INVESTED: July Edition

Good morning! Discover the latest trends and insights in this month’s Invested newsletter! Viewpoint Investment Partners Co-Founder Mac Van Wielingen shares powerful takeaways from his recent Business Council of Alberta speech. Learn how to maximize your multi-year donations with insights from the Viewpoint Foundation. Plus, explore Canada’s shifting economy in this month’s Trend Watch, as well as the importance of family and community in business success in our Podcast Pick. Happy reading!

VIEWPOINT SPOTLIGHT

MAC VAN WIELINGEN HIGHLIGHTS ADVOCACY’S CRUCIAL ROLE AT BCA MEETING

Advocacy Is Not a Job, It Is a Responsibility

Viewpoint Investment Partners Co-Founder Mac Van Wielingen recently stepped down as Chair of the Business Council of Alberta. In his farewell speech, he highlighted the critical role of advocacy in representing Alberta’s interests nationally. How can effective advocacy build a stronger future for Alberta and, in turn, Canada? Read the full speech to uncover the profound impact and significance of these insights.

INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION

EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES

Maximizing Impact: Ensuring Your Multi-Year Donations Keep Their Value

Multi-year donations that account for inflation are crucial for non-profits facing rising costs. While these donations serve as powerful planning tools, their value can diminish over time without adjustments. By incorporating an inflation buffer, donors can preserve the real value of their contributions and ensure lasting impact. How can philanthropy be future-proofed against inflation? Read on to find out!

JULY’S TREND WATCH

CANADA’S SHIFTING ECONOMY

Bank of Canada Cuts, Shifts Focus to Economic Risks; Bonds Rally

The Bank of Canada cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point to 4.5% for the second consecutive meeting, signaling further easing as inflation worries wane. Sluggish growth is expected to cool inflation, and policymakers are focusing on economic headwinds. Bonds rallied, while the loonie dropped. Find out what might be next for Canada’s economic outlook in this article from Bloomberg.

Trudeau’s Tax Hikes Risk Worsening Canada’s Struggle for Capital

Trudeau’s government has raised business taxes to fund Canada’s budget, adding to economic headwinds. Higher taxes may deter investment and exacerbate Canada’s productivity crisis, with business confidence already low. As the U.S. experiences a manufacturing boom, will Canada’s tax policy hinder its economic growth? Check out this article from Erik Hertzberg to discover the potential long-term impacts.

Glencore Coal Deal Approved by Canada as Teck Plans Buyback

Canada has approved Glencore’s $6.9 billion acquisition of Teck Resources’ coal business, while Teck announced a $2 billion share buyback and plans to boost copper output by 30% by 2028. Teck’s CEO hailed this as a new era, focusing on energy transition metals. The deal includes stringent conditions to protect jobs and the environment. How will this significant acquisition reshape Canada’s mining landscape and economy? Read on to find out!

PODCAST PICK

UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME

Naim Ali – Family Office CEO and Recovering Wall Street Lawyer

In this episode of Between Two Dots, Naim Ali, CEO of SM2 Capital Partners, shares his journey from leaving his family business to working on Wall Street and back. He discusses the importance of humility, asking tough questions, and finding value in the journey. Join hosts Hafiz Mitha and Gilbert Bong as they explore how community and family shaped Naim’s success.

MORE TO EXPLORE

CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE

The Big Bad BREIT Post

Phil Bak unveils the hidden problems within Blackstone’s Real Estate Income Trust (BREIT) in his long-awaited analysis. Initially impressed, he discovered unsettling truths about the industry’s reluctance to address flaws and the stifling of his critical analysis. His findings reveal how BREIT’s success masks deeper issues and raises questions about transparency and investor protection. Why was his analysis suppressed, and what does it mean for investors?

Customer Lifetime Value: To Understand a Company, Get to Know Its Clientele

Customer lifetime value (CLV) reveals a company’s profit potential from each customer over time. Simplified as CLV = Average Purchase Value x Average Purchase Frequency x Average Customer Lifespan, it underscores the power of customer acquisition, retention, and spending. Curious how CLV can uncover hidden trends and boost your investment strategy? Dive into the full article to find out!