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It may seem implausible, but some researchers believe that the first person to live to 150 has already been born.1 Our lifespan, and more crucially, our “healthspan” — the period in which we are in good physical and mental shape — continues to extend.
It feels strange to write a portfolio update during a time when everything seems to be okay for investors. This is not a statement of complete confidence, but rather an observation that, up until now, 2023 has provided a relatively calm investment environment. It's worth noting that such periods of stability have been more of an exception than the norm in investment markets since we joined TD Wealth Private Investment Advice in 2017.
The world of investing has never been a stranger to change. A look back at the largest publicly-traded companies globally* provides one such perspective on how things can change. While technology companies have been dominant in more recent times, would you recall that energy companies were the leaders just over a decade ago? And just two decades earlier, six of the 10 largest companies were from Japan; at that time, a nation seemingly poised to overtake
the rest of the world.1
A year ago, investors looking to the year ahead viewed the prospects as uncertain, due to persistent inflation and a “return to normal” after years of stimulus and accommodative monetary policies. As it turned out, the financial markets would be challenged by the rapid rise in interest rates from the central banks’ efforts to reel in inflation.
When a leading courier company optimized its delivery routes decades ago, many drivers felt it extended their trips. It favoured right-hand turns at all times, so the most direct route to a destination was almost never taken. Yet, the approach improved efficiency and reduced fuel usage.
While it was anticipated that inflation would ease as we moved into a post-pandemic world, it largely hasn’t. With new headwinds from the war and the spring Covid shutdowns in China, central banks have taken more aggressive action to combat inflation. With slowing economic growth, there are worries that this will lead to a “hard landing” resulting in recession. This has created significant jitters in the markets.
Following two difficult years, the need for giving continues to grow, in Canada and across the world. For those who would like to make philanthropy a part of their legacy, here are seven key considerations (and surprising tax benefits) you should be aware of.
Leaving a lasting legacy for your family can involve careful planning and a team of professionals. Here are five questions that can help get you started.
Q: My dad is in his 70s and has mentioned moving in with his new girlfriend. Should we be concerned about protecting his assets if the relationship gains common-law status?
Stepfamilies are common, but planning for who gets what after you die is anything but routine. When families come together, each with their own possessions, ensuring your assets go where you want is key.
The Private Giving Foundation was the first-of-its-kind fund in Canada. Jo-Anne Ryan, Executive Director and architect of the foundation speaks to us about the value of flexible giving and how you can make an impact with your good fortune.
For couples who meet later in life, retirement planning may seem a little daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. If you get started now, and ask the right questions along the way, it can even be exciting. Here are a few questions that should be top of mind.