible how gradually it changes. It is changing right now. Subtle at first; but a steady progression none the less. Before you know it the landscape has changed completely. The nights are cooler, the skies are overcast and summer has gradually... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Sep 17, 2015
One of the toughest questions that I face as a Portfolio Manager is, “How are we doing financially compared to everyone else”. This is difficult to answer because it presumes that “everyone else” is living within a stereotypical financial idealism that... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Aug 26, 2015
One of my family’s favourite summer pastimes is to go to theme parks. Rides at parks such as Canada’s Wonderland can twist and turn you all day long. It seems like every year there is something new to entice you back to the park. The new roller coasters... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Jul 22, 2015
Ian Fleming’s character, Bond…James Bond, also known as 007, was often depicted with a smoking gun in his hands as he enforced the will of the British Secret Intelligence Service in the international arena. Through the books and movies, we have come to... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on Jun 23, 2015
This newsletter was written on June 8, 2015. By the time you are reading this newsletter, I can confidently predict that the date of writing will be in the past and you will have travelled forward in time at the same rate as everyone else on earth. If... Read more Published by Matthew Phillips on May 22, 2015
Last month this newsletter discussed whether the concept of buying and holding through market volatility was good advice. Most investors lack a really good sell discipline which results in missed opportunities to take profits when investments are at high... Read more