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Weekly Update for the week ending July 11, 2025

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What’s BRICS, and Why Is It Back in the Headlines?

I first heard the term BRIC – referring to Brazil, Russia, India, and China – back in the late 1990s when I was researching high-growth mutual funds. The pitch was that these were fast-growing economies, and investing in a BRIC-focused fund would add a boost to a long-term portfolio. I ended up passing on the fund… and promptly forgot about BRIC.

Fast forward to today, and the term is back in the spotlight – this time with an “S” on the end, as South Africa officially joined the group in 2010. With BRICS now grabbing headlines again, I thought it was a good time to revisit what the group is and why it’s suddenly become a target of President Trump’s latest trade threats.

Weekly Update for the week ending February 7, 2025

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With tariffs dominating the news the last few weeks, I thought it’d be a good time to talk about how they impact us as consumers and investors.

What Are Tariffs?
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, meant to regulate trade and protect domestic industries. In this case, President Trump is using them as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. By making foreign products more expensive, tariffs can push consumers toward locally made goods, but they often come with unintended consequences.

Monthly Portfolio Update January 2025

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 January was a comeback month for the markets, with all four major North American indexes finishing in the green and getting back in the win column. The rally was fueled by strong earnings, solid economic data, and the Fed’s decision to keep interest rates steady. Excitement around AI also played a big role, pushing technology stocks higher—at least for most of the month. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

Weekly Update for the week ending January 17, 2025

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With the start of another earnings season, I thought it’d be a great time to talk about earnings reports. These reports can seem a bit intimidating, but they’re one of the most important tools for assessing how a company is performing.

Understanding Earnings Reports: What New Investors Should Know

Earnings reports are like a company’s report card, showing how well they’ve performed over a specific period – usually a quarter or a year. They provide key details like revenue, profits, expenses, and earnings per share (EPS), helping investors gauge how a business is doing. For example, steadily growing revenue signals a thriving business, while shrinking profits may raise concerns. Earnings reports also offer management insights about the industry and plans for the future, giving a clearer picture of what’s ahead.