CPP investment returns are trailing the market. Hint: The fix could lie in a lower-cost strategy
Canada Pension Plan investment results have been disappointing, and changes are needed, writes Peter Watson. Articles written about poor investment performance can be discouraging. Particularly so when the poor performance is reported by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). CPP manages close to $800 billion on behalf of Canadians, and those funds are used to pay […]
The $210B ‘free trade’ problem: Why Canada must eliminate internal trade barriers
My wish list for Canada is to evolve into a stronger country that can prosper and be economically successful despite the deterioration of a historically strong relationship with our neighbour south of the border. Our federal government has to excel. The Liberals are in power, and their role is to lead. On the other hand, […]
Why managing your team of financial advisers is an important task
There are similarities to how our Prime Minister is trying to manage our country and how individuals manage their finances. The idea for this column came from the news that Prime Minister Carney is considering whether Canada should join the European Union. This would be a strategic move to further develop our European relationships and […]
Here is why Canada might soon need Universal Basic Income
Expect changes to how the federal government reacts if Artificial Intelligence causes job loss, and why we will need to offer UBI, writes Peter Watson. If the adoption of AI results in millions of people losing their jobs, many predict the federal government will have to provide a Universal Basic Income (UBI). In theory, that […]
Ontario mortgage defaults 2026: Why middle-class homeowners are falling behind
Is your home at risk? Peter Watson explains what Ontario homeowners need to know about rising mortgage defaults. Middle-class borrowers defaulting on their mortgage sends a warning signal for the Canadian economy. There are economic danger signals coming from Canadians who have a mortgage. Historically, borrowers with low credit scores were the most likely to […]
How to manage stock market volatility: Why it’s actually a sign of a healthy system
Understanding that stocks can suddenly lose significant value is important before you invest, writes Peter Watson. Are you a nervous investor? There are many reasons that could be the case. U.S. tariffs have upset global trade, including with Canada. The U.S. has threatened our sovereignty and that of other countries. It also boasts about recent […]
Tariffs charged by the U.S. are a disconnect from reality and could be devastating to Canada
Communicating this as a huge windfall is inaccurate, writes Peter Watson. In a world that should be getting smarter, it is hard to understand the disconnect with our neighbour to the south. At the recent State of the Union address, President Donald Trump congratulated himself on implementing tariffs, saying “countries that were ripping us off […]
Love will have to wait: Why dating is too expensive in today’s economy
Half of single Canadians do not date because, in today’s economy, the expense is not worth it, writes Peter Watson. The economy affects how we live our lives and how we spend our money. As the world changes, so do our spending habits. The world is different from what it was a decade ago. Financial […]
Breaking up is hard to do: Yes, it’s time for Canada to move on from the U.S.
Canada has outgrown our close relationship with the U.S., writes Peter Watson. Like any relationship, puppy love is a wonderful thing. But at a certain time, you know when it is time to move on. Canada is looking for a mature relationship with countries that we can trust, which have integrity, and consistency. Not with […]
Benefits of starting to invest early in Ontario: Why age matters
Starting to invest early in life can provide you with experience that could lead to better investment outcomes, writes Peter Watson. We recommend you start investing as early in life as possible. This could apply to parents who establish an investment fund for their children. Investors should be encouraged to take a long-term approach. Meaning, […]