Good morning!
This month’s Invested looks at how shifting global conditions are creating both opportunities and new risks. We feature an article by Viewpoint Chairman Mac Van Wielingen that explores Canada's potential as an energy and food superpower, as well as how geopolitical tensions and a possible super El Niño could reshape commodity markets.
We also consider the growing financial strain of eldercare, renewed uncertainty in oil markets, bridging the gap between health sciences innovation and getting products to market, and what may come after globalization. From the value of nature in supporting healthier communities to the rise of prediction markets in Canada, this issue offers a wide-ranging look at the forces changing how we invest, live, and plan for the future.
Happy Reading!
VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT
INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT TEAM
CANADA: THE SUPER ACHIEVER THAT KEEPS APOLOGIZING
Canada already possesses the resources, democratic stability, and exceptionally clean power base of a global energy and food superpower, yet years of hesitation have limited its potential. With Ottawa now embracing faster project approvals and an “all of the above” strategy, Viewpoint Investment Partner Chair Mac Van Wielingen argues the real test is in the execution of building projects, expanding exports, and finally acting with greater confidence.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
THE WEATHER FRONT: HOW A SUPER EL NIÑO IS REPRICING AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES
CIO Scott Smith examines how escalating geopolitical tensions, fertilizer supply risks, and a potential super El Niño could converge to reshape agricultural commodities. With sugar, coffee, and wheat already showing signs of weather-driven divergence, the article highlights why broad, geographically diversified commodity exposure may be increasingly important in a fragmented world facing more frequent supply shocks. The link to our Substack version is below, and connects to the full article.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SUBSTACK NARRATIVE!
INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION
EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES
WHY NATURE IS ESSENTIAL TO HUMAN FLOURISHING
Nature can restore attention, reduce stress, support self-compassion, and strengthen belonging. Even modest contact through parks, gardens, birdwatching, or views of nature through your office window can improve mood, cognition, and perspective. This article from Viewpoint Foundation argues that accessible green space should be treated as essential health infrastructure, while nature-based design can also enhance biodiversity, resilience, beauty, and community life, making everyday environments healthier and more humane.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
JULY'S INVESTMENT PULSE
WHAT TODAY'S MODERN MARKET TRENDS REVEAL ABOUT INVESTOR THINKING
AS THE COST OF AGING SOARS, FAMILIES' WEALTH IS EVAPORATING
This article from The Washington Post examines how soaring eldercare costs are consuming Americans’ retirement savings, reducing the long promised "wealth transfer" and forcing adult children to contribute financially. These rising care needs, limited support, out-of-pocket expenses, and unpaid caregiving also create significant financial and emotional hardship for families.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
OIL MARKETS ARE ON EDGE AGAIN
This article from The Economist explores how renewed conflict involving Iran has again unsettled oil markets, exposing how vulnerable supplies remain after months of disruption. Although production and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had begun recovering, inventories are thin and spare capacity limited. Traders now face sharply different outcomes where de-escalation could push prices lower, while renewed attacks could trigger shortages, inflation and wider economic damage globally.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
PODCAST PICK
UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME
BRANKO MILANOVIC ON WHAT COMES AFTER GLOBALIZATION
In this episode of Odd Lots economist Branko Milanovic argues that globalization is giving way to “national market liberalism,” an era shaped by mercantilism, nationalism, and tighter control over capital. Discussing his book The Great Global Transformation, he examines China’s economic evolution, its impact on Western elites, and how competition between the United States and China is reshaping the global economic order and future trade relations.
MORE TO EXPLORE
CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE
UHN'S KEVIN SMITH HAS A GRAND VISION TO SUPERCHARGE CANADA'S HEALTH SCIENCE SECTOR
This article from Be Giant features University Health Network CEO Kevin Smith, who wants Canada to transform its world-class medical research into a globally competitive health-sciences industry. His proposal calls for tax incentives, Canadian procurement targets, faster clinical trials and approvals, domestic intellectual-property retention, and greater pension-fund investment. Smith argues the strategy could strengthen health care, create billion-dollar companies, improve sovereignty, and generate $100 billion by 2035.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE!
PREDICTION MARKETS ARE COMING TO CANADA, BUT AT WHAT COST?
Prediction markets are entering Canada through Wealthsimple, but critics warn they resemble gambling more than investing. While contracts may eventually help sophisticated investors hedge risks, limited liquidity, opaque pricing, and concentrated gains create concerns. This article from Canadian Family Offices looks at how younger users may be especially vulnerable to chasing short-term wins, and how family offices face uncertainty over exposure, advice, regulation, and the platforms’ still-evolving role in portfolios.