INVESTED: October Edition

Good morning! Discover the latest trends and insights in this month’s Invested newsletter! In this issue, we explore everything from candy shrinkflation to the “Halloween strategy” of investing in our Halloween-themed Investment Pulse. Later, don’t miss Viewpoint Investment Partners Co-Founder Mac Van Wielingen’s take on Canada’s climate strategy in his recent podcast with The Hub, as well as a thought-provoking article from Viewpoint Foundation on ethics and power dynamics in philanthropy. Plus, dive into compelling reads on AI and the S&P 500 in our More to Explore section. Happy reading!

OCTOBER’S INVESTMENT PULSE

KEY TRENDS UNCOVERED: HALLOWEEN EDITION

Halloween’s Mutation: From Humble Holiday to Retail Monstrosity

Halloween has evolved from a modest tradition to a consumer-driven holiday, with U.S. spending expected to reach $11.6 billion in 2024. From candy to costumes and giant decorations, it’s now one of America’s biggest retail events, driven by pop culture and “holiday creep.” How did this spooky celebration turn into an economic powerhouse? Find out more in this article from The New York Times.

Halloween Candy Shrinkflation: Canadians Paying More for Less

This Halloween, candy may not be more expensive, but you’ll be getting less for your money due to shrinkflation. With sugar and cocoa prices soaring, many treats have shrunk in size. Expect to pay more per item while handing out smaller portions. Curious about how this will affect your trick-or-treating budget? Read the full article from Retail Insider for the details!

Halloween Strategy: What It Means, How It Works

The “Halloween strategy” proposes that stocks tend to perform better from October 31st to May 1st than during the rest of the year. The theory is to buy in November, hold through the winter months, and sell in April, opting for other assets in the summer. Though historically strong, its future success is debated. Interested in this seasonal market strategy? Check out the full article from Investopedia!

PODCAST PICK

UNLOCKING INSIGHTS, ONE EPISODE AT A TIME

‘Having a Strategic Mindset Has Been What’s Missing’: Mac Van Wielingen on Crafting a Successful Canadian Climate Strategy

In this episode of The Hub’s podcast, Viewpoint Investment Partners Co-Founder, Mac Van Wielingen, shares his insights on tackling Canada’s climate challenges. He emphasizes the need for long-term, coordinated efforts across sectors to build a truly impactful climate strategy. Tune in to find out how strategic thinking might be the key to shaping Canada’s sustainable future.

INSIGHTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT FOUNDATION

EXPLORING PHILANTHROPIC TRENDS & IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES

The Ethics of Philanthropy: Balancing Power & Responsibility

Philanthropy holds the potential for transformative change but often creates power imbalances between donors and recipients. How can philanthropists balance their influence with responsibility to ensure sustainable and equitable outcomes? This article from Jessica Ratushniak explores key challenges like trust, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing the need to shift from control to partnership in charitable giving.

MORE TO EXPLORE

CURATED READS FOR THE INQUISITIVE

Machines of Loving Grace: How AI Could Transform the World for the Better

The CEO of Anthropic addresses AI’s future, countering the “doomer” label by focusing on both the immense risks and radical upsides of powerful AI. He envisions a fundamentally positive future if AI’s dangers are managed responsibly. Could AI truly transform health, governance, and the global economy for the better? Check out the full article to explore this exciting vision!

Decade of Big S&P 500 Gains Is Over, Goldman Strategists Say

Goldman Sachs predicts U.S. stocks won’t replicate the high returns of the past decade, with the S&P 500 expected to deliver just 3% annually over the next 10 years, compared to the previous decade’s 13%. Investors may turn to bonds for better returns, with Treasury bonds likely outperforming. What does this mean for your investment strategy? Check out this article from Bloomberg for more info!