Invested Newsletter
INVESTED: May Edition
Explore the latest philanthropic trends, energy developments, and economic insights in this month’s Invested newsletter, featuring thought-provoking articles on the challenges of “biznification” in charity, the impact of the first TMX oil shipment, the shifting value of the Canadian dollar, and high-stakes developments in U.S.-China trade relations. Happy reading!
VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT
SCOTT SMITH FEATURED IN CANADIAN FAMILY OFFICES ARTICLE
Which Commodities Have Done Well for Viewpoint
CIO Scott Smith advocates for a 10-20% allocation to commodities in ultra-high-net-worth portfolios during the ongoing commodities supercycle, driven by post-COVID fiscal stimulus and reindustrialization. He highlights bullish prospects for copper, industrial metals, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies amid rising demand and supply chain challenges.
INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION
EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES
Philanthropy’s Corporate Makeover: Strategy in Charity
Effective philanthropy differs from business strategies, requiring collaboration and community engagement. This article from Jessica Ratushniak explores the “biznification” of philanthropy and the potential pitfalls of applying corporate metrics to social issues. As traditional charity and business blur, can philanthropic efforts achieve lasting impact through a cooperative approach?
MAY’S TREND WATCH
ENERGY FRONTIERS: A NEW CHAPTER
Tanker Departs B.C. After Becoming First to Load Oil from TMX Pipeline System
Brent Jang for The Globe and Mail explores the recent departure of an Aframax tanker from Burnaby, B.C., carrying 550,000 barrels of heavy oil to China. This marks the first shipment from the newly expanded Trans Mountain pipeline system. The $34-billion project links Alberta’s oil sands to the B.C. coast. As tanker traffic increases, is there a higher potential for oil spills?
The Canadian Dollar: A Petro-Currency No More
Alberta Central’s Charles St-Arnaud explores how the Canadian dollar’s (CAD) link to oil prices has weakened, affecting its value despite high oil exports. Factors include less oil revenue flowing back into Canada and more going to foreign shareholders. This shift may impact inflation, national income, and economic growth. How will this evolving relationship influence Canada’s economic future?
Biden, BP and the High-Stakes Sequel to Deepwater Horizon
In 2006, the Deepwater Horizon rig discovered the Kaskida oilfield in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite technological challenges and the 2010 disaster, BP plans to develop Kaskida, sparking renewed interest in the region. Bloomberg columnist Javier Blas explores the history of this topic, as well as what this project could mean for the future of U.S. oil production and environmental safety.
PODCAST PICK
UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME
Hugh Hendry on the “Terrifying” Yen Move, and Risk of “Mad Max” Deflation
In this Odd Lots podcast episode, hosts Joe Wisenthal and Tracy Alloway discuss global economic risks with former hedge fund manager Hugh Hendry, focusing on Chinese deflation, U.S. Treasury losses, and the strong U.S. dollar. Hendry warns of potential deflation from a yuan devaluation. Can the global economy withstand these pressures?
MORE TO EXPLORE
CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE
World’s Top Coffee, Soy and Sugar Supplier Wants to Rule Cocoa, Too
Dayanne Sousa from Bloomberg explores the decline of West Africa’s cocoa production. Brazilian farmers in Bahia view this as an opportunity, planting cocoa in a hot, dry region, aiming to double Brazil’s output by 2030. Major players like Cargill and Barry Callebaut are investing. Will Brazil become a global cocoa powerhouse, rivaling West Africa?
Find this topic interesting? Check out this piece from CIO Scott Smith:
Biden Accuses China of ‘Cheating’ on Trade, Imposes New Tariffs
Author Josh Wingrove discusses President Biden’s tariff hikes on Chinese imports, targeting semiconductors, batteries, solar cells, and critical minerals, affecting $18B in annual imports. As Biden aims to protect U.S. industries and strengthen domestic manufacturing, can the U.S. balance economic interests with potential inflation and trade tensions with China?
Find this topic interesting? Check out this piece from CIO Scott Smith:
Doubling Down on China: Tariffs & the Reindustrialization of the West
DISCLAIMER:
This blog and its contents are for informational purposes only. Information relating to investment approaches or individual investments should not be construed as advice or endorsement. Any views expressed in this blog were prepared based upon the information available at the time and are subject to change. All information is subject to possible correction. In no event shall Viewpoint Investment Partners Corporation be liable for any damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, the use or inability to use this blog appropriately.