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 […]
Canada’s World Cup hosting: A billion-dollar gamble or a golden opportunity?
The 2026 World Cup is both a soccer tournament and a major investment for Canada. But here is the big question: Is this money well spent? The starting point is economics. Supply and demand are the two forces that determine who pays and who profits. The supply of this word-class event is low. Only one […]
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, […]
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 […]
The $0 rent hack: Is house-sitting the answer to the housing crisis?
House-sitting offers financial benefits that might help reduce the high cost of housing, writes Peter Watson. Owning or renting a house can be very expensive, so it is time to consider some creative options. One idea is to be a house-sitter. Many people go away for the winter and summer. They do not want to […]
Human Creativity is Our Advantage to Thrive with Artificial Intelligence
Human creativity is our advantage to succeed in the world with artificial intelligence, writes Peter Watson. The concern for many is if artificial intelligence will make humans obsolete. It sure feels that way for some people. We have smartphones and artificial intelligence. The tools we use in modern-day life are advancing at a very fast […]
Will stock values plummet if we have a recession?
Understanding how stock markets work and how they have performed during recent sessions can educate investors about the potential stock value outcomes if we have a recession, writes Peter Watson. Will stock values plummet if we have a recession? That is a major question for many investors who worry that the current trade war with […]
Do You Need Financial Therapy?
Talking to someone about how you feel about the current stock market volatility can be beneficial, writes Peter Watson. When the stock markets are volatile investors can get depressed, worried and fearful. Then the dreaded question: What should you do? Should you get out of the market by selling your investments even though they might […]
Investor Behavior Risk Can Be Costly
Investor behavior can be more of a risk than investing in stocks, writes Peter Watson. There are two types of investment risk and the one that is based on investor behavior can often be the costliest. The timing of this article is Influenced by President Donald Trump introducing tariffs that caused significant stock market volatility. […]
The News Media Plays an Important Role in This Trump Era
More than ever, we need a strong news media, writes Peter Watson. President Donald Trump’s second term has gotten off to a rocky start. Canada, and all its component parts need to rise to the occasion to protect our economy, values and independence. The news media plays an important role. In any system, there must […]