Tariff Turmoil: Dealing with Uncertainty

In this episode of InFocus, Mike Gassewitz, CEO of TriCert Financial Group, and TriCert Investment Counsel Chief Investment Officer Brian Durno, CFP®, CFA®, discuss the recent tariff threats from the U.S. and their potential impact on Canadian investors. With President Trump briefly imposing, then lifting, tariffs on Canadian imports for 30 days, uncertainty looms over whether they will return.

Brian emphasizes that market uncertainty is inevitable, and investors should be cautious about predictions, especially those claiming certainty. He explains that a disciplined, long-term investment approach—focused on quality holdings—is designed to withstand economic shocks, including trade disputes. Market reactions to the initial tariff news provided insights, but the key takeaway is that volatility is natural, and investors should avoid panic-driven decisions.

The discussion highlights how portfolio construction at TriCert Investment Counsel is built to endure such uncertainties, incorporating high-quality companies and a focus on long-term resilience. Mike and Brian stress that investors should not react impulsively but instead rely on a diversified, well-structured portfolio. Historical trends show that markets adapt, and quality investments tend to recover.

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.