In this episode, host Pamela Ritchie is joined by US Equity Research Analyst Chase Bethel to explore the evolving dynamics within consumer staples, retail growth strategies, and the pressures of inflation on everyday purchases. Chase opens by discussing how major consumer staples companies are thriving in an era where e-commerce and high valuations dominate. Despite inflationary pressures, retailers have leveraged their strong market positions to blending online and in-store experiences to sustain their resilience and keep consumer loyalty intact. He then discusses how rising operational costs are filtering down to consumers, particularly in grocery prices, which have surged by over 20%. Chase explains that these prices are likely to stay high, as retailers are grappling with enduring supplier and labour cost increases. Chase says for many households, dollar stores have now become a go-to, due to providing accessible price points. Chase closes off by discussing how the shift to digital retailing is here to stay, especially for groceries and even used car markets. He emphasizes that consumers are increasingly drawn to the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, a trend that has become integral to retails strategy and customer expectations.

Recorded on October 25, 2024.

At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information.

For a fourth year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2024 Environics’ Advisor Digital Experience Study.

At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information.

For a fourth year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2024 Environics’ Advisor Digital Experience Study.

On Wednesday October 23, Fidelity Canada hosted VISION 2024 in Toronto, connecting our portfolio managers and experts with advisors. Today’s podcast is portfolio manager Will Danoff’s session from the event, sitting down with host Glen Davidson. Will has had a legendary career with Fidelity. As one of the world’s most recognized investors, Will has successfully managed through periods of major market and economic disruptions for more than 30 years. He is one of the most experienced portfolio managers in the industry who has consistently maintained his philosophy and diligent process over the past three decades. For Canadian investors, Will’s investment expertise is available with Fidelity Insights Class, while most in the U.S. know him as manager of the $100B Fidelity Contrafund.

Recorded on October 23, 2024.

At Fidelity, our mission is to build a better future for Canadian investors and help them stay ahead. We offer investors and institutions a range of innovative and trusted investment portfolios to help them reach their financial and life goals. Fidelity mutual funds and ETFs are available by working with a financial advisor or through an online brokerage account. Visit fidelity.ca/howtobuy for more information.

For a fourth year in a row, FidelityConnects by Fidelity Investments Canada was ranked #1 podcast by Canadian financial advisors in the 2024 Environics’ Advisor Digital Experience Study.