Insurance, Investments and Group Benefits

From the desk of CIO Paul Holba: In this latest update from the Empire Life Investments team, Paul Holba reviews the key market events impacting 2022 and beyond.

The first half of 2022 was turbulent, with major asset classes suffering from their worst first half of a year in decades. The year began with the world’s uneven emergence from the pandemic and supply chain disruptions affecting the global economy. Russia invaded Ukraine in February, spurring a major geopolitical event that pushed up prices of commodities, including energy and agricultural products. China’s zero-COVID policy has suppressed demand, weakened productivity, and spilled over into global supply chains.

Corrections: What we can learn from the past - May 25, 2022. The Investments team looks at previous market corrections through the decades, the events that followed, and why staying invested through bouts of volatility has proven to be a beneficial strategy for the long-term investor.

Doug Cooper discusses recent market events, their impact on Canadian equities, and how the Empire Life Asset Allocation Fund is positioned.

Market watch bulletin - February 28, 2022: Given the current geopolitical situation here are a few thoughts from our investment team.

The situation is changing very rapidly in Ukraine, so we won't try and update you on the moment-to-moment situation.

Let’s start by extending our sincerest best wishes to the people of Ukraine. We can't imagine what it feels like to wake up to a terrifying situation that must have felt inconceivable a couple of months ago and realize that your life and that of your family are in danger. All our thoughts and prayers are with them.

From the desk of Ashley Misquitta: In this recent article, Ashley Misquitta reviews the key market events impacting 2021 and beyond. 

Transition was clearly a dominant theme over the past year. Transitioning from the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 and early 2021, global economies began to ease restrictions as vaccines were rolled out in the spring, driving greater economic activity across many sectors. And we saw many other important transitions occur as well.

Key takeaways: Tactically increased bonds, decreased international equities*

Tactical update - January 27, 2022

We are taking a slightly more defensive posture by trimming international equities and adding to bonds. This is indeed a tactical, but measured decision. It is a move in a more conservative direction with an eye towards taking potential risk exposures incrementally lower.

“You build on failure. Use it as a stepping stone and close the door on the past. Don’t try to forget the mistakes, but don’t dwell on it.” Johnny Cash

Provide a tax efficient income stream for your surviving spouse

Like many Canadian business owners, you may be holding money in your corporate account in GICs and other short-term investments to avoid market downside risk. Consider segregated funds as an option in your corporate account to maximize investment returns and get efficient tax and estate planning. 

I remember being a little taken back when Dr. Tim Foggin, Teladoc’s Medical Director for Canada, first mentioned that only about one in 10 doctor consultations require physical touch to be effective:

“Many patients and family physicians have been surprised to learn in recent months what we have known for several years: that many—and some would say most—consultations benefit from physician skills and involve patient needs that do not need immediate physical touch. Family doctors in Canada are telling me that around 10% of consults, sometimes less, need to be in person. The landscape has changed dramatically due to this new understanding.”

As a lawyer who formerly specialized in advising clients about estate planning, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for Canadians to make a Will. Whether it’s to maximize the estate you leave behind for the next generation, or to make sure your wishes are carried out the way you planned, making a Will is vital. Despite this, over half of Canadians do not have a Will![i] That’s why I take the opportunity in November to mark Ontario’s “Make a Will Month” and to promote this crucial aspect of estate planning to advisors, friends and colleagues.