Join economist Andrew Barclay, a senior analyst at Statistics Canada, as he unpacks the intricate world of inflation measurement. Discover why personal costs often feel higher than official inflation numbers. Andrew reveals the complexities behind the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the challenges of measuring housing costs, and the impact of consumer behavior shifts, especially post-pandemic. He also addresses skepticism surrounding government data and emphasizes the importance of accuracy and transparency in understanding inflation.

Discover why low-cost index funds could be the ultimate investment strategy for most individuals. The hosts break down the evolution of index funds and their substantial advantages, including lower fees and consistent performance. They tackle the common pitfalls of active management and reveal studies showcasing the long-term benefits of a globally diversified portfolio. Additionally, personal health updates and community interactions add a relatable dimension to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of financial education and informed decision-making.

Join Hendrik Bessembinder, a finance professor at Arizona State University, as he uncovers why most stocks underperform Treasury bills. He reveals that a small number of stocks drive the majority of market returns, challenging traditional investing strategies. Listen in as he discusses the role of skewness, the complexities of mutual fund performance, and common investing mistakes. Learn how chasing past returns can lead to costly errors, and discover effective strategies for building a robust portfolio that endures market fluctuations.

Dive into the investment implications of Bitcoin's past performance and its role in modern portfolios. Explore the nuances of market efficiency, especially in corrupt environments. Discover the game-changing concept of return stacking for individual investors. The hosts delve into the relevance of valuation metrics like the Shiller PE ratio and whether leveraging portfolios is beneficial. They also discuss ETF strategies and how behavioral finance impacts long-term wealth-building decisions.

Cameron sits down with Michael Mauboussin, Head of Consilient Research at Counterpoint Global and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. They delve into the essential job of equity investors, discussing how market expectations can shape valuation outcomes. The importance of intangible assets in investing is highlighted, as well as the shift in private equity landscapes. Michael challenges traditional views on dividends and examines the implications of index funds on market dynamics, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of today’s investment strategies.

Navigating asset allocation is essential for investment success, revealing the intricacies of risk assessment. The importance of behavioral loss tolerance and the psychological aspects of risk-taking emerge as key factors in making smart investment choices. Listeners are warned against counterproductive trading behaviors, like selling after losses. The discussion highlights how stocks can appear less risky over time, while bonds face inflation threats. A focus on compensated risks is encouraged, alongside practical insights into personal investment strategies.

Matthew Ringgenberg, a finance professor at the University of Utah, dives into the intriguing realm of anomaly returns. He defines asset pricing anomalies and discusses when these returns emerge in relation to signal information releases. The conversation touches on the predictive power of various models and explores the significance of equity loan fees in forecasting market outcomes. Ringgenberg also argues for the necessity of long-term happiness as a measure of true success, challenging conventional investment wisdom.

In this discussion, Mike Sullivan, co-founder of OneDigital, shares insights about the groundbreaking partnership between OneDigital and PWL Capital. With nearly 25 years in strategic growth, Mike reveals how cultural alignment and shared values drive successful mergers. The conversation highlights the exciting opportunities for improving client services and fostering innovation in Canadian wealth management. Listeners gain a unique perspective on the significance of purpose in acquisitions and the vision for a collaborative future in low-cost, client-centric investing.

In this discussion, Ben Mathew, a PhD in economics and author, shares his expertise on the lifecycle model of financial planning. He contrasts this innovative approach with traditional safe withdrawal rates, revealing why the former is often overlooked. The conversation explores crafting dynamic spending plans, the impact of market patterns on finances, and how retirees can optimize their withdrawal strategies. Additionally, Mathew introduces his TPAW planner, designed to apply the lifecycle model practically, providing actionable insights for smarter financial decisions.

The hosts dive into the complexities of home country bias in investing, discussing its effects on portfolio diversification. They analyze stock trading vs. EFT portfolio strategies and the volatility of cryptocurrencies on the securities market. The conversation shifts to the financial implications of renting versus buying in Canada, emphasizing the need for personal comfort over societal pressures. Lastly, they highlight common behavioral biases in investing and share transformative listener stories, showcasing the podcast's impact on financial literacy.