Global Thinking: Power Shifts, Trade Rifts, and Investment Lifts

In this no-holds-barred episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with AGF Investments CEO and CIO, Kevin McCreadie, to unpack the chaos, clarity, and contradictions shaping markets in 2025.

From political plot twists in Canada to the unpredictable theatre of Trump 2.0, they dive into how power moves and policy pivots are reshaping capital flows. Is U.S. exceptionalism running out of runway? Will Canada finally find its economic groove? And what does Europe’s fiscal awakening and China's evolving role mean for global portfolios?

Kevin brings hard-earned insight on asset allocation in uncertain times, the growing appetite for alternatives, and why investors can’t afford to ignore geopolitical risk anymore. They also touch on AI’s rapid disruption and how smart advisors are getting ahead of the curve.

If you're looking for sugar-coated optimism, look elsewhere. But if you want the unfiltered take on where markets are headed and what it means for your money, this is the episode.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

(01:06) Kevin McCready's Role and Tenure at AGF Investments

(03:20) Transformations in the Asset Management Industry

(06:30) The Importance of Asset Allocation

(08:07) Market Commentary: Understanding Current Trends

(12:08) US Market Dynamics and Sector Performance

(15:20) The Concept of US Exceptionalism

(18:23) Political Landscape and Its Economic Implications

(19:54) Interest Rates and Economic Strategies

(24:04) The Trade War and Its Consequences

(26:47) Canada's Political Shift and Economic Outlook

(27:43) Navigating Political Landscapes and Economic Agendas

(30:55) Canada's Global Standing and Trade Dynamics

(34:36) Geopolitical Impacts on Europe and Defense Spending

(38:04) Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges

(40:20) Investor Sentiment and Market Outlook

(42:14) The Future of AI and Its Implications

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

Books Mentioned:

The Coming Wave…Mustafa Suleyman

Nexus …Yuval Noah Harari

AI 2024….Kai Fu-Lee

Thank for you listening, please considering leaving a review and subscribing for future episodes.

For any questions, comments or suggested topics please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com

In this episode of the Global Thinking podcast, host Rob Duncan sits down with Forstrong CEO and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to unpack a rowdy stretch in markets and politics. From Canada’s recent election to Trump’s tariff tantrums, the conversation dives into how economic confidence has taken a hit on both sides of the border. But while Canada seems to be finding it’s way with new leadership and domestic competition; American markets wrestle with political uncertainty and slowing economic data. Capital is quietly on the move finding greener pastures in Europe and Asia.

With European fiscal stimulus acting as a catalyst, global sentiment is shifting quickly. Tyler makes the case for investors to roll up their sleeves, rebalance portfolios, and lean into global diversification. It’s a timely conversation filled with sharp insights and a reminder that when markets get volatile it pays to maintain a global perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

(01:06) Canadian Politics and Election Outcomes

(05:09) Macroeconomic Trends in Canada

(12:37) US Market Dynamics and MAG-7

(20:15) International Economic Opportunities and Desynchronization

(25:31) Economic Performance Overview

(27:54) International Markets: A New Catalyst for Growth

(30:42) Navigating Uncertainty: Investor Sentiment and Strategy

(35:19) The Importance of Global Diversification

(38:27) Personal Insights and Future Outlook

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

For any questions, comments or suggestions please reach out to Rob Duncan, rduncan@forstrong.com

In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast Rob Duncan is joined by Forstrong CEO and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to unpack what may become one of the most studied financial panics of our time. With markets rattled by a sudden loss of confidence, they explore how erratic policy moves and recent tariff announcements have triggered a global risk-off sentiment and shaken investor faith in American capital markets.

Tyler explains why this isn’t your typical market correction, but rather a policy-inflicted confidence shock that’s exposing deep structural cracks. The conversation dives into the fading role of the U.S. dollar as a safe haven, the growing importance of global diversification, and why gold is back in fashion. Most importantly, they discuss what investors should be watching now: bond market stability, fiscal stimulus leadership, and emerging opportunities in unexpected places.

Whether you're navigating this storm or preparing for what's next, this episode is a timely reminder that having a strategy and knowing your signals is more critical than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Thinking Podcast

01:06 Market Turmoil and Tariff Impacts

03:27 Understanding the Financial Panic

10:01 Signals to Watch in the Current Market

13:22 Investment Implications and Opportunities

16:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Investors

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/