It’s been a pleasure to contribute ETF columns every quarter for the past five years. So much has changed since I first began using ETFs in my discretionary portfolios over 10 years ago, and in my writing, I have had the chance to consider the ETF space from many different angles, from portfolio construction to index methodologies, thematic investing and ESG.

In this, my last regular ETF column, I would like to highlight the importance of having a solid investment committee, to debate portfolio changes and “look under the hood” of the products we choose for our clients.

This year marks 10 years for my ETF-based discretionary portfolios. During that period, I’ve seen plenty of innovation and growth in this part of the financial industry.

I began using ETFs after the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. As I transitioned to fee-based and then discretionary portfolios in the years that followed, ETFs became my core investment holdings.

Life insurance is often viewed as a means of providing financial security for loved ones in the event of one’s passing. However, what many people may not realize is that life insurance policies can also serve as a strategic investment tool, offering a range of tax benefits that can enhance wealth accumulation and preservation.

Portfolio managers are constantly bombarded by market noise, our thoughts and our emotions — as well as those of our clients. Making good investment decisions requires thinking clearly and resisting the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

ETFs offer two routes to investing in AI: finding ETFs that have exposure to companies such as the Magnificent Seven, or investing in ETFs with models that have an AI-based stock-selection process.

The Canadian real estate market has dodged predictions of a crash for more than a decade, with home prices seemingly rising every year. As a result, many people may believe that real estate is a better long-term investment that the stock market or a broad-based ETF.