INVESTED: June Edition

Good morning! 

This month’s issue of Invested looks at how global events, generational change and major cultural moments are reshaping the way we think about markets, wealth and long-term decision-making. From the economics of the FIFA World Cup to the evolving priorities of next-generation family office investors, we explore how capital moves through communities, industries and families. We also examine the ripple effects of geopolitical conflict, the risks of market exuberance and the growing instances of loneliness and how to combat it in an increasingly complex world.

VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT

INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT TEAM

SCHRÖDINGER’S STRAIT: A MID-YEAR VIEW ON THE MULTIPOLAR CYCLE

CIO Scott Smith’s mid-year outlook examines how geopolitics, AI investment and monetary policy are reshaping markets in 2026. With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, persistent inflation and shifting corporate capital flows, the piece reinforces the case for resilient, diversified portfolios, while maintaining a preference for commodities, international equities and quality businesses with strong cash flow over traditional fixed income exposure overall. And we’ve started a Substack to provide a more narrative take on the ideas explored in Scott’s pieces! The full article is linked at the bottom.

INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION

EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES

HOW CO-LIVING IS TACKLING LONELINESS ACROSS GENERATIONS

This article explores how co-living and cohousing models can help address loneliness across generations by creating intentional spaces for connection. From students and young professionals to seniors and women living alone, shared housing offers affordability, safety, and community. By designing homes that encourage everyday “little connections,” these models show housing can foster belonging, resilience, and meaningful relationships.

JUNE’S INVESTMENT PULSE

WHAT TODAY’S MODERN MARKET TRENDS REVEAL ABOUT INVESTOR THINKING

NEXT-GEN INVESTING: ‘OUR GENERATION IS REALLY STARTING TO RETHINK HOW FAMILY OFFICES WORK’

Canadian Family Offices explores how next-generation investors are reshaping family offices through greater digital fluency, values-driven goals and appetite for innovation. Featuring our President & CEO Rob Van Wielingen, the article examines shifting advisory relationships, interest in private markets and impact investing, and the need to balance risk, education and long-term stewardship as wealth transfers to younger family members.

AMERICA’S BULL MARKET HAS ENTERED ITS MANIC PHASE

The Economist argues America’s bull market is showing signs of speculative excess, with stretched valuations, surging options trading and investors crowding into bets on ever-rising prices. While optimism around technology and earnings remains powerful, the article warns that manic market behaviour can amplify risk, leaving portfolios vulnerable if sentiment shifts or fundamentals fail to justify expectations in the months ahead.

U.S. CHIPMAKERS LEAD WALL STREET SLIDE ON RISING RATE RISE WORRIES

Financial Times reports a sharp sell-off in U.S. chip stocks as investors reassess stretched AI valuations and the prospect of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Micron, Qualcomm and Nvidia led declines, while broader markets weakened. The article frames the pullback as a test of confidence in Big Tech’s massive AI spending and the rally it has powered this year so far.

PODCAST PICK

UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME

THE IRAN WAR’S DEVASTATING BUTTERFLY EFFECT

This episode the The Daily examines how the war in Iran is deepening hardship far beyond rising energy costs and gas prices. Reporting from Somalia, New York Times global economics correspondent Peter S. Goodman explains how conflict, inflation and shrinking aid budgets are converging to leave the world’s most vulnerable people with fewer lifelines, exposing the fragility of the global humanitarian system.

MORE TO EXPLORE

CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE

NO FRONTIER MODEL HAS ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE EU AI ACT AND PRIVACY LEGISLATION

A LessWrong article summarizes early findings from LARA, a tool testing whether frontier AI agents comply with the EU AI Act and GDPR. Across 3,000+ simulations, leading models frequently violated legal provisions, including banned practices like manipulation, emotion inference, and psychological profiling. The authors argue stronger behavioural evaluations, transparency, and legal oversight are urgently needed.

THE ECONOMICS OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP: TICKET PRICING, TOURISM REVENUE, AND COSTS EXPLAINED

With the World Cup going on we would be remiss to not include an article about it! In this article Britannica explains how the FIFA World Cup operates as both a global revenue machine and a costly local mega-event. While FIFA benefits from centralized income through broadcasting, sponsorships, tickets and licensing, host cities face tourism pressures, infrastructure costs and uncertain returns. The article highlights 2026’s three-country model as a lower-risk, though still complex, economic experiment for future hosts and taxpayers.