INVESTED: August Edition

Good morning! Discover the latest trends and insights in this month’s Invested newsletter! In this issue, we explore how Rob and Mac Van Wielingen transitioned from founders to stewards in their family business on the Owners Circle Podcast. We also delve into the rising trend of Recovery Cafés as a model for mental health support and examine the dynamics of recent market turbulence in our Investment Pulse and Podcast Pick. Happy reading!

VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT

MAC & ROB VAN WIELINGEN FEATURED ON OWNERS CIRCLE PODCAST

The Founder and the Steward

In this episode of the Owners Circle podcast, Shawn Hass sits down with Mac and Rob Van Wielingen to discuss the evolution of their family business, sharing how they’ve transitioned from founders to stewards. Their candid insights on decision-making, values, and fostering community make this a must-listen for both parents and business leaders. Curious how to build a lasting family legacy? Tune in!

INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION

EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES

Recovery Cafés: Nurturing Mental Wellness Through Connection

The Recovery Café model provides a community-based alternative to emergency departments for those in mental health crises, offering accessible, supportive care. As Canada’s mental health challenges intensify, particularly among youth, could adapting this innovative approach transform the country’s mental health landscape? Discover how these Cafés might make a difference in this article by Jessica Ratushniak.

AUGUST’S INVESTMENT PULSE

KEY TRENDS UNCOVERED

Panic Monday! (What Now?)

In early August, we witnessed one of the biggest market panics in decades, with Asian markets plunging and bond markets signaling a full recession. Is this panic justified, or are we reacting too soon? Explore the nature of this liquidation event and where we stand in the recession playbook in this analysis from Alfonso Peccatiello.

Drill Baby Drill: Commodity Performance in U.S. Election Years

In a politically volatile month, commodities saw mixed results: S&P GSCI Gold rose 4.3%, while Crude Oil dropped 4%, though both remain up over 16% for the year. As the U.S. election approaches, historical data shows commodities perform differently depending on the winning party. How might political outcomes influence these markets? Explore the potential impacts in this article by Brian Luke.

Glencore Sticks With Coal, Cites Pendulum Shift on ESG

Glencore has reversed its plan to spin off its coal business after 95% of voting shareholders urged retention. This decision underscores the waning momentum of sustainable investing as Glencore prioritizes profits over environmental concerns. Has the ESG investing trend reached a turning point? Explore the implications of this strategic shift in this Wall Street Journal piece.

PODCAST PICK

UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME

Lots More on Solving the Mystery of the Big Market Selloff

In this episode of Bloomberg’s Odd Lots, Charlie McElligott breaks down the recent market chaos, with the S&P 500 down 5%, Nasdaq 100 down 7%, and the Nikkei experiencing extreme volatility. Factors like the Federal Reserve’s actions, a weakening labour market, and the AI bubble burst are all at play. What’s really driving this turmoil, and how long will it last? Find out now!

MORE TO EXPLORE

CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE

The Lessons from the Jasper Wildfire

Canada is grappling with a surge in climate-related disasters, from wildfires to flooding, revealing critical vulnerabilities even in well-prepared towns like Jasper. Despite proactive measures, Jasper was devastated by an unprecedented wildfire. Are our strategies enough, or is it time to rethink our approach? Check out this piece by Glen Hodgson at the C.D. Howe Institute for more info.

Another Green Bubble Is Deflating in Biofuels

Neste Oyj’s pivot from fossil fuels to biofuels once thrilled investors during the ESG bubble, doubling its market value. However, rising oil demand and oversupply issues have now caused biofuel margins to tumble, leading to a 75% drop in Neste’s market value. Is the biofuel industry facing its own bubble burst? Explore the challenges ahead in this Bloomberg piece by Javier Blas.