"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

  TD Asset Management – Event with Ben Gossack (October 28, 2025) Speaker: Ben Gossack, Portfolio Manager NOTE:  Ben's comments are not meant nor should be construed as investment advice and should be taken in the context of a holistic investment plan with the assistance of your licensed Investment Advisor and Certified Financial Planner®.  The notes to follow are not an solicitation to invest but, rather, a high level overview of Ben's approach and thoughts. Overview The event centered on how TD’s Fundamental Equity Team is navigating current market highs, inflation, and global uncertainty. Despite investor anxiety about record equity levels, Gossack emphasized that volatility and uncertainty continue to create opportunity. His presentation, “Navigating Opportunities at New Highs,” highlighted how disciplined stock selection, trend awareness, and flexible allocation underpin TDAM’s investment process. 1. TD’s Equity Platform TD’s Fundamental Equity Tea...

I was invited to attend a presentation on October 21, 2025, with Eric Nuttall - Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager with Ninepoint Partners; Eric spent almost an hour discussing Energy.  My notes and observations from the event are shown below. Mark Schoeffel / 21 October 2025 Summary of Eric Nuttall's Presentation Eric Nuttall, Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager at Ninepoint Partners, delivered a concise presentation (approximately 35 minutes) on the ongoing multi-year bull market in energy stocks, with a particular emphasis on Canadian producers. Eric argued that the sector remains in its early stages despite persistent negative sentiment, driven by hype around tech, AI, Bitcoin, and other non-energy assets that have "stolen the oxygen from the room." Drawing from recent cross-country roadshows and industry conferences (e.g., Energy Aspects in London), Nuttall highlighted compelling valuations, a supportive macro environment, and structural shifts in global energy...

Overview of Private Equity and the BMO Carlyle Alternatives Fund Mark Schoeffel / 15 October 2025 Private equity represents a compelling opportunity for accredited investors (in BC accredited investors are those who meeting one of the following requirements - have annual income of $200,000 as an individual or $300,000 combined with a spouse for the last two years, have financial assets of $1 mm, and/or have net total assets of at least $5 mm)  seeking diversification beyond traditional public markets. This summary provides an overview of private equity as an asset class and details on the BMO Carlyle Alternatives Fund (the "Fund"), an institutional-quality product designed for retail investors. The Fund offers access to private equity through an evergreen structure, making it more accessible than traditional drawdown funds. It is suitable for portfolios aiming for enhanced returns, income generation, and risk diversification, with a recommended allocation of 5-10%. All infor...

Investor Briefing Introduction: AI — Two Perspectives, One Transformative Force Mark Schoeffel / 08 October 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping not only technology but the entire global investment landscape. Yet even among leading portfolio managers, there’s healthy debate about how — and how much — investors should participate in this rapid transformation. Last evening I heard from  Rob Taylor of Canoe Financial and today joined a webinar with    Sam Minter of Ninepoint Partners .  While their presentations were different, they both spoke to AI their their view AI’s role in today’s markets. Both agree it’s a generational trend that’s driving massive capital investment and long-term opportunity — but they differ in tone, timing, and risk appetite. Minter sees AI infrastructure as a powerful economic engine , fueling data center construction, energy demand, and innovation. Taylor, while acknowledging AI’s promise, warns that valuation discipline and ca...

Mark Schoeffel / 08 October 2025  As an Investment Advisor, I make it a priority to stay abreast of evolving market dynamics and share actionable insights that can enhance my clients' portfolio's resilience and growth potential.  Last evening, I attended a compelling investment seminar hosted by Canoe Financial, where Rob Taylor, Portfolio Manager for Equities, delivered a thoughtful presentation titled " Staying Disciplined in a Climate of Complacency. " Drawing parallels to the 1999 dot-com euphoria—where history rhymes but doesn't repeat—Taylor outlined the current equity landscape's frothiness, key risks, and targeted opportunities. His fundamentals-driven approach resonates strongly with the prudent, long-term strategies we employ to safeguard and grow your wealth.  Below, I'll highlight the seminar's core themes and how they align with our recommendations for your portfolio. Mark Schoeffel, BBA, CIM, CFP® ----------------------------------------...