Quality Amid Uncertainty: Staying the Course in a Volatile Market

In this episode of InFocus, TriCert Financial Group’s CEO Mike Gassewitz and TriCert Investment Counsel’s Chief Investment Strategist Joel Baker, CIM, MBA, dive into the evolving investment landscape as we transition from Q4 2024 into early 2025.

They explore the potential impact of recent U.S. tariff threats—markedly higher than historical norms—on key sectors such as energy and industrials, drawing parallels to economic conditions reminiscent of the Great Depression. The discussion highlights how these tariff threats are sparking volatility across Canada and the U.S., influencing consumer spending, trade dynamics, and market valuations.

Amid the uncertainty, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a disciplined, quality-focused investment approach. They underscore the resilience of financially robust companies with strong dividend histories and earnings growth while cautioning that even these quality names may face short-term volatility. With mixed economic signals—including fluctuating leading indicators, interest rate forecasts, and inflation concerns—Mike and Joel advise investors to stay diversified, remain defensive, and consult with their trusted portfolio manager to navigate these turbulent times.

This content has been prepared by TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. The information, including forecast financial information, should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to investors and does not take into account your particular investment objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and speak with one of our portfolio managers.

All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, including the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. This content may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our beliefs on current expectations and market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. TriCert Investment Counsel Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside TriCert Investment Counsel Inc.’s control. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance.