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.

On Wednesday October 23, Fidelity Canada hosted VISION 2024 in Toronto, connecting our portfolio managers and experts with advisors. On today’s podcast we’ll hear from Fidelity Canada Chief Investment Officer Andrew Marchese, providing the live crowd with his perspectives and market outlook as we head towards the end of 2024. Andrew, who first joined Fidelity in 1998 is also portfolio manager of Fidelity Canadian Disciplined Equity Fund. A few key factors Andrew is watching to determine the current market condition is corporate profits, interest rates, liquidity, and valuations. Additionally, he notes the global economic cycle is still in late phase, with central banks adjusting policies to prevent recession. Please note, a few charts were displayed to the live audience.

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.

Today we’re joined by economist Don Drummond for a live reaction of the Bank of Canada’s recent policy announcement. Don breaks down the Bank of Canada’s surprising decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points, and what this means for the Canadian economy, housing market, and consumers. The rate cut is largely aimed at stimulating housing demand and supply, although Don points out that this move is unlikely to significantly impact housing prices. Instead, it serves as a boost to housing availability, potentially easing some pressure on a market in dire need of dense and affordable housing options. Addressing the broader economic impacts on the Canadian dollar and productivity, Don highlights a notable productivity gap between Canada and the U.S., which is tied to a weaker Loonie. This 20% disparity is a key challenge, as a less competitive currency can strain Canadian productivity growth relative to the U.S.

Recorded on October 24th, 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.

In today’s episode, we sit down with portfolio manager Max Lemieux for an in-depth look on the Canadian market landscape and the forces shaping it. He shares his perspective on economic shifts, industry positioning, and investment strategy amid a complex macroeconomic environment. Maxime addresses positioning in this uncertain landscape, focusing on companies with strong long-term growth potential and resilient earnings, even in a slow market. He emphasizes defensive stocks in sectors like utilities telecom, and renewable energy. Maxime also mentions that the rise in 10-year bond yields signals market confidence in a “soft landing” for the economy, thought the U.S. fiscal situation and potential for higher interest rates remain a concern.

Recorded on October 22nd, 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.

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 Ramona Persaud’s session from the event. Ramona speaks with host Glen Davidson about her focus on downside protection and dividend investing. Ramona is known for looking at not just a fund’s ultimate destination, but also the quality of the journey. That journey being lower volatility, and the destination being strong risk-adjusted returns over a full market cycle.

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.

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.