In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with Matthew Barasch, Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC Dominion Securities, for a candid, wide-ranging look at the realities of investing in today's market environment. Barasch calls this one of the toughest years of his 25-year career — a market defined by narrow leadership, stubborn inflation, and a handful of tech and gold names carrying the load while everything else fights to keep up.
But beneath the volatility, Barasch sees a shift taking shape. He argues the worst may be behind Canada, pointing to improving job data, a more pro-growth federal budget, and the long-term lift from the country's massive immigration wave. With potential growth now outpacing the U.S., Canada may be better positioned than investors think.
The conversation digs into the Bank of Canada's rate-cut trajectory, the pressure cooker inside the U.S. Federal Reserve, and the implications for housing, consumers, and credit markets. Barasch spotlights high-quality Canadian names being overlooked, and offers a clear-eyed take on the gold market — a volatile but increasingly relevant refuge in a world drowning in debt.
Smart, direct, and refreshingly honest, this episode cuts through the noise to show where Canadian investors can still find solid footing — and where caution remains essential.
Chapters:
00:03:00 - Guest Introduction: Matthew Barasch
00:06:00 - Canadian Economic Outlook
00:09:00 - Role of Canadian Energy and Materials
00:12:00 - US Large Cap and Tech Concentration
00:15:00 - Market Challenges and Opportunities
00:18:00 - Impact of AI on Investments
00:21:00 - Global Financials and Economic Climate
00:24:00 - Future of Interest Rates
00:27:00 - International Equities and Market Potential
00:30:00 - Client Concerns and Market Sentiment
00:33:00 - Investment Strategies and Risk Management
00:36:00 - The Role of Technology in Finance
00:39:00 - Global Market Trends and Predictions
00:42:00 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
00:45:00 - Book Recommendations and Personal Insights
00:48:00 - Final Remarks and Episode Wrap-Up
00:51:00 - Outro and Call to Action
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For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com